April 24, 2018 Wolf Administration Announces Selection for New Regional Centers to Support Child Care Services The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) announced the selection of regional Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs), created to improve the quality of and access to early learning services in the state and help families identify the best child care options that meet the needs of the child(ren) while offering connections to additional services, such as a child care subsidy. “The Wolf administration believes that all children and families should have access to high-quality child care,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “The announcement of ELRCs is groundbreaking for Pennsylvania’s comprehensive early learning system. The department looks forward to supporting integrated, innovative agencies as they increase access to and continue quality-building for early learning programs.” Through the ELRC, child care professionals can obtain support in building quality outcomes for children by working with quality coaches to achieve Keystone STAR 3 and 4 status, building connections with community partners, and supporting children and families in accessing additional services, such as PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start, home-visiting, and Early Intervention. Learn more at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
Does Recess Matter? Take the survey now! “Does recess matter to you and your kids? That’s one of the questions being asked by the Recess Advocacy Team. Made up of about 15 local organizations, including the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative and Trying Together, the team has created a survey to learn about kids’ recess experience across Allegheny County. The team is dedicated to health and wellness, education, and play with a focus on recess practices and policies in pre-K through 6th grade. The goals of the group include educating and advocating on the importance of recess, and members hope to become a resource for policy for both families and educators.” via Kidsburgh
April 19, 2018 Keystone STARS Centralized Document Uploader Coming Soon Many providers across the commonwealth asked for a tool that allows documents to be uploaded into a centralized system for Keystone STARS Quality Coaches and Designators to review. The Keystone STARS SMART Document Uploader was created in response to that request for centralization. The Keystone STARS SMART Document Uploader is a web-based tool that is provider-facing and communicates with the SMART Database software that STARS Quality Coaches and Designators use when working with early learning programs. The goals of the Keystone STARS SMART Document Uploader are as follows: Reduce administrative burden for providers and coaches/designators Streamline STARS designations Support providers in the ELRC transition Support Shared Services Alliances/Networks Support stability in programs through efficient document retention Allow for state-wide evaluation of provider submitted sources of evidence More information on this will be available soon. via PAKeys Early Ed News
OCDEL Conference Fund Request Deadline Extended On behalf of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the PA Key will accept applications for funds to support large-scale professional development events and conferences at the state and regional level for fiscal year 2018-19. Events must be focused on improving the skill, knowledge, and network of the early childhood education community. Applications will be accepted from non-profit and for-profit entities, as well as institutions of primary and higher education. Applications may be submitted as one of three event levels Summit – events serving more than 1,000 people in a face-to-face setting or virtually. A maximum of $10,000 may be requested. Conference – events serving more than 250 to 1,000 people in a face-to-face setting or virtually. A maximum of $5,000 may be requested. Mini Conference – events serving 20 to 250 people in a face-to-face setting or virtually. A maximum of $2,000 may be requested. In evaluating requests for funding, OCDEL reserves the right to offer smaller monetary awards based on the goals and objectives of the event, availability of funding, or the justification of the request for funds. Funding is limited to one event per organization annually. Deadline: Event planners must submit their information by May 31, 2018, by 4:00 PM for consideration of funding for events that will occur in the following fiscal year (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019). Please use the following elements below to create your request for funds. Funding requests are limited to two pages and should add address the following required elements: Applicant Organization Name Primary Contact Name, phone number and email address Event Name Event Funding Level Targeted/Confirmed Event Date Anticipated Registration Cost Type and total number of professional development hours offered. Targeted number of attendees. Provide past attendance numbers if available for reference Overall Event Cost Justification and Use of Requested Funds. *If the event is support through an existing grant or contract with the commonwealth, justification must be supplied on the need for supplementary funding. Applications for funding should be submitted to Conference Request (conferencerequest@pakeys.org). via PAKeys
Public Hearing for Child Care Development Fund and Block Grant (CCDBG) State Plan to be Held in Pittsburgh The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has been hard at work developing the Child Care Development Fund and Block Grant (CCDBG) State Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2019-2021. OCDEL would like to announce a scheduled public hearing for Pittsburgh. This hearing provides an opportunity to learn more about what the State Plan is, why it is important, and to provide testimony. CCBDG Pittsburgh Hearing May 9, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120 There is a limit of 50 seats in this session. If you choose to provide testimony, we will ask that you RSVP no later than close of business, Monday, May 7, 2018. Please RSVP to jsands@pa.gov, and use the subject line: RSVP: Pittsburgh Public Hearing All testimony should be prepared in writing and submitted at the end of each public hearing. This helps OCDEL keep a clear and accurate record of the testimony, comments, and questions. If you cannot attend one of the public hearings, OCDEL will provide resources regarding what the State Plan is and how to comment. All comments are due for submission by May 18, 2018. OCDEL anticipates the State Plan will be released for public consumption and comment on April 26, 2018. When it is posted, another announcement will be released with additional details on how to provide comment. OCDEL looks forward to hearing from you! via PA Keys
April 17, 2018 Capitol Visibility Effort to Highlight Existing Need for High-Quality Pre-K Education in Pennsylvania HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – Trying Together staff and advocates will travel to the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg this April to bring attention to the unmet needs of young children statewide for Month of The Young Child. Currently, 106,000 income-eligible 3 and 4-year-olds lack access to publicly funded pre-k programs throughout the Commonwealth. On Wednesday, April 18, 2018 constituents will visit with State Legislators and ask visitors to decorate paper stacking blocks in the East Wing Rotunda. “Everyone has an early care or education story to tell,” said Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo. “As principal members of the Pre-K for PA Campaign, we are committed to bringing those stories to policymakers’ attention to ensure every child attends a high-quality pre-k program and enters kindergarten ready to succeed.” Participants will be able to add Polaroids, draw pictures, write their stories, and decorate with stickers on the blocks. The blocks will then be stacked to visually represent the expansive impact early childhood programs have on constituents. To learn more about Month of The Young Child events hosted by Trying Together (formerly The Pittsburgh Association for The Education of Young Children, a.k.a. PAEYC) visit tryingtogether.org. Those interested in joining other legislative visits should submit a form at tryingtogether.org. Photo Credit: Ben Filio Download the full press release.
April 2, 2018 April is Month of The Young Child Throughout April, Trying Together will host the Month of The Young Child to focus public attention on the needs and rights of young children, their families, and the adults who interact with them. MONTH OF THE YOUNG CHILD In the Pittsburgh-area, Trying Together observes the Month of The Young Child by providing advocacy, resources, and events that support high-quality early learning experiences for young children. “We look forward to recognizing the Month of The Young Child every year,” said Cara Ciminillo, Trying Together Executive Director. “During the month we take a moment to pause and reflect not only on where the early childhood field is and where we want it to go, but on the individuals who care for and educate young children each day.” ANNUAL CELEBRATION DINNER The Annual Celebration Dinner for early care and education professionals will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art and host keynote speaker William (Bill) E. Strickland, Jr. of Manchester Bidwell Corporation. “Those in the early childhood field are often underpaid and undervalued,” said Ciminillo. “I hope the opportunity to hear from someone like Mr. Strickland whose life’s work was inspired by an educator is particularly meaningful for those in attendance.” Trying Together will also honor early childhood advocate and professional Patricia (Pat) Cobbs (posthumously) at the Dinner. “Miss Pat used to say, ‘It’s all about the kids!”, said Ciminillo. “Whether she was advocating on behalf of young children, or managing JLC Daycare which she owned in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, her mission was always to make sure we were doing what’s best for children.” Later in the week, Ms. Cobbs’ family will accept The Pennsylvania Association for The Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) 2018 VOICE for Children Award on her behalf on Friday, April 13 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Ciminillo says the Dinner will be very celebratory as Trying Together completed its rebrand and released its five-year strategic plan earlier this year. “Our board, partners, and staff invested a great deal of energy, expertise, and time into the rebrand and strategic planning process. With our refreshed look and name, and a clear path for the future, I’m looking forward to celebrating together with them and thanking those involved at the Dinner.” Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, photo booth, prizes, and more. This year’s dinner is now at capacity and has sold-out. CAPITOL VISIBILITY DAY IN HARRISBURG Trying Together staff and advocates will travel to the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg to bring attention to the unmet needs of young children statewide. Currently, 106,000 pre-k eligible 3 and 4-year-olds lack access to publicly funded programs throughout the Commonwealth. On Wednesday, April 18, 2018 staff and advocates will visit with State Legislators and ask visitors to decorate paper stacking blocks in the Rotunda. “Everyone has an early care or education story to tell,” says Ciminillo. “As principal members of the Pre-K for PA Campaign, we are committed to bringing those stories to policymakers’ attention to ensure every child attends a high-quality pre-k program and enters kindergarten ready to succeed.” Participants will be able to add Polaroids, draw pictures, write their stories, and decorate with stickers on the blocks. The blocks will then be stacked to visually represent the expansive impact early childhood programs have on constituents. Those interested in joining in this or other legislative visits should submit a form at tryingtogether.org. THE HOMEWOOD BLOCK PARTY The Homewood Block Party will be held on Saturday, April 28, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Kelly Street in front of The Homewood Early Learning Hub, a community resource of Trying Together. “This event enables us to celebrate and connect with the children and families served through programming at the Hub and at Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center where we are the lead organization,” said Ciminillo. The Block Party is FREE and features activities, food, performances, and resources for young children. Registration is not required. Interested vendors are asked to contact Cynthia Battle at 412-421-3889 or cynthia@tryingtogether.org. Full details on the Month of The Young Child.
