The University Child Development Center serves as a near-site child care and early childhood education center for children ranging in age from six weeks through six years who belong to the faculty, staff, and students of the University of Pittsburgh.[2] The UCDC also provides laboratory, research, and practicum experiences in observing and participating with young children in classroom-based settings, for Pitt students, and students from other institutions of higher learning. The UCDC also provides resources and technical assistance in implementing appropriate programs and practices that serve young children in Pittsburgh and other communities.[3]
The UCDC facility houses classrooms including four infant rooms, four toddler rooms, two three-year-old preschool rooms, and two four to six-year-old preschool rooms. Each room is designed to be age-appropriate for the group occupying the space.[4] The UCDC also includes two large motor rooms (one for infants and toddlers and the other for preschool children) and an outdoor playground facility.[5]
The building was sold in 1992 to the University of Pittsburgh.[9] First Church of Christ, Scientist, now holds services at 201 North Dithridge at Bayard Street, in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.[10]
The University acquired the building in the fall of 1992 for $1.015 million.[citation needed]
UCDC opening
In 1994, Pitt proceeded with a $2 million renovation of the building to accommodate the UCDC which opened its doors in the facility on May 30, 1995 after having previously been located in Bellefield Hall.[11][12] In 2005 First Church of Christ, Scientist, was determined by the city of Pittsburgh's Historic Review Commission and the Department of City planning to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.[13]
