News

June 2, 2026

Trying Together Requests Quotes for Digital Communications & Creative Services for Advocacy Campaigns

On behalf of the Early Learning Pennsylvania Coalition (ELPA), Trying Together seeks qualified communications firms or vendors to provide strategic digital communications, creative content development, website support, and multimedia storytelling services for two statewide advocacy campaigns: 

  • Start Strong PA – advancing policies and investments that strengthen child care and support children and families from birth through age five.
  • Pre-K for PA – advocating for equitable access to high-quality publicly funded pre-kindergarten.

Trying Together is the lead contracting organization and chair of the Communications Committee for these two campaigns, in consultation with the Governing Committee.

The anticipated contract start date is July 1, 2026 with an initial contract term of twelve (12) months, with potential for renewal based on campaign needs, performance, and funding availability.

The selected vendor(s) should demonstrate:

  • Strong project management and communication practices
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a coalition environment
  • Responsiveness during legislative sessions, advocacy campaigns, and media opportunities
  • Ability to manage multiple timelines and stakeholder needs simultaneously
  • Commitment to accessibility, representation, and equity-centered communications practices

Interested firms or vendors are encouraged to submit proposals by June 15, 2026 to Trying Together at info@tryingtogether.org. Proposals should include a cover letter, approach and methodology, relevant work experience and samples, team qualifications, pricing proposal, and references. 

All questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted in writing via email to:

info@tryingtogether.org

Subject Line: RFQ Question – [Vendor Name]

Responses to substantive questions may be shared with participating vendors to ensure equitable access to information.

For full details, see the full Request for Quotes. 

 

News

June 1, 2026

Trying Together Calls for Proposals for October UnConference

Trying Together invites those interested in presenting at its October 12 UnConference, “Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections,” to submit proposals relating to that topic by Monday, June 29.

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Trying Together’s UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format where a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme related to early childhood education. Speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands-on in the workshops.

Trying Together will host its October UnConference at the Hosanna House, located at 807 Wallace Avenue, on Monday, October 12.

Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections

The foundation of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions that we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation of learning and connection for young children and adults alike.

Focusing on the belief that meaningful learning happens within everyday moments, this UnConference highlights how connection, reciprocity, inclusion, and opportunities for growth emerge through adult-child interactions. Participants will experience interactive presentations that offer practical strategies for fostering inclusive environments, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for mutual growth.

The UnConference is designed to support educators in cultivating classrooms where every child and adult feel seen, heard, and valued.

Proposal topics can address – but are not limited to – the following topics:

  • Connection and attunement
  • Reciprocity in practice
  • Inclusion and belonging
  • Opportunities for growth

Trying Together will offer an honorarium of $250 to any organization or individual not affiliated with an organization whose proposal is chosen to be presented. Additionally, those who are engaging the audience through interactive workshops and learning experiences are invited to participate in the rest of the day at no cost.

Those interested in leading a workshop at the UnConference should submit a proposal by June 29.

News

Meaningful Play Seeking Reviewers to Shape This Year’s Program

Meaningful Play 2026 is searching for reviewers for everything from long-form academic work to games to help shape this year’s program.

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Participants would help to champion ideas, support emerging voices, and shape conversations that will define this year’s conference.

Reviewers would provide feedback on:

  • Full papers: Long-form academic work; these are ideal for senior community members and late-stage graduate students.
  • Posters: Short academic pieces; these are intended for early-career and junior reviewers. 
  • Games and prototypes: Video demos and playable builds; these are meant for professionals and early-career reviewers with the capacity to playtest.

Assignments will be sent out on Monday, June 1. Reviews will be due by Wednesday, July 8.

Those interested in participating should fill out a form online.

News

May Recalls on Children’s Products

Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related products recalls.

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Below is a list of April recalls collected from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Natural Pigments has recalled its Rublev Colours Gum Turpentine and Mineral Spirits bottles because they contain turpentine and low-viscosity hydrocarbons, but are not in child-resistant packaging as required by law. If swallowed by young children, the contents pose a serious injury or death from poisoning.

Rainbow Wall Toys, which are sold in Amazon by Justforjoyful, were recalled because the toys’ drumstick that is attached to the xylophone component has a spherical end that can pose a choking hazard.

ZMC Group has recalled multiple light up toys because they contain button cell batteries that can easily be accessed by children. If button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.

Allura Imports has recalled its youth sweatshirts with a Bobcat logo and drawstrings, which can get caught on objects and cause death or serious injury to children from strangulation. 

EEMB USA has recalled its battery pouches because they violate federal statutes for child-resistant packaging. The lithium coin batteries are in pouches that are not child resistant as required by law. If a child swallows button cell or coin batteries, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.

Missry Associates has recalled its Misco Sports Badminton Toy Sets because the shuttlecocks contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.

Tiyol has recalled its pull string teething toys because the silicone strings are smaller and longer than permitted. The strings can reach the back of the throat and become lodged, posing a respiratory distress and becoming a deadly choking hazard.

Guidecraft has recalled its children’s standing towers because the tower can loosen over time, causing it to become unstable or detach and, ultimately, posing a fall hazard to young children.

Cosyland has recalled its children’s tower stools because they can collapse or tip over while in use, and a child’s torso can fit through the openings on the front and back sides, posing a serious risk of serious injury and death due to tip over, fall, and entrapment hazards.

Lithium coin batteries sold on Amazon by LiCB were recalled because they are not in child-resistant packaging and do not bear the warning labels required by law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.

Orb Funkee recalled its squeeze toys because they may contain fibrous tremolite (asbestos) in the sand, which can cause adverse health issues if inhaled.

ABC Trading recalled its children’s toys because they contain button cell batteries and the compartments that hold the batteries can be easily accessed by children, posing a deadly ingestion hazard. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.

PandaEar recalled its portable hook-on chairs because the crotch restraints can be removed without the use of a tool and infants can fall through an opening, posing a deadly fall hazard.

Lil Pick Up recalled its youth all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) because they failed to meet mechanical suspension requirements, and the reverse indicator light failed to illuminate, posing a crash hazard. The parking brakes fail to hold, posing a collision hazard, and the surfaces near the footwell can reach high temperatures, posing a severe burn risk.

ABC Trading has recalled its WSDZ light-up glasses because they contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children, posing an ingestion hazard. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.