University Times

After almost 11 years of being scattered throughout Bellefield Hall, Pitt's University Child Development Center (UCDC) will open for business May 30 at its new home at 635 Clyde Street. The neo-classical style building is near the Pitt chancellor's residence and a half-block from Central Catholic High School.

By moving from Bellefield Hall to the roomier Clyde Street facility, UCDC will be able to expand its enrollment of 140 children to 175 by the fall, with more additions likely after that, said director Sherry Cleary. The center's kindergarten class will double from 10 to 20 children, with some openings in other age group classes as well.

Pitt faculty, staff and students interested in enrolling their children at UCDC should call the center at 383-2100.

For the summer, UCDC will add one new age group — 6-10 year olds. That class is filled, but the center may expand its services and hours this fall, Cleary said. UCDC currently serves children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Center hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

UCDC recently was re-accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, which sets standards for staff training, health and safety, and parental involvement that exceed the minimum standards required for state licensing. UCDC is one of 3,600 programs across the country and at U.S. military installations around the world that are accredited by the academy.

Pitt bought the new UCDC building — the former First Church of Christ, Scientist — for $1.015 million in fall 1992 and has spent an additional $1.8 million-to-$2 million to renovate it. Cleary said the exact cost of the renovation has not yet been determined.

Cleary credited Pitt senior administrators with making what she called "a strong, long-term investment" toward serving the child care needs of University employees and students. "Society keeps talking about doing things for children, but does nothing. Pitt is actually doing something, by taking actions like this [acquiring and renovating the Clyde Street building], and I think the administration deserves credit," she said.

— Bruce Steele