March 29, 2024 Resources for April Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for April observances: Month-Long Observances Month of the Young Child Month of the Young Child, Trying Together 2024 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner, Trying Together 2024 Homewood Early Learning Block Party, Trying Together Affirming Black Joy: Race, Identity, and Early Childhood, Trying Together Celebrate Diversity Month A Celebration of Diversity in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh Events, Pittsburgh Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion World Autism Month Autism Acceptance Month, University of Pittsburgh World Autism Month, American Autism Association Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County, Trying Together Upcoming Events, Autism Pittsburgh A Sensory Friendly Guide to Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Autism Services, The Children’s Institute National Child Abuse Prevention Month Developmentally Appropriate Practice: A Guide for Parents, Trying Together Resources to Keep Kids Safe, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Managing Problem Behavior at Home, Child Mind Institute National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child Welfare Information Gateway Strategies for Reducing Inequity in Child Protection: Addressing Bias, Child Welfare Information Gateway Sexual Assault Awareness Month National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Sexual Violence Education, Pennsylvania Department of Health Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024, National Sexual Violence Resource Center Medical Treatment for Sexual Assault, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and Their Loved Ones, Rape, Incest, and Abuse National Network (RAINN) A Guide for Friends and Family of Sexual Assault Survivors, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse, National Child Traumatic Stress Network Week-Long Observances April 6-12 is the Week of the Young Child Week of the Young Child, National Association for the Education of Young Children Week of the Young Child Events, Carnegie Science Center April 7-13 is National Library Week National Library Week Activities Scheduled at Northland Public Library in McCandless, TribLive April 22-26 is Every Kid Healthy Week Take Action During Every Kid Healthy Week, Action for Healthy Kids Day Observances April 2 is International Children’s Book Day International Children’s Book Day 2024, Awareness Days The 100 Best Children’s Books of All Time, Time Magazine The Complete Checklist: 100 Must-Read Books, Scholastic April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day Call for Participation: UN World Autism Awareness Day Event 2024, LinkedIn April 4 is National School Librarian Day National School Librarian Day 2024 Celebration Ideas, We Are Teachers National School Librarian Day, There is a Day for That April 5 is National Self Care Day Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together Grandfamily Tip Sheets Provide Information on Self-Care and Youth Mental Health, Generations United April 6 is National Library Day National Library Day, Holiday Calendar National Library Day, April 6, 2024, National Today Events, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh April 15 is National American Sign Language Day 44 Incredible Ways to Teach Sign Language to Your Kids, Teaching Expertise 7 Children’s Books About Deafness, Deaf Unity April 21 is National Kindergarten Day National Kindergarten Day, National Day Calendar Top 10 Kindergarten Readiness Skills, Hi5! Kindergarten Transition, Trying Together Kindergarten Registration Information for the 2024-25 School Year: Allegheny County, Trying Together Kindergarten Registration Information for the 2024-25 School Year: Westmoreland, Fayette, Armstrong, Greene, and Butler Counties, Trying Together April 22 is Earth Day Wild Earth Music, Art, and Culture Festival, Pittsburgh Earth Day History of Earth Day, National Geographic Kids Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Announces Earth Day Events in April, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Honoring Earth Month in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy April 23 is World Book Day Book Request Form, Reading Ready Pittsburgh Buzzword Words & Activities, Buzzword World Book Day, Worldbookday.com World Book Day 2024, National Literacy Trust Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Book Lists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Kindergarten Readiness Events Planned for Northside Families in April Hi5! and Pittsburgh Public Schools will host kindergarten readiness events for northside families in April. Attendees will learn about kindergarten readiness, transition, and enrollment. Session Details The first event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 4 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, located at 1230 Federal Street in Pittsburgh. Those interested in attending can register now. A second event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 20 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, located at 1201 Woods Run Avenue in Pittsburgh. Those interested in attending can register now. Both events are free. The first 20 families to register for each event will receive a free kindergarten giveaway bag. When a child reaches five years of age, it is time to enroll them in kindergarten. Details about kindergarten registration information for the 2024-25 school year in Allegheny County are now available. Hi5! Kindergarten transition efforts are led in partnership with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (AIU3), Trying Together, and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. For more information visit Trying Together’s Kindergarten Transition page.
March 28, 2024 March 2024 Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of March 2024 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. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to stop using Tuladuo Water Bead sets and Jangostor Water Beads. The CPSC warns of a chemical toxicity hazard, which is in violation of a federal ban of hazardous substances. Fisher-Price Little People Mickey and Friends Figures were recalled due to the heads of figures posing choking hazards to young children. Twenty Four Six Foods Happiness USA Roller Ball Candy was recalled. The candy’s rolling ball can dislodge from the product into a child’s mouth, posing a choking hazard. Fossil Group Bracelet sold with Skechers Jewelry Gift Sets were recalled due to high levels of lead and cadmium, which are toxic and can cause adverse health effects in children. Getallfun High-Powered Magnetic Ball sets were recalled due to ingestion hazard and failure to meet federal safety regulation for toy magnet sets. When swallowed, the magnets can become lodged in the digestive system. Jool Baby Infant Swings were recalled due to suffocation hazard in violation of federal safety regulations. High-Powered Magnetic Ball sets were recalled due to ingestion hazard in violation of federal safety regulations for toy magnet sets. TJX Children’s Brown Stretch Twill Pants sets were recalled due to choking hazard. Singles 3-in-1 High Chair and Booster Seats were recalled due to fall hazard in violation of federal safety regulations for high chairs and booster seats. Bubble Bear Crib Mattresses were recalled due to fire hazard for children in violation of federal safety regulations. The mattresses failed to meet flammability and labeling requirements. 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.
March 27, 2024 Review and Comment Period Open for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is inviting families, early childhood educators, Early Intervention and child care providers, and other professionals to review and make comments on the proposed 2024 application for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The review and comment period opens Monday, April 1 and closes on Wednesday, May 15. About IDEA, Part C and the Application The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal grant program that assists states in providing early intervention and school-aged services to children with special needs. Part C of IDEA – also known as the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program – provides early intervention services for children from birth through 36 months. Through the application, children with special needs due to developmental delays and disabilities are eligible to receive free early intervention services. Early intervention services can include family training, counseling, and home visits as well as occupational, physical, or speech therapy. Other services include hearing loss services; health, nutrition, and social work; assistance with service coordination; assistive technology devices and services; and transportation. Services – which are based upon the individual needs and strengths of each child and the child’s family – may be provided in the child’s home, child care center, nursery school, play group, Head Start program, early childhood special education classroom, or other familiar settings. Review and Comment Period Anyone who would like to review the proposed grant application can find the document at Early Intervention Services or Early Intervention (pa.gov) on the right side menu of the web pages. Hard copies can also be requested by emailing ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or by calling 717-346-9320. Opportunities to provide public comment include: Visiting Part C Grant Public Comment. The link will allow for online comments when the review and comment period commences on April 1. Submitting written comments regarding the proposed grant application to: Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports ATTN: Public Comments for Part C Grant Application 607 South Drive, 4th Floor Rotunda Harrisburg, PA 17120 Emailing written comments to ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov. Attending the public comment session to be held April 15 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Zoom. Session details: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/92055597686 (877) 369-0926 (U.S. toll free) Meeting ID: 920 5559 7686 Those who need accommodation or assistance to review the proposed grant application or to submit comments should contact ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or call 717-346-9320. Comments will be accepted through Wednesday, May 15. Learn More The Department of Education will review and consider all comments before submitting the final grant application. To learn more about the review and comment period, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. Sources The above information was compiled from the U.S. Department of Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Pennsylvania Key websites.
March 26, 2024 April 23 Primary Election Information and Key Dates Voters in Pennsylvania will cast their votes in the 2024 primary election on Tuesday, April 23. There are a number of factors to keep in mind for the primary, and it’s important to have a primary election voting plan in place. There’s still time to check your voter registration status and to review which options you have to cast your vote, whether it’s in person at your local polling place or by mail. Below are a list of important dates, places, and required actions for the 2024 primary election. Key Primary Election Dates Mark your calendar for these key dates. April 8, 2024 – Last day to register to vote before the April 23 election. April 16, 2024 – Last day to apply for absentee or mail-in ballot. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. The mail-in-ballot is also available in Spanish. April 23, 2024 – Last day to return mail-in or absentee ballots. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Register to Vote The deadline to register to vote is April 8, 2024. If you are not registered, register now by completing the Voter Registration Application. If you are uncertain of your registration status, check it by using the Pennsylvania Department of State Voter Registration Status Tool. Voter Registration Applications are also available in Traditional Chinese and Spanish. Military and overseas voters should use the federal form when applying for an absentee ballot. Online voter registration is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 8. Find Your Polling Place For those voting in person, locate your polling place on election day with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Polling Place Search Tool. Polls are open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any person in line at 8 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. Poll Workers Allegheny County’s Elections Division is currently seeking and assigning poll workers.Those who participate can volunteer to serve as a judge, inspector, or clerk of election. Poll workers, also referred to as election officers, earn from $150 to $175 for the day. New poll workers also receive paid training. Learn more about the Poll Worker Application process if you are interested in participating as a poll worker in the April 23 primary election. First-Time Voter Information First-time voters – including individuals who are voting for the first time at a polling place – will be asked to show an approved form of identification. All IDs must be valid and not expired. Accepted forms of identification include: Approved forms of photo ID PA driver’s license or ID card issued by PennDOT ID issued by any other Commonwealth ID issued by the U.S. Government U.S. passport U.S. Armed Forces ID Student ID Employee ID Approved forms of non-photo ID (must include the name and address of the elector) Voter’s identification and card issued by the voter registration commission Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth Non-photo issued by the U.S. Government Firearm permit Current utility bill Current bank statement Current paycheck Government check Visit the Pennsylvania Voter Services website for any voting information questions. Learn More If you have questions about your registration status, polling place, or anything relating to the April 23 election, visit the Allegheny County Elections website or contact the county election office at 412-350-4500. Address Allegheny County Elections Division 542 Forbes Ave., Suite 312 Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2953 Hours Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
March 25, 2024 Carnegie Library Hours Expansion Increases Accessibility The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has begun a major hours expansion, adding 93 more service hours weekly across its system. The increase began March 10 and is one of the largest in the library’s history. It will improve access and engagement for families, working adults, students, and patrons with busy schedules. Extended Hours The library extended its evening hours, with most branches remaining open until 8 p.m. at least three nights weekly. Five branches – Allegheny, Brookline, East Liberty, Main in Oakland, and Squirrel Hill – will be open until 8 p.m. four evenings weekly. Hours for Downtown, Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP), and the Allegheny County Law Library have not changed. “It’s our responsibility to listen and respond to our community by providing core services that are needed and accessible to residents,” said Andrew Medlar, President and Director of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in a news release. “Thanks to increased annual funding from the Regional Asset District, we can provide patrons with even greater access to lots of books, unique programming, dynamic spaces, and services provided by our amazing staff.” The expanded hours are a response to thousands of community members who contributed ideas during a year-long strategic planning process. The 2024-2028 strategic plan focuses on community connections and responsive services as well as regional cooperation, and organizational excellence. A full schedule can be found on the library’s website.
March 22, 2024 Voice Of ECE Childcare Liability Insurance Survey The Voice of ECE is inviting child care providers to share their insights by participating in its Childcare Liability Insurance Survey. The survey was created by and for early childhood business owners. Learn More The survey’s objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of child care business owners’ experiences with liability insurance carriers. The Voice of ECE is interested in gathering information on changes in premiums, coverage issues, or policy cancellations/non-renewals. Feedback gathered during the survey will play a crucial role in identifying areas for improvement and help to ensure that child care facilities are adequately protected. Challenges and concerns shared during the survey will help to better serve and maintain child care facility operations. All content will be utilized only for internal data collection purposes and will be treated as confidential. The Voice of ECE’s partners in the survey include Trying Together as well as Children First, First Up, Latinos Educando Juntos, the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA), and the Pennsylvania Association of the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC). How To Participate Providers who are interested in filling out the survey have until April 12 to do so. Two participants will be randomly chosen to win a $100 gift card from PennAEYC.
March 21, 2024 The Learning Lamp Offers Free Lesson Plans For Summer The Learning Lamp, a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization that offers child care, preschool, and school-age programs, is offering free, ready-made lesson plans for preschool and school-age summer camps, after-school activities, and days when school is out. About The Lesson Plans The Best Day Ever! lesson plans include a daily schedule and numerous hands-on activities that can act as a turnkey solution for understaffed, under-resourced out-of-school-time providers. All lesson plans were designed by teachers and are aligned with Pennsylvania learning standards. The plans can be adapted to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Register For Lesson Plans The resources are now available. Educators must register with the Learning Lamp to get access to the free summer lesson plans. For more information on Best Day Ever!, visit the Learning Lamp website.
March 20, 2024 Trying Together Receives Rapid Response Team Grant Trying Together was one of 18 early childhood organizations to receive state mini-grants for $200,000 in November. Learn More The Pennsylvania Key, on behalf of the state’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), awarded the Rapid Response Team grants to begin a six-month planning with six months implementation or a one-year grant implementation starting in January. The grant will support an approach that has emerged in several Pennsylvania communities to provide a Rapid Response Team to support a child, family, and educator when a child is at risk of being suspended or expelled. Trying Together will use the OCDEL grant to expand the services currently provided by the existing Rapid Response Team in Allegheny County. Funding from the grant will be used to hire additional staff to respond within 24 hours of a referral; to provide program- and classroom-wide support such as mentoring and coaching, technical assistance, and professional development; and to increase the number of functional behavior assessments based on the needs of the child. ELRC Region 5’s Rapid Response Team will continue to refer families and educators to additional services such as Early Intervention and Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH). Early Learning Connections in Butler received the grant in ELRC Region 3 and Engage Kidz LLC in Murrysville received the grant in ELRC Region 4. About Rapid Response Rapid Response Teams enhance the system of support available within the state’s early childhood system. The teams include behavioral health professionals, Early Intervention professionals and ELRC staff. The program is a piloted, short-term triaging support to enhance the early childhood system of support in each ELRC region in the state, which also include quality coaching, IECMH and School-Age Child Care, focused mental health consultation, Early Intervention services and supports, and home visiting. To learn more about Rapid Response Team implementation mini-grants, visit the PA Keys website.
March 19, 2024 Apply for the Educators’ Neighborhood 2024-2025 Cohort Early childhood educators and leaders are invited to apply for the Educators’ Neighborhood 2024-2025 cohort, where they will take part in a year-long program to learn how to apply Fred Rogers’ work and theory to their work with children. An initiative of the Fred Rogers Institute, Educators’ Neighborhood is a community of educators – defined broadly to include any adult who directly serves children, youth, families, or other educators – from around the world who learn together, for the most part through virtual meetings, and are inspired by the work of Fred Rogers. Who Should Apply Educators in early childhood education programs, family child care, preschool, or early intervention Directors of early childhood education programs, family child care, preschool, or early intervention K-12 teachers, guidance counselors, reading specialists, or school librarians Principals or superintendents at K-12 schools Educators or directors at programs that serve children or youth outside of school such as staff at a library, museum, after school or summer program, religious organization, or environmental educationhttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ENapplication2024 Educators serving adults who work with children, youth, or families (for example, higher education, professional development, quality improvement, or families) Home-based educators Fees and Scholarships The cost to participate for those selected is $595, which includes 30 hours of learning as well as lifetime access to the Educators’ Neighborhood community and access to alumni opportunities. Full and partial scholarships are available, and can be completed in the Educators’ Neighborhood application. This year’s scholarships include ones for: Educators and helpers who serve children through music, art, or reading education Educators in Greene, Fayette, or Westmoreland counties. Professionals from informal learning environments such as libraries and museums Educators’ Neighborhood participants in any context or location who are eligible for the needs-based General EN scholarship All participants will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the cohort year. Pennsylvania educators can receive ACT 48 credits for participation, while educators outside of Pennsylvania who are interested in transferring credits can receive additional documentation of completed learning hours. Application Details Apply online by May 3 at 5 p.m. For more information, check out the Educators’ Neighborhood Information Guidebook. To ask questions, email educators.neighborhood@stvincent.edu.
