March 1, 2024 How To Celebrate Read Across America Week March 2 – 6 is known as National Read Across America Week. This week is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The National Education Association (NEA) established this week of celebration to educate on the importance of reading and its benefits, especially for young children and adults. The Read Across America campaign is not only emphasized in March but all year long. Read Across of America has a calendar where each month a theme is highlighted with a book of the month. This month’s theme is celebrating diversity. Alongside the inspiring calendar, Read Across America has an article on how to celebrate this special week. Some of the ideas listed in this article are: Holding a “Book Tasting” Hosting Guest Readers Having Multicultural Festival Organizing Nature Connections Introducing Music to Readers Pittsburgh Early Literacy Resources Reading does not always need to be a national celebration, but it can be a local one as well. Here is a list of local Pittsburgh Early Literacy resources: Reading Is Fundamental Pittsburgh Reading Is Fundamental Pittsburgh StoryMobile Schedule Ready4K Reading Ready Pittsburgh Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Book Program Hill District Early Literacy Initiative (HDELI) Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania Free Reading Tutoring Saturdays | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For students living in the Hill District. Dance the Story at Home!, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Carlow’s Dyslexia Learning Lab, Carlow University PGH Reads Literacy Program for Beginner Readers, PGH Reads Smash Word! 412 Rhymes On Ramp to Reading Literacy Pittsburgh Classes and Tutoring, Literacy Pittsburgh Homewood Short Story Reading Group, Pitt Community Engagement Center (CEC) CLP Early Learning Courses, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
February 25, 2024 Resources for March Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for March observances: Month-Long Observances: Women’s History Month How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Preschool, Brightwheel Blog Celebrate Women’s History Month! Playlist, Sesame Street 15 Children’s Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month, PBS National Nutrition Month 12 Books for in the Kitchen, PA Promise for Children PA Announces Intent to Launch Permanent Summer EBT Program, Trying Together Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month The Differences Among Mental, Developmental, and Behavioral Conditions, Trying Together Talking with Young Children about Disabilities, Trying Together Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Part IV- Early Intervention, Trying Together Disability Awareness Booklist, National Education Association Meet Julia, Elmo’s Friend with Autism, Sesame Street National Craft Month Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh 55 Kid’s Craft Ideas, Delightfully The Importance of Arts and Crafts for Early Childhood Development, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County National Reading Month: Reading Ready Pittsburgh to Open Free Children’s Bookstore in February, Trying Together Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources For Families and Caregivers, Trying Together Restaurants Add Books to the Menu with Summer Reading Programs, Trying Together Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases 2023 Best Books for Babies List, Trying Together National Color Therapy Month Colour Psychology for Babies and Children, Colour Psychology Today How Color Therapy For Kids Can Help Build Self-Esteem, Amel Counseling and Consulting Color Activities for Therapy Pinterest Board, The OT Toolbox Week-Long Observances: March 2-6 is National Read Across America Week 2023-2024 Read Across America Calendar, NEA, Read Across America March 2024: Celebrate Diversity, NEA, Read Across America 14 Big Ideas for Celebrating NEA’s Read Across America, NEA, Read Across America Day Observances: March 1 is Baby Sleep Day Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Children, Trying Together Sleep Advice by Child’s Age, Pediatric Sleep Council Secrets of Baby Sleep: How Snoozing Helps Your Baby’s Development, Pediatric Sleep Council March 1 is National Play Outside Day Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for all Ages, Playful Pittsburgh Education Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Play | Activities & Resources, Buzzword March 8 is International Women’s Day Diverse Books with Trailblazing Women, Read Across America I Can Do Anything | International Women’s Day, Pinkfong Songs for Children International Women’s Day, Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison Celebrating International Women’s Day in Schools, International Women’s Day International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, International Women’s Day March 12 is National Working Moms Day Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5 Squirrel Hill-Based MomsWork Offers Free Support for Pittsburgh’s Working Mothers, Kidsburgh Honoring National Working Mom’s Day: How to Celebrate and Find Support, Better Help March 14 is National Equal Pay Day The High Cost of Working in Early Childhood Education – A Workforce on the Brink of Collapse with Devastating Consequences for Children, Start Strong PA Explained | Why Women Are Paid Less, Netflix New Survey Reveals Impact of Child Care Staffing Shortage, ELRC Region 5 March 14 is Science Education Day Programs for Children, Carnegie Science Center Activities & Resources, Buzzword Transform Migrate Metamorphosis Chemistry Comic Books and Activities, Kids’ Chemical Solutions March 19 is International Read to Me Day Buzzword & Activities, Buzzword Story Time at The Hub, Trying Together Get Free & Low-Cost Books, National Education Association (NEA) March 20 is International Day of Happiness Children Celebrate International Day of Happiness, Austin Public Library 5 Books for Young Children to Celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Moms Against Racism 10 Fabulous Ideas to Celebrate International Happiness Day, Twinkl USA March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day End The Stereotypes: 2024 World Down Syndrom Day Theme, World Down Syndrome Day Upcoming Programs & Events, Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh 6 Ways to Support Children with Down Syndrome in the Montessori Classroom, American Montessori Association
February 14, 2024 OST Summer Staffing Survey A+ Schools is working in partnership with the United Way to intentionally support out-of-school-time (OST) providers in summer staffing and recruitment. To that end, they are asking providers to fill out the survey about how to approach summer staffing. Learn More OST providers and Untied Way grantees can submit their input on summer staffing – particularly about when and how they engage candidates for summer staffing positions. A+ Schools aims to amplify the region’s OST providers by creating an internal model that can support staffing, advertising, and retention of summer staff. To ask questions or provide additional information, reach out to Will & Tyler at plc@aplusschools.org.
January 31, 2024 Resources for February Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for February observances: Month-Long Observances: Black History Month Let’s Celebrate Black History Song!, Sesame Street I am the Dream, Mr. Pete’s Playhouse Books on Race and Racism, by Age, Recommended by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Kidsburgh Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together February is Black History Month, Black History.gov Black History Month: 2024 Facts, Themes & Origins, History Channel 2024 Theme: African Americans and The Arts, Association for the Study of African American Life and History 13 Meaningful Black History Month Activities for Kids to Add to Your Lesson Plans, TeachStarter Library Lovers Month Buzzwords & Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh Locations, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Supporting Families to Foster a Love of Reading, Reading Ready Pittsburgh National Children’s Dental Health Month The Tooth Brushing Song, Queensland Health February is National Children’s Dental Health Month: Posters & Planning Guides, American Dental Association How To Look After Your Babies Teeth: Info & Tips, NHS Week-Long Observances: February 14-20 is Random Acts of Kindness Week Try a Little Kindness, Tori Kelly & Sesame Street Kindness is a Muscle, Peacock Jr. 8 Activities For Teaching Kindness in Your Classroom, Brooke’s Blog Make Kindness the Norm, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation Day Observances: February 2: Groundhog Day Happy Groundhog Day!, Sesame Street Groundhog Day, Curious George Free Groundhog Day Activities, Teachers Pay Teachers February 7: National Girls and Women in Sports Day S is for Sports with Chloe Kim and Big Bird, Sesame Street National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Women’s Sports Foundation Why More Girls Should Play Sports, Play Like A Girl 7 Reasons to Get Your Daughter Involved in Sports, According to Science, Penn State PRO Wellness February 8: Take Your Child to the Library Day Locations, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh #TakeYourChildtotheLibraryDay, Take Your Child to the Library Day Take Your Child to the Library Day, Upstart Promotions Pinterest Board February 10 Lunar New Year Happy Lunar New Year Song!, Sesame Street 12 Ideas to Ring in The Year of The Dragon, Care.com Picture Books to Celebrate Lunar New Year, Brightly 10 Fun Facts About Lunar New Year For Kids, Brightly February 11: National Make-a-Friend Day Billy Porter Sings About Making Friends!, Sesame Street This Is The Way We Make Friends, Super Simple Kids Songs “Share” Activity Book, Buzzword Pittsburgh February 20: World Day of Social Justice World Day of Social Justice, United Nations What is Social Justice? Kid’s Garden Video, Aspen Foundation “Human” Activity Book, Buzzword Pittsburgh Race and Social Justice Books For Kids, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Public Policy Agenda, Trying Together Early Childhood Funding Map, Trying Together February 21: Language Day Buzz Word Explains Why Language Is Important, Sesame Street Spanish Me, English Me Song, Sesame Street Hello Around The World, JunyTony How to Support Language Development in Bilingual Children, Lorilet M | Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist 5 Simple Language Play Ideas for Language Development, Hands On As We Grow February 29: Leap Day Over 17 Leap Year Crafts and Activities, Desert Chica 3 Perfect Leap Year Picture Books to Read Aloud, A Teachable Teacher 12 Title To Celebrate Leap Year, Literacious Happy Leap Day!, The Muppets
January 9, 2024 Feedback Forums Scheduled For 2024 – 2029 Pennsylvania Housing Strategy The Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking input while it continues its development of the 2024 – 2029 Housing Strategy. (This article was updated on January 9, 2024 with dates for scheduled feedback forums). Learn More The DHS’s current housing strategy work builds on the foundation provided by 2016-2020 Supporting Pennsylvanians Through Housing Plans and its 2018 Update. The updated Housing Strategy, which will be released in the spring of 2024, will address Pennsylvanians’ evolving housing needs by understanding the state’s current housing context. Some priority areas include: Supportive Housing Homelessness & Housing Stability Housing Services & Supports Housing Affordability Housing Supply & Accessibility The Housing Strategy team will be facilitating three public virtual one-hour feedback forums in January 2024. Wednesday, January 10 at 12 p.m. | Register Monday, January 22 at 3 p.m. | Register Wednesday, January 24 at 6 p.m. | Register Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to complete the interest survey, to follow the project and learn about engagement opportunities.
January 4, 2024 Resources for January Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for January observances: Month-Long Observances International Creativity Month Art Activities that Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together Supporting Social-Emotional Development Through Play: A Guide for Families, Trying Together How Bluey Showcases Play, Creativity, and Emotional Learning for Children…and Adults, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative The Relationship Between Learning through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative “Sound” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh National Mentoring Month Impact of Mentoring on Youth: Why Every Kid Needs a Mentor, Boys & Girls Club of America Professional Development: Coaching & Mentoring, Trying Together Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Trying Together National Hobby Month 5 Reasons Why You Should Revisit Your Childhood Hobby As An Adult, Fortune Well 5 Advantages That Hobbies Bring To A Child’s Development, City Magazine Ways to Play During Winter, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Self-Love Month Register for UnConference: Mental Health in Early Childhood Education, Trying Together Self-Care Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families, Trying Together 50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff, Teach.com, Trying Together Week-Long Observances National Storytelling Week Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword Pittsburgh Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Story Time At The Hub! Trying Together Day Observances January 2 is Motivation and Inspiration Day “Brave” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh Encouraging Positive Racial Identity in Young Children, Trying Together Growing Self-Esteem: Positive Affirmations for Children, Bright Horizons The Cheer, Lindsey Gurk January 3 is International Mind-Body Wellness Day Mindfulness for Children, Trying Together Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for all Ages, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Social-Emotional Learning and Play Intersecting, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative The Relationship Between Learning through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative January 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together Taking Personal and Professional Responsibility for Anti-Racism Work, Trying Together Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers, Kids Care Club January 17 is Kid Inventors’ Day The Impact of Importance of STEM Education: Preparing Future Innovators, Bricks 4 Kidz “Plan” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh “Geometric” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh January 21 is National Hugging Day The Importance Of Hugging Your Child & 7 Amazing Benefits, Parenting For Brain Respecting Your Child’s Boundaries, Trying Together January 24 is International Day of Education Supporting The Work of Early Childhood, Trying Together Early Learning PA, Trying Together A Roadmap to Understanding Child Development, Trying Together Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword Pittsburgh January 24 is National Compliment Day 6 Essential Tips for Raising Complimentary Children, Baby Steps “Thankful” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh “Welcome” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh January 26 is International Environmental Education Day Community and Family Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy “Metamorphosis” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh “Migrate” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh “Bloom” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh January 28 is National Lego Day 10 Incredible Benefits of Playing with Lego®, Children’s Wellness Centre Let’s Talk Loose Parts Play, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative “Plan” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh January 29 is National Puzzle Day 5 ways Puzzles Benefit Your Child’s Cognitive Development, Infinity Math Creations 10 Puzzle Activities For Toddlers, Preschoolers, And Babies That Promote Learning, Speak.Play.Love Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative January 31 is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day Art Activities that Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together “Sound” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh Benefits of Art & Art History for Early Childhood Learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
January 3, 2024 Survey: Exploring Suspension and Expulsion in Early Childhood Education Trying Together, the ELRC Region 5’s quality partner, is partnering with Children First and PHMC on a research project aiming to gain insights into the mechanisms behind suspension and expulsion practices in early childhood education settings. Learn More Child care providers and families are invited to actively participate in dialogues, including focus groups and individual interviews, to share stories from their experiences in early childhood education programs. Participation will contribute significantly to a final report analyzing practices that lead to suspension or expulsion. The goal is to formulate policy recommendations that address and mitigate these practices, recognizing the significant role of racism and implicit bias. Child Care Provider Survey Early childhood education providers who support children requiring additional behavioral or early intervention services are invited to take the child care provider survey. Responses will help gain insight into communication practices with families when a child requires services beyond the standard classroom offerings; challenges faced in communicating with families during such circumstances; and interactions between providers and external therapists, as well as one-on-one support providers entering the classroom to assist children. Parent Survey The project aims to gain insights into the reasons behind families leaving early childhood programs. Families who have changed early childhood programs, especially those who may have had to switch more than once, are encouraged to fill out the parent survey. Responses can provide valuable insights into patterns of both voluntary and involuntary departures; the communication strategies utilized between families and early childhood providers before making the decision to change programs; and how these transitions impact the services children can access, including early intervention and behavioral services.
December 21, 2023 December Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of December 2023 recalls collected from the following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More Information For recall details, visit the links above or review the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites. Quaker recalled Granola Bars and Granola Cereals due to possible salmonella contamination. Room & Board recalled Duo Bunk Beds due to risk of collapse, fall, and injury hazards. Bunkhouse and Lotsa LITES! Mini String Lights were recalled due to burn and fire hazards. Moonsea Pack and Play Mattresses were recalled due to suffocation hazards for infants and violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Crib Mattresses. Bugaboo recalled Dragonfly Seat Strollers due to injury hazards. Vibe Bear Playyard Mattresses were recalled due to suffocation hazards for infants and violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Crib Mattresses. Primark recalled baby rattles due to choking risk and ingestion hazards. XpressGoods recalled High-Powered Magnetic Balls due to ingestion hazard and failure to meet Federal Safety Regulation for Toy Magnet Sets. Mary Meyer recalled Bubba Bull Plush Toys due to choking hazard. Peg Perego recalled Inclined Sleeper Bassinets for YPSI and Z4 Strollers due to risk of suffocation and fall hazard. Klickpick Home recalled Stainless Steel Children’s Cup Sets due to violation of Federal Lead Content Ban. Tiblue Stainless Steel Children’s Cups recalled due to violation of Federal Lead Content Ban. DODO Baby House recalled Pack and Play Mattresses due to suffocation hazards for infants and violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Crib Mattresses. Vibe Bear Play Yard Mattresses recalled due to suffocation hazards for infants and violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Crib Mattresses. More Resources To read more recall reports November Recalls on Children’s Products Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Causing High Blood Levels in Children October Recalls on Children’s Products
December 11, 2023 Proposed Legislation Aims to Help Child Care Providers Serve Nutritious Meals U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced new legislation addressing child care providers’ financial pressures by increasing meal reimbursements for those participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). About The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act would increase reimbursement amounts for child care providers and lessen the financial strain to ensure that all children are being offered nutritious meals. This bill will increase the reimbursement rate so that a family child care provider serving seven children could receive an additional $475 a month or $5,700 a year in reimbursements and a Head Start program or child care center serving 100 children could receive an additional $600 a month of $7,200 a year in reimbursements. To increase reimbursement rates, the Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act would modify the CACFP by initially increasing reimbursement rates for all eligible meals and snacks by 10 cents, after which the reimbursement rate will be tied to inflation. The bill would also eliminate the two-tiered reimbursement rate system for family child care providers in which reimbursement rates vary depending on the level of local poverty and reimburse family child care providers for meals served to their own children. Read More To read more on the proposed new bill, please read “Casey Introduces Legislation to Help Child Care Providers Serve Nutritious Meals.” Source Information for this post was taken directly from the new release “Casey Introduces Legislation to Help Child Care Providers Serve Nutritious Meals.” Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Resources Trying Together’s Emily Neff Testifies in State’s Basic Education Funding Commission Hearing Speak Up! for Child Care Campaign 2023 Food Resources
December 5, 2023 2023 Holiday Toy Programs The holidays can be a fun, joyful time for many. However, there are families in need of extra support. Here is a list of resources for those who are experiencing financial hardship and have trouble affording or cannot afford toys this year. Play it Forward When: Saturday, December 16 | 12 – 2 p.m. Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 While the sign-up period has closed, the event will welcome walk-ins for any remaining toys. No sign-up is required. Learn more on the Play it Forward site. Toys for Tots The date, time, and location will vary. To sign up, visit the Toys for Tots site and follow the directions below: Select “Request a Toy” Select “Click Here for the Local Chapter Search Tool” Select your state, “Pennsylvania” Select your county. Locate the most convenient distribution site from the listed options or contact the respective site. The Salvation Army The Salvation Army may be able to offer holiday assistance for toys, meals, or other needs. Contact the nearest Salvation Army community center or visit the Western Pennsylvania Angel Tree page. Click on the “Holiday Assistance Contact List” Locate the Salvation Army community center listed for your zip code. Contact them as soon as possible. Holiday programs are limited and fill up quickly. St. Vincent de Paul Society of Pittsburgh For those facing financial difficulties and unable to afford toys, consider contacting the local St. Vincent de Paul conference in their neighborhood. To locate the closest conference, please visit the St. Vincent de Paul site. General Information The listed resources are intended for public access. It’s important to note that these organizations operate with volunteers. Considering the limited availability of toys and programs, along with the significant number of families in need, they might only be able to provide one toy per child. These toys could be either new or gently used. When contacting these organizations, if directed to voicemail, individuals should leave a comprehensive message including their name, contact number, and any additional information requested by the organization. Given the high volume of calls received weekly, it might take several days for volunteers to return calls. Regularly checking voicemail is recommended. For those without voicemail, setting it up before calling is advised. Additionally, individuals with existing voicemails should ensure old messages have been deleted.
