Madeline McCaskill, Owner

Madeline McCaskill knows a lot about kids. She and her husband raised eight children, now ranging in ages 18 to 46 years old. Two of these children were adopted. Currently she has twelve grandchildren. Instead of sitting back after raising her big family she headed right out the door to work in a Day Care Center. That eventually led her to founding Ms M’s Happy Tots Daycare and Learning Center at 4238 Verona Road in Penn Hills.

To say she loves kids is an understatement. This spry woman is determined to make a difference in child care. She told me that, “A lot are in this as a business, but I have a personal care and love for people”. This is demonstrated in how everything was done with excellence in mind. Starting her day care center in late 2001 she made sure medical personnel were on staff, teachers were certified and learning development programs were in place to help the children.

Two learning development programs are Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten. Certified teachers assist the children to learn phonetic awareness, the alphabet, coloring, art, music, reading, writing skills and computer classes. That’s not all. She also offers sign language classes for children if parents want them to learn. The mind isn’t the only concern of Madeline. All the kids take Kids Aerobics to keep their bodies in shape.

Ms M's Happy Tots Building

During summer months, she offers Summer Camp where kids can take field trips to the Science Center, Center for Creative Play, museums, and many other activities. Another creative offering for the kids is the yearly play by Happy Tots Promotion.

Madeline is a deeply spiritual person and gives credit to God for helping her start and run the daycare center. Morning devotions are held as part of the daily activities, but recognizing all persons may not want to participate, she provides alternative activities according to parent’s wishes. Her love reaches out to the children and parents and often finds occasions that parents or a single parent may be struggling. She takes time to comfort and console them encouraging them through her faith and experience.

Nothing seems to stop Madeline from continually growing in ways she reaches children. Opening very soon will be an infant care center, called “Just Like Home”, where babies six week to 13 months old will be able to stay. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., she offers daycare to ages 13 months to Toddlers and Preschool children three years to six years old. There is a Before School and After School program available that involves mentoring and self-esteem building. Of course, plenty of nutritious breakfast, snacks and lunches are served.

There is no question that Madeline McCaskill has a genuine concern for children and parents. She is someone you instantly like when you meet her. Like a true mother she puts you right at ease. A native of Pittsburgh, she has lived in Penn Hills for the past 30 years. Her husband manages a Giant Eagle store nearby.

Ms M’s Happy Tots Daycare and Learning Center is located at 4238 Verona Road in Penn Hills. The center is very close to the Frankstown Road. You can reach them by calling 412-731-5585.

Watch a video interview with Madeline McCaskill at: http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1636