December 14, 2020 Childhood Development and Lifelong Health, Center on the Developing Child About Are you interested in learning how early childhood development and environments impact children’s lifelong physical and mental health? Check out the Center on the Developing Child’s whitepaper, “Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined.” Featured Topics In the whitepaper, researchers explore: what 21st-century science is teaching us, how early adversity affects developing biological systems, common illnesses in adults that have roots in early childhood adversity, facts about the health that are often misunderstood, future directions for policies and practice, and final reflections in a COVID-19 world. Learn More For more information, view this resource from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child.
The Lying Down Song, Early Childhood TLC About Looking to get active with your young child? Try crab walking, bear crawling, doing the superman, and more by watching this video from Early Childhood TLC. If you’re looking to get creative, try creating your own song and dance moves! For more videos like this, visit the Early Childhood TLC YouTube page. Watch the Video
Walk It Like An Animal Activity, Early Childhood TLC About Are you looking for a fun physical activity to do with your young child? Watch this video from Early Childhood TLC to jump like a kangaroo, swing like a monkey, walk like a bear, and climb like a sloth! For more music videos, visit the Early Childhood TLC YouTube page. Watch the Video
Breastfeeding Resources, Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh About To support expecting, new, and breastfeeding parents, the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh created a series of digital resources that feature information on Breastfeeding 101, How to Latch Your Baby, Breastfeeding Myths, Newborn Hunger Cues, and more. Additionally, the Center provides access to coordinated care, virtual visits, lactation consultations, prenatal breastfeeding classes, breastfeeding supplies, and more. To learn more, visit their website or call 412.246.4726. Access Digital Resources To access the full database of resources, visit the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh website.
How Racism Can Affect Child Development, Harvard Center About To explain the effect of racism on child development, the Harvard Center on the Developing Child created a digital infographic entitled, “How Racism Can Affect Child Development.” The infographic explains how racism in particular gets “under the skin” and affects learning, behavior, and lifelong health. To learn more, view the infographic. Download This Resource This resource is also available as a downloadable PDF.
Child Development and Lifelong Health, Harvard Center About In their Working Paper entitled “Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined,” the Harvard Center on the Developing Child “examines how developing biological systems in the body interact with each other and adapt to the contexts in which a child is developing—for better or for worse—with lifelong consequences for physical and mental health.” Featured Topics The Working Paper examines the following topics: What 21st-Century Science is Teaching Us How Early Adversity Affects Developing Biological Systems Common Illnesses in Adults Have Roots in Early Childhood Adversity Facts About Health That Are Often Misunderstood Future Directions for Policy and Practice Final Reflections in a COVID-19 World More Information For more information, read the full Working Paper. This resource is available as a downloadable PDF.
Anti-Racism Resources for Families About As parents and caregivers, we have a responsibility to ensure that every child and family is safe from racism and discrimination and has equitable opportunities to thrive. In order to do this, we must begin with ourselves. Set aside time in your day to do a personal inventory. What thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have you contributed to upholding systems of racism? What assumptions are you making? What actions or inactions have you taken that contribute to systems of oppression? Next, consider your family and your friends—what behaviors, statements, or jokes have gone unchecked? What actions or inactions have you taken within your interpersonal relationships that have contributed to an unsafe community for our black and brown children, neighbors, and colleagues? How might you begin to lead by example within your own family or community? Anti-racism work is something that has to be attended to in an ongoing way. In order to support you in this work, Trying Together compiled the following resources. This list is not exhaustive. Resources for Adults Video: ‘I Can’t Breathe: From Agony to Activism’, Pitt Diversity Implicit Bias Test, Harvard Anti-Racism Resources, Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein Black History Month Library African American History: From Emancipation to the Present, Yale 5 Ways White People Can Take Action in Response to White and State-Sanctioned Violence, Medium The critical role white parents play in shaping racism — and eradicating it, PBS How Not to be an Ally: Common missteps and advice for effective allyship, Psychology Today An Anti-Racist Reading List, The New York Times Mental Health Support and Education, Steel Smiling Center for Race & Gender Equality, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Race Research Online Directory, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work How to raise anti-racist kids: 20 resources for parents, Motherly Podcast: Notice the Rage, Notice the Silence, On Being with Krista Tippett Talking About Race, National Museum of African American History & Culture Want to support Black Lives Matter? Here’s where to start in Pittsburgh., Kidsburgh Why Raising Kids to ‘Not See Color’ Doesn’t Help Fight Racism, HuffPost Video: What I am learning from my white grandchildren – truths about race, TEDx Talks Video: Juneteenth Round Table with Rep. Chris Rabb & Rep. Ed Gainey, For Our Future Pennsylvania Race and Equity Resource List, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Antiracism Meditation Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others, Pepperdine University In My Skin Podcast, University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development Mental Health Issues Facing the Black Community, Sunshine Behavioral Health Our Family’s Commitment to Being Anti-Racist, PBS Kids Black Lives Matter, Substance Abuse, and Addiction Recovery in the United States, Addicted.org Citizen Journalism and Political Protests, Syracuse University Black Boys Matter: Cultivating Their Identity, Agency, and Voice, NAEYC Things to Know If You Love a Multiracial Child, Embrace Race COVID-in-Color: Race-conscious Resources For Children & Families, Embrace Race Exploring & Understanding Structural Racism, Embrace Race “Love is not enough”: Supports for Transracial Adoptive Families, Embrace Race Nurturing Resistance & Joy in Black Children, Embrace Race Raising Muslim American Children Who Thrive, Embrace Race Anti-Hate Safety Resources, Asian American Federation Asian Americans Advancing Justice BIPOC Addiction and Mental Health Resources, Addictions.com Discussing Racism and Violence with Children Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News, Child Mind Institute Video: A Clinical Perspective on Talking to Kids About Racism, Child Mind Institute Transcript: A Clinical Perspective on Talking to Kids About Racism, Child Mind Institute Talking to Children About Race, Policing and Violence, The New York Times Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource for Educators, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids, Center for Racial Justice in Education Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate, Parents.com ‘Raising White Kids’ Author On How White Parents Can Talk About Race, NPR George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. What do we tell our children?, USA Today They’re not too young to talk about race!, The Children’s Community School Talking to Children About Racial Bias, HealthyChildren Video: “How do I make sure I’m not raising the next Amy Cooper?” with Jennifer Harvey, Embrace Race Talking Race with Young Children, NPR How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism, Parent Toolkit 10 tips for teaching and talking to kids about race, Embrace Race How to Talk with Kids About Racism and Racial Violence, Common Sense Media Resources for Talking About Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids, Center for Racial Justice in Education How to Talk to Your Children About the Protests, The Wall Street Journal Talking about Race with Kids and Teens, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Talking with Children About Racism, Police Brutality and Protests, Aha! Parenting How To Talk To Your Kids About Race, Racism And Police Violence, WBUR How to talk to kids about racism, explained by a psychologist, Vox 21 Anti-Racism Videos to Share With Kids, We are Teachers Experts answer your kids’ tough questions about race and racism, The Hechinger Report Talking to Children Authentically about Race and Racism, PBS Kids How To Talk About Race And Protests With Your Kids, Explained By A Child Psychologist, WBUR The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special, Sesame Workshop Video – PBS KIDS Talk About: Race & Racism, PBS Kids Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism: A Discussion Guide, PDB Kids Raising Kids Who Embrace Race, National PTA Talking to Kids About Anti-Asian Racism, Time for Kids Asian Americans K-12 Education Curriculum, Asian Americans Advancing Justice So You Want to Raise a Young White Ally?, Embrace Race Supporting Children’s Leadership & Activism, Embrace Race Supporting Healthy Racial Learning in Early Childhood, Embrace Race Talking to Kids About Racism and Violence, Child Mind Institute Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Adoptive Families, Child Welfare Information Gateway Raising Socially-Conscious Kids: Talking About Skin Color, First Up Children’s Books I Too Am America, by Langston Hughes, ages 5+ Baby Blessings: A Prayer For The Day You Were Born, by Deloris Jordan, ages 0-6 Lullaby, A Poem, by Langston Hughes, ages 0-6 Welcome, Precious, by Nikki Grimes, ages 0-5 Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grow Up to Become Malcolm X, by IIyasha Shabazz, ages 6+ CROWN: An Ode To A Fresh Cut, by Derrick Barnes, ages 3-10 Turning 15 On The Road To Freedom: My Story of 1965 Selma Voting Right March, by Lynda Blackmon, ages 12+ A Child’s Introduction To AA History, by Jabari Asim, ages 5+ 10 Children’s Books About Racism And Activism To Help Parents Educate Their Kids, HuffPost 31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance, Embrace Race These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids, The New York Times Books About Racism and Social Justice, Common Sense Media Books on race and racism, by age, recommended by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Kidsburgh Reading Race in Picture Books with Children, Embrace Race Jill and Christine: Books to Teach Kids About Diversity and Anti-Racism, First Up Resources for Social-Emotional Development Helping Children Cope With Frightening News, Child Mind Institute How to Foster Resilience in Kids, Child Mind Institute What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious, Child Mind Institute NASP: Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Trauma, National Association of School Psychologists Supporting Young Children after Crisis Events, NAEYC Coping with Grief After Community Violence, SAMHSA The Brown Mama Blueprint Podcast, Pittsburgh Brown Mamas Resources to Support Children’s Emotional Well-Being Amid Anti-Black Racism, Racial Violence, and Trauma, Child Trends
Childhood Health Programs About The following organizations provide childhood health programs and services to families. Let’s Move Pittsburgh As a healthy lifestyle program of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Let’s Move Pittsburgh offers a range of in-person and virtual programming, including the Let’s Move Pittsburgh Pop-Up Series. To learn more, visit the Let’s Move Pittsburgh webpage! Healthy Start The Allegheny County Healthy Start program is free for women who are pregnant, new parents, and families who have children up to the age of two years old. At this time, new program enrollment is open to pregnant women only. Please view the full list of eligible zip codes before applying. To enroll, complete the online enrollment form. Kids Plus Pediatrics With offices located in Squirrel Hill/Greenfield, Pleasant Hills, and Cranberry/Seven Fields, Kids Plus Pediatrics offers a range of services to families, including Kids + Fit, Well Child Visits, Dental Days, Virtual Visits, Parent and Caregiver Classes, and more. To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit the Kids Plus Pediatrics website. MAYA Organization Located in Swissvale, MAYA Organization provides access to classes, doula services, postpartum support, and counseling. Classes cover a range of topics, including pregnancy, birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, baby and toddler safety, and more. To learn more, visit the MAYA Organization website. Cribs for Kids Cribs for Kids provides cribs to babies whose mothers cannot afford them and educates mothers about the dangers of unsafe sleep environments. If you are in need of a crib, find a Cribs for Kids Partner in your area by using the online Find a Partner tool. Partners may have a specific set of requirements for receiving a portable crib and some may only provide safe sleep education. Additionally, Cribs for Kids offers a Safe Sleep Academy that provides information about safe sleep practices, childhood milestones, and more. To learn more, visit the Safe Sleep Academy website.
Childhood Physical Health: Resources About The following organizations provide information on health and human services; classes on childhood and family health topics; referral and service support; and more. COMPASS COMPASS is an online platform that enables Pennsylvanians to learn about, apply for, manage, and renew health and human service benefits. These services include, but are not limited to: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance, Early Intervention (EI) Services, and Child Care Works (CCW). To apply for services and learn more, visit the COMPASS website. Pennsylvania WIC The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to improve the health of women, infants, and children in Pennsylvania by providing services at no cost to families. Services are available for: pregnant women; breastfeeding women (up until one year postpartum); women up to six months postpartum (who are not breastfeeding); and infants and children under five years old (including foster children). To be eligible, the family must meet WIC income guidelines. Interested families can start their application online or call the toll-free WIC Hotline at 1.800.942.9467. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive health insurance coverage (including eye, dental, and hearing services) to uninsured children and teens. To be eligible for CHIP, children must: be under the age of 19; a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified alien; a resident of Pennsylvania; and uninsured or not eligible for Medical Assistance. Eligibility is also determined by family size and income. To learn more and apply, visit the CHIP website. Information is available for grandparents and immigrants. Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program The Allegheny Lead Safe Homes program offers qualifying homeowners and renters in Allegheny County with free lead-paint testing throughout their homes and hires a certified lead abatement contractor to repair any lead hazards found up to $12,000. Visit the Allegheny County website to view eligibility requirements and more. If you’re interested in participating, call 412.227.5700, email alleghenylead@actionhousing.org, or fill out the online form. For general program questions, call Jennifer Saks at 412.350.1032. Cribs for Kids Cribs for Kids provides cribs to babies whose mothers cannot afford them and educates mothers about the dangers of unsafe sleep environments. If you are in need of a crib, find a Cribs for Kids Partner in your area by using the online Find a Partner tool. Partners may have a specific set of requirements for receiving a portable crib and some many only provide safe sleep education. Additionally, Cribs for Kids offers a Safe Sleep Academy that provides information about safe sleep practices, childhood milestones, and more. To learn more, visit the Safe Sleep Academy website. Kids Plus Pediatrics With offices located in Squirrel Hill/Greenfield, Pleasant Hills, and Cranberry/Seven Fields, Kids Plus Pediatrics offers a range of services to families, including Well Child Visits, Dental Days, Virtual Visits, Parent and Caregiver Classes, and more. To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit the Kids Plus Pediatrics website. MAYA Organization Located in Swissvale, MAYA Organization provides access to classes, doula services, postpartum support, and counseling. Classes cover a range of topics, including pregnancy, birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, baby and toddler safety, and more. To learn more, visit the MAYA Organization website. Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh The Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh provides access to coordinated care, virtual visits, lactation consultations, prenatal breastfeeding classes, breastfeeding supplies, and more. To learn more and view their upcoming events, visit the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh website. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) connects families and caregivers to a wide range of early childhood health topics, including information on safety, immunizations, milestones, child passenger safety, and more. To view the list of topics and more, visit the CDC website. HealthyChildren.org Created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org features a wide range of childhood health topics, including parenting during a pandemic, breastfeeding, developmental milestones, health conditions, and more. To learn more, visit the HealthyChildren.org website.
Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators & Families, Recess Advocacy Team About The Recess Advocacy Team compiled a list of resources for educators and families to make sure play and physical activity are a part of children’s’ days and serve as a foundation for their learning, growth, and development. The list includes resources, activities, considerations, and ways that educators and families can incorporate play and physical activity into children’s daily routines. Resources for Play & Physical Activity 15-Day Family Fitness Challenge – Let’s Move at Phipps provides activities that encourage you to move, get creative, spend time together, and just take a moment. This resource offers a variety of playful activities. Moving More at Home – Free tools, resources, and games from Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kohls. Wide Open School Get Moving – Powered by Common Sense Media, this page features online videos that will guide you through physical activities. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Parks on the Go – Digital guides for exploring the outdoors from anywhere. Nature-Themed Yoga Series – Four weeks of nature-themed yoga activities brought to you by Open Up Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and Venture Outdoors. Creative Connections – Short videos created by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust teaching artists that cover multiple art forms. Creative Curriculums – Pennsylvania Standards-aligned, arts-integrated extensions to classroom curriculums that can be led for a group of students or for families to engage in at home. ATL Parent Like A Boss, Inc. – ATL Parent Like A Boss, Inc.’s mission is to enhance generational literacies through play in underserved African American communities. Follow the Facebook page for activity ideas. Keeping Children Active During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Physical activity guidelines for children ages three to twelve years old with options for indoor and outdoor activities. A Spanish version is available. Download This Resource The Recess Advocacy Team is a group of organizations dedicated to health and wellness, education, and play with a focus on recess practices and policies. To view the full list of resources, download the guide (PDF).
