Is your family looking to learn about bike safety? Join the City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) on June 12 for their “Youth Bike Safety Day!”

 

Youth Bike Safety Day

The Youth Bike Safety event will include:

• • safety demonstrations,
• • helmet giveaways,
• • bicycle activities, and
• • information about youth summer programs!

Event Details

• • When: Saturday, June 12, 2021  |  11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• • Where: Bud Harris Cycling Track (1401 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206)

Safe Routes to School Program

The Safe Routes to School program seeks to increase the number of students who bike or walk to school and summer activities through education, encouragement, and safety improvements in Pittsburgh. The program:

• • educates school-age children in safe walking and biking,
• • provides engineering improvements around schools (crosswalks, signage, sidewalks), and
• • engages with community members and organizations.

To learn more, visit their program webpage.

More Information

For more information about the event, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

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Are you interested in gaining clarity, wisdom, and guidance from another mama? Apply for Brown Mamas’ 12-week Grow Mama Mentoring program!

 

Grow Mama Mentoring Program

Guided by the Brown Mama Mindset Curriculum, Brown Mamas is launching a 12-week mentoring cohort of 10 mothers and five mentors in Pittsburgh. The cohort will focus on:

• • emotional and mental wellness,
• • resource acquisition and developing support systems,
• • strengthening parental bonds,
• • strengthening male-female alliances,
• • homelife management and balance, and
• • developing cultural awareness and habits that support wellness.

 

What Will Mentees Recieve?

Mothers who participate will receive:

• • a mentor for 12-weeks,
• • a $300 stipend,
• • a copy of the Brown Mama Mindset book, workbook, journal, and Mind Check Deck,
• • a chance to work toward self-mastery, and
• • a chance to generate future income by creating an online course through the GrowMamaGrow Online Learning Hub.

Eligibility

Mothers who are eligible are:

• • working mothers,
• • mothers who are able to make a weekly commitment to doing the course work,
• • mothers who live in the City of Pittsburgh,
• • mothers who make less than $35,000 per year, and
• • mothers who are working toward a goal they would like help accomplishing.

Apply for the Program

To apply, visit the Brown Mamas website. For questions, contact hello@brownmamas.org.

 

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The University of Pittsburgh’s Career Center and Community Engagement Center are offering two rounds of The Tools to Advance Your Job Search workshops in June and July. Space is limited.

 

About

Are you looking for a new job or considering a career change? The staff from Pitt’s Career Center is here to help! These workshops will cover resumes, cover letters, networking tips, and job search information. Plus, participants will get tips on how to apply for a job at the University of Pittsburgh!

All workshops will be recorded and shared with participants. You will also receive an opportunity to meet with a Pitt Career Consultant with a one-to-one virtual appointment.

 

What Do Participants Receive?

Participants who complete the workshop and post-workshop survey will receive:

• • a certificate of completion,
  • a complimentary padfolio, and
  • professional attire (up to $300).

Workshop Dates

Round One

• • June 14 and June 17, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Round Two

• • July 12 and July 15, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Registration

Space is limited. To register, complete the online registration form!

Know someone who has had a positive impact on young children’s mental health and well-being? Nominate them to receive an award through ZERO TO THREE’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Emerging Leadership Awards.

 

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Emerging Leadership Awards recognizes early- and mid-career professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of IECMH. Awards are given out in the following areas: Practice, Policy, and Research.

 

What Do Award Recipients Receive?

• • A monetary award of $1,000.
• • A one-year membership to ZERO TO THREE.
• • Registration to the Virtual ZERO TO THREE Annual Conference 2021.
• • Opportunity to highlight their work as a panel presenter at the 2021 Annual Conference.
• • Opportunities to have their leadership efforts highlighted through ZERO TO THREE’s platforms, including webinar presentations, Fellowship presentations, articles appearing in the ZERO TO THREE Journal, and acknowledgment of their award on the ZERO TO THREE website.

Nominee Requirements

• • Must be an early- to mid-career professional who has made significant contributions to the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) field.
• • Must be involved in IECMH for no less than five years and no more than 15 years.
• • Nominations and self-nominations welcomed.

Nominate Someone

To nominate someone and learn more, visit the nomination form webpage. Nominations must be submitted by June 14, 2021.

Ask a Question

For questions about the form, contact Lynette Aytch at laytch@zerotothree.org. To learn more, visit the nomination webpage.

Are you looking to enter the early learning field? View this week’s featured job descriptions from programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

 

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Featured Jobs

 

Preschool Teacher

Bright Horizons is hiring a full-time Preschool Teacher position at The O’Brien Family Center at PNC, a backup center located in downtown Pittsburgh. This position offers a hiring bonus, competitive pay, and benefits (including medical, dental, 401k, paid time off, flexible schedules, tuition reimbursement, and free ECE degrees).

• • Apply: To apply, complete the online application.
  • Location: 500 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Toddler Teacher

McKeesport Child Development Center is looking to hire a loving, caring Toddler Teacher who has a strong knowledge and understanding of child development.

• • Apply: To apply, email info@mcdcchildcare.com.
  • Location: 520 5th Ave, McKeesport, PA 15132

Early Childhood Teacher

Tender Care Learning Centers is seeking early childhood professionals to teach in their early childhood programs throughout the Pittsburgh area. Their schools are NAEYC Accredited and achieved a 4 STAR rating through the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS Quality Rating System.

• • Apply: To apply, email hiorio@earlyeducationpros.org or complete an online application.
  • Location: Multiple locations in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

Lead Preschool Teacher

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a full-time Lead Teacher for its Preschool Program to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children and to demonstrate leadership for team members in the classroom. Candidates must have an Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or related degree with certification in education.

• • Apply: To apply, email a cover letter and resume to chcc@carriagehouse.org, attn. Debbie Welch.
  • Location: 5604 Solway St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

 

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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. We share these posts on our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, June 1.

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 June 1 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, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

In recognition of their nine-part video education series Ready. Set. Home!, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh’s Pediatric Specialty Hospital received a national award from the Society of Pediatric Nurses.

 

Ready. Set. Home.

Ready. Set. Home. is a nine-part video education series that teaches families how to care for a medically fragile child at home. The Pediatric Specialty Hospital designed the series to reinforce the teaching its nurses provide to families as their children transition from hospital care to home. The videos demonstrate and cover everyday tasks, such as:

• • caring for a central line,
  • changing a tracheostomy tube,
  • nesting with your child,
  • packing your kid kart,
  • traveling with medical equipment, and
  • troubleshooting tracheostomy emergencies.

The videos will be shown to families in patient rooms at the Pediatric Specialty Hospital and will be available on The Children’s Home website by June 2021. A companion binder is in production.

About the Pediatric Specialty Hospital

Originally founded in 1984, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh’s Pediatric Specialty Hospital provides family-centered care to patients up to age 21 in a home-like atmosphere. It is the only hospital of its kind in Pennsylvania and acts as a transitional setting to bridge between hospital and home for infants, children, and their families.

The hospital includes four units, for a total of 30 available beds, and supports families through education, nesting, the Lemieux Family Center, amenities, and discharge planning.

 

Their Hospital Team

Their team consists of Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, Pediatric Development Specialists, Discharge Case Managers, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Patient Care Technicians. Families are also seen as an integral part of the caregiving team and are encouraged to participate whenever possible.

Financial Help

All hospital patients accepted for treatment receive care whether or not they or their families can pay for it. If the patient has insurance, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh bills the insurance plan and other organizations that pay health costs. The hospital does not try to collect any unpaid money from patients or families. All patients are automatically qualified for this financial assistance.

More Information

For more information, read this article from Kidsburgh.

Fire safety requirements for certified child care facilities, group child care homes, and family child care homes were revised in 2020. Learn what changes were made.

 

Fire Safety Requirements

A recent announcement release from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL, Bureau of Certification, and Bureau of Policy and Professional Development lists the revised changes to fire safety requirements for certified child care facilities in Pennsylvania. These revisions apply to:

• • certified family child care homes,
  • certified group child care homes (operating in a residence),
  • certified child care centers (including those located in a school building), and
  • group child care (not operating in a residence).

 

Certified Family Child Care Homes

Certified family child care homes in Pennsylvania must:

• • manually test all fire detection devices or systems at least once every 30 days, demonstrating that the system is operable, and maintain a written record of the testing with the facility’s fire drill logs.

If the fire detection device or system cannot be tested monthly, the facility must:

• • have the device or system tested annually by a fire safety professional,
  • obtain written documentation of the annual test results demonstrating the system is operable, on the Fire Safety Professional’s letterhead, and
  • maintain written documentation of annual tests with the facility’s fire drill logs.

Family child care homes with interconnected smoke detection devices must:

• • maintain, with their fire drill logs, proof of purchase, including the date of purchase of the interconnected fire detection device or system,
  • have a smoke detector on each floor and in the basement,
  • ensure that smoke detectors powered by a non-replaceable lithium battery meets applicable Underwriters Laboratory standards and have a minimum 10-year limited warranty commencing with the date of purchase,
  • ensure the alarm is audible to individuals in the indoor child care space with all intervening doors closed,
  • have an operable, portable fire extinguisher rated for Class B Fires in the kitchen and other cooking areas, and
  • meet the existing requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290 (family child care homes) and 34 Pa. Code Chapter 56 (small group habitation).

Family child care homes non-interconnected smoke detection devices must:

• • have a smoke detector on each floor and in the basement,
  • ensure that smoke detectors powered by a non-replaceable lithium battery meets applicable Underwriters Laboratory standards and have a minimum 10-year limited warranty commencing with the date of purchase,
  • ensure the alarm is audible to individuals in the indoor child care space with all intervening doors closed,
  • maintain, with their fire drill logs, proof of purchase, including the date of purchase of the interconnected fire detection device or system,
  • have an operable, portable fire extinguisher rated for Class B Fires in the kitchen and other cooking areas, and
  • meet the existing requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290 (family child care homes) and 34 Pa. Code Chapter 56 (small group habitation).

Certified Group Child Care Homes (Operating in a Residence)

Certified group child care homes (operating in a residence) must:

• • manually test all fire detection devices or systems at least once every 30 days, demonstrating that the system is operable, and maintain a written record of the testing with the facility’s fire drill logs.

If the fire detection device or system cannot be tested monthly, the facility must:

• • have an interconnected fire detection device or system,
  • maintain, with their fire drill logs, proof of purchase, including the date of purchase of the interconnected fire detection device or system,
  • have the device or system tested annually by a fire safety professional,
  • obtain written documentation of the annual test results demonstrating the system is operable, on the Fire Safety Professional’s letterhead,
  • maintain written documentation of annual tests with the facility’s fire drill logs,
  • have an operable, portable fire extinguisher rated for Class B Fires in the kitchen and other cooking areas, and
  • meet the exiting requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3280 (group child care homes) and 34 Pa. Code Ch. 56 (small group habitation).

Certified Child Care Centers and Group Child Care

Certified child care centers (including those operating in school buildings) and group child care facilities (not operating in a residence) must:

• • manually test all fire detection devices or systems at least once every 30 days, demonstrating that the system is operable, and maintain a written record of the testing with the facility’s fire drill logs.

If the fire detection device or system cannot be tested monthly, the facility must:

• • have a fire detection device or system that is operable and properly maintained at all times in compliance with the act of April 27, 1927, referred to as the “Fire and Panic Act,” the act of November 10, 1999, known as the “Pennsylvania Construction Code Act,” and applicable regulations,
  • have the device or system tested annually by a fire safety professional,
  • maintain, with their fire drill logs, proof of purchase, including the date of purchase of the interconnected fire detection device or system,
  • obtain written documentation of the annual test results demonstrating the system is operable, on the Fire Safety Professional’s letterhead,
  • have a valid certificate of occupancy, and
  • maintain proof of purchase of an interconnected fire detection device or system (where applicable), in accordance with 62 P.S. 1016(c)(3).

View the Announcement

For full details, please read Announcement C-21-02 Act 62 of 2020: Fire Safety Requirements for Certified Child Care Facilities.

Energy Innovation Center Institute is recruiting for the Patient Care Technician Paid Training Program with UPMC. Upon completion of the program, participants will be considered for part-time and full-time positions at UPMC.

 

Patient Care Technician Training Program

Patient Care Technicians provide routine patient care and services to assure that the highest degree of quality patient care can be maintained. Paid training sessions will be hosted for four weeks, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will receive instruction in:

• • how to assist with activities of daily life,
  • patient hygiene and comfort, and
  • how to obtain and record blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I & O, and specimen collections.

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and:

• • have a high school diploma or GED,
  • possess general computer skills, and
  • pass a background check*.

*Other conditions may apply.

Join the Program

To learn more or apply for the program, contact 412.482.3365 or gwhite@eicpittsburgh.org.

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Wilkinsburg, get your walking shoes ready! Healthy Babies Zone Wilkinsburg and American Heart Association have teamed up to bring a WalkWorks walking path to YOU.

 

Wilkinsburg Walking Path

WalkWorks is a network of fun, fact-filled walking routes and groups across Pennsylvania. Routes for this project will:

• • be located in Wilkinsburg,
• • be between one to two miles,
• • be accessible to all ages and abilities,
• • start and finish at the same time,
• • include accessible parking,
• • include safe speed limits and crossings, and
• • highlight neighborhood points of interest along the way!

Help Them Decide the Path

Do you have recommendations for where the walking path should be located? Complete this survey to share your idea with the project organizers!

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Gwen’s Girls launched a Virtual Summer Camp that offers a number of events for children, including Mad Scientist, Introduction to Chinese Culture, Spanish for Beginners, Women in STEM, Minecraft, and more! All sessions begin on June 14, 2021.

 

Virtual Summer Camp Activities

The Virtual Summer Camp includes activities for children of all ages, including:

 

Session 1: June 14 – 25, 2021  (Choice of 1)

Sessions require a tablet/computer, webcam, and stable internet connection with access to Zoom.

Chess

When: 3 – 4 p.m.
Ages: 9 – 13 years old

No previous experience required. Students will play against one another online and against the computer to build their skills. Students who complete the program will receive a chess set and have the option of participating in a chess club that will meet weekly.

Register for Chess.

Mad Scientist

When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8+ years old

Includes eight hands-on, DIY science experiments such as making a lava lamp, growing bacteria, rock candy, and much more. Your child will unlock the inner “Mad Scientist” within using household materials.

Register for Mad Scientist.

Arts & Crafts

When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 12 years old

Participants will use their imaginations as they “Go Around the World in 10 Days” on virtual tours. Gwen’s Girls will incorporate art and music as they explore different cultures using the Nearpod lessons platform.

Additional Materials: Google Cardboard VR Goggles

Register for Arts & Crafts.

Minecraft

When: 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 10 years old

Participants will engage in one of the most popular online games. Your child will gain experience game-designing through creating their own virtual world. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are a must for this experience.

Additional Requirements: Mac or Windows PC, Minecraft Java Edition

Register for Minecraft.

Introduction to Chinese Culture: Learn to Speak Mandarin

When: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 10+ years old

This is a two-part virtual course for students to learn about language and culture in China.

• • First Part: Focused on learning introductions and goodbyes in Mandarin Chinese. Beginner-friendly.
• • Second Part: Grounded in a traditional component of Chinese culture – calligraphy. Combines purely visual art and the interpretation of the literary meaning.

Additional Materials: Paint brushes, black ink (or black water paint), and paper.

Register for Introduction to Chinese Culture.

Spanish for Beginners: Introduction to Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture

When: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 10 years old

This is a virtual course for students to explore foundational Spanish language concepts and begin to strengthen their vocabulary, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Elements of Hispanic culture will be incorporated, covering information from Spanish-speaking countries. Includes hands-on activities, videos, PowerPoints, and interactive games.

Additional Materials: Notebook, something to write with, colored pencils, crayons, or markers, and a deck of index cards.

Register for Spanish for Beginners.

 

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Session 2: July 12 – 23, 2021  (Choice of 1)

Sessions require a tablet/computer, webcam, and stable internet connection with access to Zoom.

Virtual Fitness / Dance Class

When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: All Ages

“Rock out” to the latest hits and learn modern dance moves combined with fitness routines. Let your young dancer move and express themselves while engaging in a healthy activity.

Additional Materials: Sneakers, loose-fitting clothing, and adequate space to dance.

Register for Virtual Fitness / Dance Class.

Minecraft

When: 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 10 years old

Participants will engage in one of the most popular online games. Your child will gain experience game-designing through creating their own virtual world. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are a must for this experience.

Additional Requirements: Mac or Windows PC, Minecraft Java Edition

Register for Minecraft.

Women in STEM

When: 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 14 – 18 years old

Learn, analyze, and understand more about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields with respect to the various critical discoveries that have been made by women, and particularly Black women and women of color.

Additional Requirements: Mac or Windows PC, Minecraft Java Edition

Register for Women in STEM.

Arts & Crafts

When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 12 years old

Participants will use their imaginations as they “Go Around the World in 10 Days” on virtual tours. Gwen’s Girls will incorporate art and music as they explore different cultures using the Nearpod lessons platform.

Additional Materials: Google Cardboard VR Goggles

Register for Arts & Crafts.

 

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Session 3: July 26 – August 6, 2021  (Choice of 1)

Sessions require a tablet/computer, webcam, and stable internet connection with access to Zoom.

Mad Scientist

When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8+ years old

Includes eight hands-on, DIY science experiments such as making a lava lamp, growing bacteria, rock candy, and much more. Your child will unlock the inner “Mad Scientist” within using household materials.

Register for Mad Scientist.

Arts & Crafts

When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 12 years old

Participants will use their imaginations as they “Go Around the World in 10 Days” on virtual tours. Gwen’s Girls will incorporate art and music as they explore different cultures using the Nearpod lessons platform.

Additional Materials: Google Cardboard VR Goggles

Register for Arts & Crafts.

Just Dance

When: 1 – 2 p.m.  |  One Hour Session
Ages: 8 – 12 years old

This series will outline the foundations, dance techniques, and fundamental history of dance genres including Ballet, Jazz, World Dance, and Musical Theatre. Sessions will include dance vocabulary, technique, and choreography.

Additional Materials: Sneakers, loose-fitting clothing, and adequate space to dance.

Register for Just Dance.

 

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Gwen’s Girls: Other Activities

Pokemon Club

Thursdays, 3 – 4 p.m.
Grades: 4th – 8th

Students play the Pokemon Trading Card Game while developing math (multiplication, addition, subtraction), sportsmanship, planning, communication, and reading skills.

Requirements: A tablet or computer, webcam, and stable internet connection with access to Zoom.

Register for Pokemon Club.

Summer Grade Level Academic Session

June 14 – August 6, 2021

• • Grades K – 5: Includes small group grade-level academic sessions in reading and math designed to keep students’ skills sharp throughout the summer.
• • Grades 6 – 12: Includes small-group or individual grade-level academic sessions in reading, math, science, and writing designed to work on core skills.

Register for Summer Grade Level Academic Sessions.

Information provided by Gwen’s Girls.