Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen announced the “Spreading Truth, Not COVID” initiative to ensure communities have access to trusted, accurate information on COVID-19.

 

About

Spreading Truth, Not COVID is a community engagement initiative focused on supporting ethnic and minority communities in Allegheny County that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The Allegheny County Health Department and Department of Human Services commissioned MEE Productions Inc. to develop and execute the United Against COVID campaign.

 

How It Works

The campaign seeks to build on and leverage existing relationships with community partners, nonprofits, barbershops, beauty salons, and others to spread information about COVID-19 safety measures, testing, and the availability and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. Recruited leaders receive training and technical assistance on how to effectively distribute messaging within their social, personal, and professional networks using a customized Digital Community Engagement Toolkit.

By using the toolkit, community leaders distribute important information about the virus and open the floor for honest dialogue that will help community members make informed decisions for themselves and their families. The toolkit also features messages on how low-resourced communities can utilize daily wellness strategies and tap into their resilience to manage stress and anxiety.

Featured Resources

The initiative provides access to many resources and tools, including the following:

• • Truth Not COVID Youtube Channel
• • United Against COVID Virtual Training Portal for Community Leaders
• • Allegheny County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• • Allegheny County COVID-19 Resources
• • Allegheny County COVID-19 Testing Sites Locater
• • Allegheny County Free Resource Distribution Sites
• • Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Social Media Pages

Other Resources

To support community members and the young children in their lives, Trying Together created two resource lists, featuring helpful resources for families, caregivers, and educators:

• • COVID-19 Resources for Families and Caregivers
• • COVID-19 Resources for Early Care and Education Professionals

More Information

For more information, visit the TruthNotCOVID website.

Early Learning Resource Center Region 5 and Global Links are partnering to deliver protective and cleaning supplies to all licensed child care operators in Allegheny County.

 

About

Licensed child care providers in Allegheny County will receive protective and cleaning supplies needed to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and employees, including:

• • two cases of paper towels,
  • one case of facial tissues,
  • one gallon of hand sanitizer,
  • one case of Clorox Clean Up,
  • one case of disinfecting wipes, and
  • two cases of gloves (medium/large).

Deliveries will be made Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. through the end of April. Deliveries will be made by Access vans and Global Links trucks. Signatures will not be needed.

Delivery Schedule

Child care providers will receive an email from Global Links on the week of their delivery with a timeframe. ELRC Quality Coaches will also reach out to providers. Providers who have questions should call ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577 or contact their Quality Coach.

The City of Pittsburgh and the Office of Equity launched OurFuturePGH, a website that connects youth, families, and organizations to educational and recreational opportunities provided by the City.

 

About

OurFuturePGH was designed as a part of Mayor Bill Peduto’s vision to centralize and promote free and low-cost public programs for youth of all ages. The website lists age- and developmentally appropriate programs that are being offered by the Office of Equity, Department of Parks & Recreation, Department of Mobility & Infrastructure, Bureau of Police, and more.

OurFuturePGH also includes family resources from community partners that address needs such as technology, school options, parenting resources, and more, particularly during the pandemic.

Program Focus

Programs featured on the website are designed to recognize, utilize and enhance young people’s strengths and focus on the six Cs of positive outcomes: Confidence, Connecting, Competition, Character, Contribute, and Caring. Program examples include:

• • Imagination Library,
  • Explorers Program,
  • KidSMART Club,
  • Learn & Earn,
  • Roving Art Cart,
  • Learn to Swim,
  • and more!

More Information

To learn more and view available opportunities, visit the OurFuturePGH website.

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Womens, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program announced the addition of two grocery stores that have become WIC authorized vendors.

 

About WIC

The WIC Program is a nutrition and supplemental foods program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, for up to one year of postpartum, women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding, and infants and children under five years old. WIC participants receive nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and food benefits redeemable at participating grocery stores.

Authorized Stores

Giant Eagle Bridgeville in the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center and Giant Eagle Gibsonia on Route 8 are now authorized to accept the new eWIC EBT cards for the purchase of WIC allowable foods and infant formulas. There are now 81 WIC authorized grocery stores in Allegheny County.

For a full listing, visit the ACHD website. Registered users can also the WIC Shopper App to plan their shopping trip. It is available in nine different languages.

More Information

WIC Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk. For information on guidelines, appointment openings, and how to apply, call 412.350.5801 or visit the county or state’s websites.

On April 1, Allegheny Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen announced that a new Vaccine Registration website is now available to the public. Visitors can schedule their first or second dose and can reschedule or cancel appointments.

 

About

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced an updated vaccine rollout timeline:

• • Eligible Today: Everyone in Phase 1A and the following four categories – law enforcement, firefighters, grocery store workers, and food and agriculture workers – are eligible for vaccination and may schedule available appointments.
• • Eligible on April 5: Everyone in Phase 1B is eligible for vaccinations and may begin scheduling.
• • Eligible on April 12: Everyone in Phase 1C is eligible for vaccinations and may begin scheduling.
• • Eligible on April 19: Everyone will be eligible to make appointments for vaccination.

Visitors to the site will have four options to choose from: schedule first dose, schedule second dose, reschedule appointment, and cancel appointment. If the user is currently eligible for vaccination, and appointments are available, the next step will be to select an appointment Individuals who are not eligible yet, or for whom appointments are not available, will be invited to preregister.

 

Second Dose Appointments

Individuals who previously received their first dose from the Health Department and have not yet scheduled their second dose appointment will be emailed a first dose appointment number which is necessary for scheduling. Anyone not having received that email, or not having email, can call 2.1.1 for assistance in scheduling daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Callers should select option one for COVID calls, and then select option two for second dose appointments.

Schedule An Appointment

Visit the Allegheny County Vaccine Registration website to view and schedule an appointment.

PA 2.1.1 Southwest will assist in scheduling first dose appointments for those who do not have internet access or have difficulty navigating the site. If callers are not eligible for vaccination or there are no appointments available, resource navigators can pre-register callers.

More Information

For more information, read the full press release. This information was provided by the Allegheny County Health Department.

First established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 1971, the Week of the Young Child is an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Over the years, with growing interest and focus, Trying Together designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). MOYC is a time to plan how we will better meet the needs of all young children, families, caregivers, and early care and education professionals.

 

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Join the Celebration

To celebrate the Month of the Young Child virtually, Trying Together has developed several opportunities for community members to participate from home, including the following:

 

Virtual Annual Celebration

Trying Together will host a free Virtual Annual Celebration from April 27 – 29, 2021 to celebrate the important work of early childhood. Early educators, families, and other individuals who support young children are invited to enjoy:

• • LIVE Happy Together Half-Hour interactive sessions;
  • a presentation from Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo;
  • a presentation from keynote speaker Dr. Denisha Jones;
  • and more!

One gift box will be mailed by Friday, April 9 for each person who completes their registration by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 4, 2021. Registration will remain open until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 26, 2021. Individuals who register after April 4 will not receive a gift box.

To learn more, visit the MOYC webpage.

Social Media Activities

1. Take a few minutes to “shout out” or give “props” to an early care and education professional or program on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram:

• • make sure to tag their account (if possible);
  • share personal stories and pictures; and
  • include the hashtags #MOYC2021 and #TryingTogether to ensure other participants can view your story!
  • Example: I’d like to say thank you to @amymiller for the wonderful work she’s been doing for the past four months to support my child’s learning and healthy development! My child still can’t stop talking about the caterpillar craft he did last month!  #MOYC2021

2. Consider sharing your personal story as a parent, caregiver, or early care and education professional on social media using the hashtags #MyStory and #MOYC2021.

• • Reflect on your experiences during 2020-21 and highlight the stories that make you smile, laugh, or feel proud. MOYC is a time of celebration and there is no better way to celebrate than by connecting with each other through our stories.

3. Take a trip back in time by scrolling or looking through old early childhood pictures, whether they are of yourself or a loved one.

• • Think back to that moment and cherish the memory of that time. You can also take this time to reflect on the growth of that young person.
  • Find a photo that stands out to you and share it on social media using the hashtags #MyStory and #MOYC2021. Take this opportunity to share a fond memory with others!

4. Use the Month of the Young Child Social Media Toolkit to access customizable social media templates, graphics, and more!

Phone and Email Activities

1. If you have their phone number or email, contact your favorite early learning professionals and let them know how much you appreciate the work they do every day to support young children, parents, caregivers, and the workforce.

• • Make a goal early in the month to contact a certain number of educators by the end of April. Let us know what your goal is on social media using #SendingThanks and #MOYC2021.
  • Example: I’m celebrating #MOYC2021 by #SendingThanks to three early learning professionals to highlight how their work has inspired and helped me in my day-to-day interactions with young children. Will you join me? 

Celebrate Yourself

1. Find ways to unwind and celebrate yourself this month.

• • Cook your favorite meal, watch something that makes you laugh, or try out that new online relaxation class you’ve been talking about. The opportunities are endless!
  • Share how you’re celebrating you during the Month of the Young Child by using the hashtags #CelebrateMe and #MOYC2021 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
  • Look through the thread to see how other educators are celebrating and find new ideas!
  • Example: For #MOYC2021, I’m choosing to #CelebrateMe by dedicating 30 minutes per day to reading books that I’m interested in. Adventure, sci-fi, maybe some poetry. Let’s see where this journey goes! #TryingTogether

2. Host a Zoom or online meeting with a small group of your fellow early learning professionals and share what you’re proud of accomplishing over the last year.

• • This can include creative lesson ideas, situations that you handled well, or even new teaching techniques to name a few! Take this time to celebrate your own and each other’s successes.
  • If you plan on sharing about it on social media, use the hashtags #CelebrateMe, #MOYC2021, or #TryingTogether.

Share Your Story

Has child care, an early learning program, or a teacher helped your family or child? Record a 30-second video to share your story with us!

NAEYC Week of the Young Child

1. Celebrate the daily themes featured during the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child (WOYC).

• • Kick-Off Saturday (April 10, 2021): Get your preparations together for a week of fun early childhood celebrations! Make a list of your celebration plans and share a picture (or screenshot) of it on social media using #WOYC21 and #MOYC2021!
  • Music Monday (April 12, 2021): Celebrate music and early literacy by sharing a picture or video of your favorite music-based activity. Highlight why music and early literacy matter to you! Use #WOYC21 and #MOYC2021 to join the thread!
  • Tasty Tuesday (April 13, 2021): Celebrate the ways that health, science, nutrition, and fitness fuel the early learning community by sharing a picture of your favorite experiment, lesson, or exercise using #WOYC21 and #MOYC2021.
  • Work Together Wednesday (April 14, 2021): Celebrate teamwork and collaboration by sharing a picture of your child(ren)’s collaborative creations, whether it is an art piece, a blanket fort, a block tower, or something else! Use #WOYC21 and #MOYC2021 to join the conversation.
  • Artsy Thursday (April 15, 2021): Join the early childhood community in celebrating art by hosting a “virtual class!” Record a short video walkthrough of your favorite art activity and share it on social media using #WOYC21 and #MOYC2021!
  • Family Friday (April 16, 2021): Celebrate the importance of positive relationships by sharing your favorite family photos and stories on social media using #WOYC21 and #MOYC2021! Tag a friend and challenge them to share as well!

 

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Signup to Receive Updates

If you’re interested in receiving updates on Month of the Young Child, like our Facebook page, follow our Twitter, or signup to receive the Trying Together newsletter.

 

Are you looking to enter the early learning field? You are in luck! Child care programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below.

 

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Featured Jobs

 

Classroom Lead Teacher

Angels’ Place is currently seeking full-time lead teachers for both of their North Side and Swissvale centers. Applicants must have at least an Associate’s Degree in ECE or a related field. Ideal applicants should have experience working with children birth to five years old, have strong leadership and communication skills, and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of young children.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to angelsplacepittsburgh@gmail.com.

Preschool Teacher

Zion Weekday Ministries is seeking a Preschool Teacher who has a degree in ECE to teach three- and four-year-old children at their program in the Sarver area. Part-time and full-time positions available. Competitive pay, flexible scheduling, family-oriented program.

To apply, email your resume to weekdayministries@zionsarver.com.

Child Care Teacher/Assistant

TCLA (a 4 Keystone Stars facility) is looking for experienced teachers and aides to work daylight full-time hours assisting with lesson planning, children’s activities, maintaining a clean environment, and ultimately caring for our children. The starting wage is $10. Health, dental, vision, etc. benefits available after a 90-day introductory period.

To apply, send your resume to thomaslearningacademy@gmail.com.

Lead Teacher: Young Toddlers

The YMCA Duquesne University Child Development Center is looking to hire an enthusiastic teacher for Young Toddlers at their new facility. This position includes writing lesson plans, mentoring assistant teachers, and meeting NAEYC and Keystone Stars standards.

To apply, email sdelucia@ymcapgh.org or complete the application on Indeed.

Assistant Group Supervisor

Sherk Heinolds Children Center is looking to hire full-time and part-time Assistant Group Supervisors. This position will work until 6 p.m. To apply, email TheChildrensCenterofWestView@yahoo.com.

Business Manager

Heritage Community Initiatives is looking to hire a Business Manager. This professional will be responsible for the business functions of both education programs and ensures parent billings, account receivables, and collections are completed weekly, accurately, and on time. The manager also maintains and updates the database for reconciling, analyzing, and tracking in parent tuition accounts, child care subsidies, and nutrition. Collaborates with education management to ensure that resources are prioritized for effective and efficient operations in both programs.

To apply, email your resume to nhill@heritageserves.org.

 

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Submit a Job Description

Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, April 6.

This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after April 6 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

 

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Search Additional Jobs

Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.