August 4, 2025 Child Mind Institute Shares Resources on Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children The Child Mind Institute has released a series of resources on the complexities of diagnosis regarding nonverbal and minimally verbal children. Learn More Caregivers are likely concerned when a child doesn’t speak or uses fewer words than is typical for their age and might wonder if a child will start speaking on their own – or if they require support. Delayed speech, the Child Mind Institute writes, can be a sign of autism, spectrum disorder, intellectual developmental disorder, or speech sound disorder. Visiting a diagnostician might be in order to determine what’s going on. The Child Mind Institute’s resources discuss the complexities of diagnosis, such as how to assess nonverbal or minimally verbal children. It can be challenging – but not impossible – for a clinician to assess them accurately if the child can’t speak to respond to questions. Among the resources are tips on what to look for in a diagnosis as well as what an evaluation for autism should include. There is also advice on why certain symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and how to work with a clinician to get the correct one. Below are the Child Mind Institute’s resources on the subject: Assessing Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal Children How to Find a Children’s Mental Health Professional What Should You Look for in a Diagnosis? What Should an Evaluation for Autism Look Like? The Most Common Misdiagnoses in Children Challenges in Diagnosing Psychiatric Problems in Very Young Children
July 31, 2025 OCDEL Announces It Will Offer Keystone STARS Award for 2025-26 Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced that it will offer the Keystone STARS Quality Improvement (CQI) Award again during the 2025-26 school year. Learn More The Keystone STARS CQI Award is paid directly through ELRCs to eligible child care programs that have a state Department of Human Services regular Certificate of Compliance and are designated as a Keystone STAR 2, 3, or 4. The intent of the award is to improve, support, and recognize the quality of Pennsylvania’s early learning and school-age programs. A child care provider application for this award is not required. Instead, providers who are eligible for the award will receive an eligibility and acceptance letter from their ELRC. The letter will include the maximum award amount that a child care provider is eligible to receive as well as contact information for their ELRC. After spending the award on eligible expenses, the provider will be responsible for submitting a final expense report electronically to their ELRC. To be eligible, a provider must possess a current, regular Pennsylvania Department of Human Services certificate of compliance. Providers with provisional certificates, those in a “refuse to renew” status,” or those whose certificates have been revoked are ineligible. For more information on the award, visit The Pennsylvania Key website.
Applications Open for Trying Together’s 2026 ECE Advocacy Fellowship Trying Together’s 2026 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advocacy Fellowship aims to elevate the voices of early care and education professionals, parents, researchers, and other key contributors to the early learning ecosystem that are catalysts for meaningful change. Trying Together envisions a future in which caregivers feel valued and empowered to promote diversity, equity, racial justice, and a sense of belonging. We recognize the critical role of early childhood in shaping lifelong success and are committed to advocating for inclusive, high-quality learning experiences while addressing systemic inequities. The 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship invites passionate individuals from across the field to apply and become strong advocates for investing in young children. Applications are open online and will be accepted until Wednesday, October 1 at 11:59 p.m. Apply now. About the Fellowship The 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to empower participants through the following core components: Strengthening Advocacy Skills: Build the ability to advocate effectively for policies that support early care and education. Fellows will explore policy systems, practice storytelling, and engage in hands-on activities to grow their advocacy confidence. Cultivating Change-Makers: Grow as leaders and advocates within the early childhood field. Through reflection and peer collaboration, fellows will identify their leadership styles and explore their role in driving systemic change. Enhancing Leadership: Develop essential leadership skills to create lasting, positive impact. Sessions will focus on communication, decision-making, and community engagement. Mastering Communication: Learn strategies to craft compelling, equity-centered messages that resonate with diverse audiences and drive policy influence. Applying and Showcasing Learning: Complete a final project that reflects your advocacy journey and outlines your future impact. Projects will be shared in a public, interactive setting with organizational leaders and community partners. Fellows and their employer will receive a stipend for their dedicated time. The program is offered at no cost to fellows or their places of employment. Dinner is provided during each session, and travel stipends are available on a case-by-case basis. Intended Audience Trying Together’s 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship is designed for professionals actively engaged in the early care and education field, including but not limited to: Parents Relative care providers Family child care home Group child care home Child care program administrators and educators – such as Head Start teachers, infant/toddler educators, pre-k educators, etc. PK-4 teachers and principals Home visitors School-age child care providers Trainers Professors in higher education Child care resource and referral professionals Researchers Session Details The Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship is an immersive, yearlong program from January to December, featuring monthly in-person meetings supported by small group and individual work between sessions. Each session is led by the Trying Together Policy team, with support from influential voices in early childhood, public policy professionals, and community leaders. These sessions draw on insights from regional, state, and national experts. They focus on the latest research, policy updates, and strategic approaches to advancing early childhood, while helping fellows strengthen their advocacy skills, expand their networks, and position themselves within the early learning system. Beyond learning, the fellowship offers valuable opportunities for networking, professional growth, and community building. Fellows also have the chance to travel to Harrisburg to visit the Pennsylvania Capitol Building and meet with legislators. The program culminates in a final project that showcases each fellow’s advocacy journey and vision for future impact. Application Details Online applications are being accepted through Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Our selection committee aims to create a well-balanced cohort, considering factors such as geography, diversity, experience, and interests. Notifications to all participants will be sent during the first week of December. More Information For more information about the 2026 ECE Advocacy Fellowship at Trying Together, contact Hailee B. Roye by email at hailee@tryingtogether.org or by calling 412-692-0573.
July 30, 2025 PA Residents Can Download Free ConnectEBT Mobile App Pennsylvania residents who use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards can download a free, secure ConnectEBT mobile app. Learn More Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services recommends that EBT card holders should always lock their card when it’s not in use. To do so, card holders should select Lock/Unlock Card, and then select their lock preference: Lock My Card Everywhere will prevent all types of purchases, including online and at stores. Lock My Card Outside of PA will prevent all purchases at stores outside of Pennsylvania, but will still allow online purchases. Once a selection has been made, click “OK.” Then, card holders can relock their card or use the Auto Re-Lock feature to make protecting their benefits on-the-go easier. To learn about the latest EBT scams and to obtain more information about using the cards, visit the ConnectEBT website.
Pittsburgh Organizations to Host Back-to-School Supply Events in August Parents and teachers seeking back-to-school supplies have numerous options in August in the Pittsburgh region. Back to School Blast Off JADA House International and the Hazelwood Cafe will hold a Back to School Blast Off from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16. The event will take place at Mill 19, located at 4501 Lytle St. The back-to-school event will include backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, a DJ, Legacy Arts, a spoken word performance by Devontae Butler, free food, resource tables, the Thomas Wendy Trio Jazz Band, and children’s activities. The backpack giveaway begins at 4:15 p.m. Other Events Other back-to-school events will be held across the city in August. Events in the East include: Lean on Me: Back-to-School Drive (Saturday, Aug. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1 Memorial Park Lane, Penn Hills Township); for more information, call 412-337-3001 Back-to-School Bash (TBD at the Latino Community Center, 5750 Baum Blvd.); for more information, call 412-335-7446 or email info@latinocommunitycenter.org. Free Kids Clothing program at Thriftique (119 51st St. in Lawrenceville); for more information, call 412-742-4951 Backpack Bash (TBD at Salvation Army Homewood-Brushton Worship & Service Center, 8020 Frankstown Ave.); for more information, call 412-242-1434; event will include clothing, food, haircuts, Christmas sign-ups; registration is required Events in the South include: KidsLinked Pittsburgh-South-Hills Children’s Festival (Saturday, Aug. 16 from noon to 3 p.m. at AHN Sports Complex at Cool Springs, 3001 Cool Springs Drive) SHIM Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2601 South Park Road, Bethel Park; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Family Center at 1400 Lebanon Church Road, Pittsburgh; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 15 at the Bethel Park location); for more information, call 412-854-9120 Backpack Block Party – (Friday, Aug. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The South Church Pittsburgh, 1922 Pennsylvania Ave., West Mifflin); for more information, call 412-927-5111 or email info@sourcechurch.com; register early – first come, first served Back-to-School Bash with the 4:12 Foundation (Saturday, Aug. 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2419 State Ave., Coraopolis); for more information, call 412-758-5188. The first 300 children will receive a free backpack with school supplies. Events in the North include: PPS Back to School (Monday, Aug. 18 at North Shore). Backpack and school supply distribution for all Pittsburgh Public School students. For more information, call 412-529-4357. North Hills Community Outreach (distributed in August); for more information, call 412-487-6316, ext. 3143; registration required Glade Lutheran Services (multiple locations); for more information, call 742-452-4453, exts. 1083 or 1084
CitiParks Will Open Cooling Centers in August for Temperatures Above 90 Degrees CitiParks will open its cooling centers for Pittsburgh residents to cool off if the temperatures rise above 90 degrees in August. Currently, cooling centers are scheduled to remain open only through July 30 to provide a cool space for residents during recent heat waves. Learn More CitiParks operates cooling centers at six Healthy Active Living Centers in the Pittsburgh region. The centers provide residents with a safe, air-conditioned environment to cool off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The centers are located in: Beechview (1555 Broadway Ave.) Brighton Heights (3515 McClure Ave.) Greenfield (745 Greenfield Ave.) Homewood (7321 Frankstown Road) Sheraden (720 Sherwood Ave.) South Side (12 & Bingham Streets) All residents are encouraged to take precautions during periods of extreme heat, especially older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
July Recalls on Children’s Products Below is a list of July recalls from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Learn More Tropicale Foods recalled certain Helados Mexico and La Michoacana products due to undeclared milk. Although the products include “cream” in the product ingredient lists, the common name “milk” is not declared. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Mondelez Global LLC recalled four carton sizes of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker sandwiches due to labeling errors. The affected cartons include individually wrapped packs that may be incorrectly labeled as cheese variety, even though the product may be a peanut butter variety. People with allergies or severe sensitivity to peanuts may be at risk of serious allergic reactions by consuming this product. SNLN recalled party supply toys that pose a risk of ingestion hazard. The supply toys violate the mandatory standard for toys containing button cell batteries because the compartment that holds the batteries can be easily accessed and opened by children, posing a deadly ingestion hazard. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death. Jeriflyer recalled its pool drain covers due to risk of serious injury or death from entrapment. The recalled drain covers do not conform to the entrapment protection standards of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, posing an entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers. Creekliybear recalled its play yard mattresses due to risk of serious injury or death from entrapment. The aftermarket play yard mattresses violate the mandatory standard for crib mattresses as they exceed thickness requirements and may not adequately fit certain play yards, posing a threat of entrapment. Babies can suffocate in gaps between an undersized mattress, or extra padding, and side walls of a product, especially when the infant’s face becomes trapped against the side and the mattress, preventing the child from breathing. WLIVE recalled its fabric dressers due to risk of serious injury or death from tip-over and entrapment hazards. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in injuries or death to children. SPPTTY recalled its children’s bicycles due to lead poisoning risks. Multiple components of the bicycles contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard to children. Additionally, the black paint on the bicycle pumps contains lead that exceeds the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children. Braided crib bumpers were recalled due to risk of serious injury or death by suffocation. The bumpers violate the federal ban on crib bumpers because the padded crib bumpers can obstruct breathing, posing a serious risk or injury or death to infants. AUGNORYE recalled its padded crib bumpers due to risk of serious injury or death by suffocation. The crib bumpers violate the federal bumper ban because they can obstruct an infant’s breathing, posing a suffocation hazard. Dearlomum recalled its retractable safety gates due to risk of serious injury or death to children by entrapment. The gates violate the federal standard for expansion gates and expandable enclosures because a child’s torso can fit through the opening between the gate and the floor. Diamond G Forest Products recalled turpentine bottles due to risk of child poisoning. The bottles contain turpentine, which are required to be in child-resistant packaging. The products’ packaging is not child-resistant, posing a risk of serious injury or death by poisoning. LED Gloves were recalled due to risk of serious injury or death from battery ingestion. The gloves violate mandatory standards for toys containing coin batteries because the compartment that holds the batteries can be easily accessed and opened by children. The spare coin batteries provided with the toys are not in child-resistant packaging and do not have warnings required by law. A child can suffer serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death if they swallow the batteries. Creekwood Naturals recalled its 100% Natural Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine bottles due to the risk of child poisoning. The bottles do not contain child-resistant packaging as required by law and pose a poisoning hazard to young children. Innovative Designs recalled its Minecraft Light-Up Slap Ruler Bracelets due to the risk of children ingesting its button cell batteries. The battery compartment of the bracelets can be opened easily by children, allowing access to the button cell batteries. If a child swallows a button coin battery, it can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death. Aiho recalled dressers that pose a risk of serious injury or death to children from tipping over and entrapment. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in child injury or death. LIVACTI recalled its retractable safety gates due to entrapment hazards. The gates violate mandatory standards for expansion gates and expandable enclosures because a child’s torso can fit through the opening between the gate and the floor, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to entrapment. Primark recalled its DTR Stitch 4-pack Scented Highlighters due to risk of phthalate exposure. The highlighters, which resemble cups with straws, contain phthalate, which can be toxic if ingested by young children. Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup recalled certain above-ground pools that are 48 inches and taller due to drowning hazards. Five million of the pools have been sold since 2002 and nine deaths have been reported. The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool, posing a drowning risk.
July 29, 2025 Increase Giving to Trying Together Through Double the Donation Those looking to maximize their donation to Trying Together can now do so through Double the Donation, a company that helps nonprofits raise more money from corporate matching gifts. Learn More Double the Donation aims to inform donors about matching gift programs offered by their employers, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of their donations. Matching gifts are a type of corporate philanthropy in which companies match their employees’ donations to nonprofit organizations. After an employee donates to a nonprofit, they can submit a matching gift request to their employer and the company will make an additional donation to the nonprofit. By submitting a matching gift request, donors can significantly increase the impact of their donation. Those interested in donating to Trying Together should check if their employer participates in a matching gift program today. Donors can now use the Double the Donation widget on the Give Now page to search prior to making a donation. How Double the Donation Works Once a donor makes a donation to Trying Together, they will be prompted to check for matching gift opportunities The donor then enters their employer’s name into Double the Donation’s database, which uses an autocomplete feature to suggest companies. Double the Donation’s database identifies if the donor’s employer has a matching gift program and if the donor is eligible. If eligible, the donor is guided through the process of submitting a matching gift request to their employer, often directly through the Double the Donation platform.
Former PA Governors Tout Importance of Pre-K in Op Ed Five former Pennsylvania governors wrote an op ed that was published this week on Penn Live that extols the virtues of pre-k. Learn More Former governors Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker, Ed Rendell, Tom Corbett, and Tom Wolf wrote the editorial, which was published on Penn Live on July 29. In the editorial, the governors wrote that for years meaningful steps have been taken to grow access to Head Start and Pre-K Counts, and that votes to do so typically crossed party lines. The editorial notes that to let that progress slip away would be a major mistake. “Research has long shown the importance of investing in high-quality pre-k education for young children to improve short- and long-term outcomes in academic achievement and even lifelong success,” the governors wrote. “This is especially true for children in low-income families, children of color, and others facing barriers to achieving academic success throughout their school years.” The governors cite a poll that found that 98% of Pennsylvanians believe that early childhood education is important to help children lead healthy and productive lives. An additional 73% support increasing state funding, so more children can have access to pre-k. “Pennsylvanians should be proud of how far our commonwealth has come in providing pre-k to our youngest learners with more than 66,000 three- and four-year-olds having access,” the governors wrote. “However, this represents only 44% of eligible children, leaving almost 85,000 children on the sidelines each year.” The entire editorial can be read on Penn Live’s website.
PA Promise for Children Lists 10 Books for Children About Doing Laundry PA Promise for Children has released a list of 10 books for children that feature the theme of doing laundry. Learn More PA Promise for Children’s Learning is Everywhere newsletter recently focused on the theme of laundry and listed activities for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners that have to do with the household task. For babies, it was suggested for parents to play peek-a-boo with them using clothes hanging on the line, while it was recommended for toddlers to help their parents separate clothing by colors or types of clothing. Parents were encouraged to teach their preschoolers to develop their language skills while sorting laundry by using possessives – for example, “mommy’s” or “my” shirt. For kindergartners, it was suggested to have a discussion about why we wash our clothes or where the water comes from that fills the washing machine. OCDEL’s list of 10 books on the topic include: Wanda’s Washing Machine (Anna McQuinn) Llamas in the Laundry (W.H. New) Stinky Clothes (Joanna Emery) Knuffle Bunny (Mo Willems) Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash (Sarah Weeks) Henry Helps with Laundry (Beth Bracken) Dirty Laundry Pile (Paul B. Janeczko) The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash (Trinka Hakes Noble) Laundry Day (Maurie J. Manning) Smelling Sunshine (Constance Anderson) View the list on PA Promise for Children’s website.