Urge Pittsburgh to fund low-cost daycare for special needs children
The Issue
I am a parent of an autistic child living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I find myself facing a daily struggle that resonates with many parents in our community. Like many others, I don't own a car, which makes it incredibly challenging to find adequate childcare for my special needs child. This problem extends beyond my family to friends who are also parents of autistic and medically complex children, all of us grappling with the lack of accessible and affordable respite care.
In Pittsburgh, there is a glaring gap in childcare services for children aged six months to 12 years who have special needs. Currently, there is only one facility offering free childcare, and unfortunately, this service ends when a child turns seven. For families like mine, who need the flexibility and support that respite care can provide, this is far from sufficient. The other advertised options are predominantly geared towards the elderly, leaving a significant portion of the population - families with special needs children - underserved.
We urge the City of Pittsburgh to take immediate action by funding a daycare center specifically designed for special needs children from six months to 12 years old. This facility should offer ultra-low-cost childcare that parents can rely on either for long-term or single-day use, allowing parents to work or attend vital appointments without worry. Additionally, integrating a bussing service would be a massive relief for families without cars, ensuring that all children have access to this essential resource.
Childcare is not just a convenience; it's a necessity, particularly for families managing the complexities of raising children with special needs. The establishment of a well-funded daycare center with reliable transportation will provide invaluable support to these families, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community for all residents of Pittsburgh.
Help us make a difference in the lives of special needs families by signing this petition. Let's show the City of Pittsburgh that investing in supportive childcare services is a priority for a thriving, compassionate community. Your signature can pave the way for meaningful change and much-needed support.
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The Issue
I am a parent of an autistic child living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I find myself facing a daily struggle that resonates with many parents in our community. Like many others, I don't own a car, which makes it incredibly challenging to find adequate childcare for my special needs child. This problem extends beyond my family to friends who are also parents of autistic and medically complex children, all of us grappling with the lack of accessible and affordable respite care.
In Pittsburgh, there is a glaring gap in childcare services for children aged six months to 12 years who have special needs. Currently, there is only one facility offering free childcare, and unfortunately, this service ends when a child turns seven. For families like mine, who need the flexibility and support that respite care can provide, this is far from sufficient. The other advertised options are predominantly geared towards the elderly, leaving a significant portion of the population - families with special needs children - underserved.
We urge the City of Pittsburgh to take immediate action by funding a daycare center specifically designed for special needs children from six months to 12 years old. This facility should offer ultra-low-cost childcare that parents can rely on either for long-term or single-day use, allowing parents to work or attend vital appointments without worry. Additionally, integrating a bussing service would be a massive relief for families without cars, ensuring that all children have access to this essential resource.
Childcare is not just a convenience; it's a necessity, particularly for families managing the complexities of raising children with special needs. The establishment of a well-funded daycare center with reliable transportation will provide invaluable support to these families, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community for all residents of Pittsburgh.
Help us make a difference in the lives of special needs families by signing this petition. Let's show the City of Pittsburgh that investing in supportive childcare services is a priority for a thriving, compassionate community. Your signature can pave the way for meaningful change and much-needed support.
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Petition created on June 30, 2026