January 13, 2025 Kindergarten Registration Information Available on PA Promise for Children Site Kindergarten registration for schools in Pennsylvania begins in early spring. Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children is providing some resources to find information on registering in Allegheny County. Learn More Information provided by PA Promise for Children includes the age a child needs to be to enter kindergarten as well as cut-off dates identified by each school district. To find which school district you’re located in, visit the Department of Economic Development’s municipality website. Enter your street address, city, and Zip code, and click “find municipality.” The name of the municipality, county, and school district will appear on the screen. For further kindergarten registration information, email PA Promise for Children at marhal@pakeys.org. Information is available for all 33 of Allegheny County’s school districts.
Kindergarten Here I Am Releases January List of Books Kindergarten Here I Am has released its list of January books for kindergarteners that cover a variety of topics. Learn More The books are broken into three categories – social and emotional development, mathematical thinking and expression, and science thinking and technology. January’s selections include: Social Emotional Development Corduroy (Don Freeman) Bears (Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak) There’s a Nightmare in My Closet (Mercer Mayer) Dreams (Ezra Jack Keats) Mathematical Thinking and Expression Art Lesson (Tomie dePaola) The Doorman (Edward Grimm) Science Thinking and Expression Rainbows (David Whitfield) The Rainbow Fish (Marcus Pfister) To view the selections, visit Kindergarten Here I Am’s list of January Books for Kindergarteners.
January 10, 2025 Trying Together to Host UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships in March Registration is open for Trying Together’s UnConference focusing on systemic challenges relating to access to early intervention services on March 8. Other topics will include the impacts of systemic racism, suspensions and expulsions, staffing shortages, and under-investments in early childhood education. Learn More UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships will include expert-led sessions, keynote speeches, a light breakfast with coffee and tea, and a buffet lunch. Opening remarks will provide an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together – including the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis. Participants will attend a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they will attend three 30-minute mini workshops. Keynotes and Workshops The morning’s keynote presentation will be state Rep. La’Tasha Mayes’ (D-24) “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” During her speech, she will inspire participants to see themselves as having an active role in early intervention advocacy and policy change that leads to a more inclusive early education system. The morning’s workshops include: “Exploring the Impact of Systemic Challenges on Access to Early Intervention Services: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Children in Early Childhood Settings,” led by Trying Together’s Emily Neff and Hailee B. Roye “Circle Time: Let’s Talk About EI,” a panel discussion featuring experts from Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, and Intensive Behavioral Health Services as well as a parent The afternoon’s mini workshops include: “Pyramid Model and Prevention Tips for Challenging Behaviors” “Early Intervention Toolkit: Tools and Resources for Early Care and Education Programs” “Early Intervention 101” “Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Children with Early Childhood Trauma” “Breaking the Stigma: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Families and Young Children” “Creating Calm: Interactive Sensory Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms” “Closing Session: From Awareness to Advocacy Action” The UnConference will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Kaufmann Center, located at 1825 Centre Avenue. Tickets cost $25. Space is limited. Registration is now open. Those who attend the conference will receive PQAS and Act 48 credit hours. Any questions about the UnConference should be emailed to Ben Filio at ben@tryingtogether.org. For more information about the event and session details, visit the UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships page on the Trying Together website.
January 8, 2025 Map Provides Window Into Day-to-Day Life of Early Childhood Educators Trying Together – in partnership with the Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA campaigns – has created an interactive map that highlights the day-to-day realities of child care programs around the state. These first-hand accounts depict the joys and challenges of working in the early care and education field. Learn More Visitors to the site will see the impact of low wages for educators, the closed classrooms and silent playgrounds, teachers struggling to afford basic necessities, and empty administrative offices. But they will also read stories about the joy a child finds on a swing at a program in Coraopolis or how teachers have an impact on the learning and growth of children in their communities. There’s even a story about a preschooler field trip to Burger King. The stories also show how, despite challenges, early childhood educators go above and beyond for their children and families. This includes meeting transportation needs, providing meals, and collaborating with caregivers on securing early intervention services for children. Each photo on the site was taken during an everyday moment in an early care and education program setting. The captions were written by each participant with guidance from their early childhood colleagues. Recruitment and Retention Currently, early childhood educators in child care programs make an average $15.15 per hour, which is less than $32,000 a year and does not meet the cost of living in any Pennsylvania county. Trying Together, Start Strong PA, and Pre-K for PA are all calling for early childhood educators (ECE) to be paid what they deserve. To compete with states that are doing more to keep ECE teachers in the classroom, Pennsylvania must invest $284 million in new and recurring state funding to implement a child care teacher recruitment and retention initiative. To read the stories, view the map on the A Day in the Life website.
January 7, 2025 Flyer Provides Safety Tips for Children Wearing Winter Coats in Car Seats Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children has put together a flyer alerting parents to safety issues relating to children wearing coats while in car seats. Learn More While it’s important to keep children warm during the winter, PA Promise for Children notes, young children should not wear puffy coats or snowsuits when they are in car seats. Coats and snowsuits can compress under the harness of a car seat, often as much as four inches. As a result, a child’s car seat straps might not fit properly. Sleeping bags for babies can also be unsafe for car seats as they might add extra slack under the harness. How to Keep Warm and Safe PA Promise for Children has provided several ways in which babies and young children can be kept warm and safe in their car seat when it’s cold. These include: Dress a baby or child in snug layers, such as onesies and leggings Add long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, shoes, and socks Children can wear a jacket as long as it’s not too puffy For babies, use covers specifically for car seats that are designed to provide warmth and approved by the car-seat manufacturer. For older babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners, secure them in the car seat and then turn their coat around and put it on backwards (arms through the armholes), so the coat is on top of the harness. Or, use a blanket in the car. For more information or to watch a video with tips for keeping children safe and warm in their car seat, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.
PA Promise for Children Releases List of 12 Books for Kids in the Kitchen Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children has released a list of books that will help children learn while in the kitchen. Learn More The list 12 Books for in the Kitchen includes works that are appropriate for infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten children. Each month, PA Promise for Children releases lists that are aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. The books on the list include: The Doorbell Rang (Pat Hutchins) The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle) Pancakes, Pancakes! (Eric Carle) The Kids’ Multicultural Cookbook (Deanna F. Cook) Stone Soup (Marcia Brown) We Eat Dinner in the Bathtub (Angela Shelf Medearis) Lunch (Denise Fleming) Chicken Soup with Rice (Maurice Sendak) A Chocolate Moose for Dinner (Fred Gwynne) The Wolf’s Chicken Stew (Keiko Kasza) Jamberry (Bruce Degen) Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up (Mollie Katzen) For more information, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.
January 6, 2025 Survey Aims to Address Pittsburgh Black Community Concerns, Improve Retention The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) is conducting a survey among Black Pittsburgh residents regarding their satisfaction with the city. Learn More The Black Pittsburgh Satisfaction and Retention Survey is aimed at those 18 years of age and above who self-identify as Black or African-American and live in the Pittsburgh region. The survey was launched by B-PEP in December and is being conducted by the Center on Race and Social Problems at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. Its organizers said of the survey, “We are trying to capture the different experiences of what it means to be Black and live in this city, and what are the strengths that would make people want to live here long term as well as the challenges that might be contributing to the loss of Black residents.” More Details The survey launched on December 2 and will accept responses until March 31. The results of the survey will be shared later in the year. Data compiled by the survey will be used to make resorts and recommendations on how to improve conditions for the Black community and reverse its population loss. The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey and enter their email address will have the chance to win a $10 gift card, while supplies last. The survey can be found online.
Immigrant Services and Connections Adds New Office Hours Location in Pittsburgh Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) has added a new ISAC Office hours location in the Pittsburgh region. Learn More In collaboration with its community partner, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, an ISAC Navigator is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays at the downtown library, located at 612 Smithfield St. The Navigator is fluent in Dari, Pashto, and English, and will have access to telephonic interpretation to assist any immigrant resident of Allegheny County, regardless of their first language. ISAC Office Hours do not require appointments and all locations are drop-in sites. Individuals and families can receive assistance, referrals, and education/cultural orientation on a wide variety of topics and issues. Common activities at Office Hours include: Assistance with reading and sorting mail Ask public benefits questions Start utility services and apply for utility financial assistance programs Fill out housing applications Schedule medical appointments and learn to fill prescriptions Sign up for English classes Connect with a food pantry Connect with legal, employment, and other services Learn to write checks or make online bill payments Communicate with children’s teachers, family landlords, and others While complex or crisis situations cannot adequately be addressed at Office Hours, Navigators will access or refer individuals or families to ISAC Service Coordination. A complete list of ISAC Office Hours is available online.
January 2, 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 ASSISTANT TEACHER Heritage Community Initiatives is offering an opportunity for an education professional to utilize their talents and expertise at both of its Keystone STAR 4-rated, NAEYC-accredited, and affiliated programs – Heritage 4 Kids Early Learning Center and HOST (Heritage Out of School Time). The position, which reports to the leadership team, affords an educator the chance to impact the lives of both early learning and school-age students. Those interested should email a resume to HumanResources@HeritageServices.org. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mt. Alvernia Daycare and Learning Center is seeking an executive director as its key management leader. The executive director’s responsibilities encompass all aspects of child care center operation and management. Those interested should send a resume and cover letter to mtalverniadirectorsearch@gmail.com. DIRECTOR Elizabeth United Methodist Early Learning Center is seeking a director who will be responsible for the general management of the facility, including finances, personnel, and overseeing the educational objectives of the center. The director must also maintain compliance with all county and state guidelines. Those interested should submit resumes to eumcearlylearning@gmail.com. ASSOCIATE TEACHER The University of Pittsburgh is seeking an associate teacher to support the head teacher and the University Child Development Center in the planning and implementation of an early childhood program. Associate teachers are responsible for helping to maintain the classroom, assessing and maintaining care, programming for the classroom, and ensuring the safety of all children. They are also required to maintain 12 hours of professional development annually and maintain all DHS regulations, NAEYC standards, and Keystone STARS requirements. Those interested should apply online. ASSISTANT PRE-K TEACHER Heavenly Daycare and Learning Center Inc. is seeking an assistant pre-k teacher to assist the lead teacher in creative curriculum. Those interested should email Sherry Walker at heavenlydaycare3@gmail.com. PART-TIME INFANT ASSISTANT TEACHER Providence Connections, Inc. is seeking a part-time infant assistant teacher who will be responsible for providing high-quality early educational experiences for children, aged 8 weeks to 12 months. The teacher will provide a nurturing, consistent, developmentally appropriate environment that meets the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of young children in the absence of the infant teacher. The assistant teacher will develop and maintain parent relationships and collaborate effectively with other Providence staff. Send resumes to lwhite@providenceconnections.org. PK COUNTS LEAD TEACHER The Early Learning Center at Yeshiva is looking for a Pre-K Counts lead teacher for the 2024-25 program year. Candidates should be an enthusiastic Pre-K Counts teacher who can guide a classroom of children in a variety of educational activities. The teacher will work with a classroom team to plan and provide quality care and playfully and culturally relevant learning for 3- and 4-year-old students. The prime responsibility is to facilitate the fundamental concepts students need to know as they develop, socialize with others, and work in a classroom structure. Resumes should be sent to rmhartz@yeshivaschools.com. ASSISTANT PRESCHOOL TEACHER Presbyterian Day School is seeking an assistant preschool teacher to help with all aspects of preschool instruction. Available hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Resumes should be sent to dayschool.prescor@aol.com. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA is looking for a youth development professional, who will be hands-on with youth to implement curriculum and programming on a day-to-day basis. The role is responsible for the supervision and safety of all program participants as well as relationship building. The coordinator will also ensure that all DHS Chapter 320 Regulations and BGCA Safety requirements are met. While the Boys & Girls Clubs are short staffed, the coordinator might be asked to help with any of the following age groups: preschool, school-aged, and teens. Those interested should apply directly online. CLUBHOUSE PROGRAM MANAGER – TEMPORARY The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA are seeking a clubhouse program manager to oversee various programs within such areas as partnerships, recruitment, education, social recreation, arts and culture, vocational, health and physical education, PA DHS Certification Chapter 3207 regulations, Keystone STARS, and CACFP food programming. The position is responsible for planning, developing, overseeing, implementation, and supervision of programs and program employees. This position reports directly to the clubhouse director. Those interested should apply directly online. CHILD CARE ASSOCIATE NCJW Pittsburgh is seeking a child care associate to maintain a safe, trauma-informed, and stimulating environment for children and youth at NCJW Pittsburgh’s Children’s Room in the Courts. Those interested should send a resume to info@ncjwpgh.org with the subject line “Childcare Associate.” EARLY CHILD CARE TEACHER The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is looking for a early child care teacher who can provide developmentally appropriate early childcare programming through activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving based on development levels and learning styles of children. Those interested should submit an application through the YMCA’s job listings website. BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL LEAD SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE COUNSELOR The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is seeking a fun and energetic before/after school lead school age child care counselor who can make a difference in the lives of youth. Counselors are responsible for the day-to-day operations of all activities for youth, ages 5 to 12. This includes supervision of youth, homework help, program curriculum implementation, family engagement, communication with guardians or parents, and working with fellow staff. Experience working with children is preferred. Those interested should submit an application through the YMCA’s job listings website. LEAD TEACHER Bright Light Academy is looking for a lead teacher to join its 2-year-olds’ teaching team. The ideal candidate will have an Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Children & Families as well as at least two years’ experience working with young children, preferably toddlers. Candidates should be team players and have a passion for early learning. Supervisory experience is a plus. Those interested should apply online. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Bright Light Academy is seeking a mature, experienced individual to fill the role of assistant director. The ideal candidate will have an Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Children & Families as well as two years of early learning work experience and some administrative or supervisory experience. Applicants must meet all of the requirements to be considered. Those interested should apply online. ASSISTANT/LEAD TEACHER London Bridges Child Development Center is seeking a passionate and dedicated early childhood lead or assistant teacher to join the team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for young children to thrive. Applicants should develop and implement lesson plans and activities that promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to londonbridgescdc@yahoo.com with the subject line: Assistant or Lead Teacher Application INFANT AND TODDLER SUPERVISOR The Court Time Foundation is seeking an infant and toddler supervisor who will assist the director with supervising the infant and toddler programs. Applications should be submitted to mandy.courttime@gmail.com. PRESCHOOL TEACHERS Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking preschool teachers. Full-time and part-time positions are being offered between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The position offers benefits and a competitive pay range of $16 to $18 per hour. Candidates with early childhood education, elementary education, child development, and related degrees are preferred. Applicants should email their resume to Debbie Welch, Program Director, at chcc@carriagehouse.org. MONTESSORI TODDLER TEACHER Namaste Montessori is looking for an aspiring Montessori toddler teacher to lead a classroom of children between the ages of 17 months and three years. The position will include a sponsored training for a Montessori certification. It offers competitive pay and room for growth. Those interested should email info@namastemontessori.com. 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.
January 1, 2025 City Launches Basketball Initiative as Part of Violence Prevention Commitment Mayor Ed Gainey and My Brother’s Keeper Pittsburgh has launched a late-night basketball initiative for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Learn More The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department’s CitiSports program, as part of the city’s commitment to violence prevention. The initiative aims to provide safe places where at-risk young adults can take part in constructive activities. The program will also discuss with youths how to find a path to improve their personal and professional growth. During the nine-week program, participants will have access to resources and information about supportive services that are available. The kickoff will consist of participants gathering to meet REACH workers and Stop the Violence organizations. Participants will play basketball and attend weekly skills and training development workshops before each game. Workshop focus areas will be workforce development, financial education, violence prevention, health and wellness resources, and educational attainment. Regular season games will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks at the South Side Market House. The first will be held on Tuesday, January 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This will be followed by playoff games for three weeks towards the championship game and graduation from the initiative. “In this day and age, we recognize the importance of providing our young people with constructive outlets and activities, many of which graduate out of violence prevention programs due to age, and are left without many trusted safe spaces,” Gainey said. Those interested in participating as a player, mentor, or coach can sign up online. Additional information on the program can be found on MBK Pittsburgh’s EngagePGH page.
