June 29, 2023 Resources for July Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for July observances: Month-Long Observances National Parks and Recreation Month City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation, CitiParks Summer Program Guide, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Top Green Spaces and Public Parks in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh Growing Equity in City Green Space, Eos Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature, Child Mind Institute Free Worksheet: Thank a Park Ranger Card, Education.com Become a Junior Ranger, National Park Service Five Fun Activities for Teaching Kids About Conservation, National Recreation and Park Association Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together National Make a Difference to Children Month 5 Pittsburgh Organizations supporting Our Most Vulnerable Children–and Inspiring Us to Help, Kidsburgh Most Popular Pittsburgh Children & Youth Nonprofits and Charities, Great Nonprofits Positive Parenting, National Institute of Health The Power of Positive Parenting, UC Davis Health 8 Ways to Strengthen a Parent-Child Relationship, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin Bonding with Stepchildren: 7 Tips for Building a Strong Relationship, Care.com Three Principles to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families, Harvard University Center on the Developing Child Strategies to Support Black Students, Teachers, and Communities in Schools, Education Northwest 12 Powerful Statistics That Prove Why Teachers Matter, We Are Teachers Family Engagement, Office of Head Start and Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center Raise Child Care, Start Strong PA National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Prioritizing Minority Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) BIPOC Mental Health, Mental Health America Mental Health Disparities: Diverse Populations, American Psychiatric Association Contextualizing BIPOC Youth Mental Health, National Black Women’s Justice Institute Mental Illness Doesn’t Discriminate, so Why Do BIPOC Communities Have Difficulty Accessing Care?, Jefferson Center for Mental Health Erasing Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) BIPOC/AAPI Mental Health Resources, NAMI New Hampshire Where to Find Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents in Pittsburgh, The University of Pittsburgh: Youth and Family Research Program Anti-Racism Resources for Families, Trying Together Multilingual Trauma Resources, The Child Mind Institute Days of Recognition July 4 is Independence Day Ways to Celebrate Independence Day in Pittsburgh in 2023, VisitPittsburgh 23 Crafts and Activities for Independence Day, WeAreTeachers The History of Independence Day, History Channel A Nation’s Story: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”, National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) The Fourth of July is a Black American Holiday, The Washington Post 19 Children’s Books to Inspire Courage and Activism, HarperCollins Publishers July 14 is International Non-Binary People’s Day Gender Identity Development in Early Childhood, Trying Together Resource List: LGBTQ+ Organizations, Trying Together A Guide to Gender Identity Terms, NPR & WESA Understanding Nonbinary People: How to Be Respectful and Supportive, National Center for Transgender Equality 10 Ways to Step Up as an Ally to Non-Binary People, Stonewall 20 Picture Books to Help You Raise Kind, Tolerant Kids, Today Early Childhood Book List: Learning About Gender Diversity, Social Justice Books July 24 is National Parents’ Day 7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Parents’ Day This Year, Parents Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together Positive Parenting Tips, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series, Trying Together Outside Gender Norms: Father’s Day and Mother’s Day Aren’t Easy First for LGBTQ Families, The Standard-Times Parenting Resources for Foster Parents, Child Welfare Information Gateway Being a Step-Parent and Raising Your Partner’s Child, Raising Children Resources to Share with Expectant Families, Office of Head Start Find Child Care, ELRC Region 5 July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day Drowning Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Drowning Prevention & Facts, American Red Cross Water Safety at Home, Safe Kids Worldwide Water Safety Tips for Families, Seattle Children’s Hospital Toddler Water Safety: 14 Ways to Keep Safer, Stop Drowning Now Water Safety for Your Special Needs Child, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Resources: Learn to Swim, Allegheny County 4 Places To Get FREE Summer Swim Lessons For Kids In The ‘Burgh, Macaroni Kid How to Perform Child and Baby CPR, American Red Cross Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 Partnering to Offer First Aid & CPR Training, ELRC Region 5 July 26 is National Disability Independence Day Guide to Disability Rights Laws, U.S. Department of Justice: Civil Rights Division Ideas for Celebrating the ADA, ADAAnniversary.org Disability and Autism Supports, Allegheny County Department of Human Services Disability Resources in the Community, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) 16 Shelf-Worthy Children’s Books About Disabilities for All Students, WeAreTeachers Representation Matters: Kids Books That Embrace Disability and Difference, New York Public Library Service Dogs 101—Everything You Need to Know, American Kennel Club Assistive Devices for Children: Walking and Mobility, KidsHealth
ELRC Region 5 Requesting Feedback on Evening Phone Hours The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 is asking Allegheny County families and child care providers to complete a brief survey on evening phone hour offerings. ELRC Region 5 currently offers evening phone hours from 5 – 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. However, center leaders seek to find the best day and time to offer evening service to county families and child care providers. By completing the survey, respondents allow ELRC Region 5 to better serve the community. The survey is just five questions. All responses are confidential and will not be shared. Access and Take the Survey Access and take the survey on SurveyMonkey. Learn More To learn more, visit the ELRC Region 5 website or call 1.888.340.3572 or 412.350.3577 for assistance.
June 28, 2023 CitiParks Announces Free Pool Access for Area Youth The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation (CitiParks) recently announced that it will make access to CitiParks swimming pools free to all Pittsburgh children from birth to age 15. About CitiParks Pool Access Previously, Pittsburgh children needed a Recreation Center Membership Tag to access pools for free. This summer, CitiParks is waiving the Recreation Membership Tag requirement for area youths. Season passes are still available for purchase by Pittsburgh’s adult residents. Non-residents of Pittsburgh are also able to purchase season tags. Find full details and the 2023 Pool Tag form on the CitiParks website. Learn More To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.
Allegheny County Family Resource Map Highlights Supports for Locals Did you know the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 offers an interactive, online tool to help families navigate area programs and services? The Allegheny County Family Resource Map provides caregivers of young children and other residents in Allegheny County the opportunity to locate available supports closest to them. About the Allegheny County Family Resource Map Launched in 2020, the map highlights the addresses, phone numbers, and websites of a variety of family supports, including those on: aging care and education employment family activities food health housing new parents outdoors and recreation transportation, and wi-fi locations Through the map, families can find countywide resources and services closest to them, such as senior community centers, family centers, early learning programs, public schools, WIC offices, parks, libraries, food pantries, diaper banks, clinics, public housing, Port Authority bus stops, and more. Access the Map Access the map here or visit the ELRC Region 5 website. Learn More For questions or to submit a map suggestion, please contact ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577 or elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.
June 27, 2023 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 following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Infanttech recalled Zooby Video Baby Monitors for Cars due to fire hazard. Sound Around recalled Children’s Multi-Purpose Helmets due to risk of head injury. Zuru recalled Baby Shark and Mini Baby Shark Bath Toys with Hard Plastic Top Fins due to risk of impalement, laceration, and puncture injuries to children. Nationwide Pharmaceutical recalled Iron Dietary Supplements due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirement and risk of poisoning. Trek recalled Promax Hydraulic Disc Brakes Sold on Trek Bicycles due to crash hazard. Bell Sports recalled Giro Merit Helmets due to risk of head injury. Little Cotton Clothes recalled Children’s Pajamas and Nightdresses due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. Deux Par Deux recalled Children’s One-Piece and Two-Piece Pajama Sets due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. TopGlore recalled Narskido Infant Bath Seats due to drowning hazard; sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Jetson Electric Bikes recalled Nova and Star 3-Wheel Kick Children’s Scooters due to fall hazard. Foremost Foods Corporation recalled Pamana Brand Mini Fruit Jelly Cup (35.27OZ) due to potential choking hazard. Richin Trading Inc. recalled Sunwave Brand Mini Fruit Jelly Cup (35.27oz./52.90oz) due to potential choking hazard. 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 26, 2023 Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families Local and state organizations continually offer a number of resources and programs to help families with housing, rent, utilities, and repairs. To support families in need of assistance, Trying Together compiled a list of these resources. Find the list below. About the Trying Together Housing Resource List Entitled, “Housing Resources for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families,” the Trying Together housing resource list features information on: homebuying assistance mortgage and rent assistance homelessness and housing insecurity public and low-income housing assistance with utilities assistance with home improvement and repairs housing mediation and legal services other housing supports Access the Trying Together Housing Resource List Access or download the Trying Together housing resource list. Additional Resources For additional housing, food, employment, and safety resources, visit: United Way – 211 NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania – Resources Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – Housing Opportunity Fund Programs Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – Housing Resources City of Pittsburgh – Housing Assistance Resource Portal (HARP) Trying Together – Housing Resources for Families in Allegheny County Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania – Housing, Rental & Services Assistance Resources in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency – Housing Programs Affordable Housing Programs of Pennsylvania Allegheny County – Housing Resources PA Housing Search Pennsylvania Department of Human Services – Housing Resources Nazareth Housing Services Habitat for Humanity Pittsburgh Neighborhood Legal Services Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Neighborhood Allies ACTION-Housing Learn More To learn more, use any of the above links to access online information about housing resources or programs. Additional help and information can be found by calling United Way at 2-1-1.
Trying Together Shares Advocacy Tools for Families and Child Care Providers Trying Together has created two new advocacy tools to aid families and child care providers in their efforts to impact state budget negotiations and persuade state legislators to directly invest in the workforce behind the workforce by raising child care wages. Trying Together Advocacy Tools Simple, everyday advocacy efforts often start with quick, common interactions between providers, educators, families, and legislators. Calling your state representative or emailing with waitlisted families are great ways to communicate challenges facing the child care industry and advocate for change. Phone and email scripts can assist on these occasions. For Providers & Families: Phone Scripts for Calls to State Representatives & Legislators For Providers: Email Response to Waitlisted Families Take Action with PennAEYC Tell your legislators how important child care is to you and take action in seconds. The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) has constructed a tool that allows you to send an email to your legislators stressing the importance of child care with a single click. Take action now. Additional Advocacy Tools The Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA campaigns, of which Trying Together is a partner, have also compiled advocacy tools for family and provider use. Some of these include: State Fact Sheet: Pre-K in Pennsylvania County Fact Sheets: Pre-K in Pennsylvania County Fact Sheets: Child Care in Pennsylvania Pre-K and Child Care Maps: High-Quality Child Care in Pennsylvania EI Fact Sheet: Infant and Toddler Early Intervention in Pennsylvania Learn More To learn more, visit the Trying Together “Take Action” page.
June 23, 2023 ELRC Region 5 Now an Infant Formula Bank The main office of the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 in Downtown Pittsburgh 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. A baby can receive up to 12 cans of formula or the liquid (RTF) equivalent in his/her first year. There are seven formula banks available for the public to directly access for support: Allegheny County Locations ELRC Region 5 (Main Office) 304 Wood St, 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.350.3577 The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 412.545.5039 McKeesport Family Center 339 5th Avenue McKeesport, PA 15132 412.672.6970 Hilltop Family Center 1630 Arlington Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15210 412.432.1635 Westmoreland County Locations Beverly’s Birthdays 11065 Parker Drive North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724.590.5106 Highland’s Family Center 415 Fourth Avenue Tarentum, PA 15084 724-224-9006 Monessen Family Center 412 Reed Avenue Monessen, PA 15062 724.684.4370 Find location hours and details on the Beverly’s Birthdays website. Learn More Details about the program are available online. Families in need can call 724-590-5106 or text pghformula to 844-511-1544. To learn more, visit the Beverly’s Birthday’s website.
June 21, 2023 OCDEL Releases 2022 Market Rate Survey Report The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) recently released their 2022 Child Care Market Rate Survey (MRS) Report. Data in the report reflects a challenging operating and economic environment, which child care providers continually navigate. About the MRS Report The MRS report is a collection and analysis of prices charged by child care providers in an open market. It includes information on private pay tuition rates, staffing, payments and fee practices, facility types, and food offerings at local programs. OCDEL uses the report to set base reimbursement rates for Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program Child Care Works (CCW) to ensure equal access to child care for low-income families. 2022 MRS Report Across the state, 6,378 child care providers stayed in operation throughout the entire survey period. A total of 4,383 providers participated in the 2022 MRS, representing a 68.7% response rate. Key Findings from the 2022 MRS Report CCW Of providers with a CCW agreement, half (50.1%) indicated that they do not usually require CCW families to pay any difference between the private tuition rate and the subsidy payment amount. Family and Group Child Care Homes are more likely to require CCW families to pay the difference between the private pay rate and subsidy reimbursement amount than centers. This raises concerns about equity and access to affordable child care in these settings. Among providers who did not have a CCW agreement, the most common reason for not participating was that their capacity was at full enrollment with only private pay families. Payments & Fees Providers with higher Keystone STAR designations charge more than similar providers with lower designations across all care levels and types. Almost two-thirds (64.4%) of providers charge families a registration fee, with the median fee being $50. Registration fees were most often charged by centers. Incidental fees for late pickups and overdue payments were charged by most providers. With so many providers requiring a registration fee, low-income families in the CCW program may face financial barriers to accessing child care. Additionally, fees for late pickups and overdue payments may cause financial strain for families who are struggling financially. Staffing Over half of all providers reported unfilled job openings (54.1%), which reduced the number of children that could be served. This was most common among Child Care Centers (67.9%). Only a portion of providers (36.6%) offered health insurance to any staff members. The low portion of providers offering health insurance benefits to staff members may impact the quality of care. Food & Nutrition The USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that provides reimbursements to providers for healthy meals and snacks — 43.3% of providers reported using the program. Regardless of CACFP participation, most providers offered some meals or snacks with regular tuition. The fact that over half of providers do not participate in CACFP suggests that there may be gaps in the quality of meals and snacks offered by child care providers. This could be particularly bad for children from low-income families who may rely on child care providers for healthy meals. Access the Report Access the 2022 MRS Report on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) website. Learn More To learn more, visit the Official Pennsylvania Government website.
Application Period for Early Intervention Leadership Development Program Now Open Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania is now accepting applications for their 2023-2024 Competence and Confidence Partners in Policymaking Early Intervention (C2P2 EI) Cohort. All applicants must submit their applications by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 11, though the program will begin at the end of September 2023 and run through May 2024. About C2Pc EI C2P2 EI is a free leadership development opportunity for families of children who are currently receiving early intervention infant, toddler, or preschool services. It supports successful applicants in attending four, two-day, in-person sessions, and four virtual sessions (eight sessions total) which give them knowledge and skills to advocate for EI. Throughout the sessions, participants will: learn about the infant/toddler and preschool early intervention system. connect with other families. build skills to advocate for their family and others. Consequently, applicants must commit to participating in all eight sessions. The in-person sessions will be held at the DoubleTree Conference Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. However, expenses, including lodging costs, mileage, and childcare reimbursement, will be provided to participants. Eligibility Eligible applicants must: have a child between birth to age five who is currently receiving Pennsylvania infant/toddler or preschool EI services. have a desire to explicitly advocate for themselves and others. commit to participation in all eight sessions. Apply Interested individuals should apply using the online C2P2 EI 2023-2024 Application Form. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 11. Accordingly, Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania will notify applicants of their acceptance by September 1. Learn More This program is funded by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Bureau of Early Intervention and Family Supports, with support from Temple Institute on Disabilities. To learn more, view the flyer or visit the Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children website. Please direct any questions to Sarah Holland at sholland@parenttoparent.org.
