June 30, 2022 June Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of June recalls collected from the major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The FDA is warning parents, caregivers, and health care providers not to use neck floats with babies for water therapy interventions, especially with babies who have developmental delays or special needs, such as spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy. The use of these products can lead to death or serious injury. Richie House recalled children’s robes that fail to meet the flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. The Children’s Place recalled baby rompers because metal snaps on the rompers can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Aurohealth recalled Walgreens brand acetaminophen and Kroger brand acetaminophen due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirements, posing a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children. Sun Pharma recalled Kroger brand acetaminophen due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirements, posing a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children. Time-Cap Labs recalled Kroger brand aspirin and ibuprofen due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirements, posing a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children. Loulou Lollipop recalled children’s sleepwear that fail to meet the flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Times Tienda recalled children’s desks and chairs because surface paint on the desks and chairs contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard. The desks and chairs also fail to comply with the federal lead content ban. Primark recalled wooden xylophone toys due to choking hazards. Jungle Jumparoo recalled children’s toys that violate the federal lead content ban. The Manhattan Toy Company recalled Activity Loops toys that can detach from the base, releasing small plastic rings and posing a small parts choking hazard to children. Asweets recalled Wood Baby Activity Push Walkers due to strangulation hazard. Joey Clothing recalled children’s robes that fail to meet the flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Target recalled Children’s Cat & Jack Unicorn Cozy Pajama Sets due to burn hazard. Communicorp recalled Aflac Plush Promotional Ducks due to violations of federal phthalates and lead content bans. Allergy Bee Gone for Kids was recalled due to potential microbial contamination. More Information For recall details, visit the links above or review the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites.
June 28, 2022 Summer Food Assistance Programs and Distribution Locations Available With the 2021-22 school year in the past, numerous organizations throughout Allegheny County are helping to feed children, as well as provide meals and groceries to local families, during the summer months. Organizations such as the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh have various summer food programs and distribution locations to fill the gap of meals children usually have during the school year. Find a Local Summer Food Assistance Program If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance during the summer, view the list below for information about available summer programs and services: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Distribution Starting in July 2022, distributions will be moving from pre-packed boxes to, instead, distributing a mix of loose grocery items in family sized portions. Two distribution options will be offered: a drive-up where volunteers will pack your trunk while you stay in your car and a walk-in event where you can pick-up food indoors. Learn more. Summer Meals at the Library Meals are for youth ages 18 and younger and those with disabilities up to age 21. Summer Meals are being offered locally in collaboration with Pittsburgh CitiParks as part of the federally funded Summer Food Service Program. For dates, times, and locations, visit the Carnegie Library website. Summer Youth Cafe The Summer Youth Cafe (known nationally as the Summer Food Program) is a federal nutrition program from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide kids and teens with healthy meals over the summer months. These sites are open to anyone 18 years old or younger, and there is no cost. Families can find a Summer Youth Café by texting “FOOD” to 304-304 or by calling 2-1-1 for the United Way hotline. Learn more. Citiparks’ Summer Food Service Program 2022 (GrubUp!) The 2022 Summer Food Service Program began Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Breakfast is served from 9 to 10 a.m. lunch is served from noon to 2 p.m. For additional information, visit the website or contact Citiparks Food Programs Office at 412.571.3291. Just Harvest Fresh Access The Fresh Access program enables shoppers to use their food stamps – as well as credit and debit cards – to buy fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food. Food Bucks give food stamp shoppers an extra $2.00 to spend on fruits and veggies for every $5 they spend. Fresh Access services are available in Allegheny County at 15 farmers markets during the 2022 farmers market season. The season runs May to November, and at one market from December through March 2023. Learn more. USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder Families seeking food assistance for their children can contact the USDA National Hunger Hotline, operated by Hunger Free America. The hotline can be reached Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. at 1.866.3.HUNGRY (1.866.348.6479) (for English) or 1.877.8.HAMBRE (1.877.842.6273) (for Spanish). Learn more. Families can type their location or address into the interactive map to find directions to nearby sites as well as hours of operation and contact information.
June 27, 2022 Apply: Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Waiting List The Allegheny County Housing Authority will accept applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list from Tuesday, July 12, through Thursday July 14. About the Housing Choice Voucher Program The ACHA provides safe and decent affordable housing for low-income residents of Allegheny County and offers two main housing programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a rental assistance program where residents rent directly from private landlords and their rental payments are subsidized through the voucher program. Eligibility Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements for admission into the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: qualify as a family; have an income within the federally mandated income limits; meet citizen/eligible immigrant criteria; provide documentation of valid Social Security numbers; sign consent authorization documents the ACHA will perform criminal background reviews for each adult household member Apply Applications will be accepted from 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday July 14. Individuals can apply online at www.achsng.com; computers also will be available at the ACHA office at 301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA. All applicants are processed and placed on a waiting list. Results of the waiting list order will be posted online by July 22. Applicants MUST keep their confirmation number in order to access status. For details, visit the ACHA website.
June 24, 2022 COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Children Six Months through Four Years The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTec and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children six months through four years of age. The authorization was based on the FDA’s thorough and transparent evaluation of the data that included input from independent advisory committee experts who overwhelmingly voted in favor of making the vaccine available to children in this age group. About the COVID-19 Vaccine The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children six months through four years of age is administered as a three-dose primary series, three- to eight weeks apart, but is a lower dose (3 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (10 micrograms). The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose vaccine (25 micrograms) series: the second four to eight weeks after the first. Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech). Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to see where vaccines for children are available. Additional Information Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the FDA website.
June 20, 2022 2022 Keystone STARS Program Manual Available The new 2022 Keystone STARS Program Manual is now available on the Pennsylvania Key website. About the Keystone STARS Program Manual The program manual provides information on the updates and edits made to the 2022 Keystone STARS Performance Standards and includes: Information on the updated Internal Assessment Process (IAP) Expanded information on Professional Development (PD) including PD Registry requirements in Keystone STARS Updated Keystone STARS Bonus Point Tip Sheets Hyperlinks to the updated forms and templates for use in Keystone STARS The 2022 Keystone STARS Standards take effect on July 1, 2022. Access the 2022 Keystone STARS Standards and accompanying resource documents at the Pennsylvania Key website.
June 18, 2022 Free Summer Camp Curriculum Available for Teachers The Learning Lamp, a Pennsylvania-based program that aims children, families, and schools greater options for improving academic achievement, is offering free summer camp curriculums for teachers. Learn More The curriculum, Best Day Ever!, is designed by teachers for teachers. Lesson plans are available for preschool and school-age students. Each weekly themed unit features high-interest topics, engaging hands-on activities, and opportunities for children to learn and grow. Lessons are aligned with the PA learning standards and can be adapted to meet the needs and interests of individual students. The curriculum was partially funded by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and was written in partnership with the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Professional Development Organization (PDO) at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Access the Curriculum Educators can access the curriculum by registering on the Learning Lamp website. There are six school-age units and six preschool units available for free through the pilot project. In exchange, the Learning Lamp is asking providers to complete a survey for each unit used. Anyone who completes the survey is automatically registered for a $200 Amazon gift card drawing.
June 17, 2022 New Text4FamilyServices Available for Head Start Professionals On June 16, The National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (NCPFCE) launched its new Text4FamilyServices. The text messaging service is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the vital work of Head Start and Early Head Start family services professionals, supervisors, and other staff who work directly with families. About Text4FamilyServices is a messaging service that supports the work of Head Start and Early Head Start family services staff, their supervisors, and other program staff who work with families. Individuals who sign up, will receive free text messages, including: Two to three texts messages per month with information and links to helpful resources to strengthen their practice with families Additional messages about: Upcoming parent, family, and community engagement (PFCE) professional development opportunities and new resources Office of Head Start campaigns and initiatives Subscribe To subscribe for Text4FamilyServices, text PFCE to (toll-free) 833-302-0206. Select your job title [family services staff, supervisor, other] and preferred language [English or Spanish] to start receiving free PFCE (Parent, Families and Community Engagement) text messages. Text STOP to (toll-free) 833-302-0206 to unsubscribe or HELP for technical assistance or reach out to pfce@ecetta.info. Learn more about Text4FamilyServices.
June 16, 2022 Expanded Food Assistance Eligibility for Families Facing Food Insecurity More Pennsylvanians experiencing food insecurity are now eligible for support from Pennsylvania’s network of food banks and pantries. Income eligibility for both the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded programs administered at the state level, have been raised from 150% of the USDA-established poverty level to 185%. About The income eligibility increase allows Pennsylvania’s charitable food system to serve more food insecure individuals who make just above the current income limit. It also brings the SFPP and TEFAP in line with other food assistance programs such as SNAP, reduced-price school breakfast and lunches provided through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Programs Pennsylvanians experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to explore the following programs: Food banks and food pantries can be found using this map. The WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs which provide vouchers to be spent at participating farmers markets in the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program provides eligible seniors with a monthly box of food to supplement regular groceries, the box can be delivered by DoorDash in select areas. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, provides benefits to purchase food at grocery stores and supermarkets. Congregate and Home-Delivered meals are nutritious meals available to Pennsylvanians 60 years of age or older and are delivered directly to eligible individuals’ homes, more information on these meals is available through County Area Agencies on Aging. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vouchers to be redeemed at grocery stores for specific food items. The Summer Meals Program provides nutritious meals to children when school is not in session. More Information Details of the new regulation and income requirements can be found in the PA Bulletin. Find resources for local food assistance and learn more about the Wolf Administration’s steps to reduce food insecurity in Pennsylvania at agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.
June 15, 2022 Celebrate Juneteenth in the Pittsburgh Region Several organizations in the Pittsburgh area are hosting Juneteenth celebrations this weekend. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Events Pittsburgh Juneteenth Freedom Day Pittsburgh will celebrate the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration June 17-19 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Point State Park and Market Square. This free, family-friendly event is a Celebration of all Cities and Boroughs in Allegheny County and will feature African American Culture Education, speakers, live music, and local vendors. Details are online. Juneteeth Carnival Jubilee Join Focus on Renewal for a community celebration on Saturday, June 20, from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Entertainment includes performances, music, vendors, free children’s activities, games, and more. Details are on the Focus on Renewal website. Swissvale Celebrates Juneteenth This year, the Juneteenth Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 18, from noon to 8 p.m. at Les Getz Memorial Park from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 18th. Activities will include music, vendors, a local artist exhibition and a writing contest. Learn More. Juneteenth Makers Market Bakery Square is hosting a Juneteenth Makers Market on Sunday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to feature the art and voices of the black community. Celebrate Juneteenth at the Macedonia FACE Book Jam The Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center, Inc. event will be on Monday, June 20, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Thelma Lovette YMCA Gymnasium and will feature a DJ, family prizes and activities, and books and school supplies for children of all ages. Learn more.
Infant Formula Bank at Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center is now an infant formula bank location of the Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank. About the Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank Managed by Beverly’s Birthdays and their baby division, Beverly’s Babies, The Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank is a resource to support families in need of baby formula during a personal, situational, or financial emergency/crisis. There are three formula banks available for the public to directly access for support: The Homewood Family Center & Early Learning Hub 7219 Kelly St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 412.545.5039 Beverly’s Birthdays Headquarters 9799 Laurel Avenue, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724.590.5106 or 412.720.9737 The McKeesport Family Center 339 5th Ave, McKeesport, PA 15132 412.672.6970 Two additional locations will become available on July 18: Hilltop Family Center – (Mount Oliver) Highlands Family Center (Tarentum) A family can visit any of the formula banks, but the client (child) can receive only 12 standard cans (12.4 ounces) of infant formula per year and no more than two standard cans per visit. A visit is defined as one service within a 24-hour period. More Information Details about the program are available online. Families in need can call 724-590-5106 or text pghformula to 844-511-1544.
