June 21, 2023 Soon-to-End Grant Opportunity Helps Eligible Families Pay for Critical Home Repairs Action Housing Inc. is providing funds for low-income homeowners in Allegheny County to make whole-home repairs to severely damaged households through the federal Whole-Home Repairs Program. Homeowners could receive up to $50,000 in funds to fix critical issues that pose safety issues to residents, like damage to the roof, windows, or foundation of a home. Money is also available to make modifications for someone managing a disability. However, funds are limited* and based on need. Action Housing can likely only award 150-250 applicants grants. Still, families awarded grants will not need to repay the funds. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Friday, June 30. No applications will be accepted after this time. *Disclaimer: Due to limited funding, Action Housing Inc. must prioritize homes with the worst damage. However, the application process will re-open for another 30-day period in mid to late fall. The exact time of this second application period will be announced at a later time. About the Whole-Home Repairs Program Who can apply? Who is eligible for a whole-home grant? To qualify, an applicant must: own and live in a house needing repairs in Allegheny County. be living in a home with significant habitability issues like roof damage, unsafe electric wiring, or accessibility concerns. have a total income that doesn’t exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Allegheny County. Please refer to the AMI chart to find AMI data. How does the application process work? Apply online on the Allegheny County Whole-Home Repair Program website. If you are eligible and selected for a home inspection, someone from the Whole-Home Repairs Program will contact you to schedule it. A Whole-Home Repairs inspector will visit your home to determine if the repairs qualify for funding. If the inspector approves the repairs, Action Housing will connect you with a contractor certified by the Whole-Home Repairs Program to do the work. How will applicants be notified? If you apply online, you’ll get an email about your eligibility for the program. People submitting paper applications will be notified via U.S. mail. How long does this process take? Action Housing Inc. will work as quickly as possible to schedule inspections and start construction. Still, they can’t commit to a timeline. Many collaborate to finish this work, so estimating schedules and weather dependencies is challenging. The whole process could take anywhere from a few months to a year. Additional Information & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Will I have to pay for anything? You have no cost if your application is eligible and repairs are approved. I do not have a Social Security number. Can I still apply? Absolutely! A Social Security number is requested in the application but is optional. Is citizenship required for this program? No, citizenship status is not a factor. I know someone who wants to apply, but English isn’t their native language. Call ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021, and Action Housing Inc. will get a translator to meet with you in person or complete an application over the phone. I, or someone I know, have a physical or mental impairment that makes applying challenging. Call ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021 to talk about accommodating your needs. I already applied for Whole-Home Repairs funding during the pilot phase of this program. When will someone contact me? Action Housing Inc. received your application, but it’s taking some time to work through the volume of applications they received. Someone will contact you if they need more information to decide or to schedule a home inspection. How is Action Housing Inc. determining who gets selected? One of the requirements outlined in the passed state bill to fund Whole-Home Repairs is that Action Housing prioritize funding for certain groups of people. They are using data to help determine how to do this best. Because funding is limited, Action Housing is prioritizing neighborhoods not invested in historically. To find a full list of FAQs, visit the Action Housing Inc. website. Apply If you meet the eligibility requirements and need financial assistance for whole-home repairs, please apply now on the Allegheny County Whole-Home Repair Program website. Additional Resources Unfortunately, Action Housing Inc. cannot award grants to all eligible applicants. If you are in need of financial assistance for home repairs and are not eligible for or awarded a grant, please consult these resources: Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development – Home Repairs in Pennsylvania U.S. Department of Agriculture – Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Pennsylvania Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Hosanna Industries Learn More The Whole-Home Repair Program is a federal program and available in counties across the Commonwealth. If you do not live in Allegheny County but are in need of financial assistance for home repairs, you can apply through an agency within your county. Find a list of agencies supporting the Whole-Home Repair Program on the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website. To learn more, please consult the Whole-Home Repair Program Manual or visit the Action Housing Inc. website.
June 20, 2023 Updated: Summer Food Programs Offer Free Meals to Children The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation (CitiParks) are offering summer food programs to provide meals to children at no cost to them or their families while school is not in session. (This article was updated on June 20, 2023 to reflect the addition of GrubUp!, CitiParks’ 2023 Summer Food Service Program). UDSA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) What is SFSP? The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally-funded, state-administered program. The USDA works closely with states to ensure that children who receive on free or reduced-price school meals can get the nutrition they need when schools are closed – whether during summer break or unexpected closures during the school year. Through the USDA’s summer meal programs, approved sites in low-income communities across the country can serve healthy meals and snacks to kids up to age 18 at no cost. Meals can be eaten in-person at local sites or on-the-go. How can children participate? Find a summer site in your community with the USDA Summer Meal Site Finder mapping tool. Then, simply bring your child to the site nearest to you during meal times (which can be found via the USDA Summer Meal Site Finder). Parents can also text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find participating sites. Pittsburgh meal sites for summer 2023 currently include: Calvary United Methodist Church Location: 971 Beech Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Free Meals Available: June 26 – 29 Hours: Monday – Thursday | 6 – 6:30 p.m. Warren United Methodist Church Location: 2606 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Free Meals Available: June 21 – August 10 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday | 12 – 1 p.m. The Bridge at Northview Heights Location: 1500 Chicago Street, Pittsburgh 15214, PA 15214 Free Meals Available: June 26 – August 4 Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:45 – 9:30 a.m. and 12 – 12:30 p.m. Sheridan United Methodist Church Location: 2948 Chartiers Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15204 Free Meals Available: June 20 – August 10 Hours: Tuesday and Thursday | 12 – 1 p.m. Trinity AME Zion Church Location: 3105 Allendale Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15204 Free Meals Available: June 21 – August 11 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday | 12 – 1 p.m. Sto-Rox Library Location: 420 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Free Meals Available: June 5 – August 10 Hours: Monday – Thursday | 1 – 2 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Summer Youth Café What is the Summer Youth Café? The Summer Youth Café is is a federally-funded child nutrition program that provides healthy meals during the summer. How can children participate? Families can search for participating sites with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Find Food Resources mapping tool and bring their child to any participating site during meal times. Summer Youth Café sites for summer 2023 currently include: LaRosa Youth Club Location: 901 Ravine Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 Hours: Daily | 3 – 5 p.m. Safe Passage Mckeesport Location: 1406 Cornell Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 Hours: Daily | 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. Northern Area Boys & Girls Club Location: 100 Howard Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 Hours: Monday – Friday | 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. The Learning Hub at the Bridge Location: 1500 Chicago Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Hours: Daily | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Valley View Terrace Location: 518 Dawson Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317 Free Meals Available: June 12 – August 4 Hours: Monday – Friday | 12 – 12:30 p.m. Bentleyville Apartments Location: 507 Old West Road, Bentleyville, PA 15314 Free Meals Available: June 12 – August 4 Hours: Monday – Friday | 12 – 12:30 p.m. Additionally, the food bank is partnering with Moniteau, Knoch, and Karns City School Districts to host monthly summer drive-up food distributions. Anyone living within participating school district areas is encouraged to attend. For more information, please view the event flyer. GrubUp!: CitiParks’ Summer Food Service Program 2023 What is GrubUp!? GrubUp! is CitiParks Summer Food Service Program. It provides healthy and delicious meals (breakfast, lunch, and/or snack) through eight of Pittsburgh’s recreation centers and 30+ partner locations. This program will run from June 21 through August 18, and be free to anyone under the age of 18 or residents with intellectual disabilities up to age 21. CitiParks also partners with the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) Food Service Division to provide the Mobile Food Truck, which will operate in conjunction with our Roving Art Cart every Friday to provide an additional location for Pittsburgh children to receive this valuable service. This service is made possible by funding from the US Department of Agriculture through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. How can children participate? To participate, parents and caregivers simply bring their child or children to any of CitiPark’s participating recreation centers or partner locations when meal services are offered. CitiParks offers meals: Ammon Recreation Center Location: 2217 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Brookline Recreation Center Location: 1400 Oakridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15226 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Jefferson Recreation Center Location: 605 Rednap Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Magee Recreation Center Location: 745 Greenfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15207 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Ormsby Recreation Center Location: 79 S. 22nd Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Paulson Recreation Center Location: 1201 Paulson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Phillips Recreation Center Location: 201 Parkfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Warrington Recreation Center Location: 329 E. Warrington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 Hours: Monday – Friday, | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. To find meal service details, and Summer 2023 partner locations and food service times, view the complete GrupUp! site list. For additional information please contact CitiParks Food Programs Office at 412.571.3291. No Kid Hungry Summer Food Program What is the No Kid Hungry WhatsApp? The No Kid Hungry WhatsApp campaign gives families an easy to use technology to help families with children find the food they need. How can children participate? Families can access the app to get a customized WhatsApp message listing sites in their communities serving free meals for teens and kids under 18. No registration is needed. Families can also text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find a site near them, or visit No Kid Hungry’s Free Meal Finder. Learn More To learn more, visit the USDA or Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank summer food program webpages.
NAEYC Requesting Stories of Teacher Appreciation The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is asking parents and caregivers to share stories that celebrate the powerful relationships between families and their child care providers with them. NAEYC is collecting these stories to highlight early childhood teacher appreciation. Story Submission Details Stories should be submitted by parents or caregivers of young children and should discuss: an amazing experience they’ve had with their child’s early childhood educator a fond memory of an early childhood educator helping them navigate a difficult conversation with their child any moment that an early childhood educator helped them and their family through a challenging moment other related experiences Submit a Story Interested individuals must submit stories using the online Story Submission Form on the NAEYC website. Learn More Learn more on the NAEYC website or call 202-232-8777 with questions. Find a list of phone extensions on the NAEYC Contact Us page.
OCDEL Extends Deadline to Order Two Free Carbon Monoxide Detectors Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has extended the deadline for certified child care providers in Pennsylvania to order two complimentary First Alert carbon monoxide detectors to August 31. The detectors are available to all certified child care providers in the state who want them. However, providers do not need to order or place the detectors. (This article was updated on May 9, 2023 and June 20, 2023 to reflect new deadlines.) Why is OCDEL offering carbon monoxide detectors? In October 2022, a carbon monoxide leak occurred in a Pennsylvania child care facility. OCDEL is providing this opportunity for providers who want to increase the safety of their staff and the children in their care. How do I order carbon monoxide detectors for my child care facility? School Health, a national provider of health supplies, sent an email on March 1 to all certified child care providers in Pennsylvania. The email, sent from reply@email.schoolhealth.com, included a unique promotional code and instructions on how to order the carbon monoxide detectors. Providers interested in ordering the detectors should follow the instructions in the School Health email to place their orders. The provided promotional code will cover the cost of purchase and shipping for two detectors. Please note: School Health promotional codes are unique. Child care providers should not share promotional codes or forward the School Health email to other child care providers. OCDEL will only cover the cost of this one-time purchase and will not cover any other costs. Additional costs not covered include costs to replace lost or broken devices. Who can I contact with questions? If you have any questions, or did not receive an email on March 1, please contact Kristi Leahy from School Health at kleahy@schoolhealth.com or 630-339-7943.
June 19, 2023 PSAYDN Accepting Applications for Afterschool Ambassadors Program The Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) is now accepting applications for its 2023-24 Pennsylvania Afterschool Ambassadors Program. The Pennsylvania Afterschool Ambassadors Program establishes a coalition of leaders who possess the necessary knowledge and experience to champion and advocate for high-quality, out-of-school time (OST) programs. Applications are due by Friday, July 14. About Afterschool Ambassadors Afterschool Ambassadors are part of a larger cohort who will engage with policymakers regarding support for the OST field in Pennsylvania. As ambassadors, participants will establish relationships with policymakers and OST providers statewide, and increase access to regional, state, and national OST experts. Additionally, they will actively contribute to the advancement of the OST field across Pennsylvania, and support and promote OST initiatives. Afterschool Ambassador Commitments participate in a 10-month training opportunity also participate in an in-person orientation in Harrisburg, PA on August 14-15, 2023 participate in the monthly trainings from September 2023 to May 2024 correspondingly share experience and knowledge with other Afterschool Ambassadors through presentations, discussions, and a capstone project conduct independent study and research to expand on the issues and pain points revealed in the program eventually participate in the 2023 Empower Conference and 2024 Afterschool Advocacy Day Afterschool Ambassador Incentives $250 participant stipend $250 travel and lodging stipend (available for participants more than 50 miles from Harrisburg, PA) parking reimbursement for August orientation Act 48 credit for trainings free registration to the 2023 Empower Conference Apply Interested individuals should apply using the online 2023-24 Pennsylvania Afterschool Ambassadors Program Application. Applications are due by Friday, July 14. Learn More Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee to ensure a diverse cohort, and prospective ambassadors will be notified on or after July 19. Those who are selected will be asked to sign a letter of agreement committing to fulfill the duties of an ambassador. To learn more, visit the PSAYDN website.
Child Care Providers and Advocates Ask for Legislative Support in New Video Series Trying Together spoke with child care providers and advocates at the 2023 Annual Celebration Dinner on Thursday, April 27 and recently released a video series of the conversations they captured. In this series of 10 videos, providers detail the current staffing crisis and its effect on families. They call on state legislators to support the workforce behind the workforce and raise wages for child care and early learning professionals. Excerpts From Videos: What Did Providers Say? Videos in the series are between approximately 30 seconds and 1:30 seconds long. However, if you’re looking for quick quips, check out the excerpts below. “A huge resource that we need is more high quality teachers.” – Laura Saxon, Carnegie Science Center “We desperately need more staff and we need better wages to retain good staff to take care of our children.” – Tressie Lesnoski, University of Pittsburgh Child Development Center “Without early learning facilities, parents cannot go to work.” – Gwendolyn Marcus, Project Destiny Early Learning Centers “We cannot compete with the wages being offered…. In order for us to be able to compete, we’d have to raise tuition to an astronomical price that would make our child care not affordable to most of our families.” – Denise Burke, Westminster Early Childhood Education Program “…We need to keep our teachers. And in order to keep our teachers, we need to be able to pay them well.” – Lori Feldman, Westminster Early Childhood Education Program “We need more support from our lawmakers and our policymakers so that we can keep the children in programs…and still pay ourselves a livable wage.” – Brandi Allen, Brandi’s Care with Love, LLC “Every family and every child deserves access to a high quality program, and, in order to provide that, we need to provide our child care professionals with a living wage.” – Casey Mindlin, STEM Coding Lab “As a working parent, I am grateful for my children’s early learning program because it gives us a chance to create a better opportunity for our families while we are being ensured that our children are being loved, taught, and cared for while we are working.” – Nachell Henderson, YWCA Homewood-Brushton “I’ve been doing this business for over 30 years, and I’ve seen a definite decline in the staff that we’re able to retain because of pricing.” Joy Simmons, Joy Simmons Family Childcare “The staffing crisis has really affected us and has made it really hard to keep classrooms open…which really puts a burden on the parents, because then they don’t have child care.” – Mary Merryman, Presbyterian Day School Access the Videos To hear more from child care providers and advocates, access the videos below. Laura – We Need Educators https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/laura_-_we_need_educators-720p.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Tressie – Raise ECE Wages https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tressie_-_Raise_ECE_Wages.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Gwen – Support ECE: Backbone of the Community https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Gwen_-_ECE__Backbone_of_the_Community.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Denise – We Need Funds for Higher Wages https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/denise_-_we_need_funds_for_higher_wages-540p.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Lori – Help Us Retain Teachers https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/lori_-_we_need_to_keep_our_teachers-360p.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Brandi – We Need Support From Lawmakers https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/brandi_-_we_need_more_support_from_lawmakers.-540p.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Casey – Give Child Care Professionals a Livable Wage https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Casey_-_Give_Child_Care_Professionals_a_Living_Wage.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Nachell – Show Gratitude for Child Care Providers https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/nachell_-_our_children_are_loved_taught_and_cared_for.-720p.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Joy – Help Solve the Staffing Crisis https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/joy_-_seen_a_decline_staff_retention.-360p.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Mary – Help Us Keep Classrooms Open https://tryingtogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mary_-_Help_Us_Keep_Classrooms_Open.mp4 Watch on Vimeo. Learn More To learn more, visit the “Advocacy” tab on the Trying Together website or visit any of the following webpages: Take Action Public Policy Agenda Early Learning PA Early Childhood Funding Map Call it Child Care Resources
June 14, 2023 Carnegie Museums Offer Free Memberships to Teens Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are offering Teen Membership to area teenagers. Teen Membership is a free pass to all four Carnegie Museums available to all teens 13–18 years old who are residents of Pennsylvania. About Teen Membership To qualify for the Teen Membership Program, applicants must: be 13-18 years of age and a resident of the state of Pennsylvania have the consent of parents or legal guardians, if under the age of 18 Teen members enjoy: free general admission to Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum invitations to events and programming designed just for teen members free reciprocal admission at 300+ ASTC museums and science centers discounts on classes, camps, educational films at the Rangos Giant Cinema, laser shows, lectures, and special events a 10% discount in museum stores and cafes (20% store discount during Member Shopping Days) Please note: Teen membership benefits are valid for one named teen per membership. Teen membership benefits do not extend to parents, guardians, caregivers, household members, or additional guests. Apply for Teen Membership To apply for a Teen Membership, fill out the online application on the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh website or complete and return a paper application to any of the four Carnegie Museums, or mail to: Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh ATTN: Membership 4400 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Learn More To learn more, visit the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh website.
June 13, 2023 CitiParks Publishes Summer Guide The Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation (CitiParks) recently released its 2023 Summer Guide, which aims to highlight the department’s many programs and activities, and safely engage residents and visitors in city spaces. The guide provides information on a wide range of free, family-friendly activities, from walking and biking to concerts and movies. About the 2023 Summer Guide The CitiParks 2023 Summer Guide details: Farmers Markets Roving Art Cart Alphabet Trail and Tales Track and Treat Tennis Clinics CitiSports Aquatics and Swimming Pools Food Programs Recreation Centers Healthy Active Living Senior Centers Parks and Trails Footraces Independence Day at Point State Park Car Cruise-In Line Dancing 2023 Summer Concerts 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park Community Festivals Block Parties Park Shelters & Facilities Holiday Tree Lighting & Gingerbread House Display Access the 2023 Summer Guide The 2023 Summer Guide is available online. It will also be available at CitiParks Recreation and Healthy Active Living (Senior) Centers, Farmers Markets, Concerts, and various locations throughout the city. Related Information & Resources CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance Summer Food Programs Offer Free Meals to Children Resources for June Observances 2023 Food Resources Learn More To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.
Air Quality Tips and Training Available for Families and Educators To better protect adults and children during air quality alerts, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and Environmental Health Capacity (EHC) Program are offering tips and training to help families and children stay healthy. About Air Quality Dangers & Alerts Current weather patterns are pushing smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada into communities across the Commonwealth, increasing the average concentrations of fine particulate matter in the air. Air quality can affect your health, especially people who may be at greater risk, including: people with heart disease people with lung disease (including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]) older adults children and teenagers (because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air relative to their size) people who are pregnant people who work outdoors If you experience symptoms like trouble breathing or dizziness, you should seek medical attention. If you know a family member or neighbor who has one of the above conditions, remember to check in on them. Tips from DHS During air quality alerts, all Pennsylvanians should: avoid strenuous outdoor activities keep outdoor activities short consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them Additionally, to help keep particle pollution lower indoors during air quality alerts: don’t use candles or smoke indoors keep windows and doors closed use an air filter in your home, if you have one clean or replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations make your own portable air cleaner, if you don’t have one (the EPA offers DIY information on how to do so) Training from the EHC Program The EHC Program invites child care professionals to participate in a short nano learning course on air quality. About the EHC Program The EHC Program is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded program under the Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology (DEHE) with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. EHC seeks to provide outreach and education on topics related to children’s environmental health. About the Learning Course on Air Quality The nano learning course should take a few minutes minutes to complete and provides an overview of what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI) is, why it is important, and how it can be included in your classroom plans and activities. After completing the training, please complete a survey to inform future outreach efforts to childcare providers. The survey is a total of four questions. If you have comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the EHC Program at dehe@pa.gov. Access the Learning Course on Air Quality Interested ECE educators can access the EHC Program learning course on air quality on YouTube. Resources to Support the Course Resources to support the learning course include: Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution Air Quality Guide for Ozone Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools What Color is Your Air Today? Activity Sheet Air Quality Activity Coloring Sheet Why is Coco Orange book Learn More Visit www.airnow.gov to find the latest air quality levels and recommendations for your location. To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key Tips or Pennsylvania Key Training webpages.
June 12, 2023 WIDA Early Years Program to Sunset in June WIDA and the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will sunset the WIDA Early Years Membership Program for Pennsylvania on June 30. Consequently, the four current, free, one-hour, self-paced, WIDA Early Years trainings in the PD Registry will no longer be available beginning July 1, and anyone completing WIDA Early Years training coursework must do so by July 1 to receive credit for the training. Still, trainers who completed the WIDA cohort may still offer in-person WIDA courses in the PD Registry for a fee. About the WIDA Early Years Membership Program WIDA Early Years Membership Program promotes equitable early care and education (ECE) opportunities for young, multilingual children through partnerships with state agencies. Though the program will end on June 30, WIDA will continue to make PreK–3 resources available on the WIDA website under “Early Language Development” or “Teaching in PreK–3.” Additionally, OCDEL will make dual language resources available on the Pennsylvania Key website. Future WIDA Offerings Beginning September 1, WIDA will offer two new PreK-3 resources: A new self-paced workshop, “Exploring the WIDA PreK-3 Essential Actions,” will introduce educators to the new WIDA PreK-3 Essential Actions. Educators will have an opportunity to build their knowledge and understanding of the Essential Actions and to reflect on their own ideologies, practices, and settings. Access to the course will require a WIDA Secure Portal account. Search the training calendar in the PD Registry for “Exploring the WIDA PreK-3 Essential Actions” or contact Barry Wiestling at bwiestling@pa.gov for information about how to set up a WIDA Secure Portal account and access this and other WIDA self-paced offerings. A new, “Are We Ready?” resource will support PreK–3 educators to promote and provide equitable transitions for multilingual children and their families. This resource will be available on the WIDA website. Learn More Please contact Barry Wiestling at bwiestling@pa.gov with questions. To learn more, visit the WIDA website.
