November 25, 2025 Carnegie Library Card Holders Can Utilize Variety of Free Services The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has a massive selection of books for children and their families, but library card holders can take advantage of a number of other services for free. Learn More A recent edition of Hey Pittsburgh’s newsletter cited six free things that Pittsburgh residents can get with their library card. The daily newsletter even created a podcast to discuss the activities. Free activities and services listed by Hey Pittsburgh include: Borrowing power tools from the Millvale Community Library, which has a collection of more than 1,000 hand and power tools for building, home maintenance, gardening, plumbing, car repairs, and bike tuneups Digitizing photos and videos at the Recollection Studio’s DIY digitization lab in Oakland, which has hardware, software, and documentation to digitize VHS tapes, audio cassette tapes, documents, photographs, slides, and negatives Borrowing bakeware from the Library of Things, which has an entire cooking and baking catalog where visitors can find everything from popcorn, ice cream, and waffle makers to holiday cookie cutters and cake pan shapes for themed birthday parties Digging into family history at the main branch of the Carnegie Library in Oakland, which has a local history and genealogy section where visitors can book appointments to research their family tree through newspaper clippings going back to the early 1900s, a microfilm collection with census records and city directories, and books with instruction on cemetery research Picking up a new hobby. Music lovers can borrow synthesizers, beatmakers, sequencers, effects pedals, recording equipment, and instruments. Sports and outdoor enthusiasts can check out pickleball and tennis racket sets, bocce ball, corn hole, and a fishing rod kit. Those who love the arts can access a wide variety of online crafting tutorials through Creativebug such as quilting, embroidery, bookbinding, sewing, and such tools as a pottery wheel. Getting free or discounted tickets to a number of cultural attractions – such as the Carnegie museums, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Pirates games – with the RAD Pass. Listen to the Hey Pittsburgh podcast to hear more about free activities that the Carnegie Library system offers.
PennAEYC Asks Members to Fill Out Survey by Nov. 30 The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) is asking for members to fill out a survey about whether the organization is meeting their needs. Learn More By filling out the survey, members will enable PennAEYC to be a stronger advocacy voice for children and families in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. Insights shared in the survey will help to guide the organization’s programs, advocacy efforts, and member benefits. Those interested in taking the survey, which takes approximately three minutes, should do so by Sunday, November 30. Responses will be confidential. Questions include the responders’ age, current role in early childhood education, the primary reason for joining PennAEYC, factors that will be considered in renewing membership, and which services are most valuable. Those interested in filling out the survey can do so online.
November 24, 2025 Shapiro Discusses State’s New Child Care Worker Recruitment and Retention Bonuses Gov. Josh Shapiro and Val Arkoosh, secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, highlighted the state’s new recruitment and retention bonuses for child care workers during an event in Bristol. Learn More Shapiro dropped by the Children of God Educational Services to discuss the new $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program that aims to address the state’s child care workforce shortage. The program was part of the state’s recently passed budget. During his discussion of the budget, Shapiro noted that items passed in it would: Create an employer child care contribution tax credit that encourages businesses to make contributions to their employees’ child care and be able to write it off Add a new $25 million child care line item in the budget that is earmarked for recruitment and retention bonuses for child care workers at licensed child care facilities. As a result, 55,000 child care workers would get a bonus of up to $450. “We’re making it more affordable by putting over $130 million back in people’s pockets who are trying to afford child care and making it more available for families by opening up more slots by hiring more teachers,” Shapiro said. “We need to invest in the well-being of our children. We need to invest in economic opportunity. This budget does all of that.” To listen to Shapiro speak about the budget and the new child care recruitment and retention line item, watch this video on YouTube.
Pittsburgh Offering Sensory-Friendly Events During Holiday Season The holidays are a magical time for many children, from the visits with family and holiday treats to an abundance of lights everywhere. For some other children, these same attributes can be stressful and cause anxiety. Learn More Kidsburgh recently put together a list of sensory-friendly activities and events taking place in the Pittsburgh region that are aimed at ensuring that all attendees are able to enjoy them comfortably. The list includes: Holiday Magic at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Through Sunday, January 4) – The conservatory will offer sensory-sensitive hours through a partnership with the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. The holiday-themed gardens include a poinsettia showcase and a Winter Light Garden. Holiday Lights at Kennywood Park – The amusement park will offer a variety of accommodations for those with disabilities or special needs. The park will put up millions of lights, host a meeting with Santa Claus, and keep more than 25 rides open. Santa at the Heinz History Center – The museum offers sensory-friendly accommodations, such as sensory bags and quiet spaces. All children ages 17 and below will get in for free. Santa Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – There will be a special sensory-friendly Santa Trolley on Sunday, November 30 and the museum has sensory accommodations available at every event. Attendees will be able to meet Santa Claus before taking a ride on an antique streetcar. Sensory-friendly shopping hours at the Handmade Arcade Holiday Market – The market at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center runs from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7. Sensory-friendly shopping hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, during which stimulation will be reduced for a less overwhelming shopping experience. “The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts – The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will hold a sensory-friendly performance of the holiday classic on Sunday, December 7. The performance is aimed at those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivity, or other individual needs. A Very Yinzer Christmas – This performance on Saturday, December 8 at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts will feature more than 25 Pittsburgh musicians. Proceeds will benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a local organization that creates music programs for those on the autism spectrum. Sensory-friendly hours at the National Aviary – The aviary will offer a sensory-friendly version of its “Passport to Parks” presentation on Wednesday, December 10 that is designed to avoid dysregulation. It will include a sensory guide, quiet zones, and sensory tools. “A Musical Christmas Carol” at the Byham Theater – This adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel is set to seasonal music and will run from Thursday, December 11 to Monday, December 22. A sensory-friendly performance will be held on Sunday, December 21 at 10 a.m. Holiday Pops at Heinz Hall – The Pittsburgh Symphony, Mendelssohn Choir and guest vocalist Blaine Alden Krauss will perform during this holiday music event, which runs from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 21. A sensory-friendly version of the show will take place on Sunday, December 21 with tickets priced at $15. For more information on these holiday-themed, sensory-friendly events, read the entire Kidsburgh article.
How the Holidays Can Make Some Children Stressed and Anxious – and How to Help Although the holiday season can be a great time for children to make memories and have fun with family, it can also be stressful for other young people who have anxiety, ADHD, or sensory challenges. Learn More Some children can become overwhelmed by the added pressures that are associated with the holidays. So, Understood has put together a list of eight common ways in which children can become stressed out or anxious during the holidays and how to help. The list includes: Dressing Up – Sensory processing challenges can cause problems for children who are sensitive to touch; therefore, dressing up in clothes they wouldn’t normally wear that feature textures to which they are unaccustomed can cause anxiety. To help, give a child a choice between two acceptable outfits, remove itchy tags, and bring a change of everyday clothes to switch out as soon as possible. Seeing Santa – Meeting Santa Claus can be overwhelming for children with learning and thinking differences; plus, those with language difficulties may worry about telling Santa what they want. To help, ask the child if they want to go – and if they say “no,” respect that; also, practice with them what to tell Santa in advance and consider letting Santa know if the child gets nervous around strangers. Gift Getting – Children can be disappointed if they don’t get the gift they wanted, and anxious children might worry about hurting someone’s feelings if they don’t hide their disappointment. To help, talk in advance about the importance of acknowledging the thought behind a gift and rehearse appreciative responses. Holiday Foods – Children with picky palates or sensory challenges might find the flavors, smells, or textures of certain holiday foods hard to deal with; they might also be hesitant to try new things and become anxious if pressured to do so. To help, show a child how to take “thank-you” bites during a meal; after a small taste, they can say whether they want more – but also bring along food that the child likes. Parties and Holiday Gatherings – Social situations can be especially difficult for some children who are afraid to meet new people or speak to relatives they haven’t seen in a long time. To help, give a child a graceful out: If the party is local and you can find a sitter, it’s OK for the child to miss the gathering; if you’re traveling and this is not possible, find an out-of-the-way spot from which the child can watch the gathering or ask the host if there’s a room where they can hang out. Small Talk – Some children with learning or thinking differences might be uncomfortable talking about school or struggle with conversation skills when being asked typical questions during chitchat. To help, role-play social interactions with the child and help them to come up with answers to common questions while practicing how to engage in conversation; teach them polite ways to change topics, such as asking questions of the other person, and agree on a signal if they need an adult to jump in. Performances or Recitals – School holiday performances can cause children to feel anxious, especially if they have to learn lines and dance moves or adjust to changes in routines. To help, talk with the child’s school about expectations for the performance and ask how to help the child prepare at home; work together to create a game plan for the child to discreetly leave the stage if it’s too overwhelming. Naughty or Nice – Children likely hear a lot about whether they are being “naughty or nice” and those who think literally may not understand that they’re not really being watched. To help, consider letting them in on the secret; helping out with Elf on the Shelf antics can make them feel grown up, while reading fables and fairy tales together provides the opportunity to discuss how some books exaggerate to express a message. For more information on the eight scenarios, read Understood’s article.
November 21, 2025 Providers Charging Private Pay Rates Urged to Complete Market Rate Survey by Dec. 8 The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is reminding licensed child care providers who charge private pay tuition rates to complete the annual Market Rate Survey by Monday, December 8. Learn More OCDEL is required to collect up-to-date information from all licensed providers every three years. The 2025 Child Care Market Rate Survey helps OCDEL to set child care subsidy payment rates that are reflective of the private pay market. Even programs that don’t accept subsidies should fill out the survey. When all providers complete the survey, the date gives a more accurate picture of child care tuition rates in Pennsylvania. Filling out the survey helps to set payment rates for child care subsidies over the next four years and supports policies that better reflect the real structure and value of child care services statewide. When more providers respond, rates are fairer and reflect real tuition rates. It also strengthens the case for public investment in child care for everyone. The survey is being conducted by the Institute of State and Regional Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg in partnership with OCDEL and The Pennsylvania Key. The survey should be filled out no later than December 8. Below, watch a video in which Shante Brown, deputy secretary at OCDEL, calls on providers to take part in the survey.
November 20, 2025 PA Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women Hosts Discussion on Child Care Crisis The Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women hosted a virtual discussion earlier this week between business and government leaders and child care advocates about the state’s child care crisis. Learn More The discussion – which took place on Monday – focused on the ongoing child care crisis, which has forced many parents to leave the workforce due to the lack of access to affordable child care. “Ensuring affordable, high-quality child care depends on bold, ongoing investment in the educators who power our commonwealth,” said Cara Ciminillo, Trying Together’s executive director. “Early educators are the workforce behind every thriving community. By continuing to invest in them, Pennsylvania can strengthen its economy, support families, and build a child care system that positions our state for long-term prosperity.” The topics focused on during the discussion – which included Trying Together and various other organizations – will inform the commission’s future recommendations to the Shapiro Administration. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed the state budget, which secured the following investments in child care: $25 million for a new Child Care Staff Retention and Recruitment Program, providing about $450 per employee annually to licensed Child Care Works providers A $7.5 million increase in Pre-K Counts rates, enabling providers to raise wages and stabilize the early educator workforce Continued support for the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which encourages businesses to help employees cover child care costs, and the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit for working families A $10 million increase for Early Intervention to provide coaching support and services to families and children with developmental delays and disabilities “Child care and the early learning professionals who make this work possible play an important role in supporting child development and fueling our economy,” said Shante Brown, deputy secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). “Our child care workforce makes it possible for parents to go to work knowing their children are learning and growing in an enriching, caring environment.”
November 19, 2025 Schenley Park Skating Rinks Opens for Season on November 22 Schenley Park Skating Rink will open for the season, operating seven days a week, starting on Saturday, November 22. Learn More Aside from being open every day, the rink will offer a full lineup of public skating sessions as well as a variety of special-themed events throughout the season. Special events include: Skate with Santa – Sunday, December 21 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (online tickets only) Country Night – Saturday, January 17 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mascot Skate – Saturday, January 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (online tickets only) Disco Night – Saturday, February 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (all skate) and 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (adults only) Valentine’s On Ice – Saturday, February 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (family all skate) and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (adults only) (online tickets only) Family skate nights will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, during which one child will skate for free with a paying adult. Little Penguins will begin at the rink in January. Other sessions include Tuesdays from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission to the rink is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and veterans with ID, and $3 for youth (ages 17 and below). Skate rentals are $3 per skater. Students can receive a $5 ticket with ID. “The Schenley Park Skating Rink is one of Pittsburgh’s most cherished winter attractions, and we’re thrilled to welcome families, friends, and neighbors back for another season,” said CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas. More information on the rink can be found on its website.
Businesses and Organizations Invited to Take Part in Pittsburgh Disparity Study Pittsburgh is inviting local business owners and professional organizations to participate in virtual interviews and an online business survey as part of an effort to understand and address regional disparities. Learn More Pittsburgh – in collaboration with Regional Consortium Partners and consulting firm MGT – launched the next phase of the Pittsburgh Regional Disparity Study. The new phase in the effort aims to understand and address disparities in how businesses access opportunities in the Pittsburgh region. Since the study launched in April, MGT has been working with members of the city’s business community, including small entrepreneurs and larger firms, to identify challenges and opportunities in the local economy. Now, the focus is shifting to gathering in-depth input from business owners and organizations such as small business development centers, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, funders, and technical assistance providers. The study’s aim is to ensure equitable access to economic opportunity for minority-, women-, and LGBTQ-owned businesses. “We cannot keep doing business as we have before, leaving significant portions of our population behind,” Mayor Ed Gainey said. “This study marks an important step toward building a stronger, more equitable business environment. It will provide a comprehensive roadmap of our region economy and help identify what actions are needed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive – not just survive.” Businesses and professional organizations that want to participate can take part in virtual in-depth interviews or an online business survey. Those interested in taking part in the study should visit the city’s Regional Disparity Study Engage Page.
November 18, 2025 PA Head Start Report Finds Children Experiencing Homelessness on the Rise The Pennsylvania Head Start Collaboration Office has released a new report that found a 4% increase in homelessness for children from birth through kindergarten over a period of a year. Learn More According to the report, nearly 11,000 Pennsylvania children – from birth to kindergarten age – were identified to be experiencing homelessness during the 2023-24 school year. This represents a 4% increase over one year and a 13% increase over five years. The largest increase in the report was for pre-school-aged children, with a 3% increase in children identified over one year, and a 32% increase over five years. Although infants and toddlers accounted for 34% of the 10,601 children identified in 2023-24, this represented a negligible difference over the past year but a 6% decrease over five years. However, in a section of the report titled “The Good News,” it mentioned that the number of children identified as experiencing homelessness increased in part because the education system has become more effective in identifying children experiencing homelessness since 2016 due to improved coordination with multiple human service systems at the county level and an infusion of resources from the American Rescue Plan that were not available prior to 2021. Additionally, statewide collaboration expanded through the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s (OCDEL) McKinney-Vento Advisory Group, which likely contributed to the 32% increase in the identification of pre-schoolers and a 15% increase in their enrollment in prekindergarten programs over this five-year period.w The report is the first installment in a series designed to inform state and local practitioners and policymakers about young children identified as experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania. The entire report is available on The Pennsylvania Key’s website.
