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Author: Maria Pisano

Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance

News

June 5, 2023

Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) and Department of Health (ACDOH) have published a Summer Safety Guide and Video to help families implement protective practices in the coming months.

About the Summer Safety Guide and Video

Warmer, sunny days encourage adults and children to get out and enjoy their surroundings. The Summer Safety Guide and Video offer some simple tips that make summer more fun and safe.

These resources include information on:

  • basic safety
  • car safety
  • sun safety
  • bug bites and stings
  • safety on wheels (bikes, skateboards, in-line skates, motorcycles, etc.)
  • play safety
  • campfires, grills, and fireworks
  • fire safety
  • water safety
  • open windows/doors
  • chemical/poison safety

Access the Summer Safety Guide and Video

Access the Summer Safety Guide 

Access the Summer Safety Video

Learn More

To learn more, visit the ACDHS website.

OCDEL Invites Families to Participate in Free Professional Photo Session

News

OCDEL Invites Families to Participate in Free Professional Photo Session

The Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) Team at the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) invites pregnant and parenting families of children birth to age six to participate in a free professional photo session.

Each participating family will receive a stipend of $150 and associated travel/mileage reimbursement for completing the approximately one-hour photoshoot. Families will also receive copies of their photos.

About Photo Sessions

Why is OCDEL providing this opportunity?

Photos of Pennsylvania children and their families play an instrumental role in conveying the importance of high-quality maternal and early childhood services in Pennsylvania. Additionally, they aid in outreach to families, professionals, legislators, business leaders, and other partners throughout the state.

By capturing photos of Pennsylvania families, OCDEL can better serve and advocate for them and the care of their children.

How will OCDEL use the photos?

OCDEL may use the photos for:

  • advertising (i.e. television, online, billboard, and print)
  • social media
  • printed displays and materials, such as annual reports, PowerPoint presentations, etc.

In using the photos, OCDEL will never share the names and locations of the families included in them.

Who can participate in the photo sessions?

All Pennsylvania families with children age six and younger are invited to participate, including those who reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania’s population. OCDEL would like to represent differences in identity such as:

  • race
  • ethnicity
  • gender
  • gender identity
  • sexual orientation
  • age
  • disability
  • geographic location across the Commonwealth

Siblings and grandparents are welcome and highly encouraged to participate, too.

Why should families participate?

Each participating family will receive electronic access to the professionally produced photos of their family taken during the photo session. They will be able to:

  • download and save the photos
  • print them
  • share them on their social media accounts (i.e. Facebook or Instagram)
  • email them to family and friends

Additionally, each participating family will receive a stipend of $150 for completing the approximately 1-hour photoshoot. Also, mileage reimbursement will be provided at a rate of 65.5 cents per mile.

ECCS is also able to reimburse other modes of transportation utilized to get to the photo session location, such as public transportation, Uber, or Lyft with receipts. ECCS will also reimburse tolls with receipts.

Where will photo sessions be held?

The ECCS team will host photo sessions:

  • June 27 in King of Prussia, Montgomery County
  • July 17 in Cranberry Township, Butler County
  • July 19 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County
  • July 25 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County

How can families sign-up to participate?

If you would like to participate, please complete the online registration form no later than June 15.

There is no cost to participate with the ECCS photo session. However, space is limited and registration is required.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children website.

For questions, please contact Sadia Batool at c-sabatool@pa.gov.

Resources for June Observances

News

June 1, 2023

Resources for June 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 June observances:

Month-Long Observances

Caribbean American Heritage Month

National Men’s Health Month

National PTSD Awareness Month

Pride Month

Child Vision Awareness Month

Weeks of Recognition

June 1 – 7 is CPR & AED Awareness Week

June 12 – 18 is National Men’s Health Week

Days of Recognition

June 18 is Father’s Day

June 19 is Juneteenth

June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day

Pennsylvania Women Work Accepting Nominations for 2023 Circle of Hope Awards

News

May 31, 2023

Pennsylvania Women Work Accepting Nominations for 2023 Circle of Hope Awards

Pennsylvania Women Work invites members of the community to nominate groups, organizations, and individuals for two of its 2023 Circle of Hope Awards: the Corporate Volunteerism Award and the Diversity & Inclusion Award.

The Corporate Volunteerism Award recognizes an organization or individual(s) within a company that has made significant contributions to PA Women Work’s clients, programs, fundraising, and overall mission through volunteerism, while the Diversity and Inclusion Award honors a corporation or individual(s) within a company that has made significant contributions in the area of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

All nominations must be made using the online nomination form by June 23.

Award Criteria and Nomination Process

Corporate Volunteerism Award

Criteria

  • A strong commitment to the mission and vision of PA Women Work
  • Demonstrated consistent volunteerism with the organization for at least one year
  • Displayed passion for empowering women to succeed in the workforce through volunteerism with PA Women Work
  • A history of participation in at least two PA Women Work volunteer activities

Nomination Process

To nominate a group, organization, or individual for the Corporate Volunteerism Award, complete the online nomination form including the following in your nomination:

  • A narrative (no more than 300 words) explaining why the corporation, individual or group should be highlighted for their volunteerism efforts with PA Women Work. This narrative should answer the question: “How has the corporation/nominee shown passion for PA Women Work’s mission through volunteerism with the organization?”
  • A list of the volunteer activities the nominee has participated in. Ex.: Mentor, Mock Interviews, Event Committee
  • If a corporation, a list of employee names from the corporation who volunteer with PA Women Work.

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Criteria

  • A strong commitment to the recruitment, retention, and promotion of a diverse workforce 
  • A record of commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts
  • Improvements in upward mobility for racial and ethnic minorities and women in management positions 

Nomination Process

To nominate a group, organization, or individual for the Diversity and Inclusion Award, complete the online nomination form and answer the following in your nomination:

  • How has the company/nominee created or enhanced an inclusive work environment?
  • How has the company/nominee demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and advancing the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity within their company?

Learn More

PA Women Work considers each nomination, then notifies and announces winners by July 14. Award winners will be recognized at the PA Women Work Circle of Hope Awards Dinner on October 12.

For more information on the 2023 Circle of Hope Awards, contact Lauren Riegelnegg at lriegelnegg@pawomenwork.org.

To learn more, visit the PA Women Work website.

Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition Hosting Community Feedback Meetings

News

Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition Hosting Community Feedback Meetings

The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition and the City of Pittsburgh are hosting a series of community feedback meetings on their Allegheny County Digital Equity Plan and are inviting community members to come discuss their digital needs with community leaders.

Held at various locations throughout the summer, all residents of Allegheny County are encouraged to attend.

About Community Feedback Meetings

What are the community feedback meetings?

At community feedback meetings, community leaders will ask attendees for feedback on the draft Digital Equity Plan for Allegheny County and ask questions about digital technology in attendees lives.

Why are these meetings taking place?

The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition needs to ensure that their Digital Equity Plan addresses residents’ digital needs. The coalition must understand what residents need so they can use any funding offered to give all residents equal access to digital technology and information.

Who participates in meetings?

Meetings will consist of Allegheny County residents and community leaders. Leaders involved in the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition, the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County will lead the meetings and collect feedback from residents.

When will the meetings take place?

Meetings will be held throughout the summer of 2023. To see a complete schedule of meetings, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

Where will the meetings take place?

The coalition will host meetings in locations across Allegheny County. Additionally, they will host a number of virtual meetings.

To find a full list of meeting dates, times, locations, and registration links, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

Clothing Distribution at The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center

News

Clothing Distribution at The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center

Families and individuals can visit The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center to pick up a variety of clothing items at any time during normal hours of operation.

Clothing Distributions

Clothing and other personal hygiene items are available on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. This clothing distribution is walk-in only, and participants can shop for clothing once every 30 days.

The following clothing/personal hygiene items are available:

  • Children’s clothing (all ages)
  • Children’s outerwear (all ages)
  • Adult women’s clothing
  • Toiletries and wellness products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.)

Clothing Donations

The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center is also taking donations for the following clothing items:

  • Adult men’s clothing and accessories
  • Adult women’s clothing and accessories
  • Children’s clothing and accessories (all ages)
  • Infant/Baby clothing and accessories
  • Adult men’s/women’s and children’s shoes (all ages and sizes)

A staff member MUST accept donations.

For more information or questions about the clothing distribution, please contact The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039.

May Recalls on Children’s Products

News

May 30, 2023

May Recalls on Children’s Products

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

Learn More

Here is a list of May 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.

Fall 2023 T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Application Now Open

News

Fall 2023 T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Application Now Open

Early childhood education professionals interested in attending college in the Fall 2023 semester can now submit applications to receive a T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Scholarship and earn their teaching degree at little to no personal cost.

Interested applicants must complete and submit their T.E.A.C.H. applications with all required documentation/information by Friday, July 7.

About T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships

T.E.A.C.H. encompasses several different scholarship programs. These programs help child care professionals complete coursework toward a degree or credential in early childhood and increase their compensation.

Every T.E.A.C.H. scholarship has five key components:

  1. Scholarship – The scholarship covers most of the cost for tuition and books. Additionally, recipients receive a travel stipend each semester they are enrolled in class. Also, T.E.A.C.H. requires that the sponsoring child care program offer paid release time for the student to attend class, study, or handle personal needs.
  2. Education – In one scholarship year, each participant must successfully complete a required number of credit hours (usually 9-15) toward a degree in early childhood education.
  3. Compensation – At the end of the scholarship year, if they complete their educational requirement, participants are eligible to receive either a stipend or a raise.
  4. Commitment – Participants agree to continue working in their child care program for one year after each scholarship year.
  5. Counseling – Each recipient gets assigned a counselor able to assist the student in securing a scholarship, navigating the college processes, setting goals, and monitoring progress and needs.

Eligibility

The Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a variety of T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to meet the needs of the early care and education workforce in center and home-based settings. Eligible applicants must:

  • work a minimum of 25-30 hours per week directly with children in a DHS-certified child care program;
  • make $19 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for directors); and
  • remain interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward a degree or credential in early childhood.

Apply

To apply, download a scholarship application on the PACCA website and submit your completed application by Friday, July 7 through one of the following methods:

  • Email: teachinfo@pacca.org
  • Fax: 717.657.0959
  • Mail: 20 Erford Road, Suite 302, Lemoyne, PA 17043

Additionally, begin the college admissions process and contact an early childhood education (ECE) advisor at your intended college/university. This helps to ensure that scholarship applicants get admitted to their college/university and can register for courses if/when they receive a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. can provide contact information for early childhood education advisors at partnering institutions if needed.

Learn More

Scholarship awards are dependent upon the availability of funds and priorities of funders.

PACCA will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis. However, incomplete applications and applications received after Friday, July 7 will not receive priority for consideration.

For questions about scholarship eligibility or requirements, contact a T.E.A.C.H. Counselor at 717.657.9000.

LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District

News

LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District

The Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania (LDA of PA) is offering free reading tutoring to pre-k and kindergarten students living in the Hill District.

Tutoring takes place every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hill District Carnegie Library on Centre Avenue.

About Free Reading Tutoring

Free tutoring will help students with:

  • Print awareness
  • Phonological awareness
  • Phonemic awareness
  • Alphabetic principle
  • Sound mastery
  • Phonics
  • Vocabulary
  • High frequency/trick words
  • Fluency
  • Comprehension strategies
  • Handwriting
  • Spelling
  • Punctuation

Learn More

Snacks are provided during tutoring sessions.

Interested individuals with children who may benefit from free reading tutoring should email tutoring@ldaofpa.org or call 412.212.708 to enroll their child. To learn more, view the flyer or visit the LDA of PA website.

2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip

News

May 24, 2023

2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is going on a 12-week virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip from June to August 2023.

About

Children, families, and caregivers are invited to follow along and discover highlighted Pennsylvania libraries, state parks, and resources available to support early literacy and learning.

Along the way, get resources and activities to do with children, as well as book recommendations. All activities align with the PA Early Learning Standards and can be done within the featured state park or at home.

To get started, print the Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip resources, like the Map or the Travel Journal. Visit the PA’s Promise for Children website to see what the weekly library has to offer, and check out the activities and book recommendations.