March 21, 2025 Trying Together Exec Director Discusses Your Career, Our Future Campaign with The Soul Pitt Executive Director Cara Ciminillo recently discussed Trying Together’s Your Career, Our Future campaign in an interview with The Soul Pitt. Learn More Ciminillo appeared on The Soul Pitt’s podcast to discuss the campaign and who it is attempting to attract. The Soul Pitt is a website and print magazine that serves Pittsburgh’s communities of color. The Your Career, Our Future campaign is aimed at combating a nationwide trend in which early learning programs have had to close classrooms and turn families away due to the lack of early educators available to meet child care demands. This, in turn, harms young children and their families, businesses, and the economy. Your Career, Our Future – which is a joint effort between Trying Together and the Early Excellence Project – has collected stories from early educators and families in the Pittsburgh region. The campaign’s aim is to attract more people to answer the call to become early educators. In The Soul Pitt interview, Ciminillo notes that the campaign aims to recruit early childhood educators by giving them the tools they need to succeed. It also shows current and future educators they are valued and respected. “This campaign puts a face to the profession,” Ciminillo said during the interview. “We’ve collected stories from 15 people who have been positively impacted by early childhood education. This includes not only educators, but also child care program owners and parents.” Ciminillo told The Soul Pitt that the campaign hopes to draw passionate people of all backgrounds, education levels, and skill sets who are nurturing, inspiring, and excited to educate young people. She added that the Institute for Career Pathways through Trying Together can help those who are starting out in their career as well as those looking to advance. In the interview, Ciminillo is asked why it is important to share their stories in a campaign like Your Career, Our Future. “So often, we focus on the difficulties faced by the field – but this campaign instead shares all the amazing parts of being an early childhood educator,” she said. “Early childhood education is more than a job – it’s a powerfully rewarding and vitally important career.” In the interview, she also discusses the benefits of becoming an early childhood educator and how those who are interested in the program can obtain more information. To read the entire interview, visit The Soul Pitt.
March 19, 2025 Rolling Admission Open for PaPBS Network Tier 1 Facilitator Training The Program-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PW-PBIS) Training Collaborative is opening rolling admission for the PaPBS Network Tier 1 facilitator training series. Learn More The series will support the development of a provisional facilitator in an early childhood setting. Coursework will be available beginning in March. However, a rolling admission will allow interested participants to apply anytime. The first 10 approved applicants will receive a $500 discount on the course fee. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: Employed by educational entities, child-serving agencies, early care and education programs, or managed care organizations in Pennsylvania Must have an employer, supervisory, or contractual relationship with the educational/agency applicant that assures sufficient time, support, and resources to adequately fulfill PaPBS Program-Wide Facilitator roles and responsibilities Have a master’s degree in education, educational administration, social work, psychology, child development, or a related field; or, hold a bachelor’s degree in the same fields with five years of experience in educational or early care and education settings Exceptions to these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis. More information on the series and the application can be found online.
March 18, 2025 Genius of Play Releases Book for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month The Genius of Play has released a book for children in honor of March’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Learn More The book – “Let’s Play: A Playbook for Kids of All Abilities” – focuses on how play provides an opportunity to engage in activities that best support their development. It notes that when there is focus on a child’s strengths, interests, and areas in which they need more support, a play approach offers opportunities to participate in the challenge level that is suitable for them. The free guide offers families a variety of adaptive, play-based activities to help children meet developmental milestones and promote social inclusion while having fun. The book can be downloaded on The Genius of Play’s website. The Genius of Play also offers play ideas for every age range, interest, and ability. Its resources include playbooks featuring games that help children to develop emotional intelligence, physical skills, and STEAM knowledge as well as activity sheets and other activities. The Genius of Play is a national movement spearheaded by The Toy Association to raise awareness about play’s vital role in child development.
Resources for Children Who are Shy or Have Selective Mutism Shyness can often be difficult for children to overcome. As a result, it can lead to misunderstanding and be a challenge for adults to comprehend what is causing a child’s reticence. The Child Mind Institute has put together a list of resources on shyness and selective mutism to helps adults navigate these challenges. Learn More Some children are cautious in new situations or with unfamiliar people. This could stem from the child’s temperament. Some children who are communicative at home – but unable to speak in such settings as school – may have a disorder known as selective mutism (SM). Children with SM are often misunderstood as refusing to speak, but they could be experiencing anxiety that prevents them from using their voice. Attempting to force them to talk can increase that anxiety. The Child Mind Institute’s resources include articles on everything from behavioral treatment for children with SM to how to know if medication is required. There is also information on other disorders that bear similarity to extreme shyness – such as separation or social anxiety. The Child Mind Institute’s resources include: Complete Guide to Selective Mutism Selective Mutism: Helping Kids Find Their Voices When Should Medication Be Used to Treat SM? What is Separation Anxiety Disorder? Helping Young Children Who Are Socially Anxious Tips for Separating from Clingy Kids What is Social Anxiety?
March 17, 2025 April is the Month of the Young Child April has been designated as the Month of the Young Child. Trying Together is taking part in and hosting events and opportunities to tout the importance of early child care and celebrate organizations that provide vital services. History The Week of the Young Child was first established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Its aim was to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize early childhood programs and services that are centered around those needs. Over time, increased interest led Trying Together to designate the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). We celebrate MOYC to elevate the important work of families and early care and education professionals, who strive to meet the needs of the young children in their care. Events There are a number of great events to celebrate the Month of the Young Child. These include: Week of the Young Child Events at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center – The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will have special programming to celebrate young children and their caregivers the week of April 7. Learn more. 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner – Trying Together will join early care and education colleagues from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 at Acrisure Stadium for dinner, a photo booth, and prizes. There is currently a wait-list for this event. Annual Early Childhood Education Affiliate Dinner – On Tuesday, April 8, this event at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will feature a dinner and lecture with Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, a leading authority on educational organization and leadership. The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at the university’s gymnasium in Chambers Hall and the lecture will follow at 6:45 p.m. More details are available online. Working Families and the Need for Childcare Workshop – During this workshop – which runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16 – participants will learn how to search for and find child care options near their home and work. The workshop will also cover public funding options to pay for child care, resources to share with employees so they can easily find and navigate child care, the state of child care, and the impact on the workforce. Emily Neff, Trying Together’s director of public policy, will present during the workshop, which will be held at PAACC’s office at 850 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. Register online or by calling 412-264-6270. NAEYC Week of the Young Child – The NAEYC will celebrate daily themes as part of its Week of the Young Child from April 5 to 11. Visit the NAEYC’s website for more information on the daily themes and activity resources.
Airport Academy Cited as Successful Workforce Development Program The Pittsburgh International Airport’s Le Petite Academy is being cited as a successful workforce development program in a recent Blue Sky News article that features Trying Together’s executive director. Learn More The article focuses on how the academy – which opened in September 2023 – is one of only a few childcare facilities located on-site or near major U.S. airports. Nicole Partaka, the academy’s director, notes that new airport hires are often “surprised” to learn that childcare is available at PIT for employees. The program is cited as playing an important role in the local economy by providing affordable and accessible childcare, which is a barrier for working people in the region. The partners with PIT in opening the center included Trying Together, the Benedum Foundation, and the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. “Through this collaboration, we aimed to enhance the airport’s vision for improved work-life balance for airport staff while strengthening the region’s commitment to accessible early learning opportunities,” said Cara Ciminillo, Trying Together’s executive director. To read the full article, visit Blue Sky News’ website.
March 14, 2025 NAEYC Responds to Department of Education Reductions The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has responded to the Trump Administration taking steps to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. In the statement NAEYC outlines the potential impact for young children, families, and educators. The Department oversees funding and programs that support children with disabilities (including early intervention), Title I funds for low-income schools (which can support pre-k and the transition to kindergarten), as well as civil rights protections from various forms of discrimination and higher education loan and repayment programs that likely impact many early educators in the field. Learn More Nearly half of the Department of Education’s staff has been laid off and the Trump Administration has indicated that it plans to transfer education oversight from the federal government to the states. Trump is expected to soon sign an executive order to close the department. “Laying off nearly half of the department’s dedicated public servants – who lead research into what works, provide support to teachers, and help students access and afford post-secondary education – will negatively impact children, families, and educators, both immediately and in the future,” the NAEYC statement read. “NAEYC, in keeping with its mission to promote high-quality early learning for each and every child birth through 8, strongly urges the administration to reconsider and reverse course.” NAEYC goes on to note that the department cannot legally be eliminated without Congress’ involvement. However, as the administration begins to move core services out of the department and eliminates a large part of its workforce, the ability for the department to adequately provide important services would be affected, NAEYC said. Vital Services NAEYC cited a number of services that the Department of Education offers to students and families, including: Support children with or at-risk for developmental delays and disabilities from early childhood through school age, including individualized education programs and support services and access to preschool special education and early intervention services Funding supports for students and families, especially those in low-income communities and those with disabilities, through access to support services, tutoring, early learning, and after-school services Protecting children from race, gender, or disability-based discrimination in public schools Supporting educators in growing their expertise and advancing their careers through professional development, access to higher education, grants, scholarships, and student loans Supporting student borrowers with navigating repayment options and accessing loan forgiveness programs Helping students and student parents to access higher education, including through campus-based child care and work-study opportunities “Parents and educators want a Department of Education that supports learners of all ages, provides resources to ensure all children can succeed, and removes barriers that prevent children from accessing a quality education,” the NAEYC statement read. Trying Together encourages concerned families and educators to fill out the NAEYC survey and share a story to help make the case for investing in – not cutting – federal support for children, families, and early childhood educators.
March 12, 2025 Trying Together’s Director of Public Policy to Discuss Current State of Early Childhood Education in Virtual Event Trying Together’s director of public policy will take part in an upcoming virtual event with Carlow University during which she will discuss the current state of early childhood education, preschool, and child care. The discussion will cover federal, state, and local policies and will focus on where things stand today and how to prepare for the future. It will also provide an overview of the Pennsylvania budget process and early childhood funding at the state and federal levels. Learn More Politics and Policy: The Early Care and Education Landscape will take place virtually from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 7. The discussion is part of the Sister Mary Paul Hickey Educator Workshop Series collection. Emily Neff, Trying Together’s director of public policy, will lead the discussion. In her role at Trying Together, Neff mobilizes early childhood educators to share their expertise with policymakers and engages families to tell their stories. She also develops policy recommendations to create a more equitable and accessible system. Act 48 and PQAS hours are available for the event. Those interested in attending should reserve a spot online. A Zoom link will appear via email a few days before the event.
PD Registry to Debut New Home Page This Spring The PD Registry will unveil a redesigned homepage in May that is aimed at streamlining the profile-building process for early childhood educators. Learn More Those who currently have a profile with the PD Registry will transition into the new version of the website and all previous information will be saved. This includes users’ current emails and passwords. The registry system will remain the same, and the new website will only involve changes to its design. Its aim is to have a sleeker design and straightforward steps in terms of its usage. It is intended to make the profile-building process for the ECE field more user friendly. The updated site that will debut in May will only apply to the Individual Profile. Other aspects of the system – for example, the Organization or Trainer profiles – will undergo updates in the future. Users will be able to update their personal information at any time by clicking the Edit Personal Information button at the top of the PD Registry homepage. Any questions about the redesign should be sent to registry@pakeys.org. For more information on the homepage redesign, read the announcement on the Pennsylvania Key website.
Special Election for Rep. Gergely’s Seat to Be Held on March 25 A special election for the Pennsylvania House District 35 will be held on March 25 to replace state Rep. Matthew Gergely, who died in January. Learn More Candidates for the House seat include Democrat Dan Goughnour, Republican Charles D. Davis, and Libertarian Adam Kitta. The 35th Legislative District covers the following precincts: Clairton Duquesne Homestead Munhall Liberty McKeesport Port Vue Versailles West Homestead West Mifflin (districts 3, 4, and 15) Whitaker White Oak The special election will be held on Tuesday, March 25. Voters can show up at the polls between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. that day to vote. Residents should check their voter registration. A sample ballot is available online.
