October 31, 2023 Proposed Legislation Could Reduce Zoning Burdens on Pittsburgh Child Care Facilities Proposed legislation introduced last week would amend the City of Pittsburgh’s Zoning Code to allow for child care facilities within single-family residentially zoned neighborhoods and accessory structures and to eliminate parking requirements for such facilities. Learn More The Zoning Code defines a child care facility as “an establishment that provides care, protection and supervision for children on a regular basis away from their primary residence for less than 24 hours per day.” It currently requires a “Special Exception,” to be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Administration, to allow for child care facilities in single-family residentially zoned neighborhoods. The proposed legislation will: Allow facilities that will care for up to six children to be permitted by-right within R1D (single-unit detached residential) and R1A (single-unit attached residential) zoning districts. Exempt child care accessory units from current home occupation standards when they take care of three or fewer children and where the home is the primary residence of the child care provider. Remove off-street parking minimums and maximums for child care facilities. Add accessory in-home child care for three or fewer children where the home is the primary residence of the child care provider to the list of exemptions for a record of zoning approval. Emily Neff, Director of Public Policy at Trying Together, applauded this effort by the Pittsburgh City Council to make these crucial changes to the Zoning Code. “Home-based providers play a critical role in the early care and education landscape—offering smaller group sizes, more flexible schedules, and usually, more affordability,” Neff said in a news release. “Often home-based providers serve the families in their neighborhood, providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children while families go to work. The proposed changes to remove barriers in the Zoning Code will allow for more home-based providers to open and operate. This will help the city increase access to quality child care and expand the options available to families.” For details, read the full news release distributed by the City of Pittsburgh.
Whole Home Repairs Program Application Period Open 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. Learn More The Whole-Home Repair Program is a federal program and available in counties across the Commonwealth. Through the 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. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Friday, November 17. No applications will be accepted after this time. 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. 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, apply now on the Allegheny County Whole-Home Repair Program website by Friday, November 17. 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.
October 26, 2023 Resources for November 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 November observances: Month-Long Observances Child Safety and Protection Month Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series, Part V: Safety, Trying Together Creating Safe Environments for Infants, Toddlers, and Young Children Creating an Emergency Kit for Your Family Discussing Emergencies with Children in a Non-Threatening Way Organizations Publish New Child Safety and Development Resources for Families and Educators, Trying Together New Food Safety Fact Sheets, Trying Together Child Safety and Protection Month: Make Safety a Reality for All Young People, The Educational Development Center Family Stories Month Family Stories Month-November 2023, National Today Classroom Ideas for Family Stories Month, Boxlight National Adoption Awareness Month National Adoption Month 2023, Child Welfare Information Gateway Foster and Adoptive Families, Trying Together Support Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together PA’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network (SWAN), Department of Human Services National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series, Part XII: Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together A Guide to Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others Support Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together Self Care Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families, Trying Together Native American Heritage Month Native American Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month National Native American Heritage Month, U.S. Department of the InteriorIndian Affairs Resources For Teachers, Native American Heritage Month Native American Heritage Month Activities, Lesson Plans, and Printables, TeacherVision Week-Long Observances November 6 – 12 is National Children’s Book Week Buzzword Boxes & Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources For Families and Caregivers, Trying Together November 11 – 18 is National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week 2023 Food Resources, Trying Together SNAP Benefit Amount Increases October 2023, Trying Together The Facts, Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week November 13 – 17 is National Young Readers Week Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources For Families and Caregivers, Trying Together Why Is It Important to Read to Your Child? Child Mind Institute November 20 – 26 is National Family Week Allegheny County Family Resource Map Highlights Supports for Locals, Trying Together Types of Family Structures, Trying Together Family Guide: Family Dynamics, Trying Together Tips to Practice Self-care as a Family, Mental Health First Aid The Story Behind Intergenerational Play, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Days of Recognition November 2 is International Stress Awareness Day 4 Tips to Manage Sandwich Generation Stress: Squeezed Between Parents and Kids, AARP How to Ask for and Receive Help, Trying Together November 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day 5 Fun Ways to Celebrate National STEM Day and STEAM Day, Left Brain Craft Brain STEM/STEAM Day 2023, Holiday Calendar Why Is STEM Important in Early Childhood Education? American University November 8 is World Adoption Day National Adoption Month 2023, Child Welfare Information Gateway Foster and Adoptive Families, Trying Together PA’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network (SWAN), Department of Human Services November 13 is World Kindness Day World Kindness Day, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation 7 Ways To Make Kindness A Norm In Your Daily Life, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation Pre-K Kindness in the Classroom Lessons, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation November 18 is International Stand Up to Bullying Day Stop Bullying Now Hotline, The Cybersmile Foundation Office for Civil Rights Issues Fact Sheet on Diversity & Inclusion Activities, Trying Together November 20 is Universal Children’s Day World Children’s Day, United Nations Universal Children’s Day Activities, Twinkl
October 25, 2023 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Application Period Opens November 1 The application period for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income households pay some energy costs associated with heating their home, opened November 1, 2023. LIHEAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. LIHEAP provides a cash grant during the heating season to help families pay their electric bills. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited to a family’s bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Eligibility Applicants must meet income guidelines for 2022-2023. One-person household: $21,870 Two-person household: $29,580 Three-person household: $37,290 Four-person household: $45,000 Five-person household: $52,710 Six-person household: $60,420 Seven-person household: $68,130 Eight-person household: $75,840 Applicants must have proof of income for each adult in the household, a copy of their most recent utility bill, and the social security number of each adult in the household (and child, if possible). Apply Applications can be submitted: online using the COMPASS website. by downloading the LIHEAP application form at the Department of Public Welfare’s website. Filing a LIHEAP application at your local county assistance office. The LIHEAP application period for both cash and crisis grants will remain open until April 28, 2024. For additional information, please visit the PA Department of Human Services website.
October 24, 2023 October Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of October 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. Fisher-Price recalled Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Crates and Troublesome Truck & Paint for choking and magnet ingestion hazards. YourHealthToolkit recalled Children’s Weighted Blankets for asphyxiation hazard. Item is sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Little Sleepies recalled Sleepyhead Loveys and Bandana Bibs for choking hazards. The FORT recalled Children’s Play Tents for choking and laceration hazards. Rene Rofe Girl Children’s Blanket Sleepers and Hooded Robes for burn hazard and violation of Federal Flammability Standards. Cocco Candy and KGR Distribution recalled Cocco’s Candy Rolling Candy for being a choking hazard and causing one death. Candy Dynamic recalled Slime Licker Sour Rolling Liquid Candies for being a 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. More Resources To read more recall reports: September Recalls on Children’s Products August Recalls on Children’s Products July Recalls on Children’s Products
Allegheny County ECE/OST Workforce Survey Category One encourages early care and out-of-school-time professionals to participate in the Early Care and Education (ECE) and Out of School Time (OST) Workforce Survey. The Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives (DCI) has partnered with Category One Consulting (C1C), an independent research and consulting firm, to conduct the survey, which aims to gather your perspectives so they can be used to inform improvements for workers and the community. All responses will remain completely confidential and C1C will not share them with anyone at DCI or your organization. Findings will be shared in aggregate to inform overall improvements. Survey participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of five $100 VISA gift cards. The survey is expected to take about 10 minutes to complete and will be open until Friday, November 17. Fill out the survey today!
October 23, 2023 SNAP Benefit Amount Increases October 2023 The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) income and benefit limits increased on October 1, 2023. Learn More The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) annually evaluates SNAP’s income eligibility standards, the maximum thrifty food plan, and the minimum benefit amount. These mass grant changes will benefit all SNAP recipients; SNAP benefit levels may increase as a result of these updates, and no one will experience a decrease in benefits. Income Limits Here are the SNAP income limits beginning October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024: Household Size/Maximum Gross Monthly Income 1 /$2,430 2/$3,288 3/$4,144 4/$5,000 5 /$5,858 6/$6,714 7/$7,570 8 /$8,428 9 /$9,286 10 /$10,144 Each additional member /+$858 Maximum SNAP Benefits There is no change to the minimum benefit this year; the minimum benefit remains $23 through September 30, 2024. The Maximum Thrifty Food Plan is the maximum amount of SNAP benefits a household can receive. Below are the changes to the Maximum Thrifty Food Plan through September 30, 2024: Household Size/Maximum Thrifty Food Plan 1 /$291 2 /$535 3 /$766 4 /$973 5 /$1,155 6 /$1,386 7 /$1,532 8 /$1,751 9 /$1,970 10 /$2,189 Each Additional Member /$219 Apply for SNAP Online: Apply for or renew SNAP benefits online by using COMPASS. In-person: File an application at your county assistance office. Download an application, fill it out, and return it to your county assistance office: Application for cash assistance, SNAP, and Medical Assistance benefits (English version) Solicitud para recibir beneficios (Spanish version)
Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources For Families and Caregivers Reading Ready Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization that supports the healthy development of young children by increasing access to age-appropriate books and encouraging families to start reading young. Reading Ready Pittsburgh offers many useful tools and programs for families and caregivers to amplify the desire for kids to start reading. Resources Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a program where families with children ages birth – five can receive a free high-quality book each month. This program is offered specifically to families living in the Mon Valley and the City of Pittsburgh. Learn more and register for this program. Reading 4K: Reading 4K is a program designed to offer helpful tips for parents or caregivers with young children on reading. when signing up for this program, caregivers will receive reading tips three times a week that are personally crafted for their child’s development. This program is offered to all caregivers in Allegheny County. Learn more and sign up for Reading 4K. Raising A Reader: Raising A Reader is a national program that is based on the idea of book-giving. Families receive a red book bag from their child care program that contains age-appropriate books and after a designated amount of time, the families will bring the books back and receive new ones. Caregivers, learn more about implementing the Raising A Reader program at your program. Request Books From Reading Ready Pittsburgh: If you are a facilitator, caregiver, or teacher in need of books, Reading Ready Pittsburgh will help start a library in your classroom. They will also provide books for playgroups and replace worn-out books. Apply for new books.
October 20, 2023 Request For Proposals: School-Community Summer Program Partnerships The Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives (DCI) is seeking proposals for school-community partnerships. Through this opportunity, DCI intends to increase the number of available summer programming slots in Allegheny County for children completing kindergarten through seventh grade. Learn More DCI is interested in funding opportunities that create or strengthen school-community summer program partnerships in the Allegheny County communities that need them the most. DCI envisions funding a variety of proposals including, but not limited to: Start-up and operating costs to build a summer program in a community that lacks them, including costs associated with creating a school-community partnership, such as staffing, transportation, enrollment, and other coordination efforts. Funding for elementary and/or middle schools to expand work in summer partnership(s) with community-based organizations OR for community-based organizations to expand work in summer partnership(s) with schools. Systems-building efforts that result in additional school-community summer program slots. Programming should be responsive to the needs of the community and provide engaging activities that encourage regular enrollment and consistent attendance. The program should be easily accessible to all families and include a comprehensive schedule with limited barriers to attendance. A successful proposal must describe a plan for marketing and establishing formal referral pathways from the community and other partners. Proposers must design their proposed programming to serve a diverse population and with an explicit focus on equitable access for all children, including English learners, children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), children with medical or behavioral health needs, and families with transportation challenges. There is no limit to the total budget that applicants may propose; however, all costs must be justified and explained. Apply Access the RFP. Proposals are due November 29, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. To view this RFP, submit questions, and/or submit a proposal, you must first register on Bonfire. If you have any questions or need assistance during the registration process, reach out to Bonfire Support via email at support@gobonfire.com.
October 18, 2023 Celebrate Lights On Afterschool Day 2023 On October 26, celebrate Lights On Afterschool Day. This is a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. About Lights On Afterschool This year, Governor Josh Shapiro has proclaimed that October 26 is Lights On Afterschool Day. The Afterschool Alliance has recorded that over half of students participate in afterschool programming across the nation. Therefore, they have organized the Lights On Afterschool campaign to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do, and poetry—and discover new skills. This year they invite you to participate and host your own “Lights On” event. Events Happening in Pittsburgh: Dragon’s Den Tuesday, 10/24 | 3:30 – 5 p.m. 1008 Amity Street, Homestead, PA 15120 Family Resources/ BJWL Homewood Wednesday, 10/25 | 4 – 6 p.m. 10 Albertice Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Neighborhood Learning Alliance Wednesday, 10/25 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Arsenal K – 5, 215 39th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Woolslair K – 5, 501 40th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 Allegheny Youth Development Thursday, 10/26 | 4 – 7 p.m. 3530 Fleming Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Center That Cares Thursday, 10/26 | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 2701 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Learn More Earthen Vessels Outreach Thursday, 10/26 | 4 – 6 p.m. 250 S. Pacific Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 Melting Pot Ministries Thursday, 10/26 | 3 – 6:30 p.m. 5811 Curry Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Register Neighborhood Learning Alliance Thursday, 10/26 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Concord K – 5, 2350 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 Roosevelt Intermediate, 17 W. Cherryhill Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 Project Destiny Thursday, 10/26 | 4 – 6 p.m. Destiny of Faith Church, 3737 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh Manchester PreK – 8 School, 1612 Manhattan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Rankin Christian Center Thursday, 10/26 | 4 – 6:30 p.m. 230 Third Avenue, Rankin, PA 15104 SLB Radio Productions Thursday, 10/26 | 4 – 6 p.m. 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 The Maker’s Clubhouse Thursday, 10/26 | 4 – 6 p.m. PPS – Lincoln, 238 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 PPS – Faison, 7430 Tioga Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Youth Opportunities Development Thursday, 10/26 | 3 – 8 p.m. 501 Mitchell Avenue, Clairton, PA 15025 Assemble Friday, 10/27 | 4 – 6 p.m. 4824 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 Find Other Events Communities nationwide, including many in western Pennsylvania, are celebrating. Find local events online. For more information and the toolkit, visit the Lights On Afterschool webpage. Learn More About Afterschool Programs Afterschool programs or Out-of-School-Time (OST) programs offer countless benefits to the community and significantly impact students behaviorally and academically. In Allegheny County alone, there are over 180,000 students between the ages of 5-17 years old that are eligible to participate in these programs. That is why it is important to know about the programs that are operating in your community. To learn more, please visit the APOST event calendar.
