A Leader in Early Childhood Education

Riverview Children’s Center is one of Western Pennsylvania's finest early learning programs, awarded Four Stars by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and the region’s first NAEYC-accredited center. Founded over 40 years ago by Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael, the Center has taught thousands of young children great care and outstanding results. Children who attend RCC develop the academic skills to enter elementary school and create the love of learning that lasts them throughout their lives. The hallmarks of Riverview Children's Center are developing social skills and friendships, a sense of wonder and curiosity, and a sense of competence and self-discipline.

These results are highly recognized by regulatory bodies and strongly valued by parents; they travel from near and far to ensure that their children have the chance to learn and grow at RCC. While many families live in Verona, Penn Hills, and Oakmont, others travel from various regions of Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Butler Counties. We currently serve over 130 enrolled children.

Riverview Children's Center

Our Approach to Learning

RCC responds to the changing needs of children and families by providing model early education within a nurturing and creative setting.

Our program goals are:

  • To provide an environment that promotes opportunities to develop independence, decision-making skills, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
  • To encourage confidence, curiosity, and self-discipline;
  • To enhance cognitive growth through a creative and developmentally appropriate curriculum;
  • To establish patterns and expectations for success and that provide an impetus for future learning;
  • To foster an understanding of the dignity and respect of one’s self, one’s family, and others; and
  • To increase awareness of the inter-relationships among physical and mental health, nutrition, environment, and other factors that affect personal and social competence.

Additional resources are available to help us meet our students' special needs, including the Early Childhood Mental Health Project, the Alliance for Infants & Toddlers, and Project DART. A therapist sometimes helps children with their worries, fears, and behavior through on-site therapy or support.