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Author: Maria Pisano

Register: Navigating Conversations with Families about Childhood Vaccines

News

May 24, 2023

Register: Navigating Conversations with Families about Childhood Vaccines

Penn State Extension Better Kid Care will be hosting a webinar for teachers and caregivers of young children about how to discuss childhood vaccines with families on Wednesday, May 31.

Learn More

The topic of childhood vaccines is on parents’ minds more than ever but also has become more sensitive for educators to discuss with families than many other concerns.

To explore this challenge, Penn State Extension Better Kid Care invites you to join Dr. Timothy Shope, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Tiffany Humbert-Rico and Richard Quartarone, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for “Navigating Conversations with Families about Childhood Vaccines” on Wednesday, May 31, at 1 p.m.

The webinar will dive into why these conversations are uncomfortable at times and how professionals can approach them in ways that stay true to fact-based information while also preserving their relationships with families.

Register

Registration is now open for the webinar. Certificates will not be issued for attending the webinar. Attendees will receive a confirmation email as proof of their participation. They must attend from their own device in order to receive the confirmation email.

National Mandated Reporter Survey

News

National Mandated Reporter Survey

The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), with funding support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, is launching a survey to hear directly from mandated reporters about their experiences, challenges, and current reporting practices.

About the Survey

CSSP seeks social workers, teachers, early childhood educators, doctors, nurses — anyone required by law to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect — to submit feedback. Survey data will help inform the development of a toolkit that supports mandated reporters in re-imagining their roles as “mandated supporters,” connecting families with concrete resources in times of need.

Survey responses will be anonymous and confidential. Survey participants will be able to enter a raffle to win a $50 gift e-card. The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete, and the deadline is June 5, 2023.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out directly to Lisa Mishraky-Javier at lisa.mishrakyjavier@cssp.org.

UPMC Children’s Hospital Launches New Transportation Partnership with Lyft

News

May 23, 2023

UPMC Children’s Hospital Launches New Transportation Partnership with Lyft

UPMC Children’s Hospital has partnered with Lyft to provide free transportation to families that lack access to transportation and need assistance getting to appointments at their facilities.

Launched in April 2023, the partnership allows Children’s Hospital staff to provide unique voucher codes to families, which allow them schedule free rides to the hospital, and other select locations, through the Lyft mobile app.

A limited number of voucher codes are available to families each month. Vouchers are only available for appointments at UPMC Children’s Hospital (main and satellite locations: Children’s South, North, East, and Pine Center) and Children’s Primary Care Centers of Oakland and Turtle Creek.

Free, round-trip rides are only available to families with a voucher code. To access a free ride, families must first obtain a voucher code. To obtain a voucher for a Lyft ride to an appointment, parents or caregivers must speak with their child’s care team at one of the eligible locations.

Learn More

Rides are available thanks to a partnership among UPMC Children’s Hospital, Lyft, and PA 2-1-1 Southwest.

UPMC Children’s Hospital does not guarantee a voucher code for any appointment.

To learn more, visit the UPMC Children’s Hospital website.

CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More

News

May 22, 2023

CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (CitiParks) Office of Special Events has announced its 2023 Summer Concert Series, 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, and 2023 Farmers Market schedules.

2023 Summer Concert Series

Three concert series will feature 22 events free to the public, including a July 9 performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

“Stars at Riverview” Series

“Stars at Riverview” will once again bring local artists to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings throughout the entire summer. Concert-goers are invited to bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on Observatory Hill for incredible musical entertainment sponsored by the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). Each week concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park”.

This series will take place each Saturday between June 10 an August 26,  from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Riverview Park on Observatory Hill. Performances are as follows:

  • June 10: Trio Nova
  • June 17: Charelle Unique & Soul Drip
  • June 24: Ken Karsh Trio
  • July 1: Louie Castle & the Rooks
  • July 8: Lee Robinson & ISKA
  • July 15: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band
  • July 22: R.E.D. Experience
  • July 29: Rick Finkelstein
  • August 5: Ronni Weiss & Friends
  • August 12: Thomas Wendt Quartet
  • August 19: Steel City Calypso
  • August 26: NASH.V.ILL

“Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” Series

“Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” is a fan-favorite that entertains among the gardens of Mellon Park. Presented with support from WQED-FM 89.3, attendees can satisfy their appetite for classical music on Sunday mornings, accompanied by a “Best Brunch” competition during intermission. Join to celebrate 50 years of WQED along with a return of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to the program.

This series will take place each Sunday between June 25 and July 30, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mellon Park on Fifth and Shady Avenues. Performances are as follows:

  • June 25: Munhall Community Band
  • July 2: KleZlectic
  • July 9: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
  • July 16: Allegheny Brass Band
  • July 23: North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band
  • July 30: NEW – Local Artist Showcase

“Reservoir of Jazz” Series

Jazz enthusiasts can relax on the lawn at Highland Park to the sounds of performances by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians during the ever-popular “Reservoir of Jazz” series. This series is supported by the Highland Park Community Council and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

This series will take place each Sunday between August 6 – 27, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Highland Park on Highland Avenue and Reservoir Drive. Performances are as follows:

  • August 6: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band
  • August 13: Deanna Witkowski Trio
  • August 20: MCG Jazz presents Aurora
  • August 27: Reggie Watkins Quartet

Learn More

For more information and complete event schedules, visit pittsburghpa.gov/events. In case of inclement weather or event cancellation, follow @PghEventsOffice on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates throughout the summer.

2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park

In July and August, return to your favorite weekly movie location for Cinema in the Park. The 2023 schedule includes contemporary box office hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Lightyear”, while also offering classic titles including “Matilda” and “Jaws”.

All movies are presented to the public free of charge and begin at dusk.

Schenley Park – Schenley Plaza

Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy every Sunday between July 2 and August 27. Showings are as follows:

  • July 2: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 9: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 16: Matilda (PG)
  • July 23: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • July 30: Shrek (PG)
  • August 6: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 13: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)
  • August 20: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)
  • August 27: Sunset Boulevard (1950) (not rated)

West End Overlook – Rue Grande Vue Street

Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 3 and Monday, July 31. Showings are as follows:

  • July 3: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 31: Shrek (PG)

Banksville Park – Crane Avenue

Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 10, and Monday, August 7. Showings are as follows:

  • July 10: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • August 7: Turning Red (PG)

McBride Park – McBride Street

Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 17 and Monday, August 14. Showings are as follows:

  • July 17: Matilda (PG)
  • August 14: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)

Highland Park – Reservoir Drive

Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 24, and Monday, August 21. Showings are as follows:

  • July 24: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 21: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Ormsby Park – S. 22nd Street

Movies at this venue will take place Tuesdays between July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22. Showings are as follows:

  • July 11: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 25: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 8: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 22: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Schenley Park – Flagstaff Hill

Movies at this venue will take place each Wednesday between July 12 and August 30. Showings are as follows:

  • July 12: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13)
  • July 19: School of Rock (PG-13)
  • July 26: Batman (1989) (PG-13)
  • August 2: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13)
  • August 9: The Batman (PG-13)
  • August 16: Back to the Future (PG)
  • August 23: Cave Rescue (PG-13)
  • August 30: Cool Hand Luke (PG)

Brookline Memorial Park – Oakridge Street

Movies at this venue will take place Thursdays between July 6 and 20, and August 3 and 17. Showings are as follows:

  • July 6: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 20: Matilda (PG)
  • August 3: Shrek (PG)
  • August 17: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)

Arsenal Park – 40th St. at Davison St

Movies at this venue will take place Fridays between July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25. Showings are as follows:

  • July 14: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 28: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 11: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 25: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Grandview Park – Bailey Avenue

Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows:

  • July 1: The Incredibles (PG)
  • July 8: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 15: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 22: Matilda (PG)
  • July 29: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 5: Shrek (PG)
  • August 12: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 19: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)
  • August 26: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Riverview Park – Observatory Hill

Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows:

  • July 1: Jaws (PG)
  • July 8: Fall (PG-13)
  • July 15: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13)
  • July 22: School of Rock (PG-13)
  • July 29: Batman (1989) (PG-13)
  • August 5: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13)
  • August 12: The Batman (PG-13)
  • August 19: Back to the Future (PG)
  • August 26: Cave Rescue (PG-13)

Learn More

Cinema in the Park is presented by Dollar Bank with 100.7 Star serving as media partner.

2023 Farmers Market

All markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and baked goods, while several locations also sell flowers, small gifts, and hot prepared foods to go.

The Squirrel Hill Market opens one week early, with a special market on Sunday, May 14 to celebrate Mother’s Day. This special day at our Squirrel Hill Market will include a photo booth and a Mother’s Day Card crafting table for kids. Normal market operations begin Sunday, May 21, and will run through November 20.

2023 Market Locations & Schedule

The 2023 market locations and schedule are as follows:

  • Sundays: Squirrel Hill, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Beacon/Bartlett parking lot
    • May 14 – November 19
  • Mondays: East End, 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Liberty Green Park, Larimer Ave.
    • May 22 – November 20
  • Wednesdays: Carrick, 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Carrick Dairy District, 1529 Brownsville Rd.
    • May 24 – November 15
  • Fridays: North Side, 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio St. & Cedar Ave.
    • May 26 – November 17

Learn More

All four CitiParks Farmers Markets accept food stamps (SNAP), and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program. SNAP shoppers can get fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food, including produce, meat, dairy, bread and baked goods, produce plants, seeds, and honey. (Hot prepared food items, alcohol, and non-food items are not eligible for SNAP purchases.) Food Bucks give Fresh Access food stamp shoppers extra money to spend on fruits and veggies. For every $5 spent on food stamps, receive an extra $2 to spend on produce. For more information, visit justharvest.org/fresh-access

This year, the East End Market will feature a booth operated by Catapult who will rotate through new food entrepreneurs as part of their food business incubator program. 25 Carrick will provide entertainment for the Carrick Market with DJs from their youth apprenticeship program. CitiParks is also excited to help foster the next generation of up-and-coming young farmers and budding Pittsburgh urban growers with a shared communal stand at the Squirrel Hill Market.

One additional surprise for this year’s Markets is an original oil painting by local artist Marlon Gist, commissioned by the City. Marlon’s painting captures the colorful spirit of Farmers Markets, and; his artwork will be on display during opening week at all 4 Markets.

State Department of Education Announces 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher Of The Year Finalists

News

May 18, 2023

State Department of Education Announces 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher Of The Year Finalists

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently announced the names of 12 educators nominated for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Area educators are among them.

About the Teacher of the Year Program

The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring K-12 teachers in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania’s school-aged children.

The PDE encourages local education agencies (LEAs) to recognize the efforts of teachers in their community who have worked to achieve excellence in the classroom by nominating outstanding educators. Each LEA may nominate one deserving educator from both elementary and secondary levels.

Members of the PDE choose twelve (12) finalists from applicants and recognized in Harrisburg each fall. Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year is announced at a state awards ceremony in December, and represents the Commonwealth at various national, regional, and local functions, which culminate in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House.

2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Finalists

The finalists for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year are:

Local Finalists

  • Brittney Bell, Carmichaels Area School District (Greene County, PA)
  • Rachel Kalberer, Norwin School District (Westmoreland County, PA)

Other Finalists

  • Anthony Angelini, Conewago Valley School District
  • Jonathan Bickel, Eastern Lebanon School District
  • Ashlie Crosson, Mifflin County School District
  • Benjamin Hoffman, Kutztown Area School District
  • Heather Kilgore, Chester County Intermediate Unit
  • Stephanie Machmer, Jersey Shore Area School District
  • Aspen Mock, Forest Hills School District
  • Justin Ward, Laurel Highlands School District
  • Sharon Williams, Rose Tree Media School District
  • Sally Ann Wojcik, School District of Philadelphia

Learn More

To learn more, visit the official Pennsylvania website.

P.R.I.D.E. and Trying Together to Host Author Britt Hawthorne for Anti-Racist Seminar

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P.R.I.D.E. and Trying Together to Host Author Britt Hawthorne for Anti-Racist Seminar

The University of Pittsburgh’s Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E) Program, in conjunction with Trying Together, will host Britt Hawthorne, author of “Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Guide,” for a community discussion on Wednesday, May 24.

Held via Zoom from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m., all community members are welcome and invited to participate. Part of the P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series, this event is free to the public, but requires registration.

Interested individuals can register online or through the University of Pittsburgh’s video conferencing page.

About Britt Hawthorne

Hawthorne is the author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide.” Also an antiracist educator, teacher, speaker, and advocate, Hawthorne remains committed to raising a generation of antiracist children. They center families of the global majority and create equitable environments for students and children of all ages and backgrounds.

Hawthorne’s work moves the idea of equity in education from a goal to a reality. They partner with action-oriented educators to create classroom environments that are inclusive and equitable for all learners. Their work has been recognized by PBS, the National Education Association (NEA), Drew Barrymore, Google Edu, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Rice University, the Association Montessori Internationale, and countless others.

Hawthorne travels extensively to speak at conferences, authors publications, and appears on podcasts covering social justice, liberation, and equity in education.

Learn More

To learn more, view the event flyer or visit the P.R.I.D.E. website.

PA Child Care Centers Invited to Participate in Equity-Focused Research Study

News

May 17, 2023

PA Child Care Centers Invited to Participate in Equity-Focused Research Study

Pennsylvania preschool programs are invited to join a research opportunity to improve the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ECERS-3).

About

The Pennsylvania Key Program Quality Assessment (PQA) Team is supporting researchers at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to examine the widely used program observation instrument, ECERS-3.

The ECERS-3 is a global quality assessment used in classrooms serving children ages three to five years. It is currently used in the quality improvement systems of thirty states. This study examines how the measure considers the experiences of racially, culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse preschool groups.

Data collectors from the PQA Team will visit participating classrooms this spring and summer to complete an ECERS-3 observation and an observation using the Equity in Early Learning Assessment (EELA). Teachers will also complete a report on the demographic information for the group. For any participating classroom, it is a one-time observation that takes approximately three hours in total.

All Pennsylvania center-based programs serving three- five-year-olds can participate, and space is limited.

Questions?

Providers who would like to participate or who have questions should contact Rachel Kaplan, Pennsylvania’s primary contact for this research project, at Rachel.kaplan@unc.edu or 919-259-6235.

Carnegie Science Center Offering Free Program to Northside Families

News

May 16, 2023

Carnegie Science Center Offering Free Program to Northside Families

The Carnegie Science Center is offering a free space-themed program to Northside families on Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Entitled, “Among the Stars,” the program is designed for children ages three to five and will teach attendees about constellations, galaxies, the sun, and more.

Learn More

Families can visit any time during the event. Snacks will be provided, and all attendees will receive a RiverView Café voucher. Additionally, the Carnegie Science Center will give free, premium memberships to Northside residents with early learners, while supplies last.

Please note: This program has a limited capacity. Interested families should register in advance by calling the Carnegie Science Center at 412.237.3400 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

This event is supported by the PNC Foundation, Howmet Aerospace Foundation, and the Heinz Endowments.

To learn more, read the event flyer.

City of Pittsburgh Invites Community Members to Attend In-Person Budget Meetings

News

May 15, 2023

City of Pittsburgh Invites Community Members to Attend In-Person Budget Meetings

The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget is inviting Pittsburgh residents to share their input on the City’s 2024 Capital and Operating Budgets at a series of in-person community meetings.

At these meetings, residents will have the opportunity to provide input about their budget priorities, prior to Department Directors creating their budget proposals. The information residents share will inform Director proposals.

About In-Person Budget Meetings

The City will host four in-person community engagement meetings to gather input from residents on their priorities for the 2024 budget. Meetings will take place:

SOUTH

Wednesday, May 17 | 6 p.m.
Phillips Recreation Center
201 Parkfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15210

NORTH

Thursday, May 18 | 6 p.m.
Manchester Citizens Corporation Center
1319 Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

WEST

Thursday, June 1 | 6 p.m.
Sheraden Senior Center
720 Sherwood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15204

EAST

Wednesday, June 7 | 6 p.m.
Homewood Senior Center
7321 Frankstown Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Residents are encouraged to register for their preferred meeting and take the online survey available at: 2024 City of Pittsburgh Budgets | Engage Pittsburgh (pittsburghpa.gov). Dinner will be provided for all in-person budget engagement meetings.

Learn More

To learn more, view the flyer.

Distribute this flyer to your networks.

OCDEL Ends COVID-19 Reporting Requirement for Child Care Providers

News

May 11, 2023

OCDEL Ends COVID-19 Reporting Requirement for Child Care Providers

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will end its requirement for child care providers to report cases of COVID-19 on May 11, 2023.

About the COVID-19 Reporting Requirement

Shortly after the start of the federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 (PHE), OCDEL issued a mandate requiring all licensed child care operators to submit information on children and staff who tested positive for COVID-19 on the Licensed Facility COVID Data Collection Tool.

OCDEL will end this reporting requirement and close the portal on May 11, 2023 to align with the end of the PHE. However, OCDEL will continue to require child care operators and facility persons to share any reportable, communicable diseases present in their facilities with the Department of Health (DOH).

Sharing Reportable Communicable Diseases

A list of reportable diseases is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) website.

Child care providers must share all cases of reportable, communicable diseases with the DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or 1-877-724-3258. They may also contact their local health department:

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. Additionally, interested individuals can attend the ELRC Region 5 Virtual Director Roundtables held each Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get more information.