September 26, 2023 Resources for October 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 October observances: Month-Long Observances Head Start Awareness Month Head Start Awareness Month-October 2023, National Today October is Head Start Awareness Month, Trying Together Dyslexia Awareness Month October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, International Dyslexia Association Understanding Dyslexia, Nemours KidsHealth Understanding Dyslexia, Child Mind Institute Hispanic Heritage Month (continued) Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together Latino Children Represent Over a Quarter of the Child Population Nationwide, National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families Key Facts About Young Latinos, One of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Populations, Pew Research Center Characteristics of the Early Childhood Workforce Serving Latino Children, National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families Celebrate Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month With These Tasty Recipes!, PBS Kids for Parents National Book Month Why Is It Important to Read to Your Child? Child Mind Institute Kids & Teens Booklists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword Pittsburgh Days of Recognition October 2 is National Child Health Day Childhood Physical Health, Trying Together Childhood Physical Health: Resources, Trying Together Supporting Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families, Trying Together Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Trying Together October 4 is National Walk to School Day National Walk & Bike To School Day-October 4, 2023, National Today Celebrate Walk to School Day, Action For Healthy Kids October 7 is National Play Outside Day Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Outdoor Play Trends, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative The Benefits of Outdoor Play: Why It Matters, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia October 9 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day 9 Ways To Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day With Children, Rebekah Gienapp October 10 is World Mental Health Day Childhood Mental Health, Trying Together Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together Mental Health Resources for Child Care Providers in Allegheny County, Early Learning Resource Center Grandfamily Tip Sheets Provide Information on Self-Care and Youth Mental Health, Trying Together Parental Mental Health Impacts on Children, Trying Together October 11 is National Coming Out Day Gender, Gender Identity, and LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Trying Together Family Guide: Gender and Gender Identity, Trying Together Non-Gendered Play in Early Childhood, Trying Together How Are Sex, Gender, and Gender Identity Defined? Trying Together Resource List: Books to Celebrate Gender Expression, Inclusion, and Pride, Trying Together
September Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of September 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. Make Believe Ideas recalled Seven Rainbow Road Board Books due to choking hazards. HONEY JOY recalled Infant Swings due to suffocation hazards and violation of Federal Safety Standards. Buffalo Games recalled Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity due to serious ingestion, choking, and construction hazards. Emporia recalled North America Smart Plugs due to electrical shock hazards. Life Raft Treats recalled Ice Cream Products for potential foodborne illnesses. Kraft recalled American Processed Cheese Slices for packaging defects causing for film to remain adhered to the cheese slice after the wrapper had been removed. TheraBreath recalled Kids Strawberry Splash Oral Rinse for device and drug safety/microbial contamination. 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. More Resources To read more recall reports: August Recalls on Children’s Products July Recalls on Children’s Products June Recalls on Children’s Products
Spring 2024 T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Application Now Open Early childhood education professionals interested in attending college in the Spring 2024 semester can now submit applications to receive a T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Scholarship and earn their teaching degree at little to no personal cost. Interested applicants must complete and submit their T.E.A.C.H. applications with all required documentation/information by Friday, November 17. About T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships T.E.A.C.H. encompasses several different scholarship programs. These programs help child care professionals complete coursework toward a degree or credential in early childhood and increase their compensation. Every T.E.A.C.H. scholarship has five key components: Scholarship – The scholarship covers most of the cost for tuition and books. Additionally, recipients receive a travel stipend each semester they are enrolled in class. Also, T.E.A.C.H. requires that the sponsoring child care program offer paid release time for the student to attend class, study, or handle personal needs. Education – In one scholarship year, each participant must successfully complete a required number of credit hours (usually 9-15) toward a degree in early childhood education. Compensation – At the end of the scholarship year, if they complete their educational requirement, participants are eligible to receive either a stipend or a raise. Commitment – Participants agree to continue working in their child care program for one year after each scholarship year. Counseling – Each recipient gets assigned a counselor able to assist the student in securing a scholarship, navigating the college processes, setting goals, and monitoring progress and needs. Eligibility The Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a variety of T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to meet the needs of the early care and education workforce in center and home-based settings. Eligible applicants must: work a minimum of 25-30 hours per week directly with children in a DHS-certified child care program; make $21.63 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for directors); and remain interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward a degree or credential in early childhood. Apply To apply, download a scholarship application on the PACCA website and submit your completed application by Friday, November 17 through one of the following methods: Email: teachinfo@pacca.org Fax: 717.657.0959 Mail: 20 Erford Road, Suite 302, Lemoyne, PA 17043 Additionally, begin the college admissions process and contact an early childhood education (ECE) advisor at your intended college/university. This helps to ensure that scholarship applicants get admitted to their college/university and can register for courses if/when they receive a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. can provide contact information for early childhood education advisors at partnering institutions if needed. Learn More For questions about scholarship eligibility or requirements, contact a T.E.A.C.H. Counselor at teachinfo@pacca.org.
Poster Series for Helping Kids who have Experienced Trauma Heal PA and Bright Start, Bright Kids, Bright Futures have created a poster series for early childhood educators to help children who have experienced trauma. About The posters equip teachers with the necessary tools to identify symptoms of childhood trauma, establish safe and informed classroom environments, and implement effective trauma-informed techniques and practices. Each set contains four posters focusing on ages birth – three and three – six years. The poster topics are: What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)? Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Stress Children can cope with trauma and build resiliency Tips for Educators: Taking care of yourself Early childhood educators and partners can display the posters where families and staff can view the information. Posters are available at no cost and available in English and Spanish. Supplies are limited. Download the posters on the Heal PA website or order a set of posters.
September 25, 2023 Duolingo Invests $1 Million A Year Towards Pittsburgh Early Education Duolingo, headquartered in East Liberty, has pledged $1 million to a new program called “Early Learners First.” This program’s main goal is to help strengthen and enhance Pittsburgh’s early education system by investing in local child care programs. With this pledge, Duolingo looks to invest directly in local child care programs to amplify the quality of early child care and create a lasting impact on staff retention and sustainable business practices. Trying Together, the Early Excellence Project and Candor&Co partnered with Duolingo in the creation of this program. Who Does It Impact? The nine local early learning programs impacted by this pledge are: Brightside Academy Early Education-East Liberty Child’s Way Davis Family Childcare Eastminster Child Care Homewood-Brushton YWCA Hope Academy Powered by Hosanna House McCoy’s Learning Center, LLC Mt. Ararat Early Childhood Development Center Shady Lane School Those selected for the program will receive up to $80,000 to assist them in meeting the true cost of care, which can include expenses like staff benefits and facility improvements, which allows them to welcome more children to their programs. Learn More To learn more about Duolingo and the Early Learners First program, read “Early Learners First: A New Early Education Program for our Pittsburgh Neighbors.” Related Content & Resources: It’s Time For Pittsburgh To Make An Investment In Early Education Relationships are the Heart of Early Childhood Education Report: State of Early Care and Education in Pennsylvania
U.S. Maternal Deaths Rise as Health Disparities Increase; Local Resources Offer Support A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed significant increases in pregnancy-related deaths across the United States, with disproportionate losses among Black, Native American, and Alaska Native people. About the Study Entitled, “Trends in State-Level Maternal Mortality by Racial and Ethnic Group in the United States,” the study analyzed state-by-state census data from 1999 to 2019 on pregnant or recently pregnant individuals aged 10 to 54 years, to provide comprehensive evidence on maternal morbidity and to guide policies aimed at preventing maternal deaths. Key Findings Results revealed a stark spike in maternal mortality rates, with pregnancy-related deaths more than doubling among all racial and ethnic groups across the U.S. over the last 20 years, and more than tripling for Native American and Alaska Native people. However, maternal mortality remains the highest among the nation’s Black population, continuing historic trends. Unfortunately, worsening healthcare for Black and BIPOC mothers—a trend typically relegated to southern states—is expanding. According to the study, New York and New Jersey saw an increase in Black and Latina deaths, while more Asian mothers died in Wyoming and Montana. Supporting Information In interviews with study authors and other medical professionals, WESA, an NPR affiliate, revealed the uniqueness of this upward trend, noting that other high-income countries have seen their maternal morbidity rates decline as a result of increasingly accessible healthcare. Consequently, state review committees consider most maternal deaths preventable, as most deaths appear linked to untreated health conditions and complications. Thus, WESA sites researchers are advocating for improved access to care, which Medicaid may allow, as the program pays for about half of U.S. births. Local Maternal Health Resources Local programs and services may help new and expecting mothers in the Greater Pittsburgh Area and Pennsylvania. Some of these resources include: 211 Pennsylvania Prenatal Care Services AHN Pregnancy and Newborn Services Allegheny County Office of Family and Child Health Catholic Charities Roselia Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services HealthCare.gov: Health Coverage If You’re Pregnant, Plan to Get Pregnant, or Recently Gave Birth Healthy Beginnings Plus Healthy Start Pittsburgh Hello Baby: Home Visiting Medical Assistance for Children and Pregnant Women The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health UPMC Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine Learn More Find the status of local maternal health and learn about the state maternal morbidity review committee on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. To learn more, read the NPR and WESA article, “U.S. maternal deaths keep rising. Here’s who is most at risk.” Sources Information for this post was taken directly from “Trends in State-Level Maternal Mortality by Racial and Ethnic Group in the United States”—a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)—and the NPR and WESA article, “U.S. maternal deaths keep rising. Here’s who is most at risk.” Text has been added, paraphrased, and adapted for reproduction, readability, and comprehension, and resources curated from a number of online sources. Related Content & Resources National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Available Prenatal-to-Three Playbook Details State of Child Care in Allegheny County, Shares Resources Resources for May Observances: Mother’s Day PA Receives $1.2 Million to Promote Maternal and Child Health Through 2026
September 24, 2023 Exploring Nearby Nature Professional Development Series Trying Together and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy invite early childhood education providers in Allegheny County to learn about how nature supports children’s physical health, social and emotional well-being, and cognitive growth. PQAS and ACT 48 continuing education credits will be provided to participants who participate in the following sessions, which are available at no cost. Exploring Nearby Nature Part 1: Why and How Session Details Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Virtual Register Nature and the outdoors provide a rich context for early learning. This course will cover simple tools, science content, and tips for supporting children’s developing inquiry skills. Participants will gain knowledge about how they can help young learners get the most of their nature exploration time. The course will cover simple tools, science content, and tips for supporting children’s developing inquiry skills. Exploring Nearby Nature Part 2: Tools for Going Out Session Details Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Schenley Park Visitor Center,101 Panther Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Register Building upon the training, “Exploring Nearby Nature Part 1,” participants will gain knowledge and skills to help young learners get the most out of outdoor exploration time. The course will cover outdoor safety, exploration strategies, and science content. This training includes time outdoors to practice techniques and nature-based activities.
September 19, 2023 Poll Reveals Increases in Child Communication Disorders and Need for Early Intervention Services A national poll of audiologists and speech-language pathologists recently revealed an increase in child medical referrals for parental concerns about hearing, speech, and language delays or disorders. Conducted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the survey investigated early detection, early warning signs, and caregiver knowledge and awareness of communication disorders, and demonstrated a need for early intervention education and services. About the Survey ASHA conducted this survey in February and March of 2023, sending an email invitation to 5,460 ASHA-certified audiologists and 5,534 ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists in the U.S. who are employed as clinical service providers and regularly serve at least one of the following age groups: six months or younger, seven months to two years of age, and three to five years of age The invitation included a link to the survey, which 858 recipients completed. Demographically: 43% of respondents work in schools. 29% work in nonresidential health care facilities. 21% work in hospitals. 79% regularly serve age groups three to five years. 54% regularly serve age groups seven months to two years. 32% regularly serve age groups six months or less. Key Findings Pandemic-Related Trends Backlogs of children who weren’t referred to audiologists and speech-language pathologists during stay-at-home periods, or whose families waited to seek help due to concerns about coronavirus exposure, were a major factor in the increase of referrals. Three-quarters (75%) of audiologists and 62% of speech-language pathologists reported such backlogs. Post-pandemic: 34% of audiologists reported seeing more children with a delayed diagnosis of hearing loss; 36% of audiologists reported seeing more children with untreated ear infections that could interfere with communication development; 84% of speech-language pathologists reported seeing more children with emotional or behavioral difficulties; 79% of speech-language pathologists reported seeing more children with delayed language or diagnosed language disorders, and 78% reported seeing more children with social communication difficulties than before the pandemic. When it comes to factors contributing to increases in referrals beyond backlogs, audiologists and speech-language pathologists point to: limited opportunities for social interaction and play with peers (59%); limited formal pre-K and daycare or interaction with outside adults (57%) such as child care providers, preschool teachers, and extended family; and young children (51%) spending more time using screens and technology such as tablets and smartphones compared with pre-pandemic years. Caregiver Awareness and Need for Early Intervention Services Positive Trends 67% of audiologists and speech-language pathologists said parental awareness of the early warning signs of communication disorders has improved during the past decade. A majority (71%) said that most families with young children are at least “somewhat” aware of the importance of early detection of speech, language, and hearing difficulties when families first see them. Negative Trends Lack of awareness of the early signs of disorders remains the leading factor hindering parents and caregivers from taking action on communication disorders in young children. Less than one quarter (21%) of audiologists said that most parents know the early warning signs of hearing disorders. Only 28% of speech-language pathologists said that most parents know the early warning signs of speech-language disorders. About 40% of audiologists indicated that, on average, symptoms of hearing loss in young children go unrecognized by parents/caregivers for 6 months to 1 year. Similarly, about 41% of speech-language pathologists indicated that, on average, symptoms of a speech-language delay or disorder in young children go unrecognized by parents/caregivers for 1–2 years. Nearly half (48%) of audiologists indicated that, on average, parents/caregivers wait 6 months to 1 year after observing symptoms of hearing loss in their children before acting. Accordingly, 48% of speech-language pathologists indicated that, on average, parents/caregivers wait 6 months to 1 year after observing symptoms of a speech-language delay or disorder to get help. ASHA Recommendations for Families Learn the signs of communication disorders. Connect with early intervention or a private clinician if you have concerns. Find contacts by state at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/states.html. Access a searchable database of private providers at www.asha.org/profind. Additionally, focus on daily interactions with your child. Learn More Visit www.IdentifytheSigns.org to learn more about communication disorders. To find additional information, visit the ASHA website. Source Information for this post was taken directly from the ASHA “Identify the Signs Campaign Survey Results” and ASHA Press Release. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Content & Resources Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Early Intervention (EI) Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County Family Guide for Navigating Early Intervention Services Tracking Your Child’s Developmental Milestones When Should a Parent Consider Early Intervention for Their Child? Early Intervention FAQ About the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers
September 18, 2023 New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed five new fact sheets with information about produce safety and best practices. About School meals are an important source of fruits and vegetables for children. Child nutrition program operators should understand food safety best practices to keep children safe. For food safety information and best practices, including information specifically for produce, check out USDA’s five new fact sheets. These resources are designed for USDA’s partners and stakeholders, including child nutrition program operators and agricultural producers. They’re filled with useful information and provide an overview of the following topics related to food safety: Food Safety Frequently Asked Questions Food Safety Information and Resources for the Farm to School Community Overview: Good Agricultural Practices The Food Safety Modernization Act and the Produce Safety Rule The Hazard Analysis Risk-Based Preventative Control Food Safety Plan and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Plans Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) Produce Safety webpage for more information about food safety.
September 13, 2023 Apply for The P.R.I.D.E. Teacher Cohort Are you an early childhood educator who wants to learn more about the intersection of race, education, and young children? About The Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) Program is inviting educators to apply for its Teacher Cohort, a free forum for exploring, sharing, and utilizing resources that will enable them to support the positive racial identity development of children. Starting in October, over the course of nine months, educators will be given the opportunity to: attend P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series events and follow-up learning sessions participate in monthly sessions to learn about how to implement inclusive teaching practices and strategies develop theme-based ideas, activities, and experiences to apply in the classroom For more information about the P.R.I.D.E. Teacher Cohort, please email Jessica Cochran, Training Coordinator, at JMC354@pitt.edu. Applications are available online. The deadline to apply is September 29. Share this flyer with your networks.
