Doodle Bugs! McCandless

Children's Learning Academy

The Insinna family, Doodle Bugs! founders, are the proud operators of our Doodle Bugs! child care and preschool center in McCandless, PA. The Doodle Bugs! state-of-the-art child care and preschool center features a two-story play village, spacious classrooms, parents’ lounge, full service kitchen, huge playground, Watch Me Grow internet viewing, and many other features that you've come to expect from Doodle Bugs!. Families in McCandless, PA now have the opportunity to experience high quality child care, preschool and school age programs that are second to none.

Directions & Information

8900 Duncan Avenue

McCandless PA, 15237

Get Directions

P: 412.358.0225

Hours: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

See The Doodle Difference For Yourself!

The only way to truly see the Doodle Difference is to come check out the nearest facility yourself. You’ll see our curriculum in action, witness the nurturing environment created by our teachers, and experience the many ways in which our facilities encourage and support hands-on, play-based learning for every child in our care.

Our Bravo! ® Curriculum

Professionally designed and exclusively at Doodle Bugs!, the Bravo! Early Childhood Curriculum® is an innovative program that combines theme-related, age-appropriate classroom experiences, amazing enrichment programs and our series of center events. Children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, learning is hands-on fun at Doodle Bugs!

Infants


Science

Explore and discover.

Open-ended, hands-on, sensory play engages infants’ natural curiosity, encouraging creative expression, self-awareness, motor skills and language development.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Painting, drawing and collage introduce children to colors, shapes, lines and textures. Musical experiences introduce rhythm, rhyme and melody, the precursors to conversation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Feeding, diapering and other caregiving routines are unique opportunities to support babies' well-being; teachers also give thoughtful attention to helping build age-appropriate physical skills, like sitting up, crawling, and walking.

Math

Think and solve

Blocks, toys, songs and books are coupled with meaningful interactions with caregivers to introduce early math concepts and "math talk."

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Through songs, stories and caregiving routines, teachers model language and introduce vocabulary, demonstrate conversation and provide nurturing responses to infant and 1-year-old cues.

Toddlers


Science

Explore and discover.

Sensory bins full of interesting textures, scents and consistencies provide opportunities for cooperative play, social skill building and problem solving.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play are fun, hands-on ways to explore colors, shapes and lines, learn about rhythm and pitch, experiment with language and express individuality.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Outdoor play, parachute games, and daily yoga routines make fitness fun and encourage positive feelings about physical activity. Nutritious meals and pleasant mealtimes promote healthy habits.

Math

Think and solve.

Puzzles and blocks, coupled with simple classroom routines (like setting out napkins for snack), introduce early math concepts.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

During Circle Time and in small groups, toddlers enjoy interactive songs, poems, games, and stories, which promote language and vocabulary development and boost social skills.

Preschool


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

Pre-Kindergarten


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

School Age


Science

Explore and discover.

Science experiments, sensory play and thematic projects teach observation and investigation, cause and effect, critical thinking and environmental awareness.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self awareness, creative expression, aesthetic appreciation, leadership, problem solving and critical thinking.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Gross motor activities and organized games promote coordination and positive feelings about physical activity, making fitness fun.

Math

Think and solve.

Board games, group activities, blocks and manipulatives are fun, interactive ways to practice basic arithmetic skills and math concepts like numeracy and patterning, problem solving and critical thinking.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Books, storytelling, dramatic play and literacy games promote language and literacy skills. Center events and small group projects also exercise literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Infants


Science

Explore and discover.

Open-ended, hands-on, sensory play engages infants’ natural curiosity, encouraging creative expression, self-awareness, motor skills and language development.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Painting, drawing and collage introduce children to colors, shapes, lines and textures. Musical experiences introduce rhythm, rhyme and melody, the precursors to conversation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Feeding, diapering and other caregiving routines are unique opportunities to support babies' well-being; teachers also give thoughtful attention to helping build age-appropriate physical skills, like sitting up, crawling, and walking.

Math

Think and solve

Blocks, toys, songs and books are coupled with meaningful interactions with caregivers to introduce early math concepts and "math talk."

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Through songs, stories and caregiving routines, teachers model language and introduce vocabulary, demonstrate conversation and provide nurturing responses to infant and 1-year-old cues.

Toddlers


Science

Explore and discover.

Sensory bins full of interesting textures, scents and consistencies provide opportunities for cooperative play, social skill building and problem solving.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play are fun, hands-on ways to explore colors, shapes and lines, learn about rhythm and pitch, experiment with language and express individuality.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Outdoor play, parachute games, and daily yoga routines make fitness fun and encourage positive feelings about physical activity. Nutritious meals and pleasant mealtimes promote healthy habits.

Math

Think and solve.

Puzzles and blocks, coupled with simple classroom routines (like setting out napkins for snack), introduce early math concepts.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

During Circle Time and in small groups, toddlers enjoy interactive songs, poems, games, and stories, which promote language and vocabulary development and boost social skills.

Preschool


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

Pre-Kindergarten


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

School Age


Science

Explore and discover.

Science experiments, sensory play and thematic projects teach observation and investigation, cause and effect, critical thinking and environmental awareness.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self awareness, creative expression, aesthetic appreciation, leadership, problem solving and critical thinking.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Gross motor activities and organized games promote coordination and positive feelings about physical activity, making fitness fun.

Math

Think and solve.

Board games, group activities, blocks and manipulatives are fun, interactive ways to practice basic arithmetic skills and math concepts like numeracy and patterning, problem solving and critical thinking.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Books, storytelling, dramatic play and literacy games promote language and literacy skills. Center events and small group projects also exercise literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Classrooms

At Doodle Bugs!, each classroom is specially designed to support the age-appropriate learning, aligned with our Bravo! Curriculum. From the furniture, décor, and room arrangements to the structure of the daily routine, every element of our classrooms promotes a playful, hands-on learning experience.

Infant Classrooms

Parent partnerships begin in our Infant rooms, where our dedicated caregivers partner with you to create an individualized care plan for your child. Every aspect of your child’s care, from feeding schedules to sleep routines, is based on your preferences, in an effort to make our program your child’s home away from home.

Daily routines (including sleep schedules and mealtimes) are individualized, based on parents’ preferences.

From cribs to rocking chairs to safe spaces to crawl and interact, our classrooms are designed to nurture infants’ development.

Infants learn through sensory exploration, and we provide plenty of safe, fun opportunities for them to explore.

Warm, gentle colors, mobiles, music and tactile toys help our classroom to feel like home.

Toddler Classrooms

We understand that curious, independent toddlers are growing rapidly and need a safe environment that supports their development. Toddlers begin to participate in structured activities that are designed to encourage the development of their fine and gross motor skills, listening and speaking skills, and early literacy skills – all through hands-on exploration and play!

Toddlers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Spacious classrooms give toddlers a chance to explore, and our learning centers are always open for independent learning.

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Preschool Classrooms

Preschoolers learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to support their development and growth. Children are encouraged to be creative and have fun while working in small groups.

Learning centers promote cooperation and allow children to make decisions about how they’d like to learn and play.

Preschoolers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms

Pre-K students learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to advance their development and prepare them for kindergarten. Our Pre-K curriculum builds the skills that children need for future academic success. Above all else, our teachers are responsive to children’s varying needs and abilities, which builds each child’s confidence and instills a love of learning!

Our program aligns with state learning standards to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Children socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

School Age Classrooms

For school-agers, Doodle Bugs! provides an interesting, educational and fun recreation program, supervised by qualified adults. Students enjoy arts and crafts, sports and games and group projects and time to unwind and even do homework. When your school ager attends for a full day, field trips and special events add to the fun.

We provide a variety of planned activities while also giving school-age children independent time to unwind and set their own goals.

Field trips add to the fun and provide children with hands-on learning experiences at local attractions like zoos, farms, parks and museum

Our program provides enrichment before and after school, as well as on vacation, snow days and more. Transportation is provided to and from most local schools.

Spaces for games and sports allow children to be active and play independently or with others.

Infant Classrooms

Parent partnerships begin in our Infant rooms, where our dedicated caregivers partner with you to create an individualized care plan for your child. Every aspect of your child’s care, from feeding schedules to sleep routines, is based on your preferences, in an effort to make our program your child’s home away from home.

Personalized schedules

Daily routines (including sleep schedules and mealtimes) are individualized, based on parents’ preferences.

Nurturing design

From cribs to rocking chairs to safe spaces to crawl and interact, our classrooms are designed to nurture infants’ development.

Interactive learning

Infants learn through sensory exploration, and we provide plenty of safe, fun opportunities for them to explore.

Feels like home

Warm, gentle colors, mobiles, music and tactile toys help our classroom to feel like home.

Toddler Classrooms

We understand that curious, independent toddlers are growing rapidly and need a safe environment that supports their development. Toddlers begin to participate in structured activities that are designed to encourage the development of their fine and gross motor skills, listening and speaking skills, and early literacy skills – all through hands-on exploration and play!

Small group activities

Toddlers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Space to learn

Spacious classrooms give toddlers a chance to explore, and our learning centers are always open for independent learning.

Documented development

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Preschool Classrooms

Preschoolers learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to support their development and growth. Children are encouraged to be creative and have fun while working in small groups.

Learning centers

Learning centers promote cooperation and allow children to make decisions about how they’d like to learn and play.

Small group activities

Preschoolers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Documented development

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Age-appropriate technology use

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms

Pre-K students learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to advance their development and prepare them for kindergarten. Our Pre-K curriculum builds the skills that children need for future academic success. Above all else, our teachers are responsive to children’s varying needs and abilities, which builds each child’s confidence and instills a love of learning!

Aligned with early learning standards

Our program aligns with state learning standards to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Small group activities

Children socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Documented development

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Age-appropriate technology use

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

School Age Classrooms

For school-agers, Doodle Bugs! provides an interesting, educational and fun recreation program, supervised by qualified adults. Students enjoy arts and crafts, sports and games and group projects and time to unwind and even do homework. When your school ager attends for a full day, field trips and special events add to the fun.

Educational fun

We provide a variety of planned activities while also giving school-age children independent time to unwind and set their own goals.

Field trips and special events

Field trips add to the fun and provide children with hands-on learning experiences at local attractions like zoos, farms, parks and museum

Family convenience

Our program provides enrichment before and after school, as well as on vacation, snow days and more. Transportation is provided to and from most local schools.

Active play

Spaces for games and sports allow children to be active and play independently or with others.

What McCandless Parents Say

"Taking our children to Doodle Bugs! has been a great experience! Our children are excited to be there and love their teachers and friends. We have been there for quite a while and couldn’t be more thankful for management and staff, everyone is wonderful!"

-Misty M., McCandless

"We have had an incredible experience at Doodle Bugs! with our son! He started going at 2 and is now 4, and we plan to keep him until kindergarten. Having a safe place you can drop off your child is such a relief. The staff and teachers get to know their families and are very attentive to the needs of their students. Would HIGHLY recommend!"

-Ally S., McCandless

"The teachers here are great and really care about the kids. My kids love the food provided and all the activities. My daughter’s favorite memory is seeing pictures of her day in the daily report. We send both our kids here and are very happy with our experience."

-Chris B., McCandless

"Doodle Bugs has been wonderful! They're reliable, communicative, and always friendly. I can trust that my kids will be provided with good care, attention to their needs, and a balanced meal every day. They even assisted with potty training!"

-Nadine G., McCandless

"Taking our children to Doodle Bugs! has been a great experience! Our children are excited to be there and love their teachers and friends. We have been there for quite a while and couldn’t be more thankful for management and staff, everyone is wonderful!"

-Misty M., McCandless

"We have had an incredible experience at Doodle Bugs! with our son! He started going at 2 and is now 4, and we plan to keep him until kindergarten. Having a safe place you can drop off your child is such a relief. The staff and teachers get to know their families and are very attentive to the needs of their students. Would HIGHLY recommend!"

-Ally S., McCandless

"The teachers here are great and really care about the kids. My kids love the food provided and all the activities. My daughter’s favorite memory is seeing pictures of her day in the daily report. We send both our kids here and are very happy with our experience."

-Chris B., McCandless

"Doodle Bugs has been wonderful! They're reliable, communicative, and always friendly. I can trust that my kids will be provided with good care, attention to their needs, and a balanced meal every day. They even assisted with potty training!"

-Nadine G., McCandless

Our Director

Leah Sharlow

412.358.0225 [javascript protected email address]

I love being part of a team that is working so hard towards one major goal; making sure each and every child has a chance to play, learn, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. This includes my own two little Doodle Bugs!

Leah earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from The Pennsylvania State University. She spent two years teaching in local elementary schools prior to joining the Doodle Bugs! team as a Director Assistant. After two years, she was promoted to Director of our McCandless, PA center.

Healthy Menu

Every day we serve healthy meals (including fresh fruit!) to encourage children to associate healthy eating with positive feelings, confidence and independence. We believe mealtime matters and implement routines to promote social skills, like table manners and conversation, while encouraging healthy habits.

Recent News

View All Doodle Bugs! News


November 27, 2024
Doodle Bugs! Earns Accreditation from the Middle States Association (MSA)

Doodle Bugs! Children’s Learning Academy is proud to announce that as of November 15th, 2024, all 17 Doodle Bugs! locations have received official accreditation and reaccreditation from the Middle States Association (MSA). This prestigious recognition is the gold standard for measuring and advancing school improvement. “I am happy to congratulate the schools that achieved Middle…

Read More
August 30, 2024
Meet Alysia Zellner: September Employee of the Month

We are so happy to recognize McCandless Director Assistant, Alysia Zellner, as our September Employee of the Month! Alysia's commitment and dedication to Doodle Bugs! is unmatched and helps the McCandless center to run smoothly day in and day out. She starts everyone’s Doodle Day with a smile, speaks to every child, welcomes every staff…

Read More
February 10, 2023
Meet Shamir Tisdale: February Employee of the Month

We are thrilled to announce Shamir Tisdale as our Employee of the Month for February 2023! Shamir is an Evening Cleaner at our Greece location in Rochester, NY. He has been with Doodle Bugs! since October of 2020 and has been a tremendous asset to the center ever since. Although Shamir works behind the scenes,…

Read More