2020–2022 Community Report

Strategic Goals:
Progress in Context

In 2018, Trying Together launched its Strategic Roadmap. As the end of 2022 approaches, Trying Together reflects on the significant progress that was made in achieving its goals, instances where it was necessary to pivot and reprioritize to meet the needs of children, families, and educators, and opportunities to expand upon this work in 2023 and beyond.

Read the full report (PDF)

Strategic Goal

A national leader offering its expertise in coordinating and connecting systems at the neighborhood, local, and regional levels to support early childhood development and early learning.

When grownups and children are trying together, just about anything can be possible.

- Fred Rogers

This quote from the television personality and well-known advocate for early childhood education continues to be a founding inspiration for Trying Together’s vision and mission through our work with early care and education professionals, families, and other individuals. The theme of “togetherness” has also shaped the strategic work in establishing Trying Together as a convener of change for early learning environments in these communities, with a physical presence in Homewood and collaborative partnerships with individuals and organizations in East Liberty, Hazelwood, Hill District, Northside, and Wilkinsburg.

From 2020 through 2022 with the support of its community partners, Trying Together:

Developed the Allegheny County Family Resource Map for ELRC Region 5 in 2020
Developed the Recess Advocacy Toolkit and “Summer of Play” social media toolkit in tandem with the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
Coordinated efforts with The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center to:
- Transition the Buzzword program
- Add the Hub & Family Center as a Diaper Bank location in Allegheny County
- Add the Hub & Family Center as an infant formula bank location of the Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank.
Joined forces with ELRC Region 5 and other early childhood community partners in Allegheny County to create the Rapid Response Team that provides immediate support in the event that a child age zero to five is in danger of suspension or expulsion.

72

unique inquiries for assistance were received by the Rapid Response Team since its launch in January 2022.

1170

students were provided with care and education by Community Learning Hubs.

1000+

BUZZ Boxes distributed by Buzzword to families to support their young children’s early literacy development.

Learn more about our early learning work in communities (PDF)

Strategic Goal

The premier provider of in-person and online professional growth opportunities for home, center, and school-based professionals to ensure that every child has access to high-quality early childhood and early learning experiences.

As the quality partner of the ELRC Region 5 for three years, the Trying Together Quality Coaches, Early Learning Program Engagement Specialists (ELPES), Leadership Development Strategist, and Everyday Interactions Matter Strategist have supported quality improvements for more than 600 licensed child care providers throughout Allegheny County.

Between July 2020 and June 2022, 49 child care providers have made positive movement in Keystone STARS.
From July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022, ELPES had 8,014 total contacts with relative care providers mainly relating to CARES stimulus funding, payment/invoice issues, the enrollment and application process, and assistance with clearances.

To support the learning and career advancement of early learning professionals, Trying Together offers a combination of in-person and virtual courses, coaching, and mentoring. Made possible by PNC Grow Up Great, Trying Together hosts innovative, hands-on professional growth UnConferences centered on a range of early childhood themes and topics. Hosted virtually, UnConferences over the past two years have discussed inclusion, trauma-informed care, self-care for ECE professionals, and the impact of COVID-19 on child care, and served 916 participants.

144

professional development events

3,269

participants

460

early care professionals supported by the Professional Development Organization

See how we've continued to support educators in their work (PDF)

Strategic Goal

A "go-to source" for families to aid them in making well-informed decisions regarding their child’s early experiences.

Since 2020, Trying Together has:

Completed the first 12 parts of Developmentally Appropriate Parenting, a resource series for caregivers to learn to engage in positive ways with their young children that supports healthy learning environments and relationships. The series includes several Guides for Families on topics such as: early intervention; supporting social-emotional development; childhood mental health; and discussing race and equity with children.
Produced the Parenting Together Pathway, a video-based learning series that provides high-quality information on early childhood development to parents and caregivers.
Created an online Family Engagement Toolkit for families and child care professionals.
Curated a list of and promoted anti-racism resources for families and child care providers. To date, the page has been viewed 40,572 times and is consistently one of the top-performing pages on the website each month.

Learn how we've helped families make educated choices about their children’s care and education (PDF)

Strategic Goal

An expert policy resource in Western Pennsylvania and a leading advocate for high-quality early care and education in the state, mobilizing its network to take action on issues important to young children and their families.

Since 2020, Trying Together has:

Released its third Public Policy Agenda (PDF) with a sharpened focus on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The policy agenda prioritized fair, just, and inclusive practices, resulting in a stronger vision for Trying Together’s policy efforts, particularly in elevating the early childhood workforce.
Released the Elevating the Early Childhood Workforce (PDF) report that highlights the historical and current context for the underinvestment and undervaluing of the early childhood field.
Created the Early Childhood Funding Map, which provides an overview of the complex early childhood system of programs and funding streams, and illustrates how public investments flow from the federal and state levels to early childhood programs.

$1.5B

in federal relief

$109M

pre-k investment

$25M

in increased state funding for child care

See how we've impacted public policy (PDF)

Read the full report (PDF)

2020–2022 Trying Together Community Report

Strategic Goals: Progress in Context

Strategic Goal

A national leader offering its expertise in coordinating and connecting systems at the neighborhood, local, and regional levels to support early childhood development and early learning.

When grownups and children are trying together, just about anything can be possible.

Strategic Goal

The premier provider of in-person and online professional growth opportunities for home, center, and school-based professionals to ensure that every child has access to high-quality early childhood and early learning experiences.

Strategic Goal

A "go-to source" for families to aid them in making well-informed decisions regarding their child’s early experiences.

Strategic Goal

An expert policy resource in Western Pennsylvania and a leading advocate for high-quality early care and education in the state, mobilizing its network to take action on issues important to young children and their families.

Strategic Goals:
Progress in Context