December 11, 2023 Proposed Legislation Aims to Help Child Care Providers Serve Nutritious Meals U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced new legislation addressing child care providers’ financial pressures by increasing meal reimbursements for those participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). About The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act would increase reimbursement amounts for child care providers and lessen the financial strain to ensure that all children are being offered nutritious meals. This bill will increase the reimbursement rate so that a family child care provider serving seven children could receive an additional $475 a month or $5,700 a year in reimbursements and a Head Start program or child care center serving 100 children could receive an additional $600 a month of $7,200 a year in reimbursements. To increase reimbursement rates, the Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act would modify the CACFP by initially increasing reimbursement rates for all eligible meals and snacks by 10 cents, after which the reimbursement rate will be tied to inflation. The bill would also eliminate the two-tiered reimbursement rate system for family child care providers in which reimbursement rates vary depending on the level of local poverty and reimburse family child care providers for meals served to their own children. Read More To read more on the proposed new bill, please read “Casey Introduces Legislation to Help Child Care Providers Serve Nutritious Meals.” Source Information for this post was taken directly from the new release “Casey Introduces Legislation to Help Child Care Providers Serve Nutritious Meals.” Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Resources Trying Together’s Emily Neff Testifies in State’s Basic Education Funding Commission Hearing Speak Up! for Child Care Campaign 2023 Food Resources
December 8, 2023 2023 Food Resources Organizations around the Greater Pittsburgh area are providing food distributions and pantry resources to serve those needing assistance through December 2023. (This article was updated on December 8, 2023 to reflect the latest distribution events and schedules). FOOD ASSISTANCE UPDATES: SNAP Benefit Amount Increases October 2023 New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available Free Breakfast Offered for the 2023-24 School Year Resources for Changes to SNAP Benefits Food Distribution Events Walk-In Food Distribution at The Hub The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, 7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208 | 12 – 5 p.m. Visit The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center every Monday from 12 – 5 p.m. to receive free food items, including sandwiches, fruit, baked goods, and more! Participants may pick up a variety of perishable food items on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. This food distribution is walk-in only. Food items are provided by 412 Food Rescue. Visit Trying Together’s events webpage to view The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center food distribution schedule. For more information, call The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Veterans Leadership Program Pittsburgh Military Share Food Distribution 2934 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15201 | 12 p.m. – until supplies are gone. Monday, 12/11 All veterans in need of food are welcome. For more information, email info@vlpwpa.org. Community Human Services (CHS) Food Pantry Distribution 370 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh, Pa, 15213 Food consists of bread, pastries, bottled water, dairy items which include butter, cheese, milk, and eggs, household goods such as paper towels, pet food (cats/dogs), fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, canned goods, pasta, and meat options which include pork, turkey, fish, and beef. There are no income eligibility requirements to access this pantry. Walk up distribution only. No delivery. The only requirement to access the pantry is to complete a brief demographic intake form which can be completed on the day. Intake forms do not ask for ID or immigration status. Wednesday, 12/13 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/14 | 3 – 6 p.m. Wednesday 12/20 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/21 | 3 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, 12/27 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/28 | 3 – 6 p.m. Any questions can go directly to the head of the pantry at cmcwhertor@chscorp.org or 412.246.1639. Islamic Center of Pittsburgh Food Distribution 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 | Saturday, 12/16 | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The food pantry is open for walk-ins every third Saturday of each month. Please register for a box from the food pantry prior to arrival. The registration form opens on the last week of each month and closes on the first week of the new month. For more information, email foodpantry@icp-pgh.org or text us at 412.206.1993. Baldwin Community UMC Lord’s Pantry 5001 Baptist Road, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15236 | Friday, 12/15 (a week earlier due to Christmas)| 12 – 2:30 p.m. This is a drive through food distribution held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the church circle. Please do not arrive before 9:30 a.m. to get in line. For more information or to help with the distribution, contact Susan Eyrolles at 412.882.9300, ext. 229 or email seyrolles@baldwincommunityumc.com. Veterans Leadership Program Johnstown Military Share Food Distribution 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, Pa. 15905 | Friday, 12/22 | 12 p.m. – until supplies are gone. All veterans in need of food are welcome. For more information, email info@vlpwpa.org. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Distribution Schedules Allegheny County Drive-Up Distribution Schedule Allegheny Valley JC Penney at the Galleria, 590 Pittsburgh Mills Boulevard, Tarentum, PA. 15084 Tuesday, 12/12 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. McKeesport Founders Hall Middle School, 1960 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport, PA. 15132 Saturday, 12/16 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. West End Ascension Church, 114 Berry Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15205 Tuesday, 12/19 | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Wilkinsburg (This distribution will have pre-packed boxes) 225 Penn Avenue (Intersection of Penn Avenue and North Trenton), Pittsburgh, PA. 15221 Saturday, 12/02 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Allegheny County Walk-In Distribution Schedule Oakland/Schenley Plaza 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260 Wednesday, 12/06 | 3:30 – 5 p.m. Southside (This distribution will have pre-packed boxes) Southside Market House, 12th and Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15203 Wednesday, 12/20 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. Homewood Faison K-5, 7430 Tioga Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208 Saturday, 12/09 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Northside Pittsburgh King PreK-8, 50 Montgomery Place, Pittsburgh, PA. 15212 Saturday, 12/09 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Additional Resources Local Resources Find food distributions and access based on zip code or region by visiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Find Food online tool. For other resources, visit the Resource Beyond Food webpage. If you are a senior, or know a senior, that needs food assistance, visit the Senior Boxes webpage to learn more. Share this flyer with your networks. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Market is an onsite pantry where eligible neighbors can shop for grocery items at no cost. Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 1 – 4p.m. *Please arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to closing. Find more information and the 2023 distribution calendar.
Register for UnConference: Mental Health in Early Childhood Education Registration is now open for Trying Together’s UnConference: Mental Health in Early Childhood Education. The event will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Carnegie Science Center. About From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., participants will attend expert-led sessions that focus on a variety of ways to build relationships with children in order to help them grow emotionally and developmentally; creating an awareness of the “invisible” elements at play in our relationships and at work; reflective practice; and using mindfulness as a tool for taking an inventory of our needs and strengthening self-care practices. Sessions include: Keynote – Atoms, Stories, and The Universe | Dr. Susan W. Parker and Dr. Jennifer H. Tepe Baby Steps: Cultivating the Power of Relationships in Our Work | Erin Troup, LPC, NCC, CT, IMH-E IV® from Sprout Center for Emotional Growth and Development Beyond Self Care: The Role of Awareness in Educator Mental Health | Jennifer Austad, LCSW, ECMHS and Sarah Grubb, M.Ed., SEP from System 1-2-3 Mental Hygiene | Danielle Thum, MS, RYT, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Family Care Connection Centers A Practice To Promote Mental Well Being And Increase Professional Satisfaction | Diana Schwab, M.Ed., LCSW, and Allison Robinson, ELRC Region 5 Mindfulness for Self Care | Shannon Jenkins, Awaken PGH Tickets for the UnConference cost $25. Free parking will be available for participants at the Carnegie Science Center. Space is limited. Register by February 5, 2024. For details and registration information, please visit the UnConference: Mental Health in Early Childhood Education webpage.
December 6, 2023 Trying Together Spring CDA Program Available Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? Trying Together is offering a CDA program at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania. A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Trying Together’s CDA Programs Trying Together is offering its Spring CDA program beginning January 23, 2024. Participants can matriculate CDA program coursework into 9-12 college credits at Carlow University, CCAC, or Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). Educators in the community based CDA program: participate in distance learning through in-person, online self-paced Schoology, and Zoom sessions complete 135 hours of professional development over six to nine months focused on the practice knowledge and skills needed to get credentialed receive individualized support from experienced instructors review current early childhood health and safety standards, ECE literature and resources, strategies on building positive relationships, strategies for implementing observations and assessments, etc. focus on the completion of CDA Credential Portfolio requirements, preparing for the exam, and completing the application process explore current early childhood theories, research, and best practices have access to laptop lending Interested? Those interested in Trying Together’s CDA Credential Preparation Program should complete the CDA Credential Program Interest Form. NOTE: This form is for inquiry purposes only and is only available to professionals in Pennsylvania. After completing the form, a member of the Trying Together staff will contact you to determine your eligibility and identify a CDA pathway that works best for you. LEARN MORE More information about the program and eligibility requirements can be found on Trying Together’s CDA webpage.
The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Explores Carnegie Science Center and Sportworks The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center gathered families together for a family field trip to Carnegie Science Center and Highmark Sportsworks on Sunday, November 19. Parents, caregivers, their children, and Hub & Family Center staff explored various exhibits and activities throughout the day at both northside Pittsburgh locations. From brick building to water activities to exploring a submarine, there was no shortage of excitement at the day long event. The family field trip was a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together while also learning and having fun. Tickets were provided to families with assistance from local organization and charity Tickets for Kids, and their donors. The generosity of Tickets for Kids made it possible for the Hub & Family Center to offer this memorable experience to our the Homewood community and its families. Tickets For Kids Tickets for Kids provides free access for low-income and at-risk kids to attend the arts, cultural, educational, and athletic venues of their community. Through partnerships with youth-serving organizations across the U.S., the organization strives to make trips to museums, concerts, ballgames, science centers, zoos, and more part of every childhood. Through access, Tickets for Kids provides experiences that can spark an interest, ignite a passion, and shape a future without limits. To learn more, visit the Tickets For Kids Charities website. Related Resources Drop-In Playtime at The Hub & Family Center Clothing Distribution at The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Parent Advisory Committee | The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Infant Formula Bank at Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center
December 5, 2023 2023 Holiday Toy Programs The holidays can be a fun, joyful time for many. However, there are families in need of extra support. Here is a list of resources for those who are experiencing financial hardship and have trouble affording or cannot afford toys this year. Play it Forward When: Saturday, December 16 | 12 – 2 p.m. Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 While the sign-up period has closed, the event will welcome walk-ins for any remaining toys. No sign-up is required. Learn more on the Play it Forward site. Toys for Tots The date, time, and location will vary. To sign up, visit the Toys for Tots site and follow the directions below: Select “Request a Toy” Select “Click Here for the Local Chapter Search Tool” Select your state, “Pennsylvania” Select your county. Locate the most convenient distribution site from the listed options or contact the respective site. The Salvation Army The Salvation Army may be able to offer holiday assistance for toys, meals, or other needs. Contact the nearest Salvation Army community center or visit the Western Pennsylvania Angel Tree page. Click on the “Holiday Assistance Contact List” Locate the Salvation Army community center listed for your zip code. Contact them as soon as possible. Holiday programs are limited and fill up quickly. St. Vincent de Paul Society of Pittsburgh For those facing financial difficulties and unable to afford toys, consider contacting the local St. Vincent de Paul conference in their neighborhood. To locate the closest conference, please visit the St. Vincent de Paul site. General Information The listed resources are intended for public access. It’s important to note that these organizations operate with volunteers. Considering the limited availability of toys and programs, along with the significant number of families in need, they might only be able to provide one toy per child. These toys could be either new or gently used. When contacting these organizations, if directed to voicemail, individuals should leave a comprehensive message including their name, contact number, and any additional information requested by the organization. Given the high volume of calls received weekly, it might take several days for volunteers to return calls. Regularly checking voicemail is recommended. For those without voicemail, setting it up before calling is advised. Additionally, individuals with existing voicemails should ensure old messages have been deleted.
December 4, 2023 The Burke Foundation Releases Early Relational Health Report The Burke Foundation in collaboration with the Harvard University Graduate School of Education released a new report outlining the science and importance of Early Relation Health, presenting a valuable resource for practitioners working to advance the health and well-being of children and families. About the Report The Early Relational Health: A Review of Research Principles and Perspectives is a groundbreaking report funded by the Burke Foundation that shows the promise of, and the science behind, Early Relational Health. The authors are Harvard University’s Dr. Junlei Li and Thelma Ramirez. Key Findings Early Relations Health needs to be rooted in positive, nurturing interactions between parents/caregivers and their infants. Interactions with other human beings help children, starting in infancy, learn and grow. These interactions are essential to social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and physiological development. Both babies and adults benefit from Early Relational Health. To benefit from Early Relational health, parents must want to do what’s best for their children and have the capacity to parent. Professionals will need to partner with parents to support them. Meeting parent’s and children’s needs are essential to this process. Learn More To learn more, read the report or visit this news release. Source Information for this post was taken directly from the Burke Foundation’s “Early Relational Health: A Review of Research, Principles, and Perspectives.” Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Resources Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Part XI Types of Family Structures Understanding Family Dynamics
November 29, 2023 Trying Together Executive Director to Co-chair Committee on Education, Workforce, and Youth Investments Allegheny County Executive-Elect Sara Innamorato has named nearly 200 esteemed and diverse leaders from the county to nine policy committees that will inform her administration’s governing agenda. Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo will co-chair the Robust Education, Workforce Development, and Youth Investments Committee. About All in Allegheny invites people from every part of the County to share their ideas, priorities, and needs with the Innamorato Administration. Members are divided into policy committees that draw on a range of expertise from across the county. All In Allegheny – a large and inclusive community engagement process that will understand what people from every part of Allegheny want from County government and build an action plan for County government to deliver on community needs during the Innamorato Administration. The nine policy committees are each focused on activating the powers of County government to deliver on the following community priorities: Healthy Families and High-Quality Human Services Housing for All Open and Accessible Government Reliable, Modern Transportation and Infrastructure Robust Education, Workforce Development, and Youth Investments Safe Communities and Justice for All Strong and Equitable Economic and Community Development Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and a Green Economy Vibrant Democracy To learn more, visit Innamorato’s transition website, AlleghenyForAll.com.
Resources for December Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for December observances: Month-Long Observances Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month November Recalls on Children’s Products, Trying Together Safe Toys and Gifts Month, American Public Health Association Choosing Safe Toys, KidsHealth 7 Tips For Buying Safe Toys For Children, Health Park Pediatrics Universal Human Rights Month Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy Explaining Human Rights to Kids on International Human Rights Day, KidsKonnect Learn a Foreign Language Month 6 Reasons Why Language Learning Is Important For Children, EF 11 Reasons Why Your Child Should Learn a Foreign Language, VIP Kid 10 Language Games for Kids That’ll Keep Them Engaged and Learning, Fluentu Worldwide Food Service Safety Month 2023 Food Resources, Trying Together New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available, Trying Together Healthy Eating Guides: At the Grocery Store, Trying Together Week-Long Observances December 4-8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week Find Flu Vaccines, Vaccine.gov Flu Shot: Your Best Bet For Avoiding Influenza, Mayo Clinic Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine, KidsHealth Days of Recognition December 2 is Special Education Day Early Intervention FAQ, Trying Together When Should a Parent Consider Early Intervention for Their Child? Trying Together Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County, Trying Together Family Guide for Navigating Early Intervention Services, Trying Together December 3 is National Roof Over Your Head Day Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families, Trying Together Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Application Period Opens November 1, Trying Together Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5 Housing Resources, United Way PA 211 December 3 is International Day of People with Disabilities Early Childhood Inclusion, Trying Together Talking with Young Children about Disabilities, Trying Together The Differences Among Mental, Developmental, and Behavioral Conditions, Trying Together December 5 is National Communicate With Your Kids Day How To Address War and Traumatic Experiences With Children, Trying Together Talking with Young Children about Disabilities, Trying Together December 10 is Human Rights Day Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy Explaining Human Rights to Kids on International Human Rights Day, KidsKonnect December 21 is National Short Story Day Buzzword Pittsburgh, Buzzword Pittsburgh Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources For Families and Caregivers, Trying Together
November 28, 2023 November Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of November 2023 recalls collected from the following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The FDA is investigating several cinnamon applesauce pouch brands due to elevated lead levels in children. Read more: Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Applesauce Pouches (November 2023) PandaEar recalled Stainless Steel Children’s Cups for violation of the Federal Lead Content Ban. Item is sold exclusively on Amazon.com. LAOION recalled Stainless Steel Children’s Cups for violation of the Federal Lead Content Ban. Item is sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Target recalled Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia Toy Mushroom Peg Sorters for choking hazard. iMOONZZZ recalled Children’s Nightgowns for burn hazards and violation of Federal Flammability Standards. Item is sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Dixon Ticonderoga recalled Creativity Street Children’s Assorted Craft Buttons for violation of the Federal Lead Content Ban. UncleWu Life recalled Infant Bath Seats for drowning hazards and violations of Bath Seat Requirements. Item is sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Yoocaa recalled Baby Loungers due to suffocation risk, fall, and entrapment hazards. Item is sold exclusively on Amazon.com. KinderMed recalled KinderMed Pain & Fever products for Acetaminophen instability. More Information For recall details, visit the links above or review the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites. More Resources To read more recall reports Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Causing High Blood Levels in Children October Recalls on Children’s Products September Recalls on Children’s Products August Recalls on Children’s Products
