May 29, 2024 May 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 May 2024 recalls collected from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Kano Laboratories recalled Super Lube products due to poisoning risks. The products contain either ethylene glycol or low-viscosity petroleum distillates, which must be in child-resistant packaging. However, the packaging for the products is not child resistant, posing a risk of poisoning if young children swallow them. Children’s nightgowns sold exclusively on Amazon and imported by Zegoo Home were recalled due to burn hazards and violation of Federal Flammability Standards. The nightgowns pose a risk of burn injuries to children. Children’s robes sold exclusively on Amazon and imported by SIORO were recalled due to burn hazards and violation of Federal Flammability Standards. The gowns pose a risk of burn injuries to children. Cotton On USA recalled toy pinwheels due to choking hazards for children. The pinwheel’s fastener cap can come loose and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Dixon Ticonderoga recalled Creativity Stream foam pattern rollers due to a violation of the federal lead content ban. The pattern rollers are intended for children and contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban in the rollers’ handles. Children’s dressers sold exclusively at Rooms to Go and imported by LFN Limited were recalled due to tip-over and entrapment hazards in violation of federal regulation for clothing storage units. The dressers are unstable if they are not properly attached to the wall. Skims Body recalled SKIMS children’s pajama sets due to burn hazards in violation of federal regulations for children’s sleepwear. The pajama sets fail to meet the flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Igloo Products recalled youth sipper bottles due to choking hazards. The cover on the sipper can detach while in use, posing a choking hazard to children.
Resources for June 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 June observances: Month-Long Observances JUNE IS CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Caribbean American History and Culture, U.S. Department of the Interior Global Diasporas: Contemporary African and Caribbean Migration – Organizations & Resources in Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Library System On the Town: Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage, PBS Caribbean American Heritage Month, Pittsburgh Technical College Top 10 Caribbean American Heritage Month Activities, Twinkl 19 Books to Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage, Scholastic Caribbean American Heritage Month Resource Toolkit, U.S. Department of State Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together Inclusive Language Guidelines, American Psychological Association (APA) JUNE IS NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH MONTH 5-Minute Guide to Men’s Mental Health, Mental Health America Self-Care for Men: The Essential Guide, Mind Journal Trans Men Health Screening Recommendations, AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health Issues, Johns Hopkins 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 JUNE IS NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS MONTH Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) When a Child’s Parent Has PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Kids Health Allegheny County Crisis Response Resources, Allegheny County Department of Human Services Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After a Recent Shooting, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH Pittsburgh Pride 2024, Pittsburgh Pride Revolution 6 Things LGBTQ Youth Want Allies to Do This Pride, Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLESEN) Sharing Pride Month with Kids: 9 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month, Boys & Girls Clubs of America LGBTQ Activism and Contributions, Library of Congress The LGBTQ+ Experience, PBS Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Gender, Gender Identity, and LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Trying Together LGBTQ Resources, Allegheny County Department of Human Services LGBTQ Resource List, GLAAD Being an LGBTQ+ Ally, Human Rights Campaign Research: How To Be a Better Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community, Harvard Business Review Pronoun Guide, Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLESEN) LGBTQ Glossary, Johns Hopkins University: Diversity and Inclusion Resources JUNE IS CHILD VISION AWARENESS MONTH 6 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Child’s Eye Health, Johns 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 Early Childhood Inclusion, Trying Together Parenting with a Visual Impairment, BBC 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 Weeks of Recognition JUNE 1 – 7 IS CPR & AED AWARENESS WEEK CPR Facts & Statistics, American Heart Association How to Perform Child and Baby CPR, American Red Cross JUNE 10 – 16 IS NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK 5 Ways to Celebrate Men’s Health Week, National Foundation for Cancer Research How to Support Men for National Men’s Health Week, Better Health The Masculinity Project, Johns Hopkins University See additional resources under National Men’s Health Month. Days of Recognition JUNE 5 IS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY World Environment Day, United Nations Sustainable YOUniverse, Pittsburgh Earth Day JUNE 16 IS FATHER’S DAY 53 Best Father’s Day Activities That’ll Be Fun for the Whole Family, Good Housekeeping The 8 Best Things Dads Can Do for Themselves in Honor of Father’s Day, Everyday Health Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together What Father’s Day Means to a Transgender Dad, USA Today When is Father’s Day 2024 – and Why Do We Celebrate It?, Reader’s Digest JUNE 19 IS JUNETEENTH Juneteenth: The History of a Holiday, The New York Times Pittsburgh Juneteenth Celebration, Visit Pittsburgh 5 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Your Family, PBS Kids for Parents 20 Educational Resources and Activities for Teaching Juneteenth, Teaching Expertise NMAAHC Kids: Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Children’s Books to Honor Juneteenth and Black History, Harper Collins Publishers Top 10 Children’s Books on Freedom, Bookroo The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth, The Smithsonian Institution How Do You Explain Slavery to Kids?, National Geographic Talking to Kids About Racism and Violence, The Child Mind Institute Anti-Racism Resources for Families, Trying Together JUNE 27 IS NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS DAY What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?, National Institute of Mental Health Resources on Trauma for Caregivers and Families, Child Welfare Information Gateway Multilingual Trauma Resources, The Child Mind Institute Children’s Books for Coping with Abuse and Trauma, Creating a Family See additional resources under National PTSD Awareness Month.
May 28, 2024 Registration Open for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Read-a-Palooza Summer Challenges The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) has opened registration for its Read-a-Palooza Book Bowl 2024 summer reading challenges. Learn More The library’s reading challenges will run from June 16 to August 11. Avid readers can register for one of the 20 available reading challenges by picking a favorite neighborhood location team. Registration is available as an individual or family or as a class or group. The steps involved in joining the reading challenges are: Create an account or log in with existing Beanstack credentials and update them.. Be sure youths update their age, grade, and school for this year. Choose a team to join. Log your reading by reporting it to library staff in any CLP neighborhood location, online in the Beanstack website, or on the Beanstack tracker app on your phone. For Beanstack account questions, call 412-622-3114 or email info@carnegielibrary.org. For more information on the Summer Reading 2024 Read-a-Palooza Book Bowl, visit the library’s website.
State Accepting Applications for Children’s Trust Fund Grants The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is accepting applications for Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) grants to promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings. Learn More The purpose of the grants is to prevent the abuse or neglect of children in Pennsylvania. Any organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets specific criteria can apply for a grant. The grants operate under the administration of the CTF Board and DHS. The CTF, which was established in 1988, operates under the administration of the CTF Board and is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Funds for the CTF are generated from a $10 surcharge on all applications for marriage licenses and divorce complaints. The surcharges are paid into a nonlapsing fund. Requirements Applicants must plan to deliver an evidence-based program focusing on the parent/primary caregiver and their child, or the whole family. The applicant must provide evidence of the program’s effectiveness. Applicants can propose a home-grown program if evidence shows a positive outcome towards child abuse prevention or reduction. However, the program may not focus solely on the child. Proposed programs should work with families over a period of time, rather than provide information or education during a single instance. CTF funding is intended to assist with providing a new service for families in a community or an expansion of service to an underserved or underrepresented demographic within a currently-served community. The application deadline is June 18. More information on the application process can be found on the eMarketPlace website or by emailing rolease@pa.gov.
Summer Food Programs Offer Free Meals for Pittsburgh Children The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are offering food programs to provide free meals for children while they are out of school this summer. USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program that provides free meals to children to ensure they receive the same high-quality nutrition when schools are closed. Children, ages 18 and younger, can receive meals through the SFSP. Meals are served at sites located in areas with significant concentrations of children from low-income families. All meals and snacks served through the SFSP must meet federal nutrition standards. The USDA’s Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder mapping tool provides directions to nearby meal sites as well as hours of operation and contact information. There are two types of summer meals sites – eat-on sites, where meals and snacks must be eaten at the location and where children will be able to take part in other enrichment activities with other children, and meals-to-go, where meals and snacks can be picked up to eat off site. This year, there are 17 sites in the Pittsburgh area that are offering summer meals. To find the site nearest you, search the site finder map. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank The Summer Youth Cafe is a federally funded child nutrition program that provides healthy meals while schools are out for summer. The food bank’s sites are open to anyone ages 18 years and younger at no cost. Once school is out for the summer, those interested in the program can visit the food bank’s website and follow instructions to find the closest site. Schools or organizations that are interested in serving free summer meals to children should email childnutrition@pittsburghfoodbank.org. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh The library will offer meals and snacks for children and teenagers at six locations on various dates from June through August. The locations include: CLP – Allegheny: Cold lunch offered Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (June 24-Aug. 23) CLP – Beechview: Snacks offered Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (June 24-Aug.23) CLP – Hill District: Cold lunch offered Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (June 25-Aug.23) CLP – Homewood: Cold lunch offered Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (June 24-Aug. 16) CLP – Knoxville: Cold lunch offered Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (June 24-Aug. 16) CLP – Woods Run: Cold lunch offered Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. (June 24-Aug. 23) Meals are for youths, ages 18 and younger, and people with disabilities up to age 21.
May 27, 2024 P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series on Black Joy in Early Childhood Featuring Trying Together Exec Director Now Available Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo was a guest speaker in the Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) program’s recent spring Speaker Series event. Ciminillo discussed what Black joy meant to her, and how Trying Together is actively working to eliminate racism and address the inequities in systems. Learn More “Affirming Black Joy: Race, Identity, and Early Childhood” took place on April 10. Leading experts in the field of race and early childhood discussed needs and strategies to promote a culture of positive racial identity as well as joy and affirmation in classroom, home, and community settings. P.R.I.D.E. Program Director Dr. Aisha White moderated the event. Ciminillo was a guest panelist. “When I think about affirming Black joy, it begins with affirming who a child is, which can only be accomplished in relationship with others,” she said. “So, it’s recognizing a child’s emotions, their needs, their experiences, and talents. It’s seeing themselves in their surroundings and valuing a Black child’s family, culture, and traditions as assets – something to celebrate, to build off of.” Ciminillo said that Trying Together – which supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and those who interact with them – has worked to embody these ideals. “Several years ago, we recognized that our limitations in meeting these ideals were hampered and we weren’t putting those same ideals in practice in our own organization,” Ciminillo said. “We needed to embody a culture of belonging and then apply that in the field. We believe Black joy means establishing a positive image in the early childhood field – and elevating voices and decision making. We envision a future in which all caregivers feel valued. We’ve set into motion daily practices large and small to achieve it. Our organization must be representative of those in the field we serve. Our staff composition at all levels needs to reflect their diversity and types of experiences.” The P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series event can be viewed in full on YouTube.
National Center for Family & Parent Leadership Seeks Applicants for Advisory Council The National Center for Family & Parent Leadership (NCFPL) at the Early Childhood Investment Corporation is calling for parents and family leaders to apply for its advisory council. Learn More The NCFPL works to provide an array of capacity-building opportunities and resources to help states, organizations, and communities embed equity-focused family and parent leadership. This type of leadership is a set of practices, values, and steps that systems, agencies, and organizations adopt to build structures that allow parents to influence systemic decisions about early childhood services and programs. The goal of the council would be to engage with parents from across the United States. Duties for council members would include: Serving as a co-creator and co-lead with system partners to inform the work of the NCFPL Advocating from a parent leader lens Sharing lived experience and perspective Advising the NCFPL staff on best practices, accessibility, and equity Required Commitments The NCFPL is seeking 18 parent or family leaders to commit to a minimum of one year of service with the potential for two to three years. Council members would participate in two meetings per year as well as take part in preparation for and follow-up from meetings every six months (August and January). Opportunities will be available for parents to take part in subcommittee or workgroup consultation that will increase their time commitment. Participants will be asked to collaborate with NCFPL staff and other leaders to support capacity building. They will also be asked to co-create and review content for the center. Compensation Participants will be compensated for attending two meetings – each lasting two hours – per year as well as for any optional subcommittee, workgroup, or consultation work. Reimbursement for child care and travel will also be provided if applicable. How to Apply Those interested in participating should create an account in the Seat at the Table Database. After creating an account, they will receive an email from the National Center’s leadership team. Anyone who does not receive an email – or anyone with further questions about the council – should reach out to FPL@ECIC4kids.org. Completing the interest form does not guarantee a spot on the council. A selection team will review all forms and reach out to applicants for further discussion and next steps.
May 22, 2024 Toolkit Aims to Educate Early Care Education Providers on Vaccinations The Public Health Foundation (PHF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a toolkit for early care and education providers to help families keep their children up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Learn More In many early care and education settings, up-to-date immunization is a prerequisite for enrollment. Therefore, early care and education providers and other childcare professionals play important roles in supporting routine vaccinations. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases among children, families, and communities. Early child care programs are instrumental in helping families stay up-to-date on their children’s vaccinations before school starts. Providers engage and assist families in ensuring that their children are fully immunized with all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) – including the flu, COVID-19, and measles. More Details The PHF and CDC’s toolkit is part of a series being developed for the CDC’s broader Let’s RISE (Routine Immunizations on Schedule for Everyone) playbook. It has been curated to support early care and education providers across a number of settings. These include center-based child care and family child care as well as Head Start, or other early learning, early intervention, and preschool/pre-kindergarten programs offered in schools, homes, or other settings. The toolkit contains evidence-based strategies, tools, and resources that can be used to help families protect their children against diseases by getting them vaccinated. The toolkit incorporates input from the Administration for Children and Families; National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety; National Association of County and City Health Officials; Pennsylvania State University Extension – Better Kid Care; and Child Care Aware of America. For more information, view the Public Health Foundation’s toolkit or email gtaylor@phf.org.
May 21, 2024 PA Farm to School Grant Program Accepting Applications The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program is accepting applications through June 7. The program provides schools with funding to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for students in pre-k through eighth grade. Learn More The grant program aims to connect children to fresh, healthy food that is available from Pennsylvania agricultural producers in their community and surrounding areas. Through changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early education sites, students will become more aware and engaged with their local food system while also supporting agriculture in their community. Eligible costs that can be covered by the grant include: PA agricultural products Supplies Personnel Travel Equipment critical to the project Indirect costs (a maximum of 10%) Limitations for those who receive a grant include: $500,000 is available for the Farm to School Grant Program; grants will be awarded on a funds-available basis. Projects must be completed no later than June 30, 2026. Grants will be funded as reimbursements. A single grant will be limited to 75% of the project’s cost. Each school can receive no more than $15,000 annually. Recipients can use the value of in-kind support to match the amount granted. Guidelines The grant may be used for training for teachers and staff as well as for procuring local foods for school cafeterias. Educational opportunities for which the grant may be used include: Classroom curricula and experiential learning Providing for family and community involvement in educational opportunities Field trips to local farms or other agricultural operations School gardens for the purpose of education or to supply the cafeteria How to Apply Applications should be submitted through the Single Application for Assistance no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, June 7. Applications received after that time will not be considered. Those interested in applying can find application instructions on the state Department of Agriculture website. Requirements on filling out the application can be found on the Farm to School Grant Program website.
Allegheny GO to Offer Discounted Fare Rates for SNAP Recipients Starting in June, Allegheny County residents who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be eligible for discounted Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) fares. Learn More Allegheny GO will offer a 50% discounted fare for working-age Allegheny County residents who benefit from SNAP and their children. More than 130,000 county residents will be eligible to participate. Enrollment is scheduled to begin on June 3. To be eligible in the program, participants must: Currently reside in Allegheny County Be between the ages of 12 and 64 Have been receiving SNAP benefits for three months Individuals who currently receive a fare discount through other programs are not eligible to participate. All members of a SNAP household between the ages of 12 and 17 are eligible for the discount. All children ages five and younger always ride PRT for free. The county conducted a discounted fares pilot to determine the future design of the program. It has since published the results of the program. Due to its success, the county decided to make the program a permanent offering. Anyone who was part of the pilot will be contacted on how to join the program. How to Sign Up Applicants should download Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Ready2Ride app from the Apple App Store or Google Play before applying for the program on the Allegheny GO website. Initially, Allegheny GO will be available to applicants with smartphones. It will be available on PRT’s next-generation smartcard when it launches next year. Riders with questions about downloading Ready2Ride or the application process should call 412-442-2000. Families can also visit PRT’s website to learn more about existing discount programs for children.
