News

January 20, 2026

United Way’s Beyond the Classroom Grant Application Process Open Until February 5

Those interested in applying for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Beyond the Classroom grants should do so before the Thursday, February 5 deadline.

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The purpose of the grant funding is to alleviate the unexpected needs of out-of-school-time programs that serve children and youth, from birth to age 8. Funding for those who obtain the 2026 multi-year grants would begin in July.

For more information on the grants and the application process, a video recording of a November information session is available online.

The letter of intent process – which opened on January 5 and runs through February 5 – asks for applicants to discuss their organization’s mission statement, the investment priority if the grant were to be received, and other topics. Those interested in the grant can apply online.

The next step in the process – which would being on March 2 – would be that invitations would be sent out to certain applicants to submit a full proposal. Application workshops with PACE would be held in early March and a full proposal would be due on April 2.

Those chosen to receive grants would be alerted in June for the funding year beginning July 1.

News

DHS Announces Request for Application for Children’s Trust Fund Grants

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced a Request for Application (RFA) for the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) grants.

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The CTF’s board has identified the following funding priorities to be explored by communities as they seek to create or grow community-based primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs and projects:

Fostering innovation
Well-rooted evidence-based services
Emerging evidence-based

Any community-based organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services for children or direct provision of services for child abuse and neglect prevention that meets the criteria set forth in the RFA is eligible to apply for a CTF grant.

The CTB board funds grantees that are part of a collaborative community-driven approach that directly engages youth, parents, and families. As required by state law, eligible entities have to demonstrate consultation with the county child welfare agency.

The application deadline for the grants is Thursday, February 5. More information on the grants is available online.

News

January 19, 2026

Child Mind Institute Shares Resources on How to Respond When Children Act Out

Most children – especially toddlers – act out sometimes as they start to get in touch with their full range of emotions.

But caregivers might find themselves frustrated about how to get frequent temper tantrums, yelling, or hitting to stop, especially as children get older.

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The Child Mind Institute has put together a list of resources on how caregivers and educators can respond when children act out. Before taking disciplinary action, it is important for adults to understand why a child might be acting out.

The institute’s resources include discussions of strategies that experts use to identify motivations or purposes behind a child’s problem behaviors as well as tips on how to respond.

While behavioral issues can be a result of a child dealing with emotions they don’t yet have the skills to understand or manage, they can also be linked to mental health challenges. Anxiety can be a common cause of disruptive behavior, especially in social settings like the classroom.

Children with ADHD might have a difficult time performing repetitive or boring tasks, leading to inattention, impulsivity, or tantrums. Depression can show up as irritability and angry outbursts alongside or in place of prolonged sadness.

The resources also include information on when caregivers should turn to professional help for severe tantrums.

The Child Mind Institute’s resources include:

News

Child Mind Institute Resources Focus on Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children

Seasonal affective disorder – also known by the acronym SAD – is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons.

For most people, the disorder appears in the winter months and fades when the weather gets warmer. The Child Mind Institute has put together some resources on how to tell if a child is feeling down due to the season or if they are dealing with something more serious.

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Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes SAD, but some believe that a lack of sunlight affects chemicals in the brain that impact mood and energy levels. However, a lot of people experience symptoms that look like depression during the winter.

SAD and other types of depression can be challenging to identify depending on how or when they appear. The institute provides resources on premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a type of depression tied to the menstrual cycle that is a severe form of the more common PMS.

There are articles on treatments for depression, including different types of therapy and medication, and a video in which experts explain how to recognize signs of mental health challenges in teens.

There is also a resource on behavioral activation, a therapy commonly used to treat SAD. The therapy involves getting children to do things – such as take a walk or talk to a friend – even if they don’t feel like it.

Below are the Child Mind Institute’s resources on seasonal affective disorder.

News

January 15, 2026

Trying Together Names Indi Kids Director as Advocate of the Month

Trying Together has named Stephanie McAdoo, director of Indiana’s Indi Kids preschool, as its January 2026 Advocate of the Month.

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The Advocate of the Month award goes to providers who demonstrate exceptional commitment, compassion, and leadership in the field of early childhood education. Trying Together chose McAdoo because of her consistent and reliable work and advocacy for early childhood education in Indiana County and statewide.

“Stephanie works tirelessly to manage not only her own program and the challenges that come with that, but also does extra work to make sure the whole field is being supported,” said the Trying Together policy team.

Honoree Statement

In an honoree statement, McAdoo said that advocacy is important to her, and that she and many other educators spoke up for early care and education amid the state’s ongoing budget impasse.

McAdoo participated in the “Day in the Life” photovoice project, which shared the joys and challenges of the child care field.

“We told our stories of dedicated teachers struggling to make ends meet on unlivable wages and grappling with decisions to leave a field that they love, of programs trying to balance budgets and struggling with decisions to raise rates and risk losing families or forgo wage increases and risk losing teachers,” McAdoo said.

She added that she and other advocates voice repeatedly that the true cost of care is unaffordable to most families and when the cost of care cannot be put on families, educators end up subsidizing the system through lower pay.

McAdoo said she appreciated that Gov. Josh Shapiro and members of the General Assembly voted to make early care and education a priority. The result was a passed budget with a new $25 million educator recruitment and retention line item.

She added that Trying Together and PennAEYC stood with her in support of her advocacy efforts.

“I will continue to raise my voice to ensure early care and education gets the investment it so desperately needs and deserves,” she said. “Our families deserve quality programs, our children deserve qualified teachers, and our teachers deserve livable wages.”

See her full statement.

News

Child Care Job Openings in Pittsburgh

Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See featured jobs for this week.

Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh

MANAGER: FAMILY CARE CONNECTION

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is seeking a manager for Family Care Connection. The manager will be responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight to Family Care Connection centers and programs of UPMC Children’s Hospital and the Hello Baby Initiative, which includes partnership with Allegheny County Family Centers. The manager will be responsible for all aspects of the programs, including operational, capital and personnel budgets, budget planning and preparation, and employee performance.

PRESCHOOL AGE EDUCATOR

Thomas Childcare and Learning Academy is seeking a Head Start preschool teacher, who will create engaging lesson plans and provide a supportive learning environment that encourages the growth of preschool-aged children. Those interested in applying should email a resume to thomasleardningacademy@gmail.com or apply on Indeed.

CHILD CARE PROVIDER

Love and Bright Beginnings Childcare is seeking a child care provider who has a passion for working with children and a strong understanding of childhood development. The role involves caring for children of various ages, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, while promoting their physical, emotional, and social growth. Those interested should email director@loveandbrightbeginnings.com or call 412-717-3656.

CHILD CARE DIRECTOR

Each One Teach One is seeking a highly motivated and experienced day care director to join the team. The ideal candidate is a dedicated, positive, and knowledgeable leader with a solid understanding of day care regulations and a commitment to creating an enriching, safe, and nurturing environment for children. Those interested should send a cover letter and resume to admin@eachoneteachonepgh.com or apply on Indeed.

TODDLER TEACHER

Each One Teach One is searching for a caring and energetic toddler teacher, who will create a fun and nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow through play with its Frogstreet curriculum. The teacher will help toddlers discover the world while building their confidence and skills. Those interested should apply by sending a cover letter and resume to admin@eachoneteachonepgh.com.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Western PA is seeking a youth development professional, who will serve as a direct-service leader in creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment that promotes the holistic development of all youth. The position implements daily programming with intentionality and enthusiasm, fostering relationships that support each child’s academic, social-emotional, and physical growth.

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh is seeking a full-time early childhood teacher for Child’s Way, a daycare center for medically fragile children. The positions works Monday through Friday, eight hour shifts per week. Under the supervision of the director of Child’s Way, the teacher is responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child enrolled in accordance with DHS, Head Start, and Keystone STARS standards. Teachers will work with the nurses, therapists, and early intervention professionals to provide a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning experience. Those interested should apply online.

TODDLER 2 TEACHER

Hiland Child Care Center is seeking a Toddler 2 Teacher- to implement curriculum, assist with potty training, change diapers, make observations, and hold parent/teacher conferences three times per year. The teacher would also have to stay up-to-date on yearly trainings. Those interested should email a resume to Annie at hilandchildcare@gmail.com.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TEACHER

Angels’ Place, Inc. is seeking teachers with a passion for teaching the youngest learners. The position is full-time with a competitive wage and benefits package. Those interested in the position should submit an application and cover letter to angelsplacepittsburgh@gmail.com.

CHILD CARE CENTER DIRECTOR

Eastminster Presbyterian Church is searching for a child care center director to direct, coordinate, and guide Eastminster’s Child Care center program. Resumes should be emailed to office@eastminsterchurch.net.

CHILD CARE TEACHER/ASSISTANT TEACHER

ChildCare Careers is hiring teachers and assistant teachers to work in early childhood and school-age programs in the Pittsburgh area. It offers flexible schedules, competitive pay, and the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of child care settings. Those interested should apply online.

ASSISTANT TEACHER

Southminster Child Care Center is seeking an assistant teacher to help in the toddler classroom. Applicants must be able to assist with classroom management, lesson planning, and assessments. Those interested should email a resume to childcare@spchurch.org or call 412-571-9229.

INFANT AND TODDLER TEACHER

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking infant and toddler teachers for full-time positions between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The position offers benefits and a competitive pay range of $16 to $18 per hour. Candidates with early childhood education, elementary education, child development, and related degrees are preferred, along with previous experience working with young children. Those interested should email Debbie Welch, program director, at chcc@carriagehouse.org.

ASSISTANT TEACHER

Manchester Youth Development Center is seeking an individual to join the team as an assistant teacher for its Training Wheels Program, which serves children ages 3 to 5 years. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves early learning, believes in hands-on, play-based education and wants to help young learners grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Apply here.

CLASSROOM AID

Manchester Youth Development Center is seeking an individual to join the team as a classroom aid for its Training Wheels Program, which serves children ages 3 to 5 years. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves early learning, believes in hands-on, play-based education and wants to help young learners grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Apply here.

CHILD CARE TEACHER; ASSISTANT CHILD CARE TEACHER; CHiLD CARE TEACHER’S AIDE

The Elizabeth Seton Center is seeking a lead teacher for multiple positions. More information is available on their website. Those interested in applying should email karen@setoncenterpgh.org.

PRESCHOOL TEACHERS

The Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking preschool teachers. The position offers benefits and a competitive pay range of $17 to $20 per hour. Those with previous experience with young children are encouraged to apply by emailing a resume to Debbie Welch at chcc@carriagehouse.org.

TEACHER

Each One Teach One is looking for a teacher to nurture curious minds and make learning fund. It offers CDA tuition support, ongoing professional development, and clear pathways for professional growth. Those interested should apply on Indeed and attach a resume and cover letter.

TODDLER LEAD TEACHER

Honey Bee Haven Early Learning is seeking a toddler lead teacher to join the center in Bridgeville. The position offers competitive pay, child care discounts, PTO and paid holidays, a monthly health stipend, supportive leadership, and beautifully designed classrooms. Those interested in the position should submit an application online. The job listing is available on Honey Bee Haven Early Learning’s website.

Submit a Job

Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter.

Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form.

All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included.

For questions, contact Elizabeth Lennox at elizabethl@tryingtogether.org.

Other Jobs in Early Childhood

ECE HIRE

Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more.

SUBMIT A JOB TO PACCA

Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org.

Receive Jobs in Your Inbox

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News

Start Strong PA Provides Update on Impact to Federal, State Child Care Funding

Start Strong PA shared information this week regarding what is known about the current status of federal and state child care funding after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it would freeze funding in five states.

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The federal government announced in early January that it would freeze $10 billion in federal funds to California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. This was triggered by allegations of fraud at child care centers in Minnesota and was initially stated it would be applied nationwide. However, a judge temporarily blocked the freeze on January 9 on the grounds that the states met a threshold “to protect the status quo” for at least 14 days while arguments were made in court.

Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA condemned this freeze on federal funds in a recent statement, saying, “The recent decision to freeze access to Child Care and Development Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Social Services Block Grant funds for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York is a disproportionate and harmful reaction to alleged fraud confined to specific providers in Minnesota. Let us be clear: fraud within public systems is unacceptable and must be addressed with precision. However, we must also be clear that states have regular audits of these funds, many systems like Pennsylvania’s have robust program integrity measures, and federal oversight mechanisms are already in place to ensure accountability.”

To date, states have submitted quarterly financial reports to justify funds that are drawn monthly from their CCDF allocation. New rules would prevent states from accessing federal funds automatically. Every payment request would now require pre-approval with “justification and a receipt or photo evidence.” The immediate impact could be on state agencies, such as Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), that are responsible for providing the documentation.

Documentation or Payment Delivery

OCDEL has announced that there is no change in required documentation or in payment delivery for child care providers with Child Care Works contracts receiving reimbursement for subsidized child care.

Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC) and child care providers should continue administering Child Care Works in accordance with existing OCDEL policy and procedures. Also, for parents, OCDEL has announced that there is no change in the type or frequency of required documentation.

“While fraud is absolutely unacceptable and must be addressed, this response is unjust and disproportionate,” a statement from Start Strong PA read. “It punishes providers, families, and children for the alleged actions of a few. Many states like Pennsylvania already have extensive program integrity measures and all states undergo regular federal reviews designed to prevent and catch fraud.”

Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program

The Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program enacted in the 2025-26 state budget is not affected by the federal funding change and will continue accepting applications from eligible providers from qualified staff.

Providers must submit a completed application to their region ELRC by Thursday, January 29.

Impact on Pennsylvania

Start Strong PA said that the new federal rules would negatively affect the 93,300 children receiving Child Care Works if Pennsylvania’s federal child care funding is impacted in the future.

“Delaying or freezing payments would not only hurt the families receiving those subsidies, but could force child care programs to close and teachers to lose their jobs,” the Start Strong PA statement read. “These consequences are detrimental to families’ stability and children’s learning. This reaction is outside the norm – the federal government has already targeted legal and financial tools to recoup fraudulent funds without harming innocent families and small businesses.”

News

January 14, 2026

Pittsburgh and Surrounding Counties to Host MLK Day Events

On Monday, January 19, southwestern Pennsylvania residents will be able to reflect on the life and works of Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Residents will have a variety of events celebrating the day from which to choose, from luncheons to events at art museums or institutions.

Below is a list of events taking place on January 19 to celebrate MLK Day.

Allegheny County

Day Off at the Museum

The Carnegie Museum of Art will hold an event for young artists on January 19 during which they will immerse themselves in art on their day off from school.

Children, ages 6 to 10, will be able to experiment with a variety of materials, make new discoveries, and explore techniques to help them grow as artists. They will be able to find inspiration in the museum’s galleries and create original artworks through painting, printing, sculpting, and mixed media. They can also engage in playful art and sensory challenges.

The camp costs $85 and registration is required.

East Liberty Celebration of MLK

East Liberty will host The Beloved Community, a celebration of King. Community Partners Activities will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while a Youth Performance Program will run from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The pay-what-you-will event, which will be held at the Kelly Staryhorn Theater, will be a day of reflection, unity, and creative expression. The annual event brings together artists, neighbors, and changemakers.

Attendees can begin the day with activities in KST’s lobby, including the “After the Dream” exhibition of portraits celebrating past and future freedom fighters. Then, there will be performances celebrating King’s legacy by Hill Dance Academy Theatre, Lemington Gospel Chorale, and students from ARYSE.

Let Freedom Sing

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater will also host the “Let Freedom Sing” concert at 7:30 p.m. The 19th annual concert celebrates King’s social justice legacy through vocal and instrumental music and spoken word.

Tickets cost anywhere from $2 to $50 on a pay-what-you-will basis.

Streaming Justice at SLB Radio

Students in grades six to 12 will host Streaming Justice, a live radio talk show broadcast held each year on MLK Day. The show focuses on civil rights with teen-selected topics such as music, conversation, listener phone calls, and more.

Those interested in listening can do so online.

MLK Day of Service

The University of Pittsburgh will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Community, and Connection on January 19.

Attendees can volunteer at local nonprofits during the event, which includes free breakfast, a keynote speaker, and the opportunity to reflect with fellow volunteers.

Free Community Day

The Pittsburgh Glass Center will hold a Free Community Day to celebrate MLK. Attendees will learn about glass and enjoy hands-on activities that demonstrate the importance of teamwork in the creative process. Glassblowing demonstrations will be held throughout the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other Counties

The First Presbyterian Church, located at 252 College Ave. in Beaver, will hold an MLK Day luncheon on Friday, January 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Commons. Christians United will sponsor the event.

The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance will hold a service honoring MLK at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 18 at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 125 N. Jefferson St. in New Castle, The main speaker will be Bryan Crawl, pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Rochester.

The MLK Night of the Arts will be held at 7 p.m. on January 19 at the Skye Lounge Student Center at Geneva College in Beaver Falls. The event celebrates King’s life through the use of music, spoken word, dance, and art.

The Indiana County NAACP will host the Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon on Saturday, January 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Uniterian Universalist Church. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature children’s showcases and the county’s new mayoral. RSVP is requested by email at naacpindianapa@gmail.com or by phone at 724-464-8390.

Hagerstown Community College will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week from January 19 to 22. All on-campus events are free and open to the public. The week’s signature community event, the Annual Community Peace Walk, will take place on Thursday, January 22 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will begin at the school’s student center with a brief opening ceremony. Earlier in the week, the school will host a National Day of Racial Healing with student poster presentations in the student center on Tuesday, January 20 and a Lunch & Learn discussion at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21 in the student center.

The Fayette County NAACP Branch will hold its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on January 19. Those taking part in the parade will line up at 9 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10 a.m.

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art will hold a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on January 19. The special day of programming will include performances, a unity candle-lighting ceremony, an interactive drum circle, and a musical tribute by Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church.

News

Pittsburgh Offering Winter Events for Children and Families

The weather outside might be frightful – depending on the ever-changing Pittsburgh weather – but the city has much to offer that’s delightful in the weeks to come.

Several major winter events will take place in Pittsburgh in January and February.

Day Off at the Museum

The Carnegie Museum of Art will hold an event for young artists on Monday, January 19 – which is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – during which they will immerse themselves in art on their day off from school.

The camp costs $85 and registration is required.

NFL Play 60 Training Day

The Heinz History Center will host NFL Play 60 Training Day on Saturday, January 31. Children of all ages will be able to take part in activities on each floor of the Franco Harris Sports Museum.

During the event, which is sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, children will be able to train like a pro in the mini-NFL Combine with a series of drills. They can also discover the region’s sports history and complete physical challenges throughout the museum.

Children will get in for free and it will be included in adult admission.

Science Bowl

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History will hold a Science Bowl for grades four through eight on Wednesday, February 4.

The event will enable participants to solve puzzles, crack clues, and take on challenges. It is part scavenger hunt, part brain workout, and filled with fun activities. There is a $15 per student fee for the program.

Registration is limited to 20 students per school. Those interested in bringing additional students should email the museum closer to the event date to see if there is available space due to cancellations.

Valentines on Ice

CitiParks’ Office of Special Events announced recently that tickets for the 20th Annual Valentines on Ice, a night of outdoor skating to celebrate Valentine’s Day, are now on sale.

The event, which takes place on February 14 at the Schenley Park Ice Rink, will feature two skate sessions – a family-friendly session for all ages from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and an adults-only session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Attendees will be able to skate to romantic music, take part in free indoor activities, and create and take home event souvenirs, such as caricatures, selfie booth photos, chocolates, and roses.

The event will be offered at a special rate of $9 per one adult and child ticket for the first session and $12 per couple for the later session. Skate rentals are an additional $3 per person.

News

North Hills School District Kindergarten Registration Opens February 1

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year will open Sunday, February 1 for students who turn 5 years of age prior to August 1 and reside in Ross Township or the borough of West View.

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The North Hills School District will hold a kindergarten forum at Ross Elementary School at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21. The event is intended for parents and guardians only.

Then, registration opens online on February 1. In-person appointments to complete registration will run from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Monday, February 16 and from 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25.

For more information on kindergarten registration, visit the North Hills School District’s website.