July 6, 2022 Local Child Care Provider Honored with Mayoral Proclamation June 26, 2022 will be known in Pittsburgh as “Doris Keith-Clark Day.” Mayor Ed Gainey issued this proclamation in recognition of her years of service to the children and families of the Homewood Community. Doris celebrated with her family, friends, early childhood colleagues, and the mayor’s office at the ABK Learning Center in the Hill District. Read More Doris has devoted over 40 years in providing voluntary community services, caregiving and educating children. She is the Founder & CEO of the Doris Keith-Clark Early Education Center on Kelly Street and is a founding member, and former vice president, of the Homewood Child Care Alliance (HCCA). In April 2022, Doris was the recipient of the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) VOICE for Children Award. This recognition is the only statewide award in Pennsylvania recognizing the grassroots leaders whose work impacts the quality of care for young children in diverse settings. Doris has also worked extensively with Trying Together, and has traveled to the State Capitol in order to advocate for funding to support early childhood care and education.
July 5, 2022 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Available Are you pregnant or a new mom who is feeling overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted? Are you finding it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. About the Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The hotline offers callers: Phone or text access to professional counselors Real-time support and information Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Resources Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups Culturally sensitive support Counselors who speak English and Spanish Interpreter services in 60 languages Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746. Frequently Asked Questions about the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline also are available.
Deadline Extended: T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship for Fall 2022 Semester Early childhood education professionals interested in attending college for the Fall 2022 semester can submit applications to receive a T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Scholarship. The deadline to apply has been extended to July 15, 2022. About T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship The Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a variety of T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to meet the needs of the early care and education workforce in center and home-based settings. Eligible applicants must: work a minimum of 25-30 hours per week directly with children in a DHS-certified child care program; make $19 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for directors); and be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward a degree or credential in early childhood. Scholarship awards are dependent upon the availability of funds and priorities of funders. Other eligibility criteria may apply are subject to change without notice. Interested applicants should also begin the college admissions process now and contact an early childhood education (ECE) advisor at their intended college/university. This helps to ensure that scholarship applicants are admitted to their college/university and can register for courses if/when they receive a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. can provide contact information for early childhood education advisors at partnering institutions if needed. Apply To download a scholarship application, visit the PACCA website. To be considered for the Fall 2022 semester, completed applications must be submitted to PACCA by Friday, July 15, 2022 through one of the following methods: Email: teachinfo@pacca.org Fax: 717.657.0959 Mail: 20 Erford Road, Suite 302, Lemoyne, PA 17043 For questions about scholarship eligibility or requirements, contact a T.E.A.C.H. Counselor at 717.657.9000.
