News

February 24, 2026

Pennsylvania Key’s February Health Trend Focuses on Dental Care for Children

Children miss about 34 million school hours annually due to dental problems and unplanned dental care, according to The Pennsylvania Key, which focused on dental health for its February health trends report.

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According to The Pennsylvania Key’s health trends report, tooth decay is more common than asthma, and about 50% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 have had cavities.

Children from low-income families have more untreated cavities due to:

Lack of resources to pay for care
Lack of transportation to a clinic
Inability to get time off from work
Physical disability or other illness

As a result, children with tooth decay suffer from difficulty eating, poor nutrition, delayed physical development, and poor self image and socialization.

Although largely preventable, if untreated tooth decay can lead to pain, inflammation, and the spread of infection to bone and soft tissue. Untreated cavities can cause brain abscesses, which require hospitalization.

According to The Pennsylvania Key’s report, pregnant women and children experiencing homelessness are most vulnerable to poor oral health. Children experiencing homelessness are more likely to live with chronic diseases, behavioral health concerns, developmental delays, hunger, and malnutrition.

Some tips for caregivers to take for young children’s dental health include:

Do not put a baby to bed with a bottle at night or at naptime, and do not let a baby use a bottle field with a sweet drink.
Limit frequent snacking and sugary beverages for children.
Encourage supervised brushing with fluoride toothpaste – and make sure they brush thoroughly twice per day for two minutes.

For more information, read The Pennsylvania Key’s Dental Health Matters: Health Trends in Early Childhood Education.

News

February 23, 2026

Head Start Releases Food Insecurity Fact Sheet That Focuses on Pregnant Women and Children

In the wake of recent increases in demand for food assistance and disruptions in the systems that provide it, Pennsylvania’s Head Start Collaboration Office has released a fact sheet regarding food insecurity.

The fact sheet highlights key considerations for serving pregnant women, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and individuals with special needs.

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The Head Start fact sheet notes that it is vital for community partners to connect to provide resources for pregnant women and children experiencing homelessness because their nutritional needs are unique and essential to their health and development.

Persistent hunger can affect immediate physical well-being, but it can also hinder learning and development and contribute to long-term trauma, potentially shaping an individual’s sense of safety and stability throughout life.

The fact sheet highlights considerations for serving pregnant women and children of various ages such as limited access to refrigeration and food storage. It is intended to serve as a practical tool to guide program actions, educate the community, and frame meaningful conversations about nutrition with staff and families.

Fact Sheet

The fact sheet notes that homelessness can result in:

Absence of ongoing access to child food items, snacks, and adaptations for special needs
Lack of kitchen facilities, such as sink, stove, refrigeration, storage, utensils
Barriers obtaining WIC/SNAP and medications, such as transportation, address changes, and technology

Homelessness during pregnancy, according to the fact sheet, increases the likelihood of prenatal and delivery complications and developmental delays due to inadequate nutrition.

For infants, homelessness during infancy negatively affects breastfeeding, access to formula, and understanding sensitivities, while for toddlers it can limit exposure to a variety of age-appropriate food items and opportunities for mastering body awareness, sensation, and preferences.

Homelessness during the preschool year is associated with persistent hunger, which affects growth, attention, engagement, and learning.

For more information, take a look at Head Start’s fact sheet.

News

PA Selected for National Thrive from the Start Award to Address Infant and Toddler Homelessness

Pennsylvania is one of 10 states that have been chosen to receive a $100,000 Thrive from the Start award.

The national initiative led by Thrive from the Start and coordinated by Zero to Three in partnership with SchoolHouse Connection, Prevent Child Abuse America, Housing Is, and the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers.

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The grant will enable partners within the state to build on – rather than duplicate – existing state and local efforts, while strengthening collaboration with advocacy and community partners to increase public and policymaker understanding of prenatal-through-age-3 homelessness.

Families with infants and toddlers are often invisible in traditional homelessness systems, despite facing significant developmental and health risks.

The Thrive from the Start award enables Pennsylvania to further connect the systems that affect families earliest, ensuring that stable housing and high-quality early supports are available together, so every child has the foundation to thrive.

The investment also recognizes the state’s long-standing, cross-sector work to strengthen identification, coordination, and policy responses for infants, toddlers, and expectant parents experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Through the state’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the state has built a strong foundation of systems coordination, data use, and practice improvement across early childhood, housing, health, and maternal systems.

Thrive from the Start will allow the state to deepen its prenatal-to-3 focus, align systems around a shared policy agenda, and elevate evidence-informed strategies grounded in data and lived experience.

The state’s award will be fiscally managed by the Susquehanna Education Foundation and implemented through the leadership of the OCDEL McKinney-Vento Advisory Group – of which Trying Together is a member – with grant coordination led by the Pennsylvania Head Start State Collaboration Office.

News

February 20, 2026

Educators Learn Importance of Collaboration at Kindergarten Transition UnConference

Over 100 early childhood educators attended UnConference: Kindergarten Transition on February 16 to learn how to best prepare early learners for kindergarten. Throughout the day, attendees learned from experts on early intervention practices, how to engage parents, play-based learning, ways to connect with community resources, emotional regulation, and more. The UnConference was hosted by Hi5! partners Trying Together, Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), and United Way of Southwestern PA (UWSPA).

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The UnConference was opened by Cara Ciminillo, executive director for Trying Together. She began by thanking the gathered educators for their commitment and dedication to learning more about kindergarten transition. Ciminillo also expressed her gratitude to PNC Grow Up Great for their continued support.

Ana Kay Yaghoubian then spoke about the work of UWSPA, before introducing the keynote speaker, Swati Adarkar. Adarkar is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Department of Education under the Biden administration.

Keynote

Adarkar began her keynote by emphasizing the critical importance of kindergarten. “Kindergarten is a key inflection point for early learning, early school success, and equity,” she said.

She described kindergarten as a “golden time to continue building partnerships” between early learning programs, kindergarten teachers, and families. This is the ideal time to “build the relationships, routines, and habits that are essential to early school success and everyday school attendance.”

Chronic absenteeism is a major hurdle, but continued relationship building beyond the initial kindergarten transition can help mitigate this issue.

One participant shared in a post-event survey that they “loved the insights she [Adarkar] shared and the importance of creating a partnership with the k-12 districts your students will attend.”

Early Intervention Panel

Following the keynote, a panel of early intervention professionals and advocates answered questions from Val Williams, Kindergarten Transition Program Director for Trying Together. The panel included:

Brandi Binakonsky, Ed.D, PATTAN
Kelly Garfold-Seng, Parent Advocate
Loreleigh R. Elders, Ed.D., AIU
Lauren Stuparitz, Parent Advocate
Sarah Shue, Ed.D., Chartiers-Houston School District

The panel was asked questions about transitions and procedures, their own personal experiences with early intervention, and how early learning programs can partner with families and kindergarten teachers during the transition.

Stuparitz, a parent advocate, shared that kindergarten transition can be tricky because there is often a wall dividing early childhood education and kindergarten. She said that she had to do a lot of research herself, but found it helpful to reach out to experts and other parents who had already been through the process.

Workshops

Participants attended two workshops and learned from experts in the field representing Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, Sunflower Education Group, Fred Rogers Productions, Parent Organization Network, and Supporting Kids in Play.

These workshops covered the following topics:

How Community Partnerships Strengthen Kindergarten Readiness Efforts
A K.I.N.D. Framework for Engaging Parents
Preparing for Kindergarten with Fred Rogers Productions
Strengthening My Early Learner: A Parent’s Journey
The Power of Play

One workshop attendee noted that they “took away so many play ideas.” Another attendee “learned a lot more information about kindergarten readiness for [their] kiddos.”

Closing

Dr. Wendy Smith, the Director of Early Childhood, Family & Community Services for the AIU, energized the group with her closing remarks. Her biggest takeaway from the day is that communication is essential. She encouraged the attendees to take what they learned and apply it to their work. “Think of one or two things you learned, and just do it.”

“You’ve got to cheer, you’ve got to shout, you’ve got to make it happen,” she continued. “I want the whole community to hear that early childhood and K-12 educators are here talking about smooth transitions in kindergarten and beyond.”

News

February 18, 2026

Book List Includes 9 Titles to Read to Children During Black History Month

PA Promise for Children has released a list of books to read to children to celebrate Black History Month in February.

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The printable list includes nine titles from such authors as Ezra Jack Keats and actress Lupita Nyong’o to former President Barack Obama.

The list, which was unveiled in PA Promise for Children’s Kindergarten Here I Come newsletter, also includes resources on how to celebrate with and teach a child about Black History Month.

The list of books includes:

Henry’s Freedom Box (Ellen Levine)
Mae Among the Stars (Roda Ahmed)
Before She Was Harriet (Lesa Cline-Ransome)
Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills (Renee Watson)
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters (Barack Obama)
Sulwe (Lupita Nyong’o)
Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison)
The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats)
The Story of Ruby Bridges (Robert Coles)

News

Community Invited to Virtual Public Meeting for Allegheny Forward Comprehensive Plan

Members of the Allegheny County community are invited to attend a virtual public meeting to learn more about and share input for the Allegheny Forward Comprehensive plan.

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Allegheny County is planning for the next 25 years with Allegheny Forward, a long-range framework to guide growth, investment, and development. This once-in-a-generation effort will shape decisions on land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, economic opportunity, parks and open space, and other priorities that affect daily life across the county. The plan will guide real investments, and it needs to reflect the voices of the people who live and work here.

This virtual public meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 6 p.m. During the meeting, individuals will learn more about the plan and have an opportunity to share what matters most to them.

Those interested in attending can register in advance.

News

Trying Together Names Solid Foundations Academy Owner as Advocate of the Month

Trying Together has named Beth Rupert, owner of Solid Foundations Academy, as its February 2026 Advocate of the Month.

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The Advocate of the Month award goes to providers who demonstrate exceptional commitment, compassion, and leadership in the field of early childhood education. Trying Together chose Rupert because of her unique combination of experience, vision, and public influence in the field of early education.

Rupert has worked with children and families in psychiatry for more than 15 years and she understands how early experiences shape lifelong outcomes. Her background as a caregiver, educator, and advocate reflects a lifelong commitment to supporting children and families.

“Early childhood education isn’t just child care or preschool – it’s the foundation of who we become, how we learn, and how we truly see ourselves,” Rupert said. “It’s where confidence is built or broken, where curiosity is nurtured or silenced, and where inequity often begins. Potential isn’t enough without the right support at the right time.”

Rupert is currently starting an education movement focused on the benefits of quality early childhood education. She has been featured on multiple podcasts to discuss the need for systemic change in the broken education system.

Her ongoing advocacy with Trying Together and her pursuit of a doctorate in education demonstrates her dedication to advancing the field.

“Families depend on early childhood education, so they can go to work, provide for their family, build stability, and give their children the strong educational start they deserve,” Rupert said. “Early childhood education is the backbone of our country. When we get the beginning right, we change everything that comes after.”

April Advocacy Blitz

Are you interested in an advocacy opportunity with Trying Together to use your voice as an early childhood champion?

Join us for our April Advocacy Blitz, which is designed to elevate your voice in the field and encourage Pennsylvania’s General Assembly to prioritize continued funding that elevates the field of early care and education.

News

February 17, 2026

Eligible Residents Can Get Free Tax Prep, Resources with VITA Program

Eligible Pennsylvania residents can now schedule appointments with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for free tax preparation.

VITA Program

The VITA program is an IRS-sponsored initiative designed to provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families who struggle with the complexities of filing taxes independently. The program typically serves low- to moderate-income earners, those with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with limited English proficiency.

Tax preparation is offered in person at designated VITA sites, with services provided by IRS-certified volunteers who are trained to assist with accurately filing federal, state, and local taxes.

VITA volunteers can help eligible taxpayers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and any other credits or deductions that might increase their funds. The VITA program helps households to save money and avoid the pitfalls of using costly or predatory tax services.

VITA services are available to those who meet the following criteria:

Households earning approximately $60,000 or less annually (the exact figure is subject to change from organization to organization)

Individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and those needing language support in filing tax return

To find a VITA site, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website, or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool online. Be sure to make appointments in advance as many sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill up quickly.

Filing Independently

For those who prefer to file taxes independently, but still want access to free resources, MyFreeTaxes.com is an option sponsored by United Way and powered by TaxSlayer. It allows individuals to file federal and state tax returns online for free. The platform is user friendly and designed for households with an annual income of $89,000 or less.

Filers can easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace. The software guides users step by step, helping to ensure they claim all eligible credits and deductions, such as the EITC, CTC, and education-related credits. The platform also features live support from IRS-certified specialists.

News

PA Promise for Children Releases List of February Books for Kindergarteners

PA Promise for Children has released its list of February books for kindergarteners in its Kindergarten Here I Come newsletter.

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The list is broken down into three categories – Scientific Thinking and Technology, Mathematical Thinking and Expression, and Social-Emotional Development.

The eight books on the list include:

Science Thinking and Technology

How a Seed Grows (Helene J. Jordan)
Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth (Jane Yolen)
Penguins! (Gail Gibbons)
If You Were a Penguin (Wendell and Florence Minor)

Mathematical Thinking and Expression

One Mitten (Kristine O’Connell George)
Two of Everything (Lily Toy Hong)

Social-Emotional Development

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook (Barbara Park)
The Doorbell Rang (Pat Hutchins)

News

February 16, 2026

Genius of Play Lists Outdoor and Indoor Winter Activities for Children

Playing outside in the snow is a fun rite of passage for children, assuming that temperatures don’t drop to unsafe levels. And even if the weather outside isn’t conducive to outdoor play, there are still plenty of ways that children can be creative and remain active inside on winter days.

The Genius of Play has put together several lists of activities to ensure that children remain active during the winter months, whether it’s outdoors or indoors.

Outdoor Play

Caregivers should first check to make sure that temperatures are safe for children to play outdoors and, if so, ensure that children bundle up before they head out into the snow.

While snowball fights and building forts are common activities during the winter, the Genius of Play has provided some tips on other fun activities. Some of these include:

Grab a large plastic garbage bag or pieces of cardboard for a Slip and Slide
Bottle bowling
Freeze Tag
Modify Simon Says to include weather-themed prompts
Snow painting
Create a winter edition of Marco Polo

Indoor Play

Just because children are stuck in the house doesn’t mean they can’t use their imaginations and have fun. Some of the Genius of Play’s tips on indoor activities include:

Fort building
Charades
Turn housework into a dance party
Indoor baseball with a cardboard tube and a balloon
Marshmallow sculpture
Let children raid the closet or a costume chest and transform a room into a runway for a fashion show
Use paint, crayons, or markers to create a self portrait
Play Two Truths and a Lie