February 26, 2025 Penn State Extension Updates Diaper-Changing and Handwashing Procedures Penn State Extension has updated two health and safety reminders relating to diaper-changing procedures and handwashing. Diaper-Changing The updated diaper-changing reminder focuses on three steps: preparation, dirty, and clean. Preparation involves two steps: Adults should wash their hands. Gather all supplies: wipes, a clean diaper, gloves (if deemed necessary), plastic bag for soiled clothes or diaper, diaper cream, changing table paper The dirty and clean steps involve the process of removing soiled diapers and replacing them with clean ones. All of these steps can be found in this flier. Handwashing The updated handwashing procedure involves the following steps: Wet hands Add soap and rub hands together; wash wrists, palms, back of hands, fingers, and fingernails Wash for 20 seconds (since “Happy Birthday” twice) Rinse hands Dry hands with paper towel Use paper towel to turn off taps For more information, view this flier.
OCDEL’s New Confluence Podcast on CPSL Requirements Now Available Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released a new Confluence podcast titled “Clarifying the Child Protective Service Law (CPSL) Requirements for Child Care.” Learn More In the podcast, hosts Ruby Martin, director of the Bureau of Certification Services, and Chris Loos, the bureau’s division chief, discuss and clarify Announcement C-25-01. The announcement involves CPSL requirements for provisional hiring in all child care program types. The podcast hosts also answer some frequently asked questions about the field. The monthly Confluence podcasts enable listeners to understand the complexities of OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services. The first two episodes – Introduction & What is Federal Monitoring and Exploring the Revised Health and Safety Training – are also available. The latest episode of the podcast is available on The Pennsylvania Key’s website.
February 25, 2025 How Early Educators Can Manage Stress and Burnout While the needs of children in their care is the top priority for early childhood educators, it is also important that they learn how to manage stress and burnout resulting from the job. Californians for Quality Early Learning (CQEL) has released a resource on how to practice self-care, set boundaries, be mindful, and seek professional support to ensure one’s well-being and productivity. Strategies for Managing Stress and Burnout There are many elements that make early childhood education a demanding and stressful profession, CQEL notes: long hours, high levels of responsibility, and the constant need for educators to stay alert and engaged with the young children in their care. CQEL suggests that early educators take breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and reduce stress. It suggests that doing so will make them more effective in their work. In a recent blog post, CQEL recommends 10 strategies for early educators to manage stress and prevent burnout: Prioritize self-care Create a support system Practice mindfulness Set boundaries Practice effective time management Seek out professional development opportunities Practice positive thinking Practice effective communication Take breaks and vacations Seek processional support Activities that CQEL recommends to improve self-care include exercising (such as taking a walk or participating in a yoga class), meditation, taking breaks throughout the day, connecting with nature, engaging in hobbies, taking a mental health day, connecting with others, practicing gratitude, and getting enough sleep. For more information, read the CQEL blog post.
Resources for March Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals to acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for March observances. Month-Long Observances Women’s History Month How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Preschool, Brightwheel Blog Celebrate Women’s History Month, Sesame Street 10 Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month with Your Little One, Start Early Women’s History Month, National Geographic Kids National Nutrition Month PA Promise for Children Releases List of 12 Books for Kids in the Kitchen, Trying Together PA Announces Intent to Launch Permanent Summer FBT Program, Trying Together Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month The Differences Among Mental, Developmental, and Behavioral Conditions, Trying Together Talking with Young Children About Disabilities, Trying Together Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Part IV, Trying Together Disability Awareness Booklist, National Education Association Meet Julia, Elmo’s Friend with Autism, Sesame Street National Craft Month Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh 55 Kids’ Craft Ideas, Delightfully The Importance of Arts and Crafts for Early Childhood Development, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County National Reading Month B is for Books: A Free Bookstore for Children, Reading Ready Pittsburgh Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources for Families and Caregivers, Trying Together Power Kids Website Offers Videos, Books on Various Topics, Buzzword Best Books for Babies 2024, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh National Color Therapy Month Colour Psychology for Babies and Children, Colour Psychology Today How Color Therapy for Kids Can Help Build Self-Esteem, Amel Counseling and Consulting Color Activities for Therapy Pinterest Board, The OT Toolbox Week-Long Observances March 2 – 6 is National Read Across America Week 2024-2025 Read Across America Calendar, National Education Association Create & Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers, Read Across America Read Across America Day 2025 Teaching Resources, TeachStarter Day Observances March 1 is Baby Sleep Day Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Children, Trying Together Sleep Advice by Child’s Age, Pediatric Sleep Council Secrets of Baby Sleep: How Snoozing Helps Your Baby’s Development, Pediatric Sleep Council March 1 is National Play Outside Day Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for All Ages, Playful Pittsburgh Education Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Play: Activities & Resources, Buzzword March 8 is International Women’s Day Diverse Books with Trailblazing Women, Read Across America I Can Do Anything: International Women’s Day, Pinkfong Songs for Children International Women’s Day, Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison Celebrating International Women’s Day in Schools, International Women’s Day International Women’s Day 2025 Theme is ‘Accelerate Action’, International Women’s Day March 12 is National Working Moms Day Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5 Squirrel Hill-Based Momswork Offers Free Support for Pittsburgh’s Working Mothers, Kidsburgh How to Celebrate National Working Moms Day, Better Help March 14 is National Equal Pay Day The High Cost of Working in Early Childhood Education – A Workforce on the Brink of Collapse with Devastating Consequences for Children, Start Strong PA Explained: Why Women Are Paid Less, Netflix New Survey Reveals Impact of Child Care Staffing Shortage, ELRC Region 5 March 14 is Science Education Day Programs for Children, Carnegie Science Center Activities & Resources, Buzzword: Transform Migrate Metamorphosis Chemistry Comic Books and Activities, Kids’ Chemical Solutions March 19 is International Read to Me Day Buzzword & Activities, Buzzword Story Time at the Hub!, Trying Together Get Free & Low-Cost Books, National Education Association March 20 is International Day of Happiness Children Celebrate International Day of Happiness, Austin Public Library 10 Fabulous Ideas to Celebrate International Happiness Day, Twinkl USA March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day We Call on All Governments to Improve Our Support Systems: 2025 World Down Syndrome Day Theme, World Down Syndrome Day Upcoming Programs & Events, Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh 6 Ways to Support Children with Down Syndrome in the Montessori Classroom, American Montessori Association
February 24, 2025 Pittsburgh Debuts New 311 Intake System Mayor Ed Gainey’s office and Pittsburgh’s Office of Neighborhood Services have launched a new and improved 311 Customer Relationship Management system. Learn More The 311 update marks a step forward in streamlining how residents can report issues. It also helps users connect with the right departments and receive timely resolutions. The enhanced system promises a more user-friendly experience. It will help users to easily report issues via an updated website and new mobile application, PGH311. The mobile app will replace the former MyBurgh application. PGH311 will allow residents to submit requests and receive responses, including messages and photos, directly from city staff. All Pittsburgh departments and City Council offices have been offered training for the new Customer Relationship Management system to ensure a seamless experience for staff and residents. The initiative ensured that all parties are equipped with the tools and knowledge to manage and respond to service requests more effectively. Key Features Some of the new 311 intake system’s key features include: The updated Pittsburgh 311 website and intake form provide a simpler, more efficient way for residents to submit service requests, making it more user friendly. A new mobile application, PGH311, replaced MyBurgh, offering a modern, accessible platform for issue reporting. For the first time, service requests will include a resolution timetable, so residents will know when they can expect a response. City staff has started using a new console and mobile worker app. This helps 311 agents, responders, and departments to manage and respond to requests more effectively. Future enhancements include the introduction of a chatbot to allow residents to report issues or access resources for problems that can be resolved without a 311 submission. The system will also integrate with other internal city software to improve coordination and response times. “The new 311 Customer Relationship Management system will make it easier for residents to report issues and track progress, ensuring that their concerns are addressed in a timely and efficient manner,” Gainey said. For more information, visit Pittsburgh’s 311 website.
Pennsylvania Taxpayers Can File for Free to IRS Through Direct File Pennsylvania taxpayers can now take part in a free and secure means of filing for free this tax season through Direct File. Learn More Direct File enables taxpayers to file directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at no cost. It is a new tool that lets eligible taxpayers file their taxes directly online from their smartphone or computer. The website is secure and available in English and Spanish. On average, filing on the site takes less than one hour to complete. Filing To file, taxpayers should: Visit Direct File to check eligibility. If eligible, create an ID.me* login account, which helps to make sure tax data is absolutely secure. For assistance, view this step-by-step guide on creating the account. Use the interview-style tool on the website to complete federal taxes. Upon completing their taxes, visitors will be taken to a free state filing system on the state’s tax website to complete the state return as well. When using Direct File, visitors will have access to live chat support from IRS staff in English and Spanish. Those who do not complete their filing all at once can save their progress and return to it later. Eligibility Most visitors to the site can use it if their 2024 taxes were relatively straightforward – for example, if they don’t itemize deductions, if income came primarily from W-2 employment, and if taxpayers can claim common credits such as the CTC, EITC, or premium tax credit. Tax filers with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who have previously filed taxes can participate. Also, taxpayers with a Social Security Number can apply regardless of having previously filed. For more information, visit Direct File.
Trying Together to Be Pittsburgh Pirates Nonprofit of the Game Trying Together will be spotlighted as the Nonprofit of the Game at the Pittsburgh Pirates game against the New York Yankees in early April. A portion of each ticket benefits Trying Together. Details The Pittsburgh Pirates will take on the Yankees at PNC Park at 1:35 p.m. on April 6. All tickets include a $5 food and beverage credit. A portion of each ticket purchased goes towards Trying Together’s mission of supporting 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 the individuals who interact with them. Nonprofit of the Game tickets cost $41.47 – $49.70 and can be purchased online. Purchase tickets by March 30, 2025. Ticket prices include fees. Don’t forget to wear your Trying Together gear to show support when you attend the game. Direct any questions about attending or sponsoring the event to Kerry Chapman, Trying Together’s Assistant Director of Development, at 412-206-1053 or by email at kerry@tryingtogether.org. Download flyer Become a Nonprofit of the Game Sponsor Looking to support Trying Together in a bigger way? Become a sponsor! Choose from three different tiers which include level-dependent benefits such as tickets to the game, email and/or social media promotion, logo display, etc. Supporters can also choose to sponsor a child care program to attend the game! See sponsorship flyer for full details.
February 19, 2025 NSLA to Host Free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March The National Summer Learning Association is holding a free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March to prepare for the events that it will provide to millions of young people across the nation this summer. The bootcamp will feature three sessions each day and is open to all. Attendees will learn from top education leaders, youth development experts, and programs that will share their resources, insights, and best practices on hot topics. Day 1: Thursday, March 13 On the first day of the bootcamp, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., participants will hear from three panels. These include: Setting the Compass: Current Research and Impact (understanding the current landscape of summer learning) Learning and Engagement in Summer Programs (creating environments full of hands-on experiences in which youth can share their voice, build connections with others, and find a deeper meaning in their learning) Leadership and Staff Development (how program leaders can build a sense of belonging, agency, active engagement, and reflection in staff) Day 2: Friday, March 14 The second day of the bootcamp – which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – will include the following panels: Community and Partnerships (building and maintaining strong links with community organizations, families, and other partners to support youth success) Data Collection and Quality Matters (creating a quality improvement cycle with all program stakeholders) Innovations in Summer Learning (learning that matters, building skills, and providing opportunities) Both days of the bootcamp are free of charge and will be held on Zoom. Registration is now open.
February 18, 2025 Presenters and Proposals Sought for Early Childhood Conferences Presenters and proposals are being sought for several upcoming conferences relating to early childhood education in Pennsylvania. OCDEL Conference The state’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is seeking experienced presenters to share expertise during the upcoming 2024-25 PA Pre-K Counts & Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program Grantee Meeting on April 30 and May 1. Each session at the conference – which will take place at Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Summit – will be an hour-and-a-half and focus on data-informed practices, strategies, and lessons learned. OCDEL is also seeking Pre-K Counts and Head Start program leaders who have demonstrated success in administrative areas to lead or co-present on program-based content. Those interested in leading a session should complete an online form. Breaking Barriers: Empowering Voices for the Future Another upcoming conference, Early Childhood Education: Breaking Barriers, Empowering Voices for the Future, is seeking presenters. Participants can share their knowledge and skills with educators and community leaders at the conference. Presentations should address challenges in early childhood education, how to amplify diverse voices, and how to shape the future of education. The event will take place June 14 in Philadelphia. It will include speakers, workshops, networking, and a vendor marketplace. Seminars will run from one to two hours. Each session should include at least 10 to 15 minutes of interactive or discussion-based activities to engage participants. To learn how to submit to be a presenter at the conference, visit its website. Division for Early Childhood The Division for Early Childhood is accepting proposals for the 41st Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families. The conference will take place on October 7 in Portland, Oregon. Proposals are due by Tuesday, February 18. Information on how to submit to the conference is available online.
PA Child Welfare Resource Center to Host Parent Listening Sessions The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center (CWRC) will host listening sessions in the spring and summer for parents who have a closed case with a county children and youth agency. Learn More The listening sessions will provide parents with opportunities for partnership with professionals in the child welfare system. The CWRC wants to meet with parents to learn from their experiences with county children and youth agencies and to get input to help inform the system. The listening events are by invitation only and selected parents will receive $300 for time, travel, and child care. The sessions will be held from March to June. As registrations are received, event locations will be selected based on proximity to the applicants’ counties of residence. More information on the parent listening sessions can be found online.
