August 13, 2025 Podcast Focuses on Helping Children to Build Healthy Friendships A recent episode of the Child Mind Institute’s Thriving Kids podcast focused on how caregivers can help children to build positive and healthy friendships. Learn More In the episode, podcast host Dave Anderson, PhD, who is the senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education for the Child Mind Institute, discussed the topic of helping children build healthy friendships with Mandi Silverman, PsyD, MBA. In the podcast, the two of them discuss how to support a child’s social development, whether they are in preschool or high school, and regardless of their nature – shy or socially successful. One way to do this is to help children to meet other children. Set up playdates for younger children for outings to playgrounds, museums, parks, libraries, or other places. For older children, encourage participation in teams, after-school clubs, or shared-interest activities. Caregivers should have open conversations about the traits their families value – such as kindness, honesty, or teamwork – and ask children what they believe makes someone a good friend. Using real-life examples to teach friend-making skills can be valuable. Caregivers can talk about their own friendships and how they treat people in their lives. It is also useful to teach children how to set healthy boundaries – in other words, helping them to learn to say “no” in respectful ways and to recognize when someone else is doing the same. Caregivers can also explain that different people have different needs and comfort levels. The podcast included eight tips to help children make and keep healthy friendships: Create and support a variety of opportunities for socialization and focus on a child’s interests and encourage activities where they can meet peers with similar interests. Create an open and ongoing conversation about healthy relationships and discuss what matters in a friend. Praise good friendship behaviors. When you see a child showing empathy or setting a boundary, show support for it. Model healthy relationships – in other words, let children see how you show up for the people in your life. Help children to set their own boundaries. Peer pressure starts at a young age. Teach children how to speak up and how to listen when others do. Practice at home by playing board games or doing chores together. This teaches collaboration, communication, and turn-taking. Work on problem-solving skills. Conflict is normal, so teach your child to consider others’ perspectives and work toward solutions. Be involved – but not too involved. Create opportunities and offer guidance, but give children space to navigate social situations on their own. For more information, listen to the Thriving Kids podcast.
August 12, 2025 Child Care Job Openings in Pittsburgh Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See featured jobs for this week. Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh PRESCHOOL TEACHER Stepping Stones Early Learning Center is seeking a preschool teacher to create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children between the ages of three and 5. Responsibilities include planning and implementing curriculum, fostering social-emotional growth, and maintaining clear communication with families. Those interested should send their resume to sschildcareinfo@gmail.com. PART-TIME FLOATER The Eastminster Church Child Care Center is seeking a part-time floater that will assist lead teachers in classrooms and receive $15 hourly. Applicants should search for the position on college or university websites. LEAD INFANT TEACHER The Eastminster Church Child Care Center is seeking a lead infant teacher who loves working with children and has experience working in an early childhood setting. Applicants should search for the position on college or university websites. GROUP SUPERVISOR Providence Connections is seeking a credentialed group supervisor/assistant group supervisor for a small transition classroom (children turning age 3). CDA or greater is required. Send your resume to Leslie White at lwhite@providenceconnections.org. MANAGER: FAMILY CARE CONNECTION UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is seeking a manager for Family Care Connection. The manager will be responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight to Family Care Connection centers and programs of UPMC Children’s Hospital and the Hello Baby Initiative, which includes partnership with Allegheny County Family Centers. The manager will be responsible for all aspects of the programs, including operational, capital and personnel budgets, budget planning and preparation, and employee performance. PRESCHOOL AGE EDUCATOR Thomas Childcare and Learning Academy is seeking a Head Start preschool teacher, who will create engaging lesson plans and provide a supportive learning environment that encourages the growth of preschool-aged children. Those interested in applying should email a resume to thomasleardningacademy@gmail.com or apply on Indeed. CHILD CARE PROVIDER Love and Bright Beginnings Childcare is seeking a child care provider who has a passion for working with children and a strong understanding of childhood development. The role involves caring for children of various ages, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, while promoting their physical, emotional, and social growth. Those interested should email director@loveandbrightbeginnings.com or call 412-717-3656. CHILD CARE DIRECTOR Each One Teach One is seeking a highly motivated and experienced day care director to join the team. The ideal candidate is a dedicated, positive, and knowledgeable leader with a solid understanding of day care regulations and a commitment to creating an enriching, safe, and nurturing environment for children. Those interested should send a cover letter and resume to admin@eachoneteachonepgh.com or apply on Indeed. TODDLER TEACHER Each One Teach One is searching for a caring and energetic toddler teacher, who will create a fun and nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow through play with its Frogstreet curriculum. The teacher will help toddlers discover the world while building their confidence and skills. Those interested should apply by sending a cover letter and resume to admin@eachoneteachonepgh.com. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL The Boys and Girls Clubs of Western PA is seeking a youth development professional, who will serve as a direct-service leader in creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment that promotes the holistic development of all youth. The position implements daily programming with intentionality and enthusiasm, fostering relationships that support each child’s academic, social-emotional, and physical growth. EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh is seeking a full-time early childhood teacher for Child’s Way, a daycare center for medically fragile children. The positions works Monday through Friday, eight hour shifts per week. Under the supervision of the director of Child’s Way, the teacher is responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child enrolled in accordance with DHS, Head Start, and Keystone STARS standards. Teachers will work with the nurses, therapists, and early intervention professionals to provide a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning experience. Those interested should apply online. Submit a Job Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form. All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included. For questions, contact Elizabeth Lennox at elizabethl@tryingtogether.org. Other Jobs in Early Childhood ECE HIRE Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. SUBMIT A JOB TO PACCA Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org. Receive Jobs in Your Inbox To receive the latest job opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.
PA Promise for Children Releases August Books for Preschoolers PA Promise for Children has released its list of July books for preschoolers that includes eight titles across four categories. Learn More The list is broken down into four themed categories – Language and Literacy Skills, Social Studies Thinking, Science Thinking and Technology, and Mathematical Thinking and Expression. Books on the list include: Language and Literacy Skills Click, Clack Moo Cows That Type (Doreen Cronin) Dear Panda (Miriam Latimer) Social Studies Thinking Maisy Goes to Preschool (Lucy Cousins) Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car (John Burningham) Science Thinking and Technology Oscar and the Cricket (Geoff Waring) And Everyone Shouted, “Pull!” (Claire Llewellyn) Mathematical Thinking and Expression Lengthy, The Long Long Dog (Syd Hoff) Big Dog… Little Dog (P.D. Eastman) Check out PA Promise for Children’s full list of August books for preschoolers.
Child Mind Institute Provides Resources to Prepare Students for College The Child Mind Institute has shared a list of resources for caregivers whose children are preparing to leave for college. Learn More Getting ready for college involves more than just buying the necessary clothing or dorm-room bedding, the Child Mind Institute writes. Students need to be prepared to get to class on time, get enough sleep, balance academics with social life, and learn to handle inevitable challenges on their own when they arise. The institute has put together a College Readiness Kit that identifies challenges that college students face, especially if they are spending their first year away from home. It also offers strategies for managing these challenges. The toolkit is designed for students to use before they leave for college. It covers everything from how to manage money in college as well as how to troubleshoot challenges such as difficulty getting along with a roommate or failing a midterm. It offers parents guidelines for playing a supporting role, such as how to help a student who is nervous about leaving home or how to support children with ADHD or a learning disorder. Here are the Child Mind Institute’s resources: How Do You Manage Your Money in College? You’re Having a Conflict with Your Roommate: What Should You Do? How to Support a Child Who is Nervous About Leaving Home What Parents of Students with ADHD or Learning Disorders Need to Know Before Their Kids Go to College Medication Management in College Procrastination and College Students Preparing for College Emotionally, Not Just Academically
August 11, 2025 August Is National Immunization Month National Immunization Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Learn More Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages parents to ensure that their children’s immunizations are up-to-date as part of back-to-school preparations. According to recent CDC vaccination numbers, a large majority of children – between 80% and 92% – were vaccinated for routine immunizations, such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and other diseases. However, just less than 50% were vaccinated for the flu as of late April, while only 13% of children were up-to-date with the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health requested that all licensed child care providers complete the Annual Child Care Immunization Survey by Friday, Sept. 19 to meet state reporting requirements. Resources Below is a list of resources for educators and parents, including information on vaccines, immunization schedules, and answers to frequently-asked questions: American Academy of Pediatrics – Healthychildren.org Immunization Page CDC easy-to-read immunization schedules CDC’s vaccine website for parents Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: Information
PBS Kids for Parents Recommends Books from Around the World for Kids PBS Kids for Parents has released a list of books for young children that includes recommended stories from around the world. Learn More The “It’s a Small World” book list features stories for children, from birth to age 9, that include a tale of a Chinese American who becomes a matador in Spain and another about the various things first graders from around the world do with a lost tooth. Children, PBS for Kids writes, do not need a passport to be able to explore the world. The list includes: All the Way to Lhasa: A Tale from Tibet (Barbara Berger) – ages three to 6 El Chino (Allen Say) – ages 6 to 9 Get Ready for Gabi: A Crazy Mixed Up Spanglish Day (Marisa Montes) – ages 6 to 9 Head, Body, Legs: A Story from Liberia (Won-Ldy Paye) – ages three to 6 I Am America (Charles Smith) – ages three to 6 Mr. Popper’s Penguins (Richard Atwater) – ages 6 to 9 Sitti’s Secret (Naomi Nye) – ages 6 to 9 Stories to Solve: Folktales from Around the World (George Shannon) – ages 6 to 9 Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World (Selby Beeler) – ages three to 6 Tortillas and Lullabies (Lynn Reiser) – ages three to 6 To view the descriptions of the books, visit PBS Kids for Parents’ website.
August 7, 2025 PA Chamber of Commerce Leaders, Teachers, and Parents Discuss Teacher Shortage Pennsylvania chamber of commerce leaders, child care teachers, and parents gathered on Zoom Wednesday to discuss how the ongoing state child care teacher shortage is forcing classrooms to close and leaving working families scrambling to find child care. During the event, participants said that the teacher shortage – driven by unlivable wages – is limiting care options for working parents and called on state lawmakers to address the shortage. Learn More Participants urged state lawmakers to prioritize child care in the 2025-26 state budget by including Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal to invest $55 million in a new and recurring Child Care Recruitment and Retention line item to boost the pay of the state’s child care teachers by $1,000. “As chamber leaders, we know that child care isn’t just a family issue – it’s an economic issue,” said Ron Aldom, executive director of the Somerset County Chamber. “This is why more than 70 of Pennsylvania’s local chambers of commerce are urging the General Assembly to invest in our child care teachers. When parents can’t find reliable, affordable care, they can’t work. When child care providers struggle to recruit and retain staff, classrooms close and employers lose valuable employees.” Albom cited the results of a statewide PA Chamber survey of employers on the impact of limited child care options on Pennsylvania businesses. The survey found that: A total 81% of employers said they have moderate or significant recruitment and retention issues due to child care challenges. A total 69% of businesses indicated that it is extremely or very important to help their employees meet their child care needs. According to the survey, he said, a total of 60% of parents reported being late for work because of child care problems, while 27% had to quit jobs and 18% were fired. Aldom also cited economic analysis from the nonprofit ReadyNation and the PA Early Learning Investment Commission that showed gaps in Pennsylvania’s child care system costing working families, employers, and taxpayers $6.65 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue. Briana Tomack, president and CEO of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce said that Pennsylvania has lost 460 of its child care providers since 2019. “In Southwest PA specifically, the numbers are at critical levels,” she said. “Fayette County has lost over 30% of its providers, Greene over 25% of their providers, and Westmoreland has lost over 11%. Imagine trying to keep a job, run a business, or even put food on the table when child care is out of reach – not for weeks, but for years.” A September survey conducted by the Start Strong PA Campaign of 1,140 state child care providers showed that 92% of child care programs reported challenges in recruiting staff, with 85% struggling with teacher shortages that are leaving more than 3,000 unfilled positions statewide. Programs could serve an additional 25,320 children if they could recruit and retain the necessary staff, and these numbers represent less than 18% of the total open registered programs in Pennsylvania. “Right now, we serve 120 children,” said Brie Rice, program specialist at Irwin’s JB’s Bright Beginnings. “But here’s the heartbreaking reality: We’re licensed for 350.” Amy Bradley, president and CEO of the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that in a September survey, 100% of the 23 providers that responded in Cambria County said they face challenges recruiting the staff they need, resulting in 64 unfilled staff positions and 748 child care spaces unavailable for working families. Dr. Leah Spangler, CEO of Johnstown’s The Learning Lamp, said there are 48 unfilled child care educator jobs in Somerset, Cambria, and Fayette counties. If fully staffed, a total of 297 more children could be served. “I wear two hats that feel impossible to balance most days,” said Sara Sisler, parent and director of curriculum, environment, and development at Judy Early Education Group. “I’m not only a parent of two young children who rely on child care, but I’m also an early educator in the field. I have witnessed the recruitment and retention challenges firsthand, as the turnover rates in our centers are at an all-time high.” Stephanie McAdoo, director of Indiana County’s Indi Kids said it is challenging to fill open child care positions because “teachers make less than cashiers at Sheetz or Target.” And Dan DeBone, president and CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber, noted that polling data has shown that Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly support increased funding to grow early childhood care and education programs. A Susquehanna poll found that Pennsylvania voters believe that early childhood education is an important component of a child leading a healthy and productive life (98%), support increasing state funding for teacher recruitment and retention (83%), and back more funding to increase pre-k teacher compensation (72%). The discussion between the county leaders, educators, and parents can be viewed online.
August 6, 2025 Confluence Podcast Episode Focuses on How to Prevent Challenging Behaviors Challenging behaviors in early learning classrooms can disrupt routines, affect classroom safety, and frustrate even the most experienced educators. Learn More A new episode of the Confluence Podcast focuses on how to prevent such behaviors before they even start. In the episode, Preventing Child Behaviors That Challenge Us and Resources Available to Providers, hosts Ruby Martin and Chris Loos discuss the real-world prevention strategies to help reduce challenging behaviors in early learning programs. Listeners will hear about proven ways to foster positive behavior before issues escalate. Staci Kenney, division chief of the Bureau of Early Intervention and Family Supports, is a guest on the podcast. She provides insight into when and how to request early intervention support, helping providers know which signs to watch for and how to connect families with the right services at the right time. The episode provides practical tools and resources to help educators – whether they are seasoned child care providers, supporting children with specific needs, or new to early education – create safer, more supportive learning environments. The podcast is available on The Pennsylvania Key website.
Pennsylvania Selected to Participate in Action Research Partnership Initiative The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) announced that Pennsylvania has been chosen as one of three states to participate in the National ECE Workforce Center’s Action Research Partnership, a yearlong initiative to drive meaningful systems change for the early childhood education workforce. Learn More Through this initiative, OCDEL will reimagine Pennsylvania’s ECE Career Pathway in collaboration with providers and in direct response to feedback from the field. The initiative is a direct response to what has been heard from early childhood education professionals across the state. Providers, educators, and community stakeholders have voiced the importance of honoring experience, reducing barriers to advancement, and recognizing the full scope of skills and roles within the field. The goal is to create a more comprehensive, flexible, and supportive system that recognizes the true value and complexity of the early childhood education profession. The effort builds on work already underway, including human-centered design workshops, extensive community engagement, and insights from OCDEL’s recent workforce study. As part of the Action Research Partnership, OCDEL will receive targeted support, collaborate with national peers, and work closely with a dedicated change team of state leaders, educators, and partners across sectors. The aim is to build a system that centers the voices of early educators, supporting recruitment, retention, and long-term growth in early childhood education across the state.
Harvard University Report Examines Relationship Between Place, Race, and Early Childhood Development Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child has released a new resource that examines the relationship between place, race, and early childhood development. Learn More The report, released in late June, noted that over the past 20 years the American public’s understanding of early childhood development has evolved and that, today, people have a general understanding of the negative impacts of significant adversity. As a result, they tend to appreciate the power of supportive relationships in building and protecting the developing brain. But, the report notes, there is still work to do when it comes to the impacts of our broader environments on children’s development, especially considering that these environments are shaped by racism. According to the Center on the Developing Child’s research, the American public does not readily connect the concepts of place, race, and early childhood development. The center identified a strategy for talking about the connections between these three things and provided a set of recommendations for advancing the strategy in early childhood educational settings. The report includes: The main ideas that the new framing strategy is designed to communicate – for example, racism affects how we design place and creates unequal impacts on children The primary ways of thinking Americans rely upon when thinking about child development, place, and racism – for example, the idea that families alone influence children’s development Four types of frames that can be used to advance greater understanding of the connection between place, racism, and development – values, narratives, explanatory examples, and metonyms More information on the Center on the Developing Child’s research can be found in an accompanying toolkit.
