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Trying Together Honors Early Educators at Annual Celebration Event

News

May 1, 2026

Trying Together Honors Early Educators at Annual Celebration Event

Nearly 800 early educators, community leaders, and supporters came together for an evening of joy and recognition at Trying Together’s annual celebration event.

Held April 30 at Rivers Casino, Celebrating Together honored and uplifted the work of early childhood education. The event included a new pre-dinner reception to present the inaugural Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy, followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. 

Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy

Celebrating Together kicked off with a reception to present the inaugural Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy to the Shapiro-Davis Administration, in recognition of its historic investments in the early childhood workforce.

Local policymakers and community leaders delivered remarks touting the critical role early childhood educators play in supporting not just the growth and development of young children, but also the economic success of our region and state.

In her remarks, Pittsburgh First Lady Katie O’Connor urged greater support for early childhood educators, saying, “We must provide them with the advocacy, the resources, and the professional growth opportunities that they deserve.”

Stacy Juchno, corporate responsibility officer for PNC, emphasized the importance of community partnerships. 

“Gatherings like this remind me of the lasting change that happens through relationships,” she said. “It happens when public, private, and nonprofit partners choose to work closely together to build trust over time and commit to long-term solutions.”

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamarato rounded out remarks by sharing an optimistic and family-forward vision for the future of the county. 

Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo then presented the award, which was accepted by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis on behalf of the Shapiro-Davis administration. 

Davis expressed his gratitude for the work of early childhood educators. 

“I want to thank you on behalf of our entire administration […] for all the work that you do,” he said. “We are humbled and honored to carry this every single day and make progress for our most precious resource – our children.”

Celebrating Together

The 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner included a sit-down meal and numerous activities. 

Before dinner began, Ciminillo welcomed early childhood educators, thanking them for the work they do. 

“Let this evening be a reminder that you matter,” she said. “The care you give matters. And a society that truly values its children must first value those who care for them. Thank you for all that you do, and please enjoy your night of celebration – you deserve it!”

Ciminillo expressed appreciation for the sponsors that helped to make Celebrating Together happen before introducing Dr. Kendra Ross, head of purpose and experiences at Duolingo. 

Dr. Ross recognized Trying Together as one of Duolingo’s Social Impact team’s earliest and most trusted partners, helping them reach families and providers in Pittsburgh at the very start of a child’s learning journey. Ross also thanked those gathered. 

“Tonight is a celebration of the people who hold that trust every single day – you, the educators in this room,” she said. “You are not just doing a job. You are building the foundation on which everything else stands.”

Allegheny County District 3 Council Representative Lissa Geiger Shulman concluded remarks by presenting a proclamation that declared April the Month of the Young Child. 

Following remarks, guests were free to spend the rest of the evening eating, dancing to music provided by BMW entertainment, and participating in the activities around the event space. Photo opportunities included photobooths of three different styles, a shimmer wall, lighted signs, and balloon arches. 

Each attendee had the opportunity to assemble a vase at the flower station, while the policy team led a friendship bracelet-making activity. Guests were also given tickets for a chance to win one of 74 register-to-win baskets.

Thank you to our sponsors for your generous support!

 

 

 

 

 

Premier
Duolingo
ELRC Region 5

Supporting
PNC
The Grable Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
University of Pittsburgh
UPMC
AT&T
Highmark Health

Advocate

Carlow University
Early Childhood Funders Alliance
Champion
Allegheny Conference

LIHEAP Extended Through May 8 to Help Pay Heating Bills

News

LIHEAP Extended Through May 8 to Help Pay Heating Bills

Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended through Friday, May 8 for families who need help paying heating bills through the winter.

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LIHEAP grants help income-eligible families to pay their heating bills. Those who receive assistance do not have to repay it. LIHEAP offers both crisis and cash grants, which are one-time payments sent to a family’s utility company or fuel provider. The grants range from $200 to $1,000 and are based on household size, income, and fuel type.

Grants are available for the following:

  • One in household with $1,995 monthly income and $23,940 annual income
  • Two in household with $2,705 monthly income and $32,460 annual income
  • Three in household with $3,415 monthly income and $40,980 annual income
  • Four in household with $4,125 monthly income and $49,500 annual income
  • Five in household with $4,835 monthly income and $58,020 annual income
  • Six in household with $5,545 monthly income and $66,540 annual income
  • Each additional household member: $710 added to monthly income and $8,520 to annual income

It is not necessary to have an unpaid balance to qualify. LIHEAP grants can be applied to a past balance to establish service at a new address.

To apply for a cash grant, applicants will need:

  • Name and date of birth for all household members
  • Proof of income for all household members
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Copy of most recent utility bill (electric and gas if applicable)

Use the COMPASS online tool to apply for health and human service programs. Applications can be downloaded in English and Spanish.

Resources for May Observances

News

April 29, 2026

Resources for May Observances

Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.

Here is a list of resources for May observances:

Month Observances

MAY IS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

MAY IS ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH

MAY IS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Weeks of Recognition

MAY 4 – 8 IS NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

MAY 4 – 10 IS CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK

Days of Recognition

MAY 7 IS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY

MAY 8 IS NATIONAL CHILD CARE PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY

MAY 10 IS MOTHER’S DAY

MAY 28 IS WORLD HUNGER DAY

Pitt’s P.R.I.D.E. Program Suggests MOYC Books, Asks for Survey Participation

News

April 28, 2026

Pitt’s P.R.I.D.E. Program Suggests MOYC Books, Asks for Survey Participation

To celebrate April’s Month of the Young Child, the University of Pittsburgh’s Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education’s (P.R.I.D.E.) recent newsletter suggested six books for children to commemorate the month and asked early learning educators and caregivers to take part in a survey.

Survey

The P.R.I.D.E. survey asks parents, caregivers, educators, community partners, artists, or anyone who has worked with P.R.I.D.E. to provide perspectives and assess the program’s accomplishments since it was founded. 

The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. All responses will be confidential. One respondent will be chosen at random to receive a $50 gift card.

Book List

The P.R.I.D.E. program also selected six books for children to read to celebrate April’s Month of the Young Child. The list includes: 

  • Brown Baby Lullaby (Tameka Fryer Brown)
  • Baby Young Gifted and Black (Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins)
  • Hello Baby! (Steve Jenkins)
  • Jabari Jumps (Gaia Cornwall)
  • Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison)
  • Whose Toes Are Those? (Jabari Asim)

The University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development’s P.R.I.D.E. program was founded 10 years ago to support the positive racial identity development of Black children from birth to 8 years in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Podcast Focuses on How Caregivers Can Address Learning or Attention Issues

News

April 27, 2026

Podcast Focuses on How Caregivers Can Address Learning or Attention Issues

An estimated one in five children in the United States have a learning or attention issue, so the latest Thriving Kids podcast focuses on what caregivers should do to address these issues.

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In the podcast, Dave Anderson, the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education, joins Jacqueline Rodriguez, PhD, the CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to discuss the topic.

The podcast includes discussion of what caregivers are seeing and feeling when their child starts to struggle, why early screening and evidence-based intervention can make a life-changing difference, and how evolving language around learning disabilities – from “learning disorder” to “neurodivergent” – reflects a shift in how people are owning their identities. 

Other strategies for caregivers with children with learning or attention difficulties include:

  • Help them reframe the narrative; listen closely to how a child talks about themselves and their abilities – if you hear “I’m stupid” or “I can’t do anything right,” gently help them to reframe those thoughts. A learning disability means that their brain works differently, and not that they’re less capable.
  • Practice speaking up. Self-advocacy is a skill that gets easier with practice; role-play conversations your child might have with a teacher, such as asking for extra time on a test. The more comfortable they are using their voice now, the better prepared they’ll be in middle school, high school, and beyond.
  • Talk with them about their diagnosis – and early. Children are often more capable of understanding things than they are given credit for, and a learning specialist can help to find age-appropriate language. The sooner they can say that they have dyslexia or learn differently, the sooner they can advocate for themselves.

For more information, listen to the latest Thriving Kids podcast.

Application Process Opens for Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program

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Application Process Opens for Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program

The application process for the 2026 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program is open.

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Young people between the ages of 14 and 23 can apply for the program through Friday, June 5. Each year, Learn & Earn connects Allegheny County youth with summer opportunities that build skills, confidence, and pathways to future careers.

Since launching in 2014. The program has supported more than 14,000 participants and invested more than $15 million in wages, helping to strengthen the region’s future workforce.

“Learn & Earn is an investment in the next generation of Pittsburghers,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “This program provides the partnerships our young people need to try something new, develop skills, build a network, and work with mentors to become our region’s next professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs.”

Learn & Earn offers a structure pathway that is designed to meet young people where they are and support their growth:

  • Tier 1: Career Exploration (Age 14) – Youth build foundational skills through interactive workshops, career exploration activities, job shadowing, and industry tours. Participants earn $10 per hour for up to 100 hours.
  • Tier 2: Work Experience (Ages 15-19) – Participants are placed at worksites where they gain hands-on experience, develop workplace skills, and build professional connections, while learning $12 per hour and working up to 120 hours.
  • Tier 3: Advancement (Ages 20-23) – Young adults receive up to 150 hours of industry training, with opportunities to earn credentials and connect to full-time employment or registered apprenticeships. Tier 3 participants earn up to $15 per hour.

Regional businesses are encouraged to get involved by hosting a Learn & Earn participant. In 2025, more than 190 worksites participated. Those interested in becoming a host site should contact Stephanie Bales at summer@partner4work.org. 

For more information, take a look at the program’s recent announcement.

Trying Together Names Project Destiny Director as Advocate of the Month

News

April 24, 2026

Trying Together Names Project Destiny Director as Advocate of the Month

Trying Together has selected Gwen Marcus, the director of Project Destiny, as its April advocate of the month.

Project Destiny provides a safe place where youth and families can find resources and get involved in support groups or cultural and educational programming. It aims to heighten children’s expectations and promote cultural awareness, respect, and physical, emotional, and social growth.

Learn More

Trying Together Kindergarten Transition Program Director Valerie Williams said that Gwen frequently gets involved in numerous activities – including sending children’s artwork to state legislators, attending Trying Together’s UnConferences, staff training, engaging with Hi5!, and partnering with community organizations to build broader connections.

“Gwen always shows up!,” Williams said.

Marcus said she became an advocate for early childhood education because she wanted to see change for early childhood educators, caregivers, and children.

“To be honest, I was a little hesitant at first,” she said. “I thought my voice wouldn’t make a difference. But the more I talked to advocates, I realized I wanted to be part of the change. Classrooms were closing, parents were struggling to pay for services, and it was becoming difficult to maintain staff – and the staff who stayed were finding it difficult to make ends meet.”

She said that in the years since she has made the decision to become an early childhood advocate, she has challenged elected officials to do right by early childhood educators.

“I also challenge early childhood educators, families, and community partners to raise their voices and start advocating for the future of our scholars, our community, and for the quality of our care for our future leaders, which they deserve and should receive,” she said.

 

 Hear why advocacy is important to Gwen:

PA Promise for Children Releases April List of Books for Children

News

April 22, 2026

PA Promise for Children Releases April List of Books for Children

PA Promise for Children has released its list of April books for preschoolers that includes eight books across four categories.

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The list, which was included in PA Promise for Children’s latest Kindergarten Here I Come newsletter, lists recommendations in four categories – Languages and Literacy Skills, Social and Emotional Development, Scientific Thinking and Technology, and Mathematical Thinking and Expression.

The books on the list include:

Language and Literacy Skills

  • Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (William Steig)
  • Three Pebbles and a Song (Eileen Spinelli)

Social and Emotional Development

  • A Day’s Work (Eve Bunting)
  • Families (Susan Kuklin)

Scientific Thinking and Technology

  • Me and the Measure of Things (Joan Sweeney)
  • What Will Hatch? (Jennifer Ward)

Mathematical Thinking and Expression

  • Kindergarten Count to 100 (Jacqueline Rogers)
  • How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? (Jane Yolen)

To view the list, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.

How to Celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week in April

News

April 21, 2026

How to Celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week in April

The National Afterschool Association will celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week from April 20 to 24 and has provided some tips on how teachers and students can commemorate the week.

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The week is intended to be a time to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. 

According to the National Afterschool Association, an estimated 10 million young people participate in afterschool programs annually that are staffed by more than 850,000 afterschool professionals, many of whom are often not recognized or appreciated for their work.

Research shows that afterschool programs run by skilled professionals result in increased social-emotional skills, school attendance, and academic performance.

The National Afterschool Association has recommended some ways to show appreciation for afterschool professionals:

  • Write on social media: “Research shows that afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. #heartofafterschool”
  • Give a hand-written card from you or your child to the afterschool professionals you know.
  • Send an email to an afterschool professional’s supervisor describing why that person is appreciated. 
  • Make healthy treats for the staff at your afterschool program.

For more information on Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, visit the National Afterschool Association’s website.

Remake Learning Days to Kick Off May 1 in Southwestern PA

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Remake Learning Days to Kick Off May 1 in Southwestern PA

Remake Learning Days – which celebrates its 10th year in 2026 – will kick off on May 1 with hundreds of events across southwestern Pennsylvania, including a science-themed event at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center.

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The festival, which runs May 1 to 23 in southwestern Pennsylvania, currently lists more than 160 Allegheny County events on its website.

Some of the events include a science activity involving the weather at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, a chess tournament at the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh, bracelet making at The Drawing Board Studios, an interactive sensory-friendly video game at Attack Theatre, hands-on STEM activities and telescope views at the Allegheny Observatory, exploring the Guyasuta Watershed in Fox Chapel, a Girls in Gaming summit at Carnegie Mellon University, and a robot-building activity for third graders hosted by the Shaler Area School District.

A full listing of events in Allegheny County can be found on the Remake Learning Days website. Events can also be found in other southwestern Pennsylvania regions as well as locations around the state.

Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Event

The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center and the YMCA will present the Kamin Science Center’s new Mobil Planetarium during an event on Friday, May 15.

Attendees at the event will be able to take a journey through the stars in an inflatable, immersive planetarium experience. They will also be able to take part in a constellation craft.

There will be several shows between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the YMCA Homewood Brushton Branch, located at 7140 Bennett Street. The event, which runs until 7:30 p.m., also includes food and games between planetarium shows. Those interested in the event can register online.

About Remake Learning Days

Remake Learning Days is an innovative, national learning festival for youth and families that includes thousands of hands-on learning events for children of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, parks, museums, play spaces, community centers and more.

The festival’s activities are generally aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 17 as well as adults. These can include anything from building a robot to coding an art spinner, directing a film, making music, or doing scientific work.