March 31, 2025 Registration Open for Pittsburgh Youth Cricket Academy Tournaments Registration is open for the Pittsburgh Youth Cricket Academy’s spring and summer tournaments. Learn More The academy will offer registration throughout April and tryouts will be held on May 11 and 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. Practice sessions will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 and 27. Then, the spring tournament will take place in June, while the summer tournament will be held in August. There is a $300 registration fee for participants. Those interested in participating should register now. The complete schedules will be released in late April. For more information, call 412-345-1140.
March Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. March Recalls Here is a list of March recalls collected from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Whole Foods has recalled its Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese because it may contain undeclared eggs and meat ingredients. People who have allergies to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Frito-Lay issued a limited recall for Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips for undeclared milk. The product could include nacho cheese tortilla chips and, therefore, may pose a risk to those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk. Luv n’ Care recalled its Nuby Stroller Fans due to laceration injury hazard. The fan’s housing allows consumers’ fingers to contact its blade, posing a danger to small children. Children’s nightgowns, pajama sets, and robes imported by Marie-Chantal were recalled due to burn hazard and risk of serious injury or death. The items – which violate federal flammability standards – pose a risk of serious injury or death to children. Round 2 recalled its Auto World Unassembled Deluxe Pit Kit Slot Cars due to ingestion hazard. The slot cars violate federal regulations for magnets, which when loose prior to assembly pose an ingestion hazard for children. Love Our Home recalled its braided crib bumpers due to suffocation hazards posed by the products. The bumpers violate the federal crib bumper ban and pose a suffocation risk for infants. Taylor Water Technologies recalled its Phosphate Reagent Bottles that are sold with test kits due to the risk of severe chemical burn. The bottles sold with test kits contain sulfuric acid, which must be in child-resistant packaging, as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. However, the packaging is not child resistant, posing a risk of chemical burns to the skin or eyes and internal corrosive burns, if ingested. Lolanta recalled its children’s bathrobes due to burn hazard and a violation of flammability regulations. The bathrobes pose a risk of burn injuries or death to children. HabiLife Direct recalled its safety gates due to risk of serious injury or death to children from entrapment hazard. The gates violate federal safety regulations for expansion gates and expandable enclosures because a child’s torso can fit through the opening between the gate and the floor. Onasti recalled its Toddler Tower Stools due to the risk of serious fall and injury hazards. The stools can collapse or tip over while in use, posing dangers to children. GIKPAL recalled its dressers for risk of serious injury or death by tip-over or entrapment. The dressers, which violate federal regulation for clothing storage units, are unstable if not anchored to the wall, posing a threat to children’s safety. Arsell has recalled its Benadryl Liquid Elixir 100mL bottle due to risk of child poisoning. The product, which violates federal regulations for child-resistant packaging, poses a risk of poisoning if a child swallows its contents. LaRose Industries recalled its Cra-Z-Art Gemex/Gel2Gem Jewelry Kits due to risk of skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and sensitization. The kits, which violate the federal Hazardous Substances Act, contain a resin that, when liquid, can cause irritation when inhaled, touched, or ingested. The resin contains an acrylate in amounts prohibited in children’s products. LINKCOO recalled its blackout roller window shades due to strangulation and entanglement hazards for children. The shades, which violate federal regulations for window coverings, have long operating cords that can cause death or serious injury to children. NFH recalled its iron dietary supplement bottles due to risk of poisoning. The packaging is not child-resistant, posing a risk of poisoning if a young child swallows its contents. Interior Resources recalled its children’s steel utility bunk beds due to entrapment hazards. The spacing between the guardrail and end support and the spacing around the mattress supports are greater than allowed, posing entrapment and strangulation hazards for children.
March 27, 2025 Trying Together Offering Child Care Business Support Classes in April Trying Together is offering two support classes for small business child care owners in April that cover the topics of money management, debt reduction, and credit building. Both classes are offered in collaboration by Trying Together and the Allegheny County Financial Empowerment Center. Money Management The money management class will instruct small business child care owners to understand how to strengthen child care business. Participants will learn about how personal and business financial habits intersect as well as how to make sound fiscal decisions regarding child care programs. The free event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3 on Zoom. Those interested in attending can register online. Debt Reduction and Credit Building In this class, participants will learn about debt pay-off and credit building to strengthen their child care business.Those interested in attending Business Supports for Child Care Owners – Debt Reduction and Credit Building should register online. The free class will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom on Thursday, April 24.
Indiana County Board of Commissioners Declares April 5-11 as Week of the Young Child The Indiana County Board of Commissioners recently announced a proclamation to declare April 5 to 11 as the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) in the county. Learn More The proclamation is part of the county’s Week of the Young Child celebration event that includes a movie screening and activities. In the proclamation, the board of commissioners notes that “the early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for future success in school, work, and life, and it is crucial that we ensure all children have access to high-quality early education and care.” “The Week of the Young Child provides an opportunity for communities to recognize the vital role of early educators, caregivers, and families in supporting children’s development and learning,” the proclamation reads. It also recommends that local, state, and national efforts to support young children and their families should be developed and encouraged. The county’s Early Childhood and Education Committee of the Children’s Advisory Commission will offer WOYC activities on Saturday, April 5 at the Indiana County Courthouse and Indiana Theater. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) established the Week of the Young Child in 1971 to celebrate the unique needs and potential of young children as well as to recognize the importance of childhood education. Trying Together later designated April as the Month of the Young Child due to increased interest.
March 24, 2025 Trying Together to Host Friendraiser Event in Strip District on May 15 Trying Together’s board of directors will host a fundraiser to share information about the organization’s mission and celebrate its impact during a Friendraiser on Thursday, May 15 at Kingfly Spirits. Learn More Guests interested in learning more about advocating for early childhood and expanding their network are invited to join the Trying Together board of directors for an evening of information and connection. Tickets are a donation of $100 per person. Attendees will be served light appetizers and receive a drink ticket for one cocktail. A cash bar will also be available. Donations will help Trying Together continue to provide high-quality care and education for young children through advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. The Friendraiser will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kingfly Spirits, located at 2613 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Registration is now open. The deadline to register is Monday, May 5. Anyone with questions about the event can email Kerry Chapman, Trying Together’s assistant director of development, at kerry@tryingtogether.org or call 412.206.1053.
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 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner, Trying Together April is the Month of the Young Child, Trying Together Celebrate Diversity Month A Celebration of Diversity in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh Events and News, 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 Casework Practice, 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 2025, 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 Overview, National Association for the Education of Young Children April 7-13 is National Library Week National Library Week 2025, American Library Association Kelvin Watson Lecture, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Brazelton Touchpoints Center to Host Session for Library Professionals, Buzzword 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 2025, 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 World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks April 4 is National School Librarian Day National School Librarian Day, National Day Calendar 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, April 6, 2025, 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 Kids’ Books About Being Deaf, Arapahoe Libraries 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 Available on PA Promise for Children Site, Trying Together April 22 is Earth Day Earth Day Events, Pittsburgh Earth Day Earth Month, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy History of Earth Day, National Geographic Kids April 23 is World Book Day Book Request Form, Reading Ready Pittsburgh Buzzword Words & Activities, Buzzword World Book Day, Worldbookday.com World Book Day 2025, National Literacy Trust Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Book Lists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
PA Promise for Children List Focuses on Bedroom Safety for Children Whether they are sleeping or playing, a child’s bedroom fulfills many purposes. PA Promise for Children has put together a list of ways to ensure that the bedroom remains a safe place for children. Windows One item on PA Promise for Children’s list is window safety. If the windows in a child’s room has blinds, guardians should make sure that all blinds and their parts – such as the strings used to raise or lower them – are not accessible to the child. Window blind strings can pose a strangulation risk. Cribs To prevent a child’s head from getting caught between a crib’s bars, guardians should make sure that crib slats are no more than 2 ⅜ inches apart. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib and no more than two fingers should fit between it and the side of the crib. Parents should not use a pillow for a baby or small child. If a child can climb out of a crib, they should be moved to a regular bed. It is important to include guard rails or use a toddler bed until the child becomes used to sleeping in a bed. In the meantime, one option is placing the mattress on the floor. Furniture Guardians should keep all furniture away from windows – including cribs, beds, dressers, changing tables, or shelves. Additionally, shelves or dressers should be secured to the wall to prevent children from pulling them over. Heavier objects – such as a television or mirror – should never be placed on top of furniture where a child could climb or pull the furniture over. Keep dresser drawers closed to discourage a curious child from using them as steps. Toys Parents should ensure that all toys are age-appropriate. They should check the recommended age range for all of their child’s toys. It is also important to check to see if specific toys pose choking hazards for children under the age of three. Other A child’s bedroom should have child-proof plugs in electric outlets. Additionally, all other rooms in the house should also have child-proof electric outlets. And parents or guardians should also make sure that the child’s bedroom door does not lock from the inside. If it has a lock, they should remove it or change the door knob. PA Promise for Children’s list of bedroom safety measures can be found on its website.
IECMHC Cites Music and Movement as Important to Child Development Although spring is just around the corner, winter weather can continue into March – and even April – so it is important for parents and guardians to find ways for children to remain active while indoors. Learn More The Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program’s March newsletter focuses on music and movement in the classroom and includes several resources The IECMHC cites several benefits of music and movement for children in the early childhood education classroom. Through music and movement, children can: Be creative by expressing themselves through dance, lyrics, and storytelling Undergo emotional development by learning to recognize and process emotions and developing empathy Enhance motor skills by improving coordination, balance, and strength through dancing, clapping, and jumping Enhance cognitive skills by developing memory, categorization, and problem-solving abilities Enhance social skills through the development of emotional intelligence, which is linked to success in many areas of life The IECMHC also suggests trying to strike a healthy balance when it comes to screen time – or the use of smartphones, tables, computers, or other devices – for children. To foster well-rounded development, it suggests substituting the following for screen time: art, reading, interactive games, outdoor play, music and movement. Further Resources The IECMHC provides a wide variety of resources revolving around the importance of music and movement for children. These include an article on the importance of music and movement in early childhood education and how to use music, rhythm, and movement to enhance children’s self-regulation. Among the IECMHC’s resources are information on music and movement relating to: Babies Toddlers Preschoolers K-6
Trying Together Board of Directors Treasurer Raises $2.7K for PwC National Pi Day Fundraiser Price Waterhouse Cooper’s (PwC) Pittsburgh’s office recently held “Pi-a-Partner Day,” a National Pi Day-themed event to raise awareness for local nonprofits and provide donation opportunities. Dan Waltman, Principal for Wealth Management Tax Services at PwC, has been involved with Trying Together for four years and serves as treasurer for the board of directors. He chose to raise money to benefit Trying Together. “Having young twin boys with full-time working parents was what drew me to get involved with Trying Together,” Waltman said. “The positive impacts that child care providers have had on my children is undeniable.” Waltman offered an incentive to potential donors: if he reached his original goal of $2,500, he would be pied in the face. He surpassed that goal by raising $2,780. “Dan’s fundraiser on behalf of Trying Together is one of the more creative efforts I’ve seen – and I applaud his success!” said Cara Ciminillo. “On behalf of Trying Together, I thank him for his commitment to supporting the work of early childhood.” Those interested in donating to Waltman’s fundraising effort can still do so on PwC’s fundraising page. National Pi Day National Pi Day, which was celebrated March 14, is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π. The day is celebrated on that particular day because 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant features of pi, and March is the third month (the 1 and 4 are represented by the 14th day).
ECE Professionals Must Submit T.E.A.C.H. Applications for Summer by April 11 Early childhood education (ECE) professionals interested in attending college for summer semesters should apply to T.E.A.C.H. prior to the April deadline. Learn More T.E.A.C.H. applications must be completed and submitted with all required documentation and information by Friday, April 11 to be considered for the summer semesters beginning in May and July. PACCA will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis. However, incomplete applications and applications received after the April date will not receive priority for consideration. New scholarships awards for the summer semester will depend on funding availability. Applications should begin the college admissions process now and contact an ECE advisor at their intended college or university. This helps to ensure that scholarship applicants are admitted and can register for courses if they receive a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. can provide contact information for ECE advisors at partnering institutions if needed. Information on availability and program requirements are available on PACCA’s website, where scholarship applications can also be downloaded. Applicants can contact T.E.A.C.H. counselors on PACCA’s website. PACCA has also established new partnerships with Alvernia University and Gwynedd Mercy University to offer T.E.A.C.H. bachelor’s degree scholarships. PACCA will hold its annual ECE Workforce Day on Tuesday, June 10 at the Capitol in Harrisburg. More information will follow as details are available.
