Find Kindergarten Transition & Back to School Programs Near You

Summer is almost coming to an end and children are getting ready to head back to school. To help with the transition, local community organizations and family centers are offering fun programming that makes this time special, informative, and exciting.

Local Events

Latino Community Center (LCC) Back to School Bash - Saturday, August 6 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Each year, LCC hosts an annual Back-to-School Bash in partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Latinx children and youth in Pittsburgh. This event serves over 200 students each year and features a day of fun, family-oriented activities at PNC Park designed to get our children and youth excited to start the upcoming school year. Backpacks filled with new school supplies are handed out to students during the day. Additionally, LCC’s extensive network of partner organizations come together to table at the event and talk to our families about their services - ensuring families have everything they need to support their children during the school year. 

Plum Library Kindergarten Bootcamp - Monday, August 8 and Tuesday, August 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Plum Borough Community Library will offer a wide range of fun activities for children entering kindergarten. They will review kindergarten concepts such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, and shapes while practicing social-emotional skills like sharing, lining up, transitioning, and group work. Each day will offer circle time, reading a book together, math activities, and learning stations based on various themes.

Register online as space is limited. Children are asked to attend both days if registered.

North Hills Community Outreach Back to School Supplies Distribution - Multiple Dates

Every summer, NHCO collects new backpacks and school supplies to distribute to hundreds of local children. NHCO will distribute supplies for students preschool through high school. If you would like to arrange a pickup, please contact: Vicki Burstynowicz 

Locations:

  • Greenstone United Methodist Church, 939 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA

    • Monday, August 8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

  • NHCO Millvale, 416 Lincoln Ave Millvale, PA

    • Thursday, August 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

  • NHCO Headquarters, 1975 Ferguson Road Allison Park, PA

    • Tuesday, August 16 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: Kindergarten: Here I Come! - Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Children’s Museum is bringing back their 16th annual kindergarten readiness celebration, Kindergarten: Here I Come! Children entering kindergarten in the fall can experience a day full of fun activities, resources and learning from Children’s Museum staff and partners from around the city featuring: a real school bus, back-to-school giveaways, resources for parents on topics such as vaccination, healthy nutrition and more. This event is free for one rising kindergarten student and one accompanying adult. Additional attendees can attend with $8 admission.

Carnegie Science Center: Kinder Kickoff Event - Friday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early learners entering Kindergarten are invited to Carnegie Science Center for their annual Kinder Kickoff Event to receive school supply bags, their very own Science Center lab coat, and other supplies to get them ready for the school year. In addition to the items, early learners and one adult will receive complimentary general admission (first come, first serve) to enjoy additional science demos and other programming.

Salvation Army Back to School Bash - Saturday, August 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army is accepting reservations for the annual Back to School Bash at the Salvation Army Center located at 917 Brackenridge Ave, Brackenridge. Children must live in the following zip code areas to attend: 15006, 15014, 15030, 15032, 15049, 15065, 15075, 15076, 15084 and 15238 and must attend the event to receive a backpack.

Reservations are required. For reservations, call 724-224-6310, ext. 1 or stop in at the center. No reservations will be accepted the day of the event.

PAAR Back to School Wellness Event - Sunday, August 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Child and Family Counseling Center (CFCC) and PAAR are partnering with local Pittsburgh businesses to provide students with what they need to start this school year feeling confident. Get school supplies while having fun by enjoying treats, giveaways, and activities that empower students to stay well throughout the school year. This event and all giveaways are all free.

For more information, please call PAAR at 412-431-5665.

Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) Back to School Event - Monday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Every year, PPS welcomes thousands of families to an event designed to equip families with the resources necessary to achieve a healthy start to the 2022-2023 school year.  Presented by PNC, #PittsburghForPPS is open to all current Pittsburgh Public School students and will take place in the North Shore at Gold Lot 1 (W. General Robinson Street) and Acrisure Stadium.

Families can participate in the event in three ways: 

  • Drive Through: Family can drive through Gold Lot 1A to pick up stuffed bookbags, food, masks, hand sanitizer, books, and more!

  • In person: Pre-registration is required. Families who would like to receive a free haircut, hairstyle, and/or manicure are invited to park and visit the FedEx Great Hall at Acrisure Stadium for those amenities. Families are invited to up stuffed bookbags, food, masks, hand sanitizer, books after hair and nail care services.

  • Bus stop drop off: Beginning at noon, families can visit one of 15 bus stops across the city to pick up stuffed book bags while supplies last.

Families, NewsHeidi Winkler