July 20, 2021 Paid Training: Environmental Services Associate Interested in being considered for a part-time or full-time Environmental Services Associate position at UPMC? Complete the paid training program! Environmental Services Associate Paid Training The Environmental Services Associate Paid Training Program seeks to prepare program participants to obtain jobs with sustainable compensation and avenues for career path growth. The program includes: training on how to clean all aspects of a hospital to meet required safety standards, and training on how to promote the quality of care that is given to all patients and patient families. This opportunity is provided by the Energy Innovation Center Institute. Program Details The program is now recruiting for a September class. Classes start in September 2021. Five weeks of classroom and hands-on training. Classes are held Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants are paid $15 per hour during the training program. Upon successful completion, participants will be considered for part-time and full-time positions with UPMC. More Information For more information, contact dstreepy@eicpittsburgh.org or 412.482.3365. Share this flyer with your network.
July 19, 2021 FEC Program Helps Pittsburghers Reduce Debt and Save Money If you are looking to reduce your debt, save money, or tackle a financial challenge, the Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center can help! Reduce Your Debt and Save Money The Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) provides free personal financial management support to any Pittsburgher over the age of 18 through free, one-on-one financial counseling sessions. These sessions help participants: tackle financial challenges, reduce debt, increase savings, navigate complex systems, and make concrete plans to achieve long-term goals. Since the program’s launch in March 2019, FEC financial counselors have provided financial management support to over 1,000 people in support of their personalized financial goals. Financial Counseling Sessions To register for financial counseling, visit the Pittsburgh FEC website or follow them on Facebook. More Information The Pittsburgh FEC is a free public service provided in partnership between the City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office of Equity, Neighborhood Allies, Advantage Credit Counseling Service, and Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. For more information, contact henry.horn-pyatt@pittsburghpa.gov or call 412.255.2626. For more news, visit our News page.
Relationships are the Heart of Early Childhood Education The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and The Pennsylvania Key are offering a four-part virtual training series called “Relationships are the Heart of Early Childhood Education” for infant-toddler educators and supervisors. Relationships are the Heart of ECE The “Relationships are the Heart of Early Childhood Education” series is delivered virtually over four weeks to infant-toddler educators and supervisors in Early Childhood Education (ECE) settings. Participating professionals will learn about responsive teacher-child interactions that support babies and toddlers, as well as their parents/caregivers, in healing the trauma experienced due to COVID-19. Session Topics This series is being offered in a cohort model. Participants must attend all four sessions in their chosen cohort. Session 1: Building Warm, Positive, and Nurturing Relationships Session 2: Providing Responsive Caregiving Session 3: Supporting Emotional Expression and Regulation Session 4: Guiding Behavior Apply to a Cohort There are two cohorts available, with training dates on September 23, October 7, October 14, and October 21, 2021. Cohort 1 will meet from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cohort 2 will meet from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Apply: To apply, complete the online fillable application. All applications must be sent to brafox@pakeys.org with Relationships Cohort in the subject line by August 6, 2021. Selected applicants will be notified by August 20, 2021. For more news, visit our News page.
July 15, 2021 Mini-Grants Available for Child Care Providers The Pennsylvania Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (PA NAPSACC) program is offering $500 mini-grants to child care providers in Pennsylvania for projects focused on children’s health. PA NAPSCACC Mini-Grants PA NAPSACC, a continuous quality improvement process focused on obesity prevention practices and policies within early care and education settings, is offering $500 mini-grants to child care providers in Pennsylvania to support projects focused on childhood health. Participating programs will: utilize an online tool called GO NAPSACC to complete self-assessments, action plan, implement actions, develop policies, and reflect; receive guidance from a Child Care Health Consultant who will review the program’s current practices and policies, assist with developing sustainable policies, and offer guidance for continuous quality improvement; participate in online TA networks focused on policy development; and have access to individualized technical assistance to increase knowledge and improve the quality of practice and policies. Apply for a Mini-Grant To apply, complete the online application by September 3, 2021. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by September 21, 2021. For more information, view this document. Timeline September 3 – Applications are due. September 21 – Notification of acceptance. Week of October 4 – Orientation and Kick Off. 8 months to implement your project. June 2020 – Reflections & Wrap Up. How does this apply to performance standards? For STAR 3 and STAR 4 programs (and STAR 2 programs moving to STAR 3), participation in all parts of this program satisfies the performance standards and/or bonus point requirements related to: utilizing a health care consultant to establish and maintain health policies above those required by certification, and participating in an organized effort to promote nutritional health for children. More Information For questions, contact Lori McMonigal, Coordinator for Special Projects – Tuscarora Intermediate Unit, at 717.248.4942 x 112 or lmcmonigal@tiu11.org. For more news, visit our News page.
ECE Teaching Jobs in Pittsburgh 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 Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh is looking to hire an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher. This professional will create loving environments for infants and toddlers, teach social-emotional skills, and allow children to be inquisitive and learn through experiences. Apply: To apply, email your resume to rpohuly@hillelpgh.org. Location: 5685 Beacon St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Early Childhood Teacher Providence Connections, Inc. is looking to hire an Early Childhood Teacher who will oversee their daily program for children, coordinate daily activities, and supervise the classroom. This professional is responsible for supervising the participation of the Assistant Group Supervisor/Aide and engaging the AGS in planning and implementation. Hours may vary to support the needs of the program. Apply: To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Leslie White at lwhite@providenceconnections.org. Location: 3113 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Lead Teacher Angels’ Place, a nonprofit family support agency that serves single full-time student and working parents and their children, is seeking full-time Early Childhood Education Lead Teachers for their STAR 4, NAEYC accredited center in Swissvale. Ideal candidates would have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and experience working with families facing at-risk challenges. Apply: To apply, send a cover letter and resume to angelsplacepittsburgh@gmail.com or complete an online application on their website. Location: 2538 Woodstock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Group Supervisors and Assistant Group Supervisors Metropolitan Preschool & Nursery is looking to hire Group Supervisors and Assistant Group Supervisors who will provide nurturing and exceptional quality programs to children and families. Apply: To apply, send your resume to info@pghchild.care. Location: 938 Penn Ave floor 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Assistant Toddler Teacher Blessed Assurance Christian Child Care, LLC is looking to hire a full-time Assistant Toddler Teacher to provide enthusiastic, nurturing care to toddlers at their Keystone STARS site in Braddock. Candidates must have a minimum of a CDA Credential with 2,500 documented hours of working with children. Apply: To apply, email your resume to blessedchildren1@verizon.net. Location: 230 3rd Ave, Rankin, PA 15104 Assistant Director Blessed Assurance Christian Child Care, LLC is looking to hire an Assistant Director. This professional will be responsible for assisting the Director with planning, managing, marketing, and directing the child care program. The Assistant Director will also maintain center paperwork, keep files, and perform other administrative duties as required. Apply: To apply, email your resume to blessedchildren1@verizon.net. Location: 230 3rd Ave, Rankin, PA 15104 Assistant Group Supervisor Fifth Avenue Family Child Care, a parent-led co-op housed on The Ellis School campus, is looking to hire a dynamic full-time Assistant Group Supervisor with experience working with infants to preschool-aged children. This professional will start in August 2021. Fifth Avenue Family Child Care values creativity, child-led exploration, patience, and building an inclusive community. Apply: To apply, email your resume to Leah Thompson at fifthavenuefamilychildcare@gmail.com. Location: Located in The Ellis School, 6425 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Group Supervisor YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is looking to hire a Group Supervisor to ensure the coordination of program quality (NAEYC and/or Keystone STARS requirements) for all age groups in the Children and Youth Development and Education Department. This professional should have demonstrated knowledge of PA Early Learning Standards, the PA Keystone STARS Program, and Environmental Rating Standards. Knowledge of NAEYC and PA DHS standards, regulations, and requirements preferred. Apply: To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Linda Broman at lbroman@ywcapgh.org. Location: 305 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Assistant Group Supervisor (Various Rooms) YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is looking to hire an Assistant Group Supervisor who will assist in the implementation of daily activities towards the goal of program quality (PA DHS Certification regulations, Keystone STARS criteria, and NAEYC accreditation requirements) for all groups in the Children and Youth Development and Education Department. This professional will work under the guidance of the Group Supervisor. Apply: To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Linda Broman at lbroman@ywcapgh.org. Location: 305 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Cook Heritage Community Initiatives is looking to hire a full-time Cook to perform a variety of duties within Heritage Nutrition Services. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Chef, the Cook will assist with prepping meals for nearly 700 children on a daily basis. The duties performed by the Cook are broad, flexible, and entry-level. Apply: To apply, send your resume to nhill@heritageserves.org. Location: 820 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA 15104 Submit a Job Each week, Trying Together highlights employer-submitted early childhood jobs on our website, social media, and newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, July 20. All job descriptions submitted after July 20 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: July 7 – July 14 July 1 – July 6 June 24 – June 30 June 17 – June 23 ECE Hire Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. 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July 13, 2021 Guidance for Keystone STARS During COVID-19 The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development provided updated information for licensed child care facilities and other early childhood education programs participating in Keystone STARS during COVID-19. Keystone STARS During COVID-19 According to the announcement, all policies and procedures identified in ELRC Announcement 20 #14 will continue until OCDEL issues a separate announcement rescinding this policy. The announcement provides information on: Designation protocols with virtual components, Keystone STARS paperwork renewals, and Professional Development tracking grids for teaching staff and non-instructional staff. More Information For details, see the latest announcement. For more news, visit our News page.
Join OpenStreetsPGH on July 25 for Outdoor Activities! OpenStreetsPGH is returning to Pittsburgh on Sunday, July 25 with a brand new mini-route in Hazelwood! You are invited to walk, run, bike, skate, roll, and dance down the road while enjoying fun activities, food from local vendors, and more! OpenStreetsPGH OpenStreetsPGH will open two miles of city streets in Hazelwood for a day of safe outdoor recreation! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants will enjoy: free fitness classes at a wellness hub, bike riding lessons at the kid’s hub, food from local vendors, and a variety of fun activities hosted by location organizations. Activities include art healing workshops, a kids bike obstacle course, electric bike demo rides, yoga classes, line dancing, DrumStix, interactive art exhibits, bike classes, and more! View the route, full schedule, and transportation details. Event Details Sunday, July 25, 2021 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hazelwood Green, 4501 Lytle Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15207 Volunteer OpenStreetsPGH is looking for volunteers to assist BikePGH staff as Kids Hub and Hype Volunteers. Kids Hub Volunteers assist BikePGH staff with an obstacle course, learn-to-ride area, and trike course for kids. These volunteers will also take turns standing at the entrance to encourage masking for participants entering the Kids Hub. Volunteer. Hype Volunteers stand at the entrance to Hazelwood Green with foam hands, bubbles, and signs to welcome people into the mini OpenStreetsPGH route. Volunteer. More Information For more information, visit the Open Streets website. This event is organized by Bike Pittsburgh, a nonprofit organization that works to transform Pittsburgh into a vibrant, healthy place that is accessible for everyone to bike and walk.
July 12, 2021 Child Tax Credit Payments Start in July U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-19) released information on how the expansion of the Child Tax Credit will impact constituents in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District. The IRS will begin distributing monthly payments to eligible households starting on Thursday, July 15. What are the benefits? Over 86 percent of children in Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District will benefit from the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit. The average benefit from the tax credit for almost 36,000 households is $2,800. Families with children in poverty will receive an average benefit of $4,500. Almost 7,500 children will be lifted out of poverty. This includes 4,500 children who are considered to be in “deep poverty” and 2,300 children under the age of six. How much are families eligible for? Families can receive up to $300/month per child, with a maximum total limit of $3,600 per child. Children aged five and under can receive a maximum of $3,600 and those between six and 17 years are eligible for a maximum of $3,000. Families with 18-year-old children and full-time college students ages 24 and under can receive a one-time payment of $500 per child. Who is eligible? The new child tax credit will benefit parents and guardians who: earn up to $75,000 for single filers, earn up to $112,000 for heads of household, or earn up to $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return. Benefits will be distributed to parents and guardians who filed their taxes in July 2021 and will last for one year. The Child Tax Credit will not affect Medicaid, SNAP/Food Stamps, TANF Cash Assistance, SSI, or other public benefits. What led to the expansion? The expansion of the child tax credit was made possible by the latest COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan Act. President Biden signed the bill into law on March 11, 2021. Over 27 million children across the United States will benefit from this expansion. Under the prior law, the child tax credit only offered up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17. What are advance payments? Families can receive up to 50 percent of their child tax credit before filing next year’s taxes. These advance payments will be made from July through December to all eligible taxpayers who have a main home in the United States for more than half of the year. Filing electronically with direct deposit can speed up advance child tax credit payments. Families will receive the remaining money when they file their taxes in 2022. What do families need to do? To see if you are eligible to receive these payments, use the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant. To change how/where your payments arrive, visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal. If you did not file a tax return in 2019 or 2020, use the Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool to trigger monthly payments. Only use the official tools at irs.gov to share your personal information. The IRS will distribute payments without charge and will never contact you via text or email. Read the Full Release For more information, view this document, read the full press release, or visit the IRS website. More information on advanced payments will be shared on the IRS website soon. For questions, contact Just Harvest at 412.431.8960 or taxhelp@justharvest.org.
Watch Family Movies in the Park this Summer! Presented by the City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events, Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park has returned for another summer season with movies including Frozen II, The Lion King, Raya and the Last Dragon, Jurassic Park, and more! Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park will screen free movies for all ages in Pittsburgh. Inclement weather may cause cancellations. Locations include: Schenley Plaza, Oakland Sundays, July 11 – August 22 McBride Park, Lincoln Place Mondays, July 5 & August 2 Chartiers Playground, Chartiers City Mondays, July 12 & August 9 Highland Park, Reservoir Drive Mondays, July 26 & August 23 West End Overlook, Elliott Tuesdays, July 6 – August 24 Schenley Park, Flagstaff Hill Wednesdays, July 7 – August 25 Brookline Memorial Park Thursdays, July 8 – August 26 Arsenal Park, Lawrenceville Fridays, July 9 – August 27 Grandview Park, Mt. Washington Saturdays, July 10 – August 28 Riverview Park, Observatory Hill Saturdays, July 10 – August 28 Featured Movies The following movies will be screened: Frozen II, Toy Story 4, Tom and Jerry, Sonic the Hedgehog, Raya and the Last Dragon, The Lion King, Pokemon Detective Pickachu, Spider-Man; Far from Home, Wonder Woman 1984, Jurassic Park, Jumanji The Next Level, Forrest Gump, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Avengers: Endgame, Monster Hunter, and Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero. View all locations and the full movie schedule. More Information For more information, follow the City of Pittsburgh’s Special Events Office on Facebook and Twitter, or call the Special Events hotline at 412.255.2493.
Get Help Paying Rent and Utilities The City of Pittsburgh received $7 million additional dollars for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist people impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis. If you need assistance paying rent or utilities, read this post to learn how to request emergency rental assistance. Emergency Rental Assistance Program In February, the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County established the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program in partnership with Action Housing and Dollar Energy after receiving federal funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The County originally received $27 million and the City $8.9 million in U.S. Treasury grants. An additional $7 million in grants will assist households having trouble paying rents and utilities related to the pandemic. What can the funding be used for? Assistance can last up to 12 months plus an additional three months, if necessary, to ensure housing stability. The grant funding can be used for: rent, rental arrears, utilities, utility arrears, and other housing expenses resulting from the pandemic for households meeting income criteria. Who qualifies for the program? Individuals in Allegheny County can apply if they are a renter living in a household with: at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income, or suffered financially due to COVID-19, at least one person who is at risk of experiencing homelessness if they do not get help, and/or a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County. Apply for the Program To apply for assistance paying rent, utilities, or other housing expenses related to the pandemic, visit the Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance page. Gather the following documents before you apply to streamline your application process: unemployment determination letter, lease agreement, utility bills, W2 forms, paystubs, or award letters, and social security numbers for everyone in your household. Ask a Question For questions about the program or eligiblity, contact ACTION-Housing at 412.248.0021 or rentalassistance@actionhousing.org. Include as many details as possible in your message.
