April 19, 2023 Child Care Career Openings in Pittsburgh Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See featured jobs for this week. Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh Early Intervention Therapists TEIS Early Intervention is looking for full- and part- time Early Intervention Therapists with a passion for educating families and helping children thrive in the Greater Pittsburgh region. More information is available online. Interested individuals should apply on LinkedIn or email their resume to aformato@teisinc.com. Lead Teacher Allie Alligator is looking for a dedicated, hard working passionate early childhood educator to serve as a Lead Teacher. Interested individuals should email warrendale@alliealligator.com to apply. Child Care Director Fifth Avenue Family Childcare Center (FAFCC) is looking to hire a qualified child care director to manage the day-to-day operations at FAFCC. The director will establish and sustain a positive learning environment for children at this small, cooperative child care center located on the campus of The Ellis School in Shadyside. Interested individuals should email their cover letter and resume to fafcc.president@gmail.com by May 15. Group Supervisor, Infant Room The Group Supervisor ensures the coordination of quality programs for all age groups. This individual will plan and execute the creative curriculum, use OUNCE and ASQ assessments, observe and evaluate child progress, and communicate with parents daily, scheduling conferences when needed. More information is available online. Interested individuals should apply at www.ywcapgh.org. Submit a Job Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form. All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week 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 Heidi Winkler at heidi@tryingtogether.org. Other Jobs in Early Childhood ECE HIRE Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education 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.
OCDEL Announces 2023 Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award Recipients The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) recently announced the recipients of the 2023 Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award. Among them are several local child care providers. About the Equity in ECE Champion Award The Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award recognizes the equity work of Pennsylvania early childhood education (ECE) programs and professionals, and highlights the vital impact of that work on staff, children, and families within early childhood education settings. The work recipients do aligns with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Equity and Inclusion Toolkit, and with the position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement. Local Award Recipients Local awardees include: Gold Level Early Head Start, Pittsburgh Public, Pittsburgh The Growing Garden Child Care Center, LLC, Tarentum Silver Level The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh – Child’s Way, Pittsburgh Bronze Level Amanda Serra, Crayon Clubhouse II, Connellsville Kiddieland Child Care & Learning Center, Tarentum Two Hands Are Better Than One Learning Center, Pittsburgh Learn More OCDEL received 97 applications for the 2023 Equity in (ECE) Champion Award. An appreciation event was held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18. To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Keys website.
April 13, 2023 Anxiety Disorder Fact Sheets for Educators and Childcare Providers Anxiety disorders cause people to feel frightened, distressed, or uneasy during situations in which most people would not feel that way. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can make it hard for students to get schoolwork done or study. It may affect their relationships with peers and teachers, too. In some cases, students with anxiety disorders miss a lot of school days. Or they may avoid school altogether. Nemours KidsHealth has compiled common anxiety disorder facts sheets that affect children. Anxiety Disorder Fact Sheets Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). With GAD, children have many worries and worry much of the time. They may also have physical symptoms, like headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, or tiredness. Phobias. A phobia is an intense, unrealistic fear of a specific thing. Some kids have a phobia of dogs. Others have a phobia of spiders or snakes. A child with a phobia will go to great lengths to avoid the thing they fear. Social anxiety. Kids and teens with social phobia have an intense fear of being judged. It affects them in social or other situations. They will avoid situations where they may have to meet new people or perform. Selective mutism. Some students are too fearful to talk at all in certain situations. Kids and teens with selective mutism are able to talk, and talk well. But they are too fearful to talk in some situations outside their home or with people other than friends. Panic disorder. Some students have panic attacks, a sudden and intense episode of fear. They can include physical symptoms like a pounding heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Panic attacks can happen unexpectedly. Separation anxiety. It’s normal for babies and very young children to have some separation anxiety when they are apart from a parent or caregiver. But when separation anxiety lasts beyond the early school age years, students may have trouble coming to school. Educators and child care providers can also access the Anxiety Disorder Fact Sheet information in Spanish.
April 12, 2023 Applications Open for PA Farm-to-School Grant Program The application period for the Pennsylvania Farm-to-School Grant Program is now open. Through the program, any school, program, or center with a pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade classroom can apply for up to $15,000 in funding for healthy foods. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 19. About the Farm-to-School Grant Program The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program aims to bridge the gap between children and the food system by connecting them to the fresh, healthy food available from Pennsylvania agricultural producers in their community and the surrounding areas. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (DOA), it can change food purchasing and education practices at schools and early childhood education sites, and help children become more aware and engaged with their local food system. Farm-to-School Grant Program Details Eligibility All public school districts, charter schools, or private schools with pre-kindergarten classes, kindergarten classes, or elementary school classes through the eighth grade, and all center-based pre-schools located and operating within Pennsylvania may apply. However, school districts wishing to submit multiple applications must have individual schools apply. This means that the applicant information must reflect the individual building, not the district or an individual person. Grant Limitations $500,000 is available for the Pennsylvania Farm-to-School Grant Program. Grants will be awarded on a funds-available basis. Projects must be completed no later than June 30, 2025. Grants will be funded as reimbursement grants. A single grant shall be limited to 75% of the cost of the project. Grant recipients must fund at least 25% of the project with a minimum 25% match cash or in-kind. Each school may receive no more than $15,000 annually. Recipients may use the value of in-kind support to match the amount granted. Grant Uses Grants can be used for: training for teachers and staff procuring local foods for school cafeterias food supplies educational opportunities: classroom curricula experiential learning family and community involvement field trips to local farms or other agricultural operations school gardens for the purpose of education or to supply the cafeteria Apply for a Farm-to-School Program Grant Interested applicants must submit an application through the Single Application for Assistance online application between system before 5 p.m. on May 19. The DOA will not consider or review applications received after that time. Applications Requirements Interested applicants must: read the Application Instructions thoroughly, and follow them meticulously complete the Application Template prior to accessing the Single Application for Assistance complete the budget on the Budget Template upload both the completed Application Template and Budget Template as addenda in the Single Application for Assistance Learn More To learn more, visit the Farm-to-School Program Grant webpage, the Pennsylvania Bulletin website, or contact Patrick Andrews at RA-AGFARMTOSCHOOL@pa.gov or 717-772-1429.
Allegheny County Conservation District to Offer Free Soil Lead Screenings In partnership with Grow Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) will offer free soil lead screenings to interested county residents from April 19 – April 22. About Soil Lead Screening Contaminants are common in urban soil and can be hazardous to health when ingested or inhaled. With increased interest in backyard gardening, revitalization of vacant lot space, community green space, and play yard construction, residents in Allegheny County may come into greater contact with soil. Soil testing can establish risk of exposure to contaminants in soil and lead to risk reduction. Participate in Soil Lead Screening To participate in the free soil lead screening: Register for the free soil lead screening on Eventbrite at ACCDSoilScreenSpring23.eventbrite.com. Registration is required. Confirm your registration when contacted by ACCD and receive detailed instructions on how to collect, label, and drop off your soil samples. Collect and label your soil samples. Drop off your soil samples at any of the following locations: East End: Garden Resource Center, 147 Putnam Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Open: Wednesday and Friday | 3 – 7 p.m.; Saturday | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. South Side: ACCD Office @ The Highline, 317 E Carson Street, Suite 199, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Open: Wednesday – Friday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Open: Friday | 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. North Side: Food for the Soul Community Urban Farm, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Open: Wednesday – Saturday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. West End: Farmer Girl Eb, 1 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 Wednesday – Friday | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Receive your results. Results will be sent within two weeks along with information to help you understand and act on your results. Learn More To learn more, visit the Soil Lead Screening Eventbrite page, view the event flyer, or contact Hayly Hoch at hhoch@accdpa.org or 412-241-7645 ext. 8009 with questions.
April 11, 2023 Review and Comment Period Now Open for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is inviting families, community members, child care providers, early childhood educators, and other professionals to review and make comments on the 2023 proposed grant application for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The review and comment period is now open and closes on Friday, April 28. About IDEA, IDEA Part C, and the IDEA Part C Application The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal grant program that assists states in providing early intervention and school-aged services to children with special needs. Part C of IDEA (also known as the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program) provides early intervention services for children from birth through 36 months of age. Through the IDEA Part C application, children from birth to 36 months of age who have special needs due to developmental delays and disabilities are eligible to receive early intervention services at no cost to families. Depending on child needs, early intervention services can include family training, counseling, and home visits; occupational, physical, or speech therapy; hearing loss services; health, nutrition, and social work; assistance with service coordination; assistive technology devices and services; and transportation. The services provided to children and their families differ based upon the individual needs and strengths of each child and the child’s family. Services may be provided in the child’s home, child care center, nursery school, play group, Head Start program, early childhood special education classroom or other settings familiar to the family. Participate in Review and Comment Period Anyone who would like to review the proposed grant application can find the document at Early Intervention (pa.gov) or Early Intervention Services (pa.gov) on the right side menu of the webpages. Additionally, interested individuals can request a hard copy by emailing ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or by calling 717.346.9320. Opportunities to provide public comment include: Mailing written comments to: Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports ATTN: Public Comments for Part C Grant Application 333 Market Street, 6th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 Emailing written comments to: ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov Attending the Public Comment session from 10 – 11 a.m. on April 17 via Zoom. Session details: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/95889985301 877.369.0926 (US Toll Free) Meeting ID: 958 8998 5301 If you need an accommodation or assistance to review the proposed grant application or to submit comments, please contact ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or call 717.346.9320. Comments will be accepted through Friday, April 28. Learn More The Department of Education will review all comments before submitting the final grant application. To learn more about the review and comment period, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. Sources The above information was compiled from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA), Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE), and Pennsylvania Key websites.
PA Department of Health Gauging Interest in Free Cleansing Device The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is currently evaluating air and surface cleaning devices and asking small businesses, nonprofits, child care providers, and similar organizations to express their interest in receiving such a device free of charge. About DOH Cleansing Devices These cleaning devices can eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens from air and surfaces simultaneously. Free standing or wall-mounted, they utilize a standard outlet for power. If funding is approved, DOH will purchase and distribute the devices, and two years of operational supplies, to interested Pennsylvania businesses and organizations at no cost to them. Express Interest and Apply for a Device All individuals interested in receiving a device must complete an application. NOTE: Completing an application does not guarantee a device. At the moment, the application will only gauge interest in receiving a device. Should funding get approved, DOH will evaluate completed applications and award devices. DOH will award devices on a first come, first served basis, dependent upon: the amount of available funding, foot traffic at applicant facilities, square footage of applicant facilities, and COVID-19 risk. Additionally, DOH will prioritize applicants with facilities in underserved communities. Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website.
April 6, 2023 Child Care Career Openings in Pittsburgh Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See featured jobs for this week. Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh Group Supervisor, Infant Room The Group Supervisor ensures the coordination of quality programs for all age groups. This individual will plan and execute the creative curriculum, use OUNCE and ASQ assessments, observe and evaluate child progress, and communicate with parents daily, scheduling conferences when needed. More information is available online. Interested individuals should apply at www.ywcapgh.org. Infant & Preschool Teachers Southminster Child Care Center is looking for energetic and caring individuals to join their team of exceptional teachers. They are hiring full- and part- time teachers in their infant and preschool classrooms. Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and health insurance assistance are a few of the benefits associated with these positions. Interested individuals should email childcare@spchurch.org. Preschool Teacher-Assistant TLC for Kids is seeking a Preschool Teacher-Assistant to care for and educate 2, 3, 4 and 5 year-old children in a preschool setting. More information is available online. Interested individuals should apply at app.joinhomebase.com/loc/tlc-for-kids/job/preschool-assistant-teacher. Lead Preschool Teacher Little Rubies Learning Academy is seeking a full-time Lead Preschool Teacher to encourage the healthy intellectual and psychological growth of the children in our facilities. The Lead Preschool Teacher will teach and supervise children, while also motivating them to use their mental capacities and exercise their imagination. More information is available online. Interested individuals should apply at www.littlerubies.com/careers/. Submit a Job Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form. All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week 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 Heidi Winkler at heidi@tryingtogether.org. Other Jobs in Early Childhood ECE HIRE Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education 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.
April 5, 2023 The Learning Lamp Offering Free Summer Camp Lesson Plans Through Best Day Ever The Learning Lamp, a Pennsylvania-based program that aims to give children, families, and schools greater options for improving academic achievement, is offering free preschool and school-age summer camp lesson plans to out-of-school time (OST) and summer camp educators. Part of the Best Day Ever! curriculum, the lesson plans are designed by and for teachers. They offer a turnkey solution for both preschool and school-age summer camp programs, at no cost to Pennsylvania educators. About Summer Camp Lesson Plans The Learning Lamp will offer 24 Best Day Ever! units through August 2023. Each themed unit features high-interest topics, engaging hands-on activities, and opportunities for children to practice concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Examples of available lessons include: S’mores and More Water World Eager Engineers World Travelers The Learning Lamp writes and tests all lessons. They are aligned with PA learning standards, and can be adapted to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Access the Lesson Plans To access the lesson plans, visit the Learning Lamp’s website and complete the online registration form. Learn More The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization partially funded the development of Best Day Ever! For more information about Best Day Ever!, visit the Learning Lamp website.
Applications Open for Educators’ Neighborhood 2023-24 Cohort The application for the 2023-24 cohort of the Fred Rogers Institute Educators’ Neighborhood is now open. Educators’ Neighborhood is a community of educators who learn together through the life and work of Fred Rogers by studying artifacts from the Fred Rogers Archive and connecting ideas to daily practice. All applications must be submitted by May 26 at 5 p.m. About Educators’ Neighborhood This year-long opportunity brings together a cohort of educators from across the world who learn together, primarily through virtual meetings, and consider how to deepen their application of Fred Rogers’ work and theory to their work with children. The Fred Rogers Institute defines “educators” as any adult who directly serves children, youth, families, and/or other educators. Members of the 2023-24 cohort will have opportunities to participate in community discussion, present to other educators and leaders in the community, and attend: monthly whole community meetings to connect with educators across different contexts monthly small group meetings with other educators from similar contexts an opening and closing community convening to prepare for and reflect on learning from the year a mid-year community convening featuring presentations from educators within the community Application Process Before completing the application, applicants may want to consider and prepare responses to the open-response questions. Those questions include: Why do you want to be part of the Educators’ Neighborhood community? (50-100 words) What questions and topics would you like to explore with others in the community? (25-50 words) “There’s a world of difference between insisting on someone’s doing something and establishing an atmosphere in which that person can grow into wanting to do it.” What comes to mind as you reflect on this quote in the context of your work? (50-100 words) To apply, visit the Fred Rogers Institute website and complete the online application. Learn More To learn more, visit the Fred Rodgers Institute website or sign up for the Educators’ Neighborhood newsletter.
