November 27, 2024 DHS Releases ECE Professional Development Organizations Request for Applications Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services has released its Early Care and Education Professional Development Organizations Request for Applications (RFA). Learn More The RFA’s intention is to identify Early Care and Education (ECE) Professional Development Organizations with the purpose of: Coordinating and facilitating access to credit-bearing, stackable, and portable coursework and credentials for the ECE workforce through a mixed delivery model consisting of face-to-face, cohort or online methods Coordinating with and supporting the Early Learning Resource Centers in improving the quality of ECE programs The solicitation due date is Wednesday, Jan. 22. For more details, visit the eMarketplace website, where visitors can find the pre-application conference webinar, answers to applicant questions, and deadlines.
November 26, 2024 Applications Open for Equity in Early Childhood Champion Awards Applications are now open for Pennsylvania’s fourth annual Equity in Early Childhood Champion Awards. Learn More The award brings awareness to and highlights equity work within the state’s early childhood education settings, including child care, evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention programs. Nominees for the award are professionals and organizations that align with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement. Pennsylvania recognizes achievements in advancing equity by individuals and early childhood education and afterschool programs. The process is open to nominate individuals or programs that have demonstrated support to children and their families by embracing diversity and full inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice, or working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate how the individual, early childhood, or afterschool program has supported children and their families in these specific areas. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. For more information or to apply, visit The Pennsylvania Key website.
Free Preparation for Volunteers Looking to Help This Tax Season Just Harvest is offering free preparation for volunteers who plan on helping this tax season. Learn More The coalition’s staff will provide 15 hours of free training and prepare volunteers for IRS certification. Ideally, volunteers would provide three to four hours per week from late January through mid-April. Volunteer greeters will welcome taxpayers and answer questions as well as help them to complete and organize paperwork. They will also learn how the process works and be ready to assist with three to four hours of training. In 2023, the Free Tax Prep Coalition of Southwest PA brought $11 million back into the pockets of people in the region. Since 2003, Just Harvest has completed nearly 49,000 tax returns and refunded roughly $92 million to low-income families. Volunteer sites are located in Allegheny, Armstrong, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Registration is open for those who want to volunteer. Any further questions should be addressed to Anna Woomer, Just Harvest’s free tax prep volunteer director, at annaw@justharvest.org.
Resources for December 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 December observances. Month-Long Observances SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS AWARENESS MONTH October Recalls on Children’s Products, Trying Together Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Awareness Days Choosing Safe Toys, KidsHealth 7 Tips for Buying Safe Toys for Children, Health Park Pediatrics UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy Universal Human Rights in the Workplace, Shortlister LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE MONTH 6 Reasons Why Learning a Language is Important for Children, EF 10 Language Games for Kids That’ll Keep Them Engaged and Learning, Fluentu 15 Reasons for Kids to Learn a Foreign Language, Panda Tree WORLDWIDE FOOD SERVICE SAFETY MONTH New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available, Trying Together Healthy Eating Guides: At the Grocery Store, Trying Together Your Gateway to Food Safety Information, Foodsafety.gov Week-Long Observances DECEMBER 4-8 IS NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK Find Flu Vaccines, Vaccine.gov Flu Shot: Your Best Bet for Avoiding Influenza, Mayo Clinic Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine, KidsHealth Days of Recognition DECEMBER 2 IS SPECIAL EDUCATION DAY Early Intervention FAQ, Trying Together When Should a Parent Consider Early Intervention for Their Child?, Trying Together Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County, Trying Together Family Guide for Navigating Early Intervention Services, Trying Together DECEMBER 3 IS NATIONAL ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD DAY Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families, Trying Together LIHEAP Enrollment for Heating Bill Assistance Now Open, Trying Together Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5 Housing Resources, United Way PA 211 DECEMBER 3 IS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Early Childhood Inclusion, Trying Together Talking with Young Children About Disabilities, Trying Together The Differences Among Mental, Developmental, and Behavioral Conditions, Trying Together DECEMBER 5 IS NATIONAL COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR KIDS DAY How to Address War and Traumatic Experiences with Children, Trying Together Talking with Young Children About Disabilities, Trying Together DECEMBER 10 IS HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy Explaining Human Rights to Kids on International Human Rights Day, KidsKonnect DECEMBER 21 IS NATIONAL SHORT STORY DAY Buzzword Pittsburgh, Buzzword Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources for Families and Caregivers, Trying Together Kindergarten Here I Come Releases November Books for Preschoolers, Trying Together Short Stories for Children, AmericanLiterature.com
November 25, 2024 Start Strong PA Urges Advocates to Add Their Name to Child Care Staffing Crisis Petition Start Strong PA is calling on Pennsylvania residents to add their names to a petition that calls on the state to take action regarding its ongoing child care staffing crisis. Currently, a total of 3,100 people have signed the petition. Start Strong PA is aiming to get 3,500 signatures before the petition closes on Friday, Nov. 29. Learn More As Gov. Josh Shapiro and state legislators begin to consider funding for the 2025-26 state budget, Start Strong PA is urging the governor’s administration to invest $284 million in new and recurring state funding for early child care. The organization is calling for funding to implement a child care teacher recruitment and retention initiative to fix the state’s child care staffing crisis. Pennsylvania currently has tens of thousands of parents struggling to find the care they need to work and support their families. As more child care classrooms close due to a lack of staffing, the number of families without reliable child care will increase. Start Strong PA argues that the crisis can be fixed by addressing the industry’s unlivable wages. Child care staff are so low that they do not meet the cost of living in any Pennsylvania county. Advocates are asked to add their names to a petition by filling out an online form. Start Strong PA is an advocacy campaign that is part of Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA), a statewide coalition of advocates focused on supporting young Pennsylvanians from birth to age five.
Pittsburgh and Black Equity Coalition Data Justice Working Group Launch Collaboration Pittsburgh and the Black Equity Coalition (BEC) Data Justice Working Group has formed a Community Data Justice Collaborative (CDJC) as part of the Data Justice Project. Learn More The project is designed to ensure that marginalized and historically excluded communities have a voice in shaping how data is collected, shared, and used. It is an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation’s MADE for Health Justice Program. “Pittsburgh is made up of many diverse communities, but we know that in most cases not everyone is afforded a seat at the table,” Mayor Ed Gainey said. “This is our way of saying no more. As we seek to make decisions that impact our residents, we want to be sure that the data we collect is inclusive of everyone, and this initiative will ensure that.” The collaborative was created following a nomination process that drew on input from communities that are often underrepresented or misrepresented in data. The CDJC is an effort by the city and BEC to include democratic input on data governance. It brings together a diverse group of 12-18 members selected from a pool of community-nominated candidates. The committee overseeing the selection process prioritized individuals and organizations that represent communities often excluded from the data landscape. Its aim was to ensure that the collaborative reflected a wide variety of voices, experiences, and expertise. About the BEC The BEC is a coalition of physicians, social scientists, civic community leaders, philanthropists, and academics. It is committed to working on matters of racial equity by addressing the social determinants of health in Black and Brown communities.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Offers Sensory-Friendly “Nutcracker” The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will offer a sensory-friendly performance of the beloved holiday classic “The Nutcracker” in December. Learn More The performance will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Benedum Center. Tickets are now available. The theater’s sensory-friendly performances are open to all. During the performances, theater staff and patrons celebrate the myriad ways that audience members can experience a live performance. Accommodations include lower sound levels, elimination of some special effects, and house lighting at about 20%. The performances also offer quiet areas and activities in the lobby before and during the show. Additional staff will be on hand to help create a safe and welcoming theater experience.
November 20, 2024 Adagio Health Offers Cooking Classes for New Mothers Adagio Health is hosting cooking classes for new mothers to provide pregnancy and postpartum nutrition and support. Learn More The classes are geared toward adults who are currently pregnant and postpartum up to one year after delivery. Recipes will include Pennsylvania WIC (Women, Infants, Children)-approved foods. Lessons will focus on prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding nutrition, nutrient needs based on maternal health stage, and introduction to solid foods and family meals. Available classes include: Pregnant & Powerful – Learn about appropriate foods and nutrition information throughout your entire pregnancy. Nourishing Nutrition for New Moms – Learn about which foods play a role in postpartum body recovery, boosting energy levels, and promoting milk production. Baby Bites – Bring your children, ages 6 months to one year, to learn about infant feeding options, including the safe introduction of solid foods in the first year. Visit Adagio Health’s Teaching Kitchens website to register and for more information.
November 19, 2024 Trying Together Launches Login Portal Trying Together has announced the launch of its new login portal that allows users to create and save their profile for faster and easier event registration. The portal also shows current and past registrations and donation history as well as allows users to manage email subscriptions and update contact information. How to Register Users can create their account on Trying Together’s website. Any time you register for an event or donate to Trying Together, you will now be able to log in first to access your shared information. Enter a first name, last name, and email – and then verify you are not a robot. You will then receive an email asking you to set up a password. You may be asked to claim an existing account if you already have had activity with Trying Together in the past in terms of event registrations, donations, or email subscriptions. If you have not received an email, be sure to check your spam folder. Once your account is created, be sure to fully complete your profile. Once you have created your account, login on Trying Together’s website. Any questions about the portal should be directed to Kathryn Klawinski via email at kathryn@tryingtogether.org.
Tuition Assistance Available for Spring 2025 Online Child Care Health Advocate Course Enrollment is open for a spring 2025 online Child Care Health Advocate course offered by Northampton Community College. Learn More The three-credit hour college course (EARL 160) is taught remotely over the course of 14 weeks between Jan. 21 and May 12. The course prepares the child care practitioner to function in the role of a child care health advocate. The class addresses 15 different health and safety modules as a resource for child care directors, teachers, assistant teachers, and child care practitioners. Participants will learn to assess, identify, and prioritize the health and safety needs of children and staff and will learn to collaborate with a registered nurse or licensed physician who serves as the facility’s child care health consultant. In partnership with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), tuition assistance is available for child care facility staff currently employed in Pennsylvania. Register Now Those interested in the course should register early because space is limited. To start the enrollment process for an OCDEL-supported slot, fill out the online survey. All Pennsylvania early childhood staff – including directors, teachers, assistant teachers, and family child care home providers – are eligible to enroll. OCDEL will cover all tuition-related fees, books, and materials for the course (valued at more than $1,000). The course is aimed at enabling students to meet Standard 1.3.2.7 Qualifications and Responsibilities for Health Advocates. It offers an opportunity for child care practitioners to acquire academic credit that may be applicable toward college degrees. Credits can also be used to renew director credentials. Any questions about the course should be emailed to ecels@paaap.org.
