July 31, 2024 Voter Registration and Key Dates On Tuesday, November 5, voters across the United States will vote in the 2024 General Election. What does your election voting plan look like? Be sure to dedicate time today to check your voter registration status, review what options you have to cast your vote, and create your personal voting timeline ahead of time. Key Election Dates October 21, 2024 – Last day to register to vote before the November 5 election. October 29, 2024 – Last day to apply for Absentee or Mail in Ballot. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. November 5, 2024 – Last day to return Mail In or Absentee Ballots. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Register to Vote Pennsylvania residents can complete a voter registration application online or via mail. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 21. Registration applications must be received by 5 p.m. in order to be eligible to vote in the upcoming election. If you are not registered, register now by completing the Voter Registration Application. If you are uncertain of your registration status, check it using the Pennsylvania Department of State Voter Registration Status Tool. Voter Registration Applications are also available in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Apply for a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot If you plan to vote using an absentee or mail-in ballot in the 2024 General Election, a completed application must be received in the county office by 5 p.m. on October 29. Mail-in and absentee ballot applications are available in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese. Note that the deadline to return voted absentee or mail-in ballots is 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5. First Time Voters A first-time or newly registered voter will be noted as such in the poll book and will be asked to show an approved form of identification. Visit the Pennsylvania Voter Services website for all of your voting information questions. Find Your Polling Place Not sure where to vote? Use the Pennsylvania Department of State Polling Place Search Tool to locate your polling place for election day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any person in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Contrary to some media reports, early voting does not start in Pennsylvania on Sept. 16. However, mail-in ballots will begin to be sent out in late September or early October, depending on the county in which you reside. County Elections Offices If have questions about your registration status, polling place, or the November 5 election, contact your county election office. Allegheny County Elections Armstrong County Elections Beaver County Elections Butler County Elections Fayette County Elections Greene County Elections Indiana County Elections Lawrence County Elections Washington County Elections Westmoreland County Elections Ballot Return Sites and Satellite Offices The Allegheny County Board of Elections has approved plans for ballot return sites and satellite offices for the election. Ballot return sites are staffed locations where voters who received a ballot in the mail can return them in-person to a county employee. They will be open the seven days before Election Day, including the weekend of Nov. 2 and 3 and Monday, Nov. 4. Satellite offices will offer a fuller range of services. Residents can register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, complete, and return it all on the spot. The deadline to register to vote is 5 p.m. on Oct. 21 and the deadline to request a mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. Satellite offices include: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall Auditorium (4141 Fifth Avenue) – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 15, 16, and 17 Community College of Allegheny County – Homewood (701 N. Homewood Avenue) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27 North Park Ice Rink (1200 Pearce Mill Road, Wexford) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27 South Park Ice Rink (30 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27 County Office Building (542 Forbes Avenue) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27 Ballot return sites will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 and Nov. 1 and 4, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 3. These include: Allegheny County Emergency Services Building (150 Hookstown Grade Road, Coraopolis) Boyce Park Four Seasons Lodge (901 Centerview Drive, Plum) Carnegie Public Library – Squirrel Hill (5801 Forbes Avenue) North Park Ice Rink (1200 Pearce Mill Road, Wexford) South Park Ice Rink (30 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park) Dormont Pool (1801 Dormont Avenue) Community College of Allegheny County – Homewood (701 N. Homewood Avenue) Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank (1 N. Linden Street, Duquesne) Avalon Public Library (317 S. Home Avenue) The County Office Building lobby will hold regular business hours – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday – as soon as ballots are available to voters for over-the-counter and return mail-in ballots. Voters will be able to return mail-in ballots in person at the County Office Building at the Ross Street entrance on weekdays starting on Oct. 29 through Nov. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 5). Other Resources The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has launched its own election web page. The page cites challenges facing the early learning sector and calls for the importance of early childhood education and educators to be prioritized in the 2024 election. The website includes information on registering to vote, who is on the ballot, rules for voting in specific states, and checking registration status. And the Children First Action Fund is operating a Child Care Voter page. This resource aims to ensure that quality child care for Pennsylvania families and children are emphasized in Harrisburg and Congress. The website lists attributes that would make someone a child care voter – such as dependence on child care to support a family, caring about access to high-quality pre-k, and a desire to invest in and expand access to infant and toddler care.
Licensed Providers Asked to Fill Out Survey in Wake of Worldwide IT Outages The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is asking for providers to fill out a survey after widespread Microsoft technology outages. Learn More PEMA wants to assess the impacts to the state Department of Human Services’ licensing due to the outages that have been reported as of July 19. The survey for providers features questions that pertain to licensed facilities to determine the impact at the facility level. In mid-July, a security patch from Crowdstrike – a major cybersecurity company – caused worldwide IT outages that span many applications and platforms, including Microsoft products. The DHS requests that all licensed providers complete the Microsoft Forms Survey even if they are not currently experiencing any interruptions. Licensed providers only need to complete the form once, so those filling it out should coordinate within their agency to ensure there is no duplication of reporting efforts. The survey is now available online.
July Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of July recalls collected from the following major federal agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Stiger has recalled its Besrey Twins strollers due to entrapment, fall, and choking hazards. The stroller violates multiple safety regulations, such as the front seat in the forward-facing configuration poses an entrapment hazard for children. Failures with the restraint system and rear seat enclosure pose a fall hazard to children, while the foam padding on the grab bar can pose a choking hazard. Clark Associates has recalled its Lancaster Table & Seating Plastic Restaurant High Chairs due to fall hazards for children. The T-bar located at the front middle of the chair can be come loose and fall or break off while the chair is in use, posing a fall risk to children. Toy guns sold exclusively on Temu.com by Youjiu have been recalled due to eye injury hazards. The guns, which failed to meet federal safety regulations for projectile toys, do not have a blaze orange tip that is required by the mandatory toy standard to differentiate toy guns from real ones. Sassy Baby has recalled its Manhattan Toy Brilliant Bee Rattles because they pose choking hazards to young children. The wooden base can detach from the wooden rod of the toy and release three plastic rings, which pose the choking hazard. Children’s pajama sets sold by Juvenno Kids on Temu.com have been recalled due to violations of federal flammability standards. The pajama sets pose a risk of burn injuries to children. Additionally, children’s pajama sets sold by Fashion Online by Temu.com have been recalled due to burn hazards for children and violations of federal flammability standards. SWOMOG children’s pajamas that are sold exclusively on Amazon are also being recalled for federal flammability violations. The pajamas pose burn risks for children. Children’s nightgowns sold by Lovely Angel on Temu.com have been recalled due to violations of federal flammability standards. The nightgowns pose a risk of burn injuries to children.
July 30, 2024 Resources for August Observances Here is a list of resources for August observances: Month-Long Observances SUMMER SUN SAFETY MONTH CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together Summer Safety Brochure, Allegheny County Health Department, Trying Together Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer, CDC Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH (NIAM) August is National Immunization Awareness Month, Trying Together National Immunization Awareness Month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommended Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Parent-Friendly Version, Birth Through 6 Years, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines for Your Children By Age, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Spanish/Espanol National Immunization Awareness Month, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association CHILDREN’S EYE HEALTH AND SAFETY MONTH An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health Eye Health and Safety for Kids, National Eye Institute (NEI) National Center Releases Guide on Children’s Eye Health, Trying Together Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care for Children, National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye Conditions and Diseases, National Eye Institute (NEI) Spanish/Espanol 6 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Child’s Eye Health, John Hopkins Medicine Resources for Parents of Blind and Low-Vision Children, Library of Congress: National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Parenting Without Sight: What Attorneys and Social Workers Should Know About Blindness, National Federation of the Blind How to Get Free Audio Books for the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Braille Institute 25+ Children’s Books Featuring Visually Impaired Characters, WonderBaby BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH Allegheny Child Care What is Allegheny Child Care? 2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together Public Schools Enrollment Page, Pittsburgh Public Schools Top 10 Skills for Children Entering Kindergarten, Trying Together Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Family Guide (ECLKC), Trying Together Kindergarten Transition: A Guide for Families, Trying Together NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH Breastfeeding Resources, Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, Trying Together Breastfeeding Classes August is National Breastfeeding Month: Nourish, Sustain, Thrive, U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) Lactation Support, Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding (HSCUB) Breastfeeding, Kids Plus Pediatrics Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC) Breastfeeding Resources, Birth Doulas of Pittsburgh Weeks of Recognition AUGUST 6 – 12 IS EXERCISE WITH YOUR CHILD WEEK Childhood Physical Health: Resources, Trying Together Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators & Families, Trying Together Supporting Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families – The Importance of Exercise, Trying Together Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Trying Together Air Quality Tips and Training Available for Families and Educators, Trying Together Days of Recognition AUGUST 1 IS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT (NNO) National Night Out, City of Pittsburgh City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety About National Night Out National Night Out Resources AUGUST 9 IS NATIONAL BOOK LOVER’S DAY Carnegie Library Names 12 Best Books for Babies for 2024, Trying Together OCDEL to Kick Off Third Annual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, Trying Together Toolkit: Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success, Trying Together Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Books to Celebrate Gender Expression, Inclusion, and Pride, Trying Together Children’s Books About Transitions, Trying Together Children’s Books About Mental Health, Trying Together AUGUST 15 IS BACK TO SCHOOL PREP DAY 2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together 101 Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Kids, Care.com Back-to-School Tips for Families, HealthyChildren.org 10 Considerations Before Going Back to School as a Parent, Parents Magazine AUGUST 26 IS WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY Family Guide: Gender and Gender Identity, Trying Together Women’s Equality Day, The National Women’s History Alliance Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) The Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance Women’s Issues Support Groups in Pittsburgh, Psychology Today The Women and Girls Foundation
July 29, 2024 Tips for Protecting Children During August’s Summer Sun Safety Month With the summer season in full swing and school being out – which means more youth outdoors – now is a good time to consider how to keep children safe while spending long periods of time in the sun. Learn More August is observed as Summer Sun Safety Month. So, now is a good time to learn how to stay safe while spending time in the sun and preventing sunburn, sun poisoning, skin cancer, or other heat-related ailments. Skin cancer is often caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, which come from the sun, tanning beds, and ultralamps. UV rays are an invisible type of radiation that can cause damage to skin cells, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to protect children from UV rays all year-round. The rays can reach individuals on cloudy days and can reflect off such surfaces as water, cement, sand, or snow. There are a number of methods for keeping children safe while spending time outdoors on hot, sunny days. The CDC recommends: Making sure they spend time in the shade, especially when engaging in activities Encouraging the use of hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen Not scheduling outdoor activities on days when the sun is strongest or the temperatures are especially high Providing breaks during outdoor activities to allow children to reapply sunscreen and drink water More Resources Additional tips on staying safe in the sun – but also tips on water safety, bug bites, and other topics – can be found in a 2023 brochure released by Allegheny County. Below are some resources on how to protect children and yourself during Summer Sun Safety Month – and during all months when outdoor activity is prevalent. CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together Summer Safety Brochure, Allegheny County Health Department, Trying Together Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer, CDC Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Home Grown Accepting Applications for Family Child Care Cohort Home Grown is accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of the Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of Family Child Care (EPIC FCC) initiative. Facilitated by the National Institute of Early Education Research, the EPIC FCC seeks to support state, city, county, and tribal government leaders in expanding the participation of family child care educators in their pre-k systems. It also aims to engage family child care educators in these pre-k systems for the first time. Learn More Home Grown’s initiative aims to ensure that home-based child care providers can fully participate in well-resourced early childhood initiatives. Government partners participating in the initiatives are eligible for: Flexible planning grants of $25,000 to support implementation planning Support of an expert planning navigator with experience in administration of early childhood systems from the National Institute of Early Education Research Learning community with fellow states and local government agencies on such topics as program design and pre-k program standards, pre-k supports, equitable financing, and state/local sector oversight and governance Access to guidance documents and resources, including implementation plans, a compendium of programs and toolkit, and more Upon completion of the planning period, there may be an opportunity to apply for additional implementation funds. The deadline to submit an application is 4 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 21. Those interested in learning more can register for an information session on Wednesday, July 31 from Noon to 1 p.m. The session will help government agencies and partners assess whether the initiative is a good fit for them.
July 24, 2024 Trying Together Offering Fall CDA Credential Cohorts Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? Trying Together is offering a CDA program at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania. A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Learn More Trying Together is offering two Fall CDA program cohorts beginning in September. Cohort 1 begins September 3 and will be held every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. via Zoom Cohort 2 begins September 14. It will be held one Saturday a month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a Northside location that will be determined at a later date. About CDA Participants can matriculate CDA program coursework into 9-12 college credits at Carlow University, CCAC, or Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). Educators in the community based CDA program: participate in distance learning through in-person, online self-paced Schoology, and Zoom sessions complete 135 hours of professional development over six to nine months focused on the practice knowledge and skills needed to get credentialed receive individualized support from experienced instructors review current early childhood health and safety standards, ECE literature and resources, strategies on building positive relationships, strategies for implementing observations and assessments, etc. focus on the completion of CDA Credential Portfolio requirements, preparing for the exam, and completing the application process explore current early childhood theories, research, and best practices have access to laptop lending Apply Those interested in Trying Together’s CDA Credential Preparation Program should complete the CDA Credential Program Interest Form. NOTE: This form is for inquiry purposes only and is only available to professionals in Pennsylvania. After completing the form, a member of the Trying Together staff will contact you to determine your eligibility and identify a CDA pathway that works best for you. LEARN MORE More information about the program and eligibility requirements can be found on Trying Together’s CDA webpage.
Changes Announced for DOH Staff Visits to Child Care Providers The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will continue their collaboration regarding immunizations for children and staff at child care providers. However, there will be some changes this year regarding visits to providers and the reporting of each child’s immunization status. Learn More A letter from OCDEL to child care providers states that, beginning in July, DOH field nurses and local Municipality Department of Health field staff will visit randomly selected providers to offer immunization education and resource materials for staff and parents or caregivers. A review of child immunization records can be provided if requested by the child care provider. Providers will be able to ask questions and request specific educational resources from the field nurses and staff who visit their facilities. Additionally, the DOH will send out electronic surveys to all child care providers regarding the immunization status of every enrolled child at their facility. These surveys will serve as the mandatory reporting requirements for child care settings outlined in DOH regulations. The surveys are expected to be sent out later this summer. Child care providers who are randomly scheduled for a visit should expect a phone call or email from DOH or the local municipality. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to the DOH’s Janine Strick at 717-878-5681.
July 23, 2024 Report: Hundreds of Thousands Suffer from Food Insecurity in Allegheny County More than 140,000 people in Allegheny County are struggling with food insecurity, which is defined as a lack of access to adequate food that prevents individuals from leading a healthy life, according to a report by Feeding America. Learn More According to the report, food insecurity is associated with numerous social and health outcomes and is considered a critical public health issue. Key drivers of food insecurity include unemployment, poverty, and income shocks – or, a sudden decrease in a household’s income – which can prevent adequate access to food. A total of 142,190 Allegheny County residents – or 11.4% – were found to struggle with food insecurity, according to the report. Additionally, 44% of county residents were found to be above the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) threshold, while 56% were below the threshold of 200%. The report’s map includes estimated food insecurity by race and ethnicity for select populations and places. The report’s methodology and data are also available. More Details More information on SNAP can be found on the state’s Department of Human Services website. Residents can apply online at COMPASS, via phone at 1-800-692-7462, or at a local county assistance office, which can be found online. Those applying for assistance will need to provide their name, birthday, address, gross income, and Social Security number. Also, 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. The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center operates a walk-in food distribution program every Monday.
July 22, 2024 Nomination Process Open for Award Recognizing Non-Teaching School Employees The nomination process is open for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, which honors full- or part-time non-teaching school employees. Learn More The award was created in 2019 to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited for full- or part-time school employees who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through high school. Among those who can be nominated for the award include full- or part-time non-teaching school employees or public pre-k or nonprofit private or non-public nursery-12th grade institution employees in the following positions: Paraprofessionals Clerical and administrative services Transportation services Food and nutrition services Custodial/maintenance services Security services Health and student services Technical services and skilled trade Those who can nominate include educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofits, parents, and students. Information that is necessary to include in a nomination includes: Nominator’s name, connection to nominee, phone number, and email address Nominee’s name, position, phone number, and email address Reasons for nomination Nominee’s employer information: local education agency’s name, school’s name, school’s address, chief school administrator’s and principal’s names, phone numbers, and email addresses For more information on how to nominate someone for the RISE Award, visit the Department of Education’s website.
