July 27, 2023 Resources for August 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 August observances: Month-Long Observances Summer Sun Safety Month CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together Summer Safety Brochure, Allegheny County Health Department, Trying Together Sun Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) August is National Immunization Awareness Month, Trying Together National Immunization Awareness Month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommended Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Parent-Friendly Version, Birth through 6 Years, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines for Your Children By Age, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Spanish / Español Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month National Center Releases Guide on Children’s Eye Health, Trying Together An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health Eye Health and Safety for Kids, National Eye Institute (NEI) Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care For Children, National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye Conditions and Diseases, National Eye Institute (NEI) Spanish / Español 6 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Child’s Eye Health, John Hopkins Medicine Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Vision, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources for Parents of Blind and Low-Vision Children, Library of Congress: National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Parenting Without Sight: What Attorneys and Social Workers Should Know About Blindness, National Federation of the Blind How to Get Free Audio Books for the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Braille Institute 25+ Children’s Books Featuring Visually Impaired Characters, WonderBaby Back to School Month Allegheny Child Care What is Allegheny Child Care? 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together Top 10 Skills for Children Entering Kindergarten, Trying Together Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Family Guide (ECLKC), Trying Together Kindergarten Transition: A Guide for Families, Trying Together National Breastfeeding Month Breastfeeding Resources, Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, Trying Together Breastfeeding Classes August is National Breastfeeding Month: This is Our Why, U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) Lactation Support, Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding (HSCUB) Breastfeeding, Kids Plus Pediatrics Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC) Breast Feeding Resources, Birth Doulas of Pittsburgh Weeks of Recognition August 6 – 12 is Exercise with Your Child Week Childhood Physical Health: Resources, Trying Together Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators & Families, Trying Together Supporting Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families: The Importance of Exercise, Trying Together Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Trying Together Air Quality Tips and Training Available for Families and Educators, Trying Together Physical Education Vocabulary for Kids, Trying Together Resources for Supporting Physical Activity, Nutrition, Play and More, Action for Healthy Kids Promoting the Physical Health of Boys (and Girls), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Days of Recognition August 1 is National Night Out (NNO) National Night Out Returns to Pittsburgh, Trying Together City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety About National Night Out National Night Out Resources August 9 is National Book Lovers Day Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases 2023 Best Books for Babies List, Trying Together Toolkit: Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success, Trying Together 2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, Trying Together Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Books to Celebrate Gender Expression, Inclusion, and Pride, Trying Together Children’s Books About Transitions, Trying Together Children’s Books About Mental Health, Trying Together Restaurants Add Books to the Menu with Summer Reading Programs, Trying Together August 15 is National Back To School Prep Day 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together 101 Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Kids, Care.com Back-to-School Tips, HealthyChildren.org 10 Considerations Before Going Back to School as a Parent, Parents Magazine August 26 is Women’s Equality Day Family Guide: Gender and Gender Identity, Trying Together Women’s Equality Day, The National Women’s History Alliance Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) The Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance Women’s Issues Support Groups in Pittsburgh, Psychology Today The Women and Girls Foundation
July 25, 2023 Fire Safety Requirements for Child Care The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released two announcements: C-23-01 Fire Safety Requirements for Group Child Care Homes (in a residence) and Family Child Care Homes and C-23-02 Fire Safety Requirements for Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes (in a Commercial Space). Learn More The announcements describe the fire safety requirements for Department of Human Services (DHS) certified child care programs. All DHS certified group child care homes (in a residence) and family child care homes must maintain compliance with the fire safety laws contained in the Human Services Code; the Fire and Panic Act (family child care homes only); the Pennsylvania Construction Code; and regulations relating to smoke alarms or systems. Smoke alarms or systems must always be operable. All DHS certified child care centers and group child care homes (in a commercial space) must maintain compliance with the fire safety laws contained in the Human Services Code, the Pennsylvania Construction Code, and regulations relating to fire detection devices or systems. Fire detection devices or systems must always be operable. The guidance also applies to school-age programs (in a residence) not located in a school building. For full details, please see the Announcements C-23-01 Fire Safety Requirements for Group Child Care Homes (in a residence) and Family Child Care Homes and C-23-02 Fire Safety Requirements for Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes (in a Commercial Space).
July Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of July 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. Pottery Barn Kids recalled Penny Convertible Cribs due to laceration hazard. Soojimus recalled CUPKIN Stainless Steel Children’s Cups due to violation of Federal Lead Content Ban. woom Bikes USA recalled woom ORIGINAL Kids’ Bicycles due to fall hazard. CaTeam recalled Canvas Baby Hammock Swings due to suffocation hazard; violation of Safe Sleep for Babies Act. 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.
July 24, 2023 National Night Out Returns to Pittsburgh National Night Out (NNO), a community-building campaign that gives neighborhoods the opportunity to host community events in collaboration with local first responders, returns to the Greater Pittsburgh area on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. About National Night Out Neighborhoods across the nation host block parties, festivals, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from public safety personnel, and more. NNO promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer, more caring places to live. NNO provides a great opportunity to bring police and other first responders together with residents under positive circumstances. The program enhances the relationship between neighbors, law enforcement and first responders while bringing back a true sense of community. How to get Involved The Department of Public Safety’s National Night Out Resources page is where you’ll find contact information to coordinate a community event with a SaferTogether Pittsburgh Coordinator. Helpful event planning links and the City of Pittsburgh’s National Night Out Planning Guide will help neighborhoods to plan their own NNO celebration! Neighborhoods may also directly sign-up to host a NNO community event through the NNO website. For more information, communities may reach out to Department of Public Safety, SaferTogether Pittsburgh Coordinators: Zone 1 & 5: Emily Embrey | emily.embrey@pittsburghpa.gov Zone 2 & 3: Ian Reynolds | ian.reynolds@pittsburghpa.gov Zone 4 & 6: John Tokarski | john.tokarski@pittsburghpa.gov Related Content & Resources New Language Access Training Available for Organizations Tools to Monitor Harmful Air Quality Conditions in Pittsburgh 3 For Free: Free Admission in August for Three Local Museums The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Prevention Tactics New Nationwide Report Ranks Pennsylvania 22nd in Child Well-Being Third Annual Community Health & Wellness Summit
Parents Promoting Early Learning Study Opportunity Parents Promoting Early Learning is seeking parents and their two-year-old (up to 36 months) and four-year old children to research how children learn and think. About The research involves understanding how parents help their children learn and develop through everyday activities. Parents and children will be observed during interactions, as well as complete a few assessments during home visits. Parents will also fill out a questionnaire and complete phone interviews. Requirements Participants must complete: two to three online video calls where the parent and child complete games and assessments, questionnaires and interviews about the child’s development and activities, and a one-year follow-up visit for more games and assessments. Participants will be compensated for their time. Enrollment If you are interested in enrolling, complete the study contact form. More Information For questions, please contact ppel@pitt.edu or 412.204.6845.
July 21, 2023 Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Available The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is available to help Pennsylvania families who have overdue water bills or at risk of losing water service for their home. The application period is open through Friday, August 11. About LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program to help low-income families pay overdue water bills. Water assistance is provided as a grant paid directly to service providers and does not need to be repaid. LIHWAP can help households that are in emergency situations maintain essential water access. Families can receive one crisis grant for drinking water service and one crisis grant for wastewater service up to $2,500 each. Crisis situations include: Past-due water bills; Termination of utility service; or, Threat of termination of water service in the next 60 days. Apply Applicants can be renters or home owners and they do not need to be on public assistance; however, they do need to have an unpaid water bill to qualify. Eligibility and income requirements are available on the PA Department of Human Services website. The application is available online on the COMPASS website. Water Assistance Resources LIHWAP Handbook LIHWAP Flyer — English LIHWAP Flyer — Spanish LIHWAP Legislative Report
July 19, 2023 New Language Access Training Available for Organizations A new resource is available to help organizations engage more with community members who do not speak English as a first language. About Through All for All and The Global Switchboard, a free one-hour language access training, including resources to foster better relationships with non-English speaking community members, is available for organizations and groups to reserve and schedule. The trainings can take place virtually or in-person. To register, email crich@shimcares.org from South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) to request a training date for your organization or group. Related Content & Resources 2023 Summer Reading Programs for Young Readers Story Time with the Hill District Early Literacy Initiative and Macedonia FACE Hill District Conducting Survey on Parent Engagement in Child Literacy 2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip HDELI Wild Family Literacy Night Resources for July Observances
July 18, 2023 Tools to Monitor Harmful Air Quality Conditions in Pittsburgh Air quality has emerged as one of the most prominent environmental aspects to monitor for daily health and wellness. Now there are many tools to help Pittsburgh families better protect themselves when air quality conditions are poor. Understanding Pollution Breathing in particle pollution from fine particulates (PM2.5) can increase the risk of health problems like heart disease and asthma. Fine particulates can come directly from a source, such as fire, construction sites, and smokestacks, or form in the atmosphere from pollutants emitted from power plants, automobiles, and industrial manufacturing. How to Monitor Air Quality Using the AirNow tool, residents of Pittsburgh can monitor the air quality in real-time in their neighborhoods by simply typing in their zip code. The AirNow tool tells users how the air is in their current area based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Index, a six-tier, color-coded scale representing different levels of pollution. It’s measured from 0 to 500, and higher values indicate greater air pollution; anything above 100 is unhealthy. Pittsburgh residents may also use the interactive map feature to get a closer look at the air quality activity in a specific area. If it smells bad outside, it could mean that toxins are in the air. Report foul odors, and track other reports in the community with the Smell Pittsburgh app. Stay Safe If EPA’s Air Quality Index indicates unhealthy air, close windows, limit time outdoors, and run air filters to avoid the toxins. You may also elect to wear a mask or construct a DIY air purifier to protect yourself from inhaling pollutants and toxins. Related Content & Resources Air Quality Tips and Training Available for Families and Educators Third Annual Community Health & Wellness Summit A Guide to Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others Practicing Mindfulness for Parents Live Well Allegheny Launches “Rethink Your Drink” Campaign to Promote Healthy Water Drinking Habits PADHS and ACDHS Renewed Recommendations for End of Public Health Emergency
The State of Preschool 2022 Annual Report Rutgers University’s National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has released The State of Preschool 2022 annual report, which covers the 2021-2022 school year and tracks preschool enrollment, funding, and policies state-by-state. Pennsylvania Highlights According to the report, Pennsylvania remains far from offering children throughout the state the early education they need with just one in five children enrolled in state funded preschool in 2021-2022. Pennsylvania key findings include: Enrollment in state-funded preschool was 45,164, an increase of 4,602 State spending for preschool programs was $351,710,037, an increase of $7,038,439 (inflation adjusted) State spending per child enrolled in preschool was $7,787 Pennsylvania met an average of 6.9 of 10 quality standards benchmarks Pennsylvania has not committed to universal preschool for four-year-olds Pennsylvania did not provide incentives for preschool teacher retention or recruitment Pennsylvania National Rankings in 2022 Enrollment at age four: 28th (20%) Enrollment at age three: 11th (10%) State spending per child: 11th ($7,787) All-reported spending per child: 24th ($7,787) More Information Details about Pennsylvania can be found in the state’s profile. Information about how to interpret data in state profiles is available. The full report, Executive Summary, and more details can be found on NIEER’s site. Related Content & Resources Early Learning PA Pre-K for PA 2023 Pre-k Fact Sheet A Review of Pre-Kindergarten Expansion in U.S. Cities Invest in Quality: A Case for Paying Closer to What High-Quality Pre-K Costs
July 17, 2023 Trying Together Offering Free Idlewild & SoakZone Tickets Through Summer Giveaway Trying Together is offering families a chance at two free Idlewild Park and SoakZone tickets through an online Summer Giveaway. About the 2023 Summer Giveaway Hosted on Facebook, the contest requires audiences to take three actions: Follow Trying Together on Facebook. Share any one post about the giveaway on Facebook. Tag any one friend in the comment section of the post they intend to share. Individuals who meet these requirements will have the opportunity to win the two free tickets. Offer available now through Sunday, July 23. Winners will be notified via Facebook messenger on Monday, July 24. The winner may receive their tickets in the mail or visit the Trying Together office at 5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217 during regular operating hours to pick them up. Enter the 2023 Summer Giveaway Interested individuals should visit the Trying Together Facebook page to participate. About Idlewild Park and SoakZone Since 1878, Idlewild & SoakZone has been provided smiles on faces and laughter in the hearts of all who visit. What started out as a simple picnic ground along the Ligonier Valley Railroad has grown into one of the most scenic and well-loved entertainment facilities in all of Pennsylvania. Nationally recognized as “Best Children’s Park” by Amusement Today magazine and “Best Park for Families” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, Idlewild & SoakZone is your place for family fun! It offers seven theme areas of fun, including the nostalgic Story Book Forest and Olde Idlewild coupled with new and exciting areas such as SoakZone and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Jumpin’ Jungle, Hootin’ Holler, and Raccoon Lagoon Kiddieland round out the fun. Visit the Idlewild Park and SoakZone website for more information. Learn More To learn more, visit the Trying Together Facebook page or email info@tryingtogether.org with any questions. Related Content & Resources CitiParks Announces Free Pool Access for Area Youth Carnegie Museums Offer Free Memberships to Teens CitiParks Publishes Summer Guide Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More
