News

July 28, 2021

Child Care Programs Hiring in Pittsburgh

Are you looking for early childhood education (ECE) teaching jobs in Pittsburgh? View this week’s featured job descriptions from child care programs that are hiring in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

 


 

Teaching Jobs in Pittsburgh

Child Caregiver (Toddler Classroom)

The Franciscan Child Day Care Center in Pittsburgh is seeking a nurturing caregiver for toddlers ages 18 months to three years. Duties include managing each child’s needs and schedule; engaging in age-appropriate activities; following a set curriculum; and maintaining an ongoing dialog with parents. Must have experience in child care with references. The position is full-time and includes healthcare benefits and paid time off.

Assistant Group Supervisor

Wonder Of Learning Center is hiring an Assistant Group Supervisor to assist their Group Supervisor with long- and short-range activities in accordance with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice, and their program philosophy. Other duties include maintaining daily open communications with parents, confidentiality, and a safe and healthy environment. This professional must meet applicable licensing and clearance regulations by attending in-service, staff meetings, and all mandatory meetings.

Infant Teacher

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a full-time Teacher for its Infant Program to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children and to demonstrate leadership for team members in the classroom. Candidates with Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education (ECE), Child Development, or related degrees are preferred. Candidates without designated degrees should have a CDA credential or equivalent (12 credits in ECE or a related field) and two years of experience.

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a full-time assistant teacher for its Kindergarten Program to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children and to demonstrate leadership for team members in the classroom under the direction of the lead teacher. Candidates require a Pre-K-4 teaching certificate or a Private Academic School License.

Lead Two’s – Three’s Teacher

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a full-time Lead Teacher for its Two’s – Three’s Program to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children and to demonstrate leadership for team members in the classroom. Candidates with Early Childhood Education (ECE), Elementary Education, Child Development, or related degrees are preferred. Candidates without designated degrees should have a CDA credential or equivalent (12 credits in ECE or a related field) and two years of experience.

Child Care Teacher

Are you the difference-maker Li’l Tykes Daycare Center is in search of to help children ages six weeks to five years successfully grow and learn? Li’l Tykes is open Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. The position is full-time and applicants must be able to work varied, flexible shifts during operational hours. If you are a dependable, motivated, creative, caring hard worker with childcare education and experience, send Li’l Tykes your resume today!

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 have achieved a 4 STAR rating through the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS Quality Rating System.

    • Locations: Bethel Park, Cranberry, Green Tree, Hampton, Hermitage, Jefferson, Lower Burrell, McCandless, Meadowlands, Monroeville, Mt. Lebanon, Murrysville, New Castle, Robinson, Ross, Shadyside, Wexford, and Whitehall

 


 

Submit a Job

Each week, Trying Together highlights employer-submitted early childhood jobs on our website, social media, and newsletter.

All job descriptions submitted after August 3 will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included.

For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

 


 

Other Jobs in Early Childhood

See More Job Descriptions

For more teaching jobs in Pittsburgh, view our news posts from previous weeks:

ECE Hire

Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more.

Submit a Job to PACCA

Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org.

 


 

Receive Jobs in Your Inbox

To receive the latest job opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.

News

July 27, 2021

How Child Tax Credit Funds Can Support Your Child’s Future

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity is encouraging Pennsylvanians who receive money from the Child Tax Credit to consider investing some or all of those funds into their children’s PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts.

Invest in Your Child’s Future

Roughly $15 billion was sent in the first round of child tax credit monthly payments, which will reach 60 million eligible children nationwide. If your family received funds, consider investing some (or all) of those funds into your child’s PA 529 College and Career Savings account to support their future!

What are PA 529 accounts used for?

PA 529 accounts can be opened with as little as $10 and used to pay for tuition and eligible fees at:

    • four-year colleges,
    • community colleges,
    • career and technical schools,
    • trade programs, and
    • qualified apprenticeship programs.

Savings can also be used to pay for books, supplies, room and board, and more.

How will this impact my taxes?

PA 529 earnings are tax-exempt and remain tax-free when withdrawals are used for qualified educational expenses. Contributions are also PA state income tax-deductible, and account assets do not affect state financial aid eligibility.

How much do families receive in Child Tax Credits?

Eligible families receive payments of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 to 17. The payments start phasing out for married joint filers who earn $150,000 per year, head of household filers who earn $112,500, and all other filers who earn $75,000.

Contribute to a PA 529 Account

To learn how to open or contribute to a PA 529 account, visit pa529.com or call 800.440.4000.

More Information

To learn more about the Child Tax Credit, visit the IRS website. For more news, visit our News page.

News

Nutrition Tips from MyPlate Are Now Available on Alexa

Want to hear healthy eating tips on how to feed babies and toddlers based on their age? Just say “Alexa, enable the MyPlate skill” to enable MyPlate nutrition tips on your Alexa device!

MyPlate on Alexa

MyPlate on Alexa provides healthy eating tips for parents and caregivers on what and how to feed babies and toddlers based on their age (between four and 24 months, with older ages coming soon!). Parents and caregivers can receive science-based food and nutrition advice to set their children up for lifelong healthy eating habits.

Enable Nutrition Tips

To enable MyPlate, simply say “Alexa, enable the MyPlate skill” to your Alexa device, or click here and hit “Enable.” Once it is enabled, say “Alexa, open MyPlate” to your device or on the app!

Learn More

For more information, visit the MyPlate page. For more news, visit the Trying Together News page.

News

PPS Health and Safety Plan for 2021-22

The Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) Board of Directors/Trustees approved a Health and Safety Plan for the 2021-22 school year that details requirements on mask-wearing, social distancing, reporting positive COVID-19 cases, and more.

PPS Health and Safety Plan for 2021-22

The District’s proposed Health and Safety Plan for the 2021-22 school year details requirements related to mask use, social distancing, cleaning, and more. Continue reading below for an overview.

Health and Safety

    • Students and staff are asked to use a COVID-19 daily symptom self-screener for symptoms prior to reporting to work or school. Students and staff who experience symptoms are directed to stay home and follow up with their PCP for appropriate testing as necessary.
    • PPS currently requires all students and employees to wear a mask while inside a school district building with few exceptions.
    • Classrooms will be modified to allow at least three feet of social distancing between students and six feet between adults where feasible. Cohorts will be implemented when possible to limit exposure to large groups of students.
    • Staff and students will continue to receiving education on proper handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and personal hygiene routines. Signage of proper handwashing techniques is posted. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed in all high traffic areas of the buildings.
    • Supply and exhaust air systems will be flushed for a minimum of two hours before and after building use wherever possible. All “Cares Rooms” and main offices are equipped with an air purifier.
    • PPS staff will clean, sanitize, and disinfect daily. Custodians use a peroxide-based cleaner during the day to sanitize commonly touched points. Electrostatic sprayers are used in the evenings at various locations as needed. Each classroom is supplied with sanitizer wipes.
    • PPS will continue to host vaccination clinics and community clinics at their school buildings to ensure access to a COVID-19 vaccine.
    • The District continues to monitor recommendations from the CDD, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Reported Cases

    • PPS has installed “CARES” rooms in all school buildings to enable nurses to isolate a student or staff member who may be exhibiting symptoms.
    • PPS requires staff to report cases of COVID-19 and/or symptoms related to COVID-19, the locations they occurred at, and any close contacts.
    • PPS has a crisis team to manage COVID-19 cases reported in the District. The cross-functional team meets daily to review cases submitted on the PPS COVID-19 online reporting form.

Accommodations

    • The District conducts IEP meetings to address specific and unique needs that a student may have related to a safety requirement for COVID-19. PPS will be sensitive to the needs of students and staff with medical concerns.

Meals for Students

    • The food service department will maintain school-based free breakfast and lunch services, and is prepared to provide meals to students if circumstances change and the District moves to hybrid or remote learning.

Technology

    • Computers will continue to be available for use through in-person and/or remote instruction if needed for the 2021-22 school year.

Social, Emotional, and Mental Health

    • Students’ social, emotional, mental health, and other needs will continue to be monitored by classroom teachers, school social workers, school nurses, and other behavioral specialists.
    • Schools will use a Multi-Tiered System of Support and the Student Assistance Program (SAP) process to identify academic and social/emotional, mental health needs.

Read the Full Plan

For the full Pittsburgh Public Schools 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan, visit the District website. For more news, visit Trying Together’s News page.

News

July 26, 2021

CDA Program Available At No Cost to Eligible Professionals

Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? Check out our programs to get certified, renew your certification, and more!

What is a CDA Credential?

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 offers the following CDA programs at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania:

CDA Credential Preparation Program

    • 135 hours of professional development over the course of six to nine months.
    • Focused on practice knowledge and skills professionals need to become credentialled.
    • Matriculate up to nine course credits at Carlow University once you obtain your credential.

CDA Credential Community of Practice Program

    • Focused on the completion of the CDA Credential portfolio requirements and preparing for the CDA Credential exam.
    • Intended for professionals who completed the necessary requirements for a CDA Credential.
    • Explores the current theory, research, and best practices related to early childhood.

CDA Credential Renewal Program

    • Offers support to professionals who are interested in renewing their CDA Credentials.
    • Reviews current literature, strategies, materials, technology skills, and health and safety standards that are relevant to the early childhood field.

 


 

An Interview with Our CDA Instructors

To get a better understanding of Trying Together’s CDA programs, we conducted an interview with the former Director of Learning and Development Rachelle Duffy, in addition to Workforce Development Strategist Theresa Hetler and former Innovative Learning Strategist Mimi Loughead.

CDA Preparation Program Questions

How is the program structured?

At first, the program consisted of monthly face-to-face meetings. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we moved to a virtual format where professionals meet twice per month on Zoom to discuss face-to-face and complete online coursework through Schoology. All of our content is pulled directly from what the CDA Council suggests for the test.

How many hours are included?

While the CDA Council only requires 120 hours, we recognize that some professionals may experience barriers such as working full-time or care responsibilities that may impact their ability to attend class. Our program offers 135 hours, creating a buffer of 15 hours, to ensure professionals stay on track and meet their hour requirements.

Another reason we offer 135 hours is that it actually breaks down into the possibility of matriculating credit into higher education really well. You need to have 45 hours of training for one three-credit course in higher education. Participants can actually transfer the hours they complete in our program to complete three courses at higher education institutions like Carlow University.

What is the typical timeline?

About six to nine months.

What will participants learn?

Trying Together’s program covers a large range of topics including, but not limited to:

    • health and safety in the classroom;
    • observations and assessments;
    • cognitive, physical, language, and literacy development;
    • program and classroom management;
    • the process to become a program director or owner;
    • creating positive relationships with families; and
    • professionalism.

Participants learn how to manage a classroom, build a lesson plan, engage with young children, support every child’s learning, and new ideas they can implement into their program.

What makes the program different or special?

Our instructors get to know each participant individually and build the program around each person’s needs. We recognize that each professional has barriers in their life, whether that is working several jobs, care responsibilities, or other life circumstances. We build our program around what each person needs to succeed.

Our instructors review every participant’s prior coursework, transcripts, experience, and training to make sure they receive hours for things they already completed rather than repeating those courses. This helps professionals meet that 135-hour requirement. We also offer support through the entire process from day one to completing their portfolio, scheduling observations, and taking their test. Not all programs do that.

We also have connections with many organizations in the early childhood field. Through our programs, professionals can access opportunities such as the Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship, UnConferences, community events, and more.

What is provided?

    • Books and coursework from the CDA Council.
    • Information on upcoming professional development sessions and online materials.
    • Technical support and training on how to access and use the online tools and resources we provide.
    • We lend and technology out to participants who need it. If you are unable to purchase a CDA book, or if you do not have a computer at home, we can personally deliver these materials to you and provide a tutorial on how to use the computer if needed.
    • Helpful articles, videos, and other resources that can enhance your practice.
    • Discussion opportunities with other professionals in the field. Professionals can talk with each other about issues they are experiencing and brainstorm solutions.

General Questions

What are the benefits of having a CDA Credential?

    • Often recognized as the first step a professional can take to begin their journey on Pennsylvania’s formalized Career Lattice and is a great place to start in terms of personal growth and development.
    • If you are worried about higher education being overwhelming, this is a great opportunity to ease into it and get acquainted with the education process, while still receiving a credential.

What do the programs do?

Our programs support early learning professionals in building their knowledge/skillsets, gaining confidence in the classroom, and advancing their careers in the field. We want to ensure that every professional feels confident and comfortable in seeking out and applying for education opportunities, including those offered at higher education institutions, after the program as well.

What inspired the creation of these programs?

Trying Together wanted to have community-based CDA programs that meet the needs of individuals and professionals of all ages who may or may not have experience in higher education. This credential is often thought of as the first stepping stone into either high-paying jobs and/or a credentialing system that involves a degree, and we wanted to make that accessible.

What has the community response been? Are a lot of people participating?

We received a rapid increase in community response, so much to the point where we are receiving applicants from individuals inside and outside of Pennsylvania. To account for this, we had to split up our applicants into several cohorts throughout the year to make sure every eligible professional receives the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Our average cohort size is about 25 to 30 students. Even while a cohort is actively running, we have had Directors reach out to us to ask if additional staff members can join.

What is the Professional Development Organization?

The Professional Development Organization (PDO) is a grant-funded education collaboration among four universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and numerous partner universities, colleges, and community programs across the state to advance career pathways of the early childhood workforce.

    • The PDO covers tuition, expenses, and other supports to help eligible early childhood educators earn credit-bearing Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials, Associate’s Degrees, and Bachelor’s Degrees.

 


 

More Information

For more information, visit our CDA Credential page. To ask a question about our programs, contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org or Lindsey Vicoria at lindseyv@tryingtogether.org. For eligibility questions, contact Judy Graca at judy@tryingtogether.org.

News

July 23, 2021

Carnegie Library Resumes In-Person Services

All Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations are open at full capacity with no time restrictions. Curbside pickup and virtual services are still available.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh In-Person Services

In July, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh resumed in-person services at full capacity at their locations across Pittsburgh. Here is what you can expect when visiting:

    • Expanded hours (including Mondays) and some additional morning and evening hours.
    • Capacity has returned to 100 percent.
    • Masks are no longer required for vaccinated staff or visitors. Children ages two to 12 years old and other vaccinated patrons should continue to wear masks while visiting.
    • Computer use time is unlimited unless others are waiting.
    • Laptop lending has returned and personal device use is permitted.
    • The return of furniture to help you relax, read, and work.
    • Meeting room spaces are not reservable or available for closed-door use.
    • In-person programming is still limited.
    • The Pennsylvania Department at the main location is currently not open for in-person visits.

COVID-19 Considerations

If you or a member of your household have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, feel sick (even if your symptoms are mild), or have been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days, reschedule your visit to a later date. Carnegie Library offers a variety of digital materials, resources, and programming that are available 24/7. Curbside and virtual services are still available.

More Information

For more information, visit the Carnegie Library website or contact them via call, chat, or text:

    • Call: 412.622.3114
    • Text: 412.775.3900
    • Chat: Click the “How can we help?” icon on their website.

For more news, visit Trying Together’s News page.

News

Carnegie Library’s 2021 Best Books for Babies

Are you looking for books to read your baby? Check out the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 2021 Best Books for Babies list!

2021 Best Books for Babies

Created by a panel of local librarians and child development experts, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s annual Best Books for Babies list is a nationally recognized guide assisting parents, teachers, and caregivers in selecting quality materials to share with their babies. The selected books will delight and engage babies ages birth to 18 months and the adults who care for them. The 2021 list includes:

    • an innovative fold-out board book,
    • books with fun movable features,
    • stories about young families,
    • familiar songs and rhymes,
    • and more!

View the List: To view the list, visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s website.

Where to Find Them

Pick up one or more of these books at a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch near you. In addition to spending some cozy time together, you will prepare your baby’s brain to learn and grow!

For more news, visit Trying Together’s News page.

News

July 22, 2021

ECE Programs Hiring in Greater Pittsburgh Area

Are you looking for early childhood education (ECE) teaching jobs in Pittsburgh? View this week’s featured job descriptions from early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

 


 

Teaching Jobs in Pittsburgh

Teacher – Toddler, Infant, Resource

Bright Horizons is looking to hire teachers for their locations in Oakland, North Shore, Downtown, South Side, McCandless, and Murrysville. Hired teachers will have the opportunity to earn an ECE college degree for free!

Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher

Riverview Children’s Center is looking to hire a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher who will be responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. An active PA Teaching Certification is required.

Toddler Teacher Assistant

Riverview Children’s Center is looking to hire a full-time, year-round Toddler Teacher Assistant to work alongside their Toddler Teacher in their NAEYC-accredited, STAR 4 Older Toddler classroom. Applicants should have a CDA or be CDA ready. Two years of experience is strongly preferred. Pay Rate: $12 per hour.

Assistant Teacher

Lightbridge Academy Hampton Township is looking to hire an Assistant Teacher to assist their Lead Teacher in implementing curriculum, lesson plans, and educational activities; maintain a well-kept classroom; and ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of children.

After School Program Supervisor

St. Paul’s Kidz Korner is looking to hire an After School Program Supervisor to manage their school-aged after-school program, create weekly lesson plans, manage after-school assistant teachers, supervise children, and ensure all licensing requirements are met and that children are safe at all times.

Preschool Teacher

Heart Prints Center for Early Education is looking for high-quality Preschool Teachers. Part-time and full-time teaching positions are available.

 


 

Submit a Job

Each week, Trying Together highlights employer-submitted early childhood jobs on our website, social media, and newsletter.

All job descriptions submitted after July 27 will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included.

For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

 


 

Other Jobs in Early Childhood

See More Job Descriptions

For more teaching jobs in Pittsburgh, view our news posts from previous weeks:

ECE Hire

Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more.

Submit a Job to PACCA

Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org.

 


 

Receive Jobs in Your Inbox

To receive the latest job opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.

News

July 20, 2021

Yale Child Care Survey Offers Chance to Win $500

The Yale School of Medicine is awarding $500 Visa cards to 20 early learning professionals who complete their COVID Child Care Survey, which aims to ensure ECE voices are heard by policymakers who make decisions on child care.

Yale Child Care Survey

The Yale School of Medicine has partnered with the National Workforce Registry Alliance to launch their second COVID Child Care Study to ensure that the voices of early childhood professionals are heard by policy leaders who make health and economic decisions regarding child care. Results of their first study were used to share policy recommendations to:

    • help keep you and the children in your care safe,
    • provide financial and other supports for child care programs and professionals, and
    • make sure the voices of child care professionals were heard by policymakers.

As a special thank you, 20 survey participants will win a $500 Visa card. All survey respondents will be invited to option information sessions where survey results will be shared.

Complete the Survey

For a chance to win, complete the online survey. The survey is voluntary, confidential, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For more news, visit our News page.

Share Your Research Study or Survey

Are you looking to collect information from early childhood professionals, families, or other adults who interact with young children? Submit our Research Submission Form to have your opportunity highlighted on Trying Together’s website, social media channels, and newsletter.

News

Live Demo of New Keystone STARS Designation System

Child care directors, administrators, and owners in Pennsylvania are invited to a live demonstration of the new Keystone STARS pre-designation and designation applications. Join the PD Registry on July 28 to learn how to navigate the new process and more.

Keystone STARS Designation System

On July 28, the PD Registry team is hosting a live demonstration of the new Keystone STARS pre-designation and designation applications for child care directors, administrators, and owners in Pennsylvania. The new applications will officially launch on October 1, 2021 and will streamline the designation process for providers.

A demonstration recording will be available on the Pennsylvania Key website. In-depth training on how to apply for Keystone STARS designation in the PD Registry will be available in August 2021.

Live Demonstration Dates

For Center-Based Child Care Programs

    • Wednesday, July 28, 2021  |  1 – 2 p.m.  |  Register

For Family and Group Child Care Programs

    • Wednesday, July 28, 2021  |  6:30 – 7 p.m.  |  Register

Other Ways to Prepare

Other ways directors, administrators, and owners can prepare for this transition include:

    • applying for placement on Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Career Pathway;
    • assisting staff in completing their PD Registry profile and applying for Career Pathway placement; and
    • claiming their organization profile for their program.

The Pennsylvania Key offers tip sheets and video tutorials on how to complete these steps and more. For more events, visit our Events Calendar.