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Month: July 2026

News

July 31, 2026

Registration Open for Trying Together’s Fall CDA Cohort

Trying Together is now actively enrolling students for its fall Child Development Associate (CDA) cohorts.

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The hybrid cohorts will begin on Monday, September 14 and will conclude in May 2027. All students will participate in biweekly virtual meetings on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Additionally, three smaller groups will meet in-person:

  • Alternating Mondays (two times per month)
  • Alternating Tuesdays (two times per month)
  • Saturdays (once a month)

The cohort will be a total of 135 hours. Coursework for the cohort will include portfolio and application assistance, study materials, and exam preparation. Interested students should fill out Trying Together’s CDA Interest Form. Additionally, all students will be required to complete a PASSHE PDO Funding application to cover tuition, books, and fees. 

About the CDA Credential

A CDA credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The CDA Credential is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early learning professionals in their work to build on their professional experience and expertise.

As a nationally recognized credential, a CDA credential enables early learning professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms in addition to early learning programs across the United States. Several topics are studied in a CDA program, including, but not limited to:

  • A healthy and safe learning environment
  • Physical, cognitive, language, and creative development
  • Social and emotional development
  • Positive guidance
  • Creating positive relationships with families
  • Program and classroom management
  • Observation and assessments
  • Professionalism in early childhood education

By earning a CDA Credential, early learning professionals strengthen their professional skill sets, gain opportunities to advance their careers, increase their confidence in the classroom, and reinforce their commitment to support young children and families.

News

July 29, 2026

July 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 July recalls collected from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

  • Diamond Wipes International recalled its CVS Health medicated hemorrhoidal wipes. The wipes contain lidocaine, but are not in child-resistant packaging, which poses a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if ingested by young children.
  • Target recalled the Gigglescape Under the Sea popping toy because the toy’s clear plastic dome can detach from the blue plastic base, making the small plastic balls inside accessible to children and posing a choking hazard.
  • Projecting LED finger light toys sold on Amazon by POPOOO are being recalled 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 or death.
  • AMASKY recalled its nursing pillows for infant feeding and tummy time because they violate standards for nursing pillows and infant support cushions. The pillows can obstruct and infant’s breathing, posing a serious risk of injury or death from suffocation.
  • Junpower CR2032 lithium coin batteries sold on Amazon are being recalled because they are not in child-resistant packaging and do not bear warning labels that are required by law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns or death.
  • Vevor recalled its baby loungers because the sides are too low to contain an infant and the enclosed openings at the foot of the loungers are wider than allowed, posing serious risks of fall and entrapment hazards to infants. The loungers also do not have a stand, posing a fall hazard if used on elevated surfaces.
  • Wonderstone recalled its infant walkers because they can fit through a standard doorway and fail to stop at the edge of a step, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to a fall hazard.
  • Liizousauda recalled its paint thinner bottles because the paint thinner contains low-viscosity petroleum distillates but its bottles are not in child-resistant packaging, posing a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if ingested by young children. Additionally, the petroleum distillates can get into the lungs, causing chemical pneumonia or pulmonary damage, which can be fatal.
  • TOMY recalled its Boon PIVOT collapsible toddler tower kitchen step stools because they can tip over while in use, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
  • Jobon recalled its torch lighters because they do not have the required child-resistant mechanisms, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. The lighters also failed to meet the pre-market lighter submission requirement needed to demonstrate that they feature child-resistant mechanisms and are safe and compliant with regulations.
  • Oitnlaughter recalled its projecting finger light toys because they contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children. If button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns or death.
  • Wade Logan Annyka recalled its nine-drawer fabric dressers because they can be unstable if not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in serious injuries or death to children.
  • Warren James recalled the copper cup found in its Flashgitz Relic lunch boxes because they contain high lead concentration levels for drinking vessels, posing a lead poisoning hazard. Lead is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health issues.
  • SDADI recalled its kitchen step 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 risk of serious injury or death.
  • Target recalled its Cat & Jack children’s sandals because the sandals’ decorative pearls can fall off, posing a risk of serious injury or death from choking.
  • EnHomee recalled its nine-drawer fabric dressers because they are unstable if not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in serious injuries or death to children.
  • Aojieni Silicone recalled its Sili Factory pull-string teething toys because the silicone strings are smaller and longer than permitted. The strings can reach the back of children’s throats and become lodged, posing a risk of respiratory distress and choking.
  • CuddleCubs Creations recalled its teething toy sets because they contain a pull-string teething toy that has silicone strings that are smaller and longer than permitted. The strings can reach the back of children’s throats and become lodged, posing a risk of respiratory distress and choking.
  • Amazon seller Romorgniz recalled 12-drawer fabric dressers that can be unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in serious injury or death to children.
  • Peony Design recalled its personalized baby bibs and stroller bags because the snap can detach from the bibs and stroller bags, posing a risk to children of serious injury or death by choking.

News

OCDEL Announces Pathway for Internationally Educated ECE Professionals to Obtain Necessary Documents

Starting in early August, a new equivalency report will create an additional pathway for internationally educated early childhood professionals to obtain necessary educational documents.

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As of Monday, August 3, the Educational Credential Evaluators will offer an equivalency report to early childhood education (ECE) workforce professionals who are unable to obtain their original international educational documents.

Photocopies of original documentation will now be eligible to proceed through a vetted review process by Educational Credential Evaluators and reviewed for authenticity and U.S. equivalency, according to an announcement on Wednesday by Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

The equivalency report can be used by ECE professionals to be placed on the state’s ECE Career Pathway, which provides a clear framework for professional growth, helping educators to meet the qualifications and competencies required for various roles in early childhood education.

Last year, OCDEL and the Pennsylvania Key partnered with the Educational Credential Evaluators to develop a more accessible system for ECE workforce members who received their education abroad.

Now, in its second year, the International Education Evaluation program has launched a new opportunity for workforce members who are experiencing challenges obtaining original diplomas, transcripts, and degrees from the educational institutions where they were educated.

More information on the equivalency reports can be found on the Pennsylvania Key’s International Education Evaluation website, including instructions on how to secure the required documentation and the evaluation application process in Pennsylvania. 

News

July 28, 2026

Trying Together Names Lifesteps’ Resource Development Specialist as July Advocate of the Month

Trying Together has selected Julie Thumma, the resource development specialist at Lifesteps in Butler, as its July advocate of the month.

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Lifesteps is an independent, nonprofit, human services agency assisting families with challenges at various stages in life. The agency works to meet the needs of the community by helping children, families, older adults, and individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities lead better lives — offering care and support through family‑focused services and programs. 

Thumma said that her journey as an early childhood advocate has been shaped by her professional experiences and personal life.

“Every step along the way has reinforced my belief that the earliest years of a child’s life are among the most important – and that the people who care for and educate young children deserve to be supported, valued, and connected,” she said.

Julie Thumma appeared on the Butler Buzz podcast in April to discuss the Week of the Young Child.

Thumma earned a degree in social work and then became the director of a child care center, but she had little preparation in business management or early childhood education. She soon realized that many professionals in the field faced the same challenges.

“They were expected to lead programs, support families, and provide high-quality care while often working in isolation and with limited resources,” she said. “I also saw the disparity between the tremendous value of their work and the recognition and compensation they received. Those experiences inspired me to advocate for the early childhood workforce and for stronger systems that support both educators and children.”

Thumma said her advocacy has been shaped by her career at Lifesteps. For the past 25 years, she has served as the coordinator of the Butler County Early Care & Education Council, a countywide collaboration that brings together leaders from preschool programs, early intervention, human services, and school districts. The council assesses the community’s early childhood systems, shares resources, and develops projects that strengthen the continuum of education from birth through third grade.

In 2008, her advocacy became more personal when she became a mother in need of full-time child care. She experienced firsthand the importance of finding affordable, high-quality care. At the same time, Pennsylvania was implementing Keystone STARS, and she worked in Butler County to help support its implementation.

“Seeing those efforts through the eyes of both a parent and a former child care director strengthened my belief that positive, high-quality learning experiences provide the foundation for lifelong success,” she said.

As her child approached kindergarten, she also experienced the uncertainty that comes with the milestone. This helped to deepen her passion for helping families, early learning providers, and elementary schools to work together to create smoother transitions into school.

“When children experience continuity between preschool and kindergarten, families feel more confident, teachers are better prepared, and children begin school ready to thrive,” she said.

Ashley Harland, Trying Together’s early childhood policy manager, said she met Thumma through her role at the Butler Early Care and Education Council. 

“Julie gets it,” Harland said. “She understands the critical role of early childhood education (ECE) in the life of a child; she knows that parents rely on high-quality ECE; and she is devoted to elevating the professionals that work in ECE.”

News

How to Find Professional Growth Opportunities Through Trying Together

Trying Together offers a variety of professional growth opportunities through the Institute for Early Childhood Career Pathways, including public in-person and virtual courses and custom professional development options.

Fall 2026 Professional Development Catalog

Trying Together recently released its Fall 2026 Professional Development Catalog, which is designed to help early educators find professional growth opportunities that are aligned with their career goals by providing key course details and credentials.

This fall’s offerings include 58 classes across nine categories that include:

  • Assessments and Supportive Services (Early Intervention)
  • Child Development
  • Classroom Environment
  • Curriculum Development
  • Family and Community Engagement
  • Guidance and Behavior Management
  • Health and Safety
  • Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
  • Professionalism and Program Organization

Courses cover everything from Ages & Stages Questionnaires® and the exploration of P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Childhood) principles to offerings that examine classroom de-escalation, integrating social-emotional learning in classrooms, and effective lesson planning.

To learn more about courses offered by Trying Together, check out its updated PD catalog.

Upcoming Professional Development Offerings

Trying Together has a variety of professional development courses – both in-person and online – available in the coming months. Some upcoming courses include:

To see a full list of professional development course offerings, check out Trying Together’s events calendar.

How to Request Custom Professional Development

Those interested in custom professional development can submit requests to Trying Together for in-person and virtual opportunities.

Requests must be submitted at least eight weeks before the preferred start date by completing our custom professional development form. For questions, email learning@tryingtogether.org 

Expanded Professional Development in Counties in Southwestern PA

Trying Together has expanded its professional development offerings to provide in-person learning opportunities in Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Washington counties.

Over the next year, the following courses will be available in those counties:

  • Everyday Interactions Matter
  • Overview of Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Children Birth-Age 5
  • Active Supervision for ECE Programs
  • Addressing Challenging Behaviors in the ECE Classroom

An additional course, Positive Guidance Strategies to Facilitate Social and Emotional Development, will be available in Westmoreland County in August. 

Those who are interested in having Trying Together provide in-person professional development opportunities in Armstrong or Indiana counties should email learning@tryingtogether.org. 

A full list of professional development courses offered outside Allegheny County can be found in Trying Together’s events calendar.

News

Resources for August Observances

Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources can help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and identify them.

Here is a list of resources for August observances.

Month-Long Observances

Summer Sun Safety Month

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Back to School Month

National Breastfeeding Month

Weeks of Recognition

Aug. 2 – 8 is Exercise with Your Child Week

Days of Recognition

Aug. 4 is National Night Out

Aug. 9 is National Book Lover’s Day

Aug. 15 is Back to School Prep Day

Aug. 26 is Women’s Equality Day

News

July 27, 2026

OCDEL Releases Book Lists About Trees and Rocks as Part of 2026 Literacy Road Trip

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning has released two nature-related book lists for children as part of its 2026 Summer Learning & Literacy Road Trip.

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The theme of this year’s road trip is exploring the natural world. OCDEL recently curated two book lists – one with the theme of rocks and another focusing on trees – for children to read this summer.

The two book lists are intended to encourage children to look closely at their surroundings. Selections on the lists blend storytelling with science and discovery.

The eight books on the list about rocks include:

  • Rhoda’s Rock Hunt (Molly Beth Griffin)
  • Everybody Needs a Rock (Byrd Baylor)
  • If You Find a Rock (Peggy Christian)
  • The Pebble in My Pocket: A History of Our Earth (Meredith Hooper)
  • Rocks, Fossils, and Arrowheads (Laura Evert)
  • A Stone is a Story (Leslie Barnard Booth)
  • Little Kids First Big Book: Rocks, Minerals, and Shells (Moira Rose Donohue)
  • A Rainbow of Rocks (Kate DePalma)

The 12 books on the list about trees include:

  • Listen to the Language of Trees (Tera Kelley)
  • The Busy Tree (Jennifer Ward)
  • We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt (Steve Metzger)
  • Do Trees Have Mothers? (Charles Bongers)
  • Who Will Plant a Tree? (Jerry Pallotta)
  • Tall Tall Tree (Anthony D. Fredericks)
  • The City Tree (Shira Boss)
  • Be a Tree! (Maria Gianferrari)
  • Abuela’s Wishing Tree (Mitzi Fernandez Spitzer)
  • A Tree Grows Up (Marfe Ferguson Delano)
  • A Tree is Home (Pamela Hickman)
  • Leaf Man (Lois Ehlert)

News

OCDEL Notified by U.S. Department of Education That It Meets Highest Designated Requirement

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has been notified by the U.S. Department of Education that the state’s Part C Infant and Toddler Early Intervention system has met the highest-possible designation a state can receive.

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OCDEL’s Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports recently announced that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services notified it that it had received the designation of “Meets Requirements.”

This determination is based on the totality of Pennsylvania’s data and information, including the federal fiscal year 2024 State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report, other state-reported data, and other publicly available information. 

The state’s 2026 determination is based on the data reflected in Pennsylvania’s 2026 Part C Results-Driven Accountability Matrix. 

More information is available on the state’s Department of Education website.

News

July 22, 2026

Child Mind Institute Resources Focus on Inspiring Children to Read for Fun in the Summer

One of the summer’s challenges for caregivers is making sure that children do not lose some of the skills they have gained over the past year. A critical way to ensure this is to find ways to make reading more appealing for those who aren’t naturally inclined to pick up a book.

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The Child Mind Institute’s latest series of resources focuses on how to prevent the summer slide and encourage children to read for fun during their break.

One of the options explored in the resources are reading a chapter book to a child to share a story they are not yet ready to tackle themselves. 

The institute has provided a list of nearly 100 children’s books about mental health as well as a piece on strategies to help children with learning disorders or ADHD with reading.

The Child Mind Institute’s resources include:

News

July 21, 2026

P.R.I.D.E. Asks Those Who Engage with Program to Take Survey

As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, the University of Pittsburgh’s Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) program is asking that those who engage with the program take part in a survey about its services.

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P.R.I.D.E., which is part of the university’s Office of Child Development, was founded in 2016 to support the positive racial identity development of Black children, from birth to age 8, in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

The program has supported young Black children through the arts, professional development, community engagement, research and evaluation, and parent and caregiver workshops.

The program is asking parents, caregivers, educators, community partners, artists, or anyone else who has engaged with the program to provide their perspective by taking a survey. Those who take part in the survey will be able to share what P.R.I.D.E. has meant to them or their children, how it has shaped the community, and what should come next.

The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. All responses will be confidential and will be used to inform the program’s future direction. 

One respondent will be chosen at random to receive a $50 gift card. To be entered in this raffle, be sure to enter your email at the end of the survey.

For any further questions about the survey, contact Medina Jackson at mjackson@pitt.edu. The survey can be taken online.