April 14, 2025 Indiana County Observed WOYC with Proclamation and Activities Indiana County kicked off the Week of the Young Child on April 5 with a proclamation, activities, and a movie screening. Learn More The county’s Early Care and Education Committee (ECEC) of the Children’s Advisory Committee of Indiana County hosted the event, which began at the Indiana County Courthouse. Providers from LOLA’s Early Care and Education Center, Indi Kids, and Grand Beginnings Children’s Center joined Indiana County Commissioner Michael Keith and state Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62nd District) for the reading of the proclamation. Families then headed to the Indiana Theatre for two screenings of the 2024 film “The Wild Robot” with discounted tickets and accompanying crafts. Trying Together and the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) provided advocacy activities for families, while Commonplace Coffee brought drinks and treats for attendees.
April 9, 2025 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C Application Review and Comment Period Open The review and comment period is now open for the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C application for the Infant Toddler Early Intervention program. The comment period will remain open through Wednesday, April 30. Learn More Each year, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides access and opportunity for families, early intervention providers, and other professionals to review and make comments on the federal IDEA Part C application. That period for the Infant Toddler Early Intervention program for fiscal year 2026 is now open. Those who would like to review the proposed grant application can find the document on the right-side menu of the state’s Early Intervention Services and Early Intervention websites. Hard copies can be requested by emailing raocdintervention@pa.gov or by calling 717-346-9320. Those interested in providing public comment can visit the Part C Grant Public Comment webpage. Or, they can submit written comments on the proposed grant application by emailing them to raocdintervention@pa.gov or by mailing them to: Office of Child Development and Early Learning Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports ATTN: Public comments for Part C Grant Application 607 South Drive, 4th Floor Rotunda Harrisburg, PA 17120 Comments will be accepted through April 30.
Small Business Administration Ends Hardship Plan for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loans As of March 19, the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has ended its Hardship Accommodation Plan (HAP) for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Those seeking the one-time-only option will need to provide a written explanation of a temporary financial hardship. For more information, contact the SBA COVID EIDL Customer Service Center by email at CovidEIDLServicing@sba.gov or by phone at 1-833-853-5638. Learn More The program allowed EIDL holders to pay just 10 percent of their typical monthly payment – for example, a monthly loan of $10,000 would only be $1,000 – to provide near-term financial relief. The aim of the program was to help small businesses amid the pandemic’s financial challenges. A 2023 survey conducted by CIVITAS in partnership with NAFCC found that 51% of surveyed family care providers had an EIDL. A blog post on CIVITAS Strategies’ website noted that the SBA had sent an email about a new, one-time-only six-month payment assistance option for certain borrowers. Eligibility criteria for that option includes: Never having enrolled in HAP Being less than 120 days past due Not being in charged-off status The CIVITAS Strategies blog post noted that this option could not be confirmed on the SBA website.
OCDEL Releases Announcement on Curricula and Developmental Assessment Tools in Keystone STARS The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s (OCDEL) Bureau of Policy and Professional Development has released an announcement to provide information on approved curricula and developmental assessments for use by Keystone STARS 3 and 4 programs. The release of Announcement ELRC #25-02, OCDEL Approved Curricula and Developmental Assessment Tools in Keystone STARS makes obsolete the previous announcement, ELRC Announcement 22 #07, immediately. The announcement is aimed at all Keystone STARS providers, Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC), and OCDEL’s early learning resource center program representatives. Background OCDEL has an established internal process for the approval of curricula and developmental assessment tools for use by Keystone STARS providers seeking to earn points toward their STAR 3 or 4 designation. A component of this approval process requires the completion of a crosswalk aligning the curriculum and developmental assessment tool with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards (PA ELS). In December 2022, OCDEL released the ELRC Announcement 22 #07, which outlined that only currently OCDEL-approved curricula and developmental assessments would be valid for meeting the requirements of STARS EC 3.4.1 and EC 3.4.2 for STAR 3 and 4 designations. Historically, OCDEL released and maintained an annual listing of approved curricula and developmental assessment tools. The annual listing provided details of newly approved tools and those that were set to be discontinued at the end of the fiscal year. Since the release of ELRC Announcement 22 #7, OCDEL has evaluated the curricula and developmental assessment tool approval process to determine its impact on early childhood providers. Internal discussions, ongoing reviews of updated tools, and feedback from stakeholders concluded that discontinuing a tool simply due to the release of an updated version by the vendor seemed unnecessary and posed a potential financial burden for providers. In many cases, updates to previously approved curricula and developmental assessment tools that preserved the essential content and structure had no impact on the integrity of the material and alignment to the PA ELS. As a result, curricula and developmental assessment tools that were previously approved based on their alignment with the PA ELS will remain available for use by providers. Next Steps Moving forward, OCDEL will only discontinue approved curricula and developmental assessment tools under the following conditions: The vendor fails to respond to OCDEL’s annual request to confirm the tool’s information on file The PA ELS are updated, causing the curricula and developmental assessment tools to no longer align with the standards The curriculum or developmental assessment tool is updated and the tool no longer aligns with the PA ELS Keystone STARS providers should review the announcement with staff. Providers should subscribe to the PA EEN to receive updates to the approved listings of curricula and developmental assessment tools, and should refer to the listings on the PDE Early Learning Standards website to ensure the tools they are using continue to be approved as part of their annual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan update and activities. Any questions should be directed to the local ELRC. ELRCs should review and share the announcement with staff and refer to the listings on the PDE Early Learning Standards website to become familiar with the current approved tools.
April 8, 2025 Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Hosts WOYC Open House The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center held an open house event on April 7 as part of its Week of the Young Child (WOYC) activities. The open house was held during WOYC’s Musical Monday and featured Operations Better Block – a Homewood-based community organization that enables residents to assume the primary role in formulating community development goals consistent with their perception of community needs – and Crescent Early Childhood Center. Activities included a guitar craft, music and dancing, play, food, refreshments, and learning about the work that the event’s visitors provide for the community. The Hub closed out its collaboration with Playnotes with a Tasty Tuesday Storytime event. On Work Together Wednesday, the Hub celebrated the WOYC with Reading is Fundamental’s Storymobile with a Storytime event that included playing with a parachute. The week was closed out with a Family Movie Night that included a screening of “Moana 2.” The National Association of the Young Child first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971 as a week to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize early childhood programs and services that are centered around those needs. Increased interest over time led Trying Together to designate the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child. ABOUT THE HOMEWOOD EARLY LEARNING HUB & FAMILY CENTER The Hub supports the early learning needs of young children, families, and early educators in the Homewood community. It offers developmentally appropriate activities for children from birth to age 9, individual group support for parents to set and meet goals for their family, and professional growth opportunities for center-, family-, and home-based early learning programs and relative-providers. The Hub is a community resource of Trying Together. For more information, contact Toni Beasley at toni@tryingtogether.org or visit the Hub’s website.
PA Promise for Children Releases List of April Books for Preschoolers Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children has released its list of April books for preschoolers that includes eight books in four categories. Learn More The four categories under which PA Promise for Children has organized the books are: Language and Literacy Skills, Social and Emotional Development, Scientific Thinking and Technology, and Mathematical Thinking and Expression. This month’s books includes: 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 find activities that accompany this month’s books or to print the booklist, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.
Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program Application Process Open The application process is open for Pittsburgh’s Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program. Those interested in submitting must do so by Friday, June 6. Higher Wages and Career Pathways Pittsburgh County Executive Sara Innamorato, Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak, and Partner4Work CEO Rob Cherry launched the 2025 Learn & Earn program in mid-March. The program, which debuted in 2014, has served more than 13,500 young people in the region and has invested more than $14.3 million in wages. The initiative has provided work experience for youth, helping them to build careers in such fields as healthcare, business, trades, and public service. Learn & Earn has provided many participants with their first work experience and guided numerous young adults toward higher education. This summer, 1,000 spots are available for youths across Allegheny County. Participants will be able to gain real-world experience and obtain essential career skills through the program. Changes to the 2025 Program In response to feedback from participants and business owners, several changes have been made to the program to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and the participant experience. These include: A structured priority placement system A centralized payroll process for timely compensation Expanded work experience tiers for different age groups and career-readiness levels A renewed focus on areas that will ensure the program’s long-term success The program is also increasing wages to provide greater support for participants. In 2025, the starting wage has been raised $1 to $10 per hour. “Experience” participants will earn $12 per hour, and “Advancement” participants will receive $15 per hour. Partner4Work will implement centralized payroll services by paying via direct deposit. The program will also offer every participant the opportunity to open a non-custodial bank account. Participants will receive mandatory financial literacy training and gain access to bank accounts, empowering them to manage their earnings effectively The program’s three tiers are: Discovery (ages 14-15) – focuses on career exploration, job shadowing, and work readiness training to help younger participants build a strong foundation Experience (ages 16-18) – provides real-world work experience and college preparation activities Advancement (ages 18-24) – connects young adults to apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and industry-led training programs “The Learn & Earn Program is a game-changer for teens, offering an invaluable opportunity to gain their first work experience and develop essential career skills,” Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said. “It’s not just about earning a paycheck – it’s about building confidence, exploring career paths, and laying the foundation for success in a wide range of industries.” The application period closes on June 6. Those interested can find eligibility requirements and the application at one of the in-person application support center locations in Allegheny County or online.
April 7, 2025 CitiParks Seeking Lifeguards for Pittsburgh City Pools This Summer CitiParks is launching its recruitment efforts for lifeguards for the upcoming summer pool season. Learn More CitiParks Aquatics recruits, trains, and certifies lifeguards for Pittsburgh for the summer. However, onboarding an adequate number of lifeguards for the city’s outdoor pools has been challenging since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city has steadily increased the number of pools opened each year – eight opened in 2021, 12 in 2022, and 15 in both 2023 and 2024. Whether the city will be able to keep pace with the number of new pools opening will depend on how many lifeguards it can recruit. Lifeguard duties vary from staffing normal operating hours of pools to working as head or regional guards. Employees will have the opportunity to learn and grow within CitiParks Aquatics, which could lead to other city employment opportunities. Lifeguards must be Pittsburgh residents, at least 15 years of age, and willing to work at any CitiParks outdoor pool. Those who are interested – whether a new candidate or a returning guard – should fill out the 2025 Lifeguard Interest Form and CitiParks Aquatics will contact them. “We continue to work hard to garner increased interest in recruiting CitiParks lifeguards,” said CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas. “We are encouraged by the enthusiasm our returning guards show each year, and we work hard to promote that with all incoming guards.” Vargas said she believed that higher wages – which will range from $17.48 to $20.16 per hour, based on experience – in 2025 would help to draw new recruits. For more information, visit the CitiParks Lifeguard page.
Child Mind Institute Shares Resources on Learning Disorders The Child Mind Institute has shared a series of resources and articles on learning disorders among children that focus on everything from sensory processing issues to how to support children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Learn More The resources provided by The Child Mind Institute discuss how learning disorders evolve as children grow up and how parents can support them over time. Topics include ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing issues, and how some symptoms of various disorders might diminish over time but then present different challenges. Articles shared by The Child Mind Institute include: Do Kids Grow Out of Learning Disorders? Building Your Education Team Do Kids Outgrow ADHD? ADHD in Teenagers How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School Do Sensory Processing Issues Get Better Over Time? Learning Disabilities and Self-Advocacy
April 2, 2025 Licensed Early Child Care Providers In Allegheny County Eligible for Free Temperature Measurement Device Early Learning Resource Center 5 is partnering with Global Links to offer a free ThermoVu™ device to licensed early child care programs. The no-contact temperature measuring instruments provide quick, accurate wrist temperature readings and feature and abnormal temperature alarm to enhance safety and health monitoring. Learn More The key features of the device include: Noninvasive, contactless measurement for quick and easy temperature screenings Adjustable pole height for use in various settings (schools, offices, communities, etc.) Provides real-time temperature readings and alarms for abnormal temperatures Convenient and easy-to-use to ensure the health and safety of children and early learning staff To receive a ThermoVu™ device, enter such information as your name, program name, phone number, and email in this form. Once submitted, you will be connected with a Global Links representative who will assist in coordinating the pick up of the device on Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a limited supply available, so complete this survey to get started.
