Our story
Trusted Pittsburgh childcare since 1981.
We opened our doors over forty years ago with a simple belief: every child deserves warm, attentive care and the freedom to learn through play.
A place built around children, not around convenience.
Small World was built to be the kind of place that nurtures the whole child — not just academic readiness, but confidence, curiosity, and genuine joy.
Today that vision lives in every room: in how teachers greet each child by name, in small groups that build real friendships, and in a community that has grown together for over four decades. Every family is part of the Small World story.
The values behind every day.
Belonging first
Every child and family is welcomed exactly as they are — Pittsburgh families of all backgrounds.
Wonder over worksheets
Curiosity leads; learning follows naturally through play and genuine exploration.
Slow, steady growth
We meet children where they are and grow at their pace, not the calendar's.
Proven experience
Four decades of expertise, accreditation, and continuous improvement inform everything we do.
Partnership with parents
We're an extension of home, in constant conversation with the families we serve.
Safe, always
Rigorous standards and regular inspections so you can breathe easy all day.
How we grew.
Where it began
Small World opens its first downtown Pittsburgh location with a simple promise: warm, attentive care for every child.
A second Penn Avenue home
We expand to a second location, bringing our community to more Pittsburgh families.
Credentials that matter
NAEYC accreditation, Keystone STARS, and Pre-K Counts — earned because families deserve proven quality.
Still going strong
Over 40 years later, the same promise: every child in experienced, caring hands.
Educators who feel like family.
Our teachers are early-childhood specialists, experienced, and genuinely passionate about the children in their care.
Sheehan Farrell
Loved by Pittsburgh families.
Rated 4.6★ by 42 families on Google.
The teachers here genuinely know each child. Our son has blossomed — more curious, more confident, and so happy to go every morning.
Parent of a toddler
We felt the warmth from the first tour. The staff are experienced and genuinely care — you can feel the difference a long-established center makes.
Parent of a preschooler
We visited several childcare centers in Pittsburgh. Small World was the only one that felt like a true community — calm, warm, and full of real care.
Parent of an infant
See for yourself why Pittsburgh families choose Small World.
The best way to know us is to visit. We'd love to show you around.
Book a tour →