Pittsburgh International Airport’s La Petite Academy

In September 2023, Pittsburgh International Airport became one of the first U.S. airports to open a full-service on-site childcare center.

Airports and other around-the-clock workplaces often employ staff with irregular schedules and long commutes, making traditional childcare options difficult to access. The Pittsburgh International Airport’s (PIT) leadership identified the lack of childcare as a key barrier to hiring and retaining workers in roles like baggage handlers, security, maintenance, and retail. Many airport jobs have early morning start times when most daycare centers are closed.

The Allegheny County Airport Authority (which runs PIT) partnered with Learning Care Group, a national childcare operator, and local philanthropies—such as the Henry L. Foundation—to establish an on-site childcare center. La Petite Academy, located in a repurposed building on airport property for convenient drop-off, opened with a capacity for 54 children ranging in age from six weeks to five years. The center operates during standard hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. While the initial hours target daytime schedules, the facility is prepared to expand to nights/weekends if demand arises. Enrollment priority is given to the airport’s own employees (about 475 workers).

• Build partnerships: A collaborative approach was key for PIT. Engage local foundations or businesses willing to invest in childcare capacity.
• Start with a pilot scale: If 24/7 care is too ambitious at first, begin with regular hours but plan for expansion. PIT operates from 7:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. but is ready to extend hours if enough employees need it. Gauge demand through employee surveys and remain flexible.
• Include all worker groups: If your workforce includes contractors or multiple employers at one site (like airports, hospitals, universities), consider a consortium model. PIT exapnded eligibility to airline and concession employees too, which increases utilization. Pooling multiple employers can also help fund the project.