OCDEL Seeking Nominations for ECE Professionals to Be Recognized

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January 7, 2026

OCDEL Seeking Nominations for ECE Professionals to Be Recognized

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will recognize those in the early childhood education field who have made accomplishments in 2025.

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OCDEL is planning on recognizing early childhood education professionals in the following areas:

  • Academic
  • Years of service
  • Retirement

The recognitions apply to all staffing positions within an early learning program, including, but not limited to:

  • Directors
  • Classroom staff (teachers, aides, etc.)
  • Support staff (receptionists, janitors, kitchen staff, etc.)

Submissions can be nominations (submitted by someone else) or self-submitted (submitted by the individual to be recognized). Eligible submissions will receive a letter of recognition from OCDEL Deputy Shante’ Brown.

The deadline to submit a recognition is Wednesday, February 4. 

OCDEL Extends Rapid Response Team Grants for a Year

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OCDEL Extends Rapid Response Team Grants for a Year

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced that the Rapid Response Team Grants funded through the Preschool Development Birth to Five initiative have been extended.

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The one-year extension will enable Rapid Response Team current grantees to maintain their regional coordination efforts aimed at enhancing the capacity of the early childhood education workforce.

Rapid Response Teams are critical in supporting young children in care settings and reducing suspension and expulsion rates through timely, collaborative classroom support. 

Originally scheduled to conclude on December 31, many organizations had already begun closeout activities in anticipation of the deadline. 

For more information on the Rapid Response Team grant and other Preschool Development Birth to Five initiatives, visit the PDG website.

Deadline for Pennie Marketplace Open Enrollment is January 15

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January 6, 2026

Deadline for Pennie Marketplace Open Enrollment is January 15

The final deadline for the state’s Pennie health insurance marketplace annual open enrollment is Thursday, January 15.

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Coverage for those who signed up for Pennie by the December 15 deadline began on January 1, but it will start on Sunday, February 1 for those who enroll between December 16 and January 15.

Open enrollment healthcare can help those who use it to find affordable health insurance plans and offers:

  • A simple process of finding suitable insurance plans
  • Guidance from licensed agents
  • Ability to compare different options in a single place
  • Superb customer support

Those who visit the website or call can receive a quote for individual or family coverage.

Those interested in enrolling or changing plans can get free help on Pennie’s website or by calling 1-844-844-8040.

Afterschool Alliance Survey Aims to Gather Information on Program Needs

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Afterschool Alliance Survey Aims to Gather Information on Program Needs

The Afterschool Alliance is asking those who operate afterschool or summer learning programs to take a survey to provide information on the needs that their programs face.

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The intention of the survey is for the alliance to better understand the support that afterschool and summer learning programs are currently providing as well as the challenges they face. It is also meant to gain insight into what the needs are for programs to be able to better help the children and families they serve.

Answers in the survey will provide information that the alliance will share with funders, policymakers, education leaders, and the public on the importance of increasing investments to afterschool and summer programs that foster learning, connection, and belonging.

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. All responses will be anonymous. 

Those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing in which 50 respondents will receive a $50 gift card. Those interested in taking the survey can do so online.

Thriving Kids Podcast Episode Focuses on Building Kindness and Resilience

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January 5, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Episode Focuses on Building Kindness and Resilience

In today’s complex world, it is more difficult than ever to raise children who are kind, resilient, and prepared to handle life’s challenges.

From navigating big feelings and social stress to constantly evolving technology and the growing need for independence, helping children to build coping skills, stay connected, and develop confidence requires patience, practice, and repeated conversations from caregivers.

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In the latest Thriving Kids podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD – the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education – joins Melinda Wenner Moyer, an award-winning journalist and the author of “Hello Cruel World: Science-Backed Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.”

The podcast’s discussion focuses on how to support children in building the core skills needed to thrive in realistic and sustainable ways without falling into fear-based or perfection-driven parenting.

Some of the topics discussed include:

  • How listening – not lecturing – can strengthen the parent-child connection
  • Why caregivers should have ongoing conversations with children about tech, media, and money
  • What it looks like to be an “autonomy-supportive” caregiver and why it matters

The Child Mind Institute has recommended other strategies for raising confident and independent children:

  • Shift away from fix-it mode: When children are young, the job is to be fixers and protectors, but somewhere along the way, caregivers’ job changes to become consultants, rather than fix all of a child’s problems for them.
  • Embrace scaffolding: This term describes the consultant role, in which caregivers offer support and encourage children to decide how they want to tackle challenges on their own. While caregivers cannot protect children from life’s trials, they can give them tools to self-advocate and solve problems for themselves, helping them to develop the grit they need to survive and succeed.
  • Teach children that it’s OK to fail: Children will make poor choices, and that’s OK. When they make the wrong decision, guide them to think about what went wrong and why, so they can make a different choice next time. Caregivers who swoop in and solve their problems for them prevent children from growing.

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

December Recalls on Children’s Products

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December Recalls on Children’s Products

Below is a list of December recalls from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company recalled its chocolate bars due to almonds not being declared in the ingredients statement. The statement incorrectly identified macadamia nuts as present in the product.

HydroJug recalled its 14-ounce children’s sport tumblers due to the choking risk posed. The rivets on the handle can come loose, causing it to detach and pose a choking hazard for children.

Casaottima recalled its 13-drawer dressers due to the serious risk of injury or death they pose from tipping over. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in a child’s injury or death.

The Little Pea Shop recalled its crib bumpers, which violate a federal crib bumper ban because they can obstruct an infant’s breathing, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to suffocation.

Cubimana recalled its building toy sets due to the risk they pose of serious injury or death from battery ingestion. The battery compartment within the LED light piece contains button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children. When swallowed, the batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death.

KTEBO recalled its writing tablet toys due to the risk posed of battery ingestion by children. The screw used to secure the battery compartment on the toys does not remain attached as required. If a child accesses the button cell batteries, they can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death if ingested.

Primark recalled its Little Bear 2-pack soother clips due to the risks posed of choking or laceration. The wooden button on the soother clips can come off, exposing a sharp screw, which can lead to choking or lacerations.

SKCAIHT recalled its children’s costumes, which pose a risk of exposure to Phthalate. The costumes contain a prohibited phthalate, which is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects.

Uuoeebb recalled its infant walkers due to the risks posed to children of serious injury or death from falling or entrapment. The walkers can fit through a standard doorway and fail to stop at the edge of a step, posing a deadly fall hazard. They also have leg openings that can allow the child to slip down until its head can become entrapped.

YCXXKJ recalled its baby bath seats due to the drowning risk posed to children. The seats are unstable and can tip over while in use, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to drowning.

Luyuan recalled its youth ATVs because their mechanical suspension does not comply with safety requirements, posing a crash hazard. Additionally, the handlebars pose a laceration hazard if the child rider’s body or head strikes the handlebars at high speed.

Pacific Cycle recalled its Schwinn Ovation Bicycle Child Carriers because the buckles securing the restraints around a child can release during use, posing a fall hazard.

Furnulem recalled its 8-drawer dressers due to the risk of serious injury or death to children if the dressers tip over. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in injury or death to children.

17 Stories Furniture recalled its 18-drawer dressers due to the risk of serious injury or death posed to children from tip-over and entrapment hazards. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing in tip-over and entrapment hazards.

Plantimex recalled its Mamisan Lidocaine Ointment containers due to risks posed to children of child poisoning. The ointment contains lidocaine, but is not in child-resistant packaging, posing a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if swallowed by young children.

Feel the Beard recalled its Minoxidil beard growth serum bottles due to the risk of child poisoning. The serum contains minoxidil, but it is not in child-resistant packaging. This poses a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if young children swallow the contents.

KKL Fabric recalled its 9-drawer dressers because they 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.

SereneLife Home recalled its above-ground pools, 48 inches and taller, due to drowning hazards posed to children. The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool and posing a drowning hazard.

Blue Wave recalled its above-ground pools, 48 inches and taller, due to drowning hazards posed to children. The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool and posing a drowning hazard.

Meaicezli recalled its play purse sets due to the risk of serious injury death posed to children by battery ingestion. The toy cell phone contains button cell batteries and the toy tablet contains a lithium coin battery that can be easily accessed by children. When swallowed, the batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, and death.

Tickets Available for MOYC Celebration

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January 2, 2026

Tickets Available for MOYC Celebration

This spring, Trying Together will host Celebrating Together, a special evening for early childhood educators and all who support them. Scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at Rivers Casino, this celebration will include a new VIP Reception followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. Get your tickets now to be part of this evening of celebration and fun!

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Trying Together recognizes April as Month of the Young Child as a way to uplift the incredible work of early childhood educators. In 2025, nearly 800 educators and supports came together at the Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. 

This year, Trying Together is excited to unveil Celebrating Together – a reimagined event that will include a new VIP reception to present the inaugural Governor Josh Shapiro Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy, followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. The VIP reception will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails/mocktails, and networking opportunities. The dinner will include food stations, music, register-to-win opportunities, photo booths, and other activities. 

See full details and purchase tickets.

For more information, contact special events manager Gabby Lisella at gabby@tryingtogether.org or 412-204-6415, or by visiting the event’s website.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals can purchase full-color advertisements to appear in the 2026 Celebrating Together program book. It is also possible to honor an early childhood educator by adding their name to the Recognition List in the program book. To sponsor the VIP reception or dinner, view Trying Together’s MOYC Sponsor Sheet. For more information, contact assistant director of development Maria Pisano at maria@tryingtogether.org or 412.421.3734.

Allegheny County Announces New Out-of-School-Time Programs Dashboard

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Allegheny County Announces New Out-of-School-Time Programs Dashboard

The Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives (DCI) has created a new Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs Dashboard to explore the locations of OST programs in the county.

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The interactive tool, which was developed in partnership with RAND and made possible with funding from the McElhattan Foundation,  is intended to make data and information supporting children more available. 

The tool allows users to explore the locations of OST programs throughout Allegheny County and relate these to other features, such as schools, public transportation, youth population, and community needs.

Using the Tool

The tool’s filters are available using selectors on the website’s top right-hand corner that display programs based on certain features, such as their location on school property, program type, by community level of need, and/or municipality. 

The tool’s Select a School District Boundary feature helps to focus the map and display both OST programs and schools within the district’s boundary.

The map’s More Tools menu provides additional features that allow users to search the map by address, toggle feature layers, and change the basemap.

Map Popups show more information based on the selected layer – for example, OST Programs, Community Need Index, and Youth Population provide detailed, unique information when visualized in the Layers tool.

All filters can be reset by selecting the Reset Arrow on the bottom right that appears after a filter is applied. Selecting the reset button returns the dashboard to its default settings and position. 

To search for out-of-school-time programs in your community, check out the OST Programs Dashboard.

Resources for January Observances

News

December 30, 2025

Resources for January 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 January observances.

Month-Long Observances

INTERNATIONAL CREATIVITY MONTH

NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

NATIONAL HOBBY MONTH

Week-Long Observances

NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK

Day Observances

JANUARY 2 IS MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION DAY

JANUARY 3 IS INTERNATIONAL MIND-BODY WELLNESS DAY

JANUARY 17 IS KID INVENTORS DAY

JANUARY 19 IS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

JANUARY 21 IS NATIONAL HUGGING DAY

JANUARY 24 IS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION

JANUARY 24 IS NATIONAL COMPLIMENT DAY

JANUARY 26 IS INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DAY

JANUARY 28 IS NATIONAL LEGO DAY

JANUARY 29 IS NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY

JANUARY 31 IS INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY

Child Mind Institute Resources Focus on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Children

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December 29, 2025

Child Mind Institute Resources Focus on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Children

It is not uncommon for some children to take part in such nervous habits as pulling hair, biting nails and picking skin – but plucking hair to the point where there are bald spots or picking at skin until it bleeds can be signs of a disorder. In such cases, children might need treatment because they can’t control their actions.

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The Child Mind Institute has released a new series of resources on body-focused disorders – or what experts call body-focused repetitive behaviors. These can include trichotillomania (hair pulling) and excoriation (skin picking), which are related to obsessive compulsive disorder but don’t usually start until after puberty.

Children often take part in such habits as a way to cope with anxiety or negative emotions. Pulling their hair or picking their skin might give a temporary sense of relief, which is why they continue to do it.

Unlike other habits – such as cutting or self-injury – children who pick skin or pull hair are not deliberately trying to hurt themselves. 

Below are several articles from the Child Mind Institute on body-focused repetitive behaviors.