News

September 28, 2020

Early Childhood Education Summit

Are you interested in engaging with early childhood thought-leaders and gaining knowledge through online professional development? Attend the Virtual Early Childhood Education (ECE) Summit from October 18 – 21, 2020. PQAS and Act 48 credit will be available.

About

The ECE Summit features 12 sessions, 60 workshops, and four online specialized networking opportunities that offer early learning professionals opportunities to learn, dialogue, and share information on a vast array of current topics to support their professional learning goals.

This is a fully virtual event. Each day will feature a Keynote presentation and four tracks of workshop sessions. Opportunities to connect with peers will be available through live chat. Sessions will be recorded. Paid attendees will be able to view sessions after the Summit and earn PQAS and Act 48 credit.

Featured Topics

The Summit features a wide range of workshops, including, but not limited to, the following:

    • Emotionally Safe Environments for Infants and Toddlers
    • Yoga and Mindfulness for Preschoolers
    • Trauma-Informed Assessment in Early Childhood
    • Family Engagement Through a Strengths-Based Lens
    • Designing Classrooms with the Brain in Mind
    • Getting Little Hands on the Land
    • Supporting Infant Teacher Degree Attainment
    • Advocacy 201: Crafting and Sharing Your Message
    • Managing Challenging Behavior

Registration

To register for the Conference, visit the event webpage. A Summit Schedule and workshop descriptions are available on the Early Childhood Education Summit website. View the schedule. 

More Information

For more information, visit the Early Childhood Education Summit webpage or call 717.657.9000.

News

September 21, 2020

November 3 Election Reminders

With the November 3 election quickly approaching, do you have a voting plan? Dedicate time today to check your voter registration status, review what options you have to cast your vote, and create your personal voting timeline.

 


Save The Dates

Use the dates listed below to create your personal voting timeline. If you would like to receive ballot deadline reminders, election date reminders, and more, sign-up to receive emails from Votes PA.


 

Register To Vote

To participate in the November 3 election, voter registrations must be submitted by October 19, 2020. Interested community members can register to vote by:

Check Your Voter Registration

To check your voter registration status and polling place address, visit the PA Voter Services website.

 


 

Voting In-Person

On November 3, polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line when the polls close, you are entitled to vote. Visit the PA Voter Services website to find your polling place.

If you have voted at your polling location before, you will not need to bring an ID to vote. Only voters who are voting for the first time in their election district need to show their ID (driver’s license, U.S. passport, voter registration card, current utility bill, etc.).

Over-The-Counter Voting Offices

On September 17, the Allegheny County Board of Elections approved a proposal to open additional over-the-counter voting offices on weekends leading up to the November 3 election. Registered voters can visit these secure offices to cast their vote or submit their completed ballots.

Office Locations

Planned dates, locations, and hours include the following:

    • Saturday, October 10  |  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
      County Office Building, Downtown; North Park Ice Rink; South Park Ice Rink; #2 Department of Public Works Garage, Carnegie; and the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Homewood Location
    • Sunday, October 11  |  11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
      County Office Building, Downtown; North Park Ice Rink; South Park Ice Rink; #2 Department of Public Works Garage, Carnegie; and the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Homewood Location
    • Saturday, October 17  |  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
      County Office Building, Downtown; South Park Ice Rink; CCAC South; Boyce Park Ski Lodge; and Shop ‘N Save, Hill District
    • Sunday, October 18  |  11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
      County Office Building, Downtown; South Park Ice Rink; CCAC South; Boyce Park Ski Lodge; and Shop ‘N Save, Hill District
    • Saturday, October 24  |  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
      County Office Building, Downtown; Boyce Park Ski Lodge; CCAC South; CCAC Allegheny; and North Park Ice Rink
    • Sunday, October 25  |  11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
      County Office Building, Downtown; Boyce Park Ski Lodge; CCAC South; CCAC Allegheny; and North Park Ice Rink

Absentee Ballots

If you expect to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness, you can request an absentee ballot. Voters will be required to list the reason for submitting this ballot type. This ballot type is best suited for:

    • college students who are not registered to vote at their school address,
    • people whose work or vacation take them away from the municipality where they live,
    • people with a physical disability or illness that prevents them from going to the polling place,
    • members of the military,
    • people who may have a conflict due to the celebration of a religious holiday, and
    • people who are incarcerated who haven’t been convicted of a felony.

Submit An Application

Complete the online application to request your absentee ballot. Applications to receive an absentee ballot for the November 3 election must be received by your County Election Office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

After receiving your ballot in the mail, your completed ballot must be received by your County Election Office no later than 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020. You can submit your ballot in the mail or by visiting your County Election Office.

Mail-In Ballots

If you would like to submit a ballot without visiting a polling location but are not eligible for an absentee ballot, you can apply for a mail-in ballot. Voters will not be required to list a reason for submitting this type of ballot. All registered voters are eligible to request a mail-in ballot.

Submit An Application

Complete the online application to request your mail-in ballot. Applications to receive a mail-in ballot for the November 3 election must be received by your County Election Office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

After receiving your ballot in the mail, your completed ballot must be received by your County Election Office no later than 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020. You can submit your ballot in the mail or by visiting your County Election Office.

 


More Information

Visit the Votes PA website for more information on mail-in and absentee ballotsregistering to vote in Pennsylvaniawhat to expect as a first-time voterupcoming elections, and more.

News

September 14, 2020

CelebratED: 2020 Virtual Celebration

Join the Grable Foundation on World Teachers’ Day to celebrate the wonderful educators of the Pittsburgh region and explore the future of education. This is a one-hour virtual event. Multiple viewing times available.

About

During the CelebratED: 2020 Virtual Celebration, the Grable Foundation will highlight the voices of educators, students, and parents as they describe the importance of educators and share their thoughts on how our communities can remake education. Highlights of the virtual event include the following:

    • a keynote address by Deepak Ramola of Project Fuel;
    • a DJ set by Pittsburgh Dilworth PreK-5 Teacher Joseph Wilk;
    • storyteller Shannon Reed, author of “Why Did I Get a B?”;
    • a performance by Alumni Theater Company; and
    • soaring ideas, hard questions, and good thoughts expressed by innovators, agitators, and provocateurs.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.

News

September 11, 2020

NAEYC Annual Conference: Virtual

To maintain the health and safety of its audience, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) will be hosting its 2020 Annual Conference virtually, with events taking place from November 8–10, 2020.

About

The NAEYC Annual Conference is the largest early childhood education conference in the world. Each year, thousands of teachers, program administrators, students, and researchers choose from hundreds of presentations and exhibits to explore the latest trends and research in the early childhood field.

More information on professional development sessions and participating exhibitors will be available soon. Please continue to monitor the NAEYC website for future updates.

Registration

Registration for this event opens on Monday, September 14. To register and learn more, visit the NAEYC website.

News

August 20, 2020

School-Age Child Care Update from OCDEL

As local education agencies and private schools in Pennsylvania are finalizing and announcing their plans for the 2020-21 academic school year, OCDEL is becoming increasingly aware that many school districts are implementing hybrid or full remote instruction models for the school year.

These announcements have raised questions about how families with children enrolled in Kindergarten and beyond will be supported if they need expanded child care. Continue reading below for answers to common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can school-age children enroll in child care if their schools have announced moving to part-time or full-time remote instruction?

Yes. During the 2020-21 school year, children whose schools have announced various schedule changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can enroll in child care. If the district has announced that children will not attend school for face-to-face instruction, then working families can enroll children in child care during those days.

Will OCDEL revise the school-age blended rate for children attending child care during the portion of the day that has typically been considered “school hours”?

For the 2020-21 school year, the calculation of the blended rate will not change. It will still be based on 25 full-time days and 180 part-time days. If a child attends a school district where students will not return to school for in-person, five-day-a-week instruction, a child care provider who accepts the blended rate will receive a part-time blended rate for the days the child attends school in-person and attends child care part-time. The provider may receive a full-time payment rate on the days the child is not scheduled to attend school in-person and attends child care full-time.

Paying the part-time blended rate, instead of a part-time rate, will compensate for any days the child was supposed to attend part-time buy may need to attend full-time because of a school’s closure, such as staff in-service days, holidays, professional development, and snow days. If school districts change how school instruction will be administered throughout the school year, related to COVID-19, the child’s schedule will be updated to reflect the school’s current schedule. View the full guidance.

Will non-licensed programs be able to serve school-age children?

Yes. Enrollment in a licensed child care facility is preferred, however, part-day school-age programs will be available to enroll school-age children during the 2020-21 school year. Enrolled children must be kindergarten age or older.

School District Reopening Plans

To view school districts’ reopening plans, visit the PA Schools Work website. To learn about the phased reopening of pre-k to 12 schools in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.

More Information

For more information, view this email from the Pennsylvania Key.

News

August 18, 2020

Virtual UnConference: Caring in a “New Normal”

Join Trying Together from September 14–23, 2020 for our second free Virtual UnConference: Caring in a ‘New Normal’. PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available. Registration is required.

About

Virtual UnConference: Caring in a ‘New Normal’ will feature a panel discussion and three workshops on topics including finance, interacting with young children, and social-emotional health during the COVID-19 health crisis. This UnConference will build on guidance shared during our first Virtual UnConference: Re-Opening to Our ‘New Normal’. To watch a recording, visit our UnConference page.

Featured Workshops

    • Positive Interactions During the Pandemic
      Monday, September 14, 2020  |  10:00 – 11:30 a.m.  |  Register

      In this workshop, Sarah Grubb from ELRC Region 5 will walk early childhood educators through the essential elements of positive interaction, the educator’s role in co-regulation, and strategies for supporting children best through positive, day-to-day interactions.

    • A Conversation on How to Support the Social/Emotional Needs of Children
      Thursday, September 17, 2020  |  10:00 – 11:30 a.m.  |  Register

      Join Diana Schwab for a conversation and Q&A focused on the social and emotional needs of children. In this workshop, participants will discuss early childhood social and emotional development with a particular focus on how children communicate social and emotional needs through behavior. This workshop will also discuss how to focus a child’s behaviors as a communication of developmental strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as mental health needs.

    • Building a Foundation for Your Organization’s Financial Wellness
      Monday, September 21, 2020 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.  |  Register

      This workshop will discuss the importance of building a business plan and budget as the foundation of your organization’s financial wellness, especially during this time of changing external forces due to COVID-19. Presenter Chris Pentrack of Supporting Strategies will suggest beginner tools and methods to build these items, as well as resources for additional assistance. Presenters will discuss topics such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, monitoring, and forecasting cash for the organization.

    • Providing Safe and Healthy Care in Child Care Now and Beyond the Pandemic
      Wednesday, September 23, 2020  |  1:30 – 3:00 p.m.  |  Register

      This workshop will feature a panel of directors who will discuss the measurements currently being followed to prevent the spread of illness in their individual child care programs. A portion of the conversation will include health and wellness tips that can help support your staff and teachers during these challenging times. The discussion will conclude by identifying which health and safety practices will most likely be permanently incorporated into everyday practice moving forward beyond COVID-19.

Registration

Registration for this UnConference is being completed on the PD Registry. If you do not have a PD Registry account, please complete this online form to create one. If you are unable to create an account, please contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org for more information.

Click the links below to register for each workshop you are interested in. Registration is required.

More Information

For questions, contact UnConference Director Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org.

News

News

April 24, 2020

Give Big Pittsburgh: COVID-19 Response

Join us in #GivingTogetherNow on May 5.

About Give Big Pittsburgh: COVID-19 Response

Give Big Pittsburgh is an annual day-of-giving hosted by the Pittsburgh Magazine that encourages stakeholders and community members to collaboratively raise funds for and learn more about nonprofits working in the Pittsburgh area.

While Give Big Pittsburgh is typically hosted on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, also known as Giving Tuesday, Pittsburgh Magazine is following the lead of #GivingTuesdayNow by hosting a COVID-19 Response Campaign on May 5, 2020 to help raise critical dollars for nonprofits in Western Pennsylvania during this time of exceptional need.

Although Give Big Pittsburgh is a one-day event, the fundraising platform will remain open on their website through May 31, 2020. #GivingTuesdayNow will not replace the annual Giving Tuesday event happening on December 1, 2020. For more information, visit the Giving Tuesday website.

Why Should You Participate?

We know that the last few months have been tough. You’re probably asking yourself, “When will this end? What will ‘after this’ look like?” While we do not have all of the answers, one thing is certain: Trying Together values you as a caregiver, and we are here for you. That is why we have continued to support children, families, early learning professionals, and all caregivers of young children throughout this crisis by:

To learn more about our work, please visit the Trying Together Vision & Mission page.

Reinforce Our Work

If you’re interested in reinforcing Trying Together’s mission to support the work of early childhood, consider donating or fundraising with us! You can donate at any level that fits your budget. However, for those looking for recommended tiers, Trying Together has identified the following:

Because Give Big Pittsburgh uses an online platform, the donation process is quick and simple. Simply add nonprofits and individual donation values to your “Gift Basket” to complete all of your donations in one go. Donors can access their donation receipts online, making it easy to track and report your tax-deductible donations.

Visit the website to get acquainted with the platform and add Trying Together to your “Gift Basket.”

More Information

For questions, please contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

News

April 8, 2020

Schedule Summer/Fall PD Today!

Are you thinking about summer and fall? Schedule Custom 2020 Professional Development dates for your early learning program today! The deadline to guarantee your preferred date is June 1, 2020. Space is limited!

About

Focusing on early childhood professionals working in home, center, and school-based settings, Trying Together delivers professional growth opportunities in-person, virtually, and online. Customized offerings can be created and targeted to individual or group goals, interests, or needs.

To submit a request for professional services, complete and submit Trying Together’s online request form. All requests must be received before June 1, 2020 to guarantee your preferred date.

More 2020 Professional Development Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org or 412.567.3933. For government resources for early learning professionals, click here.

News

March 27, 2020

Pennsylvania Adjusts Mail-In Ballot Deadlines for COVID-19

Pennsylvania is now offering two options that community members can choose from to submit their vote if they are unable to get to the polls on election day, including mail-in and absentee ballots. Registered voters can submit either ballot via mail or in person at their County Election Office. Election and deadline dates for ballots have now changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About

Thanks to sweeping reforms included in Act 77 of 2019, which take effect for the first time in the upcoming 2020 primary election, mail-in ballots will be available as an effort to increase voter access and security. Mail-in ballots not only offer an additional option for voters who are unable to make it to the polls but also provide a new option for Pennsylvanians who do not qualify for absentee ballots. Both mail-in and absentee voters will receive a ballot in the mail to complete and return to their county election office by 8 p.m. on election day (June 2, 2020).

In order to request either ballot type, you must be registered to vote. Visit Check Your Registration Status to review your registration information. The deadline for voter registration is now May 18, 2020

Absentee Ballots

If you plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness, you can request an absentee ballot. Voters will be required to list the reason for submitting this ballot type. This ballot type is best suited for:

    • college students who are not registered to vote at their school address,
    • people whose work or vacation take them away from the municipality where they live,
    • those with a physical disability or illness that prevents them from going to the polling place,
    • members of the military,
    • people who may have a conflict due to the celebration of a religious holiday, and
    • inmates who haven’t be convicted of a felony.
Submit an Application

Applications to receive an absentee ballot for the 2020 primary election must be received by your County Election Office by 5 p.m. on May 26, 2020. Complete the online application by clicking here.

Special election voters can apply for an absentee ballot by completing the paper application form and submitting it to your County Election Office.

Mail-In Ballots

If you aren’t an absentee voter, you may apply for a mail-in ballot. Voters will not be required to list a reason for submitting this ballot type. This ballot type is suited for any person who wishes to submit their vote without visiting a polling place. Please note that mail-in ballots are not available for any election prior to the 2020 primary election.

As of April 17, 2020, all registered voters in Allegheny County will receive a mail-in ballot application in the mail for the June 2 primary election due to the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis. Applications will be mailed with postage-paid addressed envelopes for community members to return their completed applications. Registered voters can also apply online to receive a mail-in ballot.

Submit an Application

Applications to receive a mail-in ballot for the 2020 primary election must be received by your County Election Office by 5 p.m. on May 26, 2020. Complete the online application by clicking here. After receiving your ballot in the mail, your completed ballot must be received no later than 8 p.m. on June 2, 2020.

Registering to Vote

Community members must register to vote at least 15 days before the election. To participate in the 2020 Primary Election, voter registrations must be submitted by May 18, 2020. Individuals can register to vote online, by mail, in person at your county voter registration office, or at a number of government agencies, including PennDOT Photo License and Driver’s License Centers.

For more information on eligibility and registering to vote in Pennsylvania, visit the Votes PA website.

More Information

Visit the Votes PA website for more information on mail-in and absentee ballots, registering to vote in Pennsylvania, what to expect as a first-time voter, upcoming elections, and more.

Information provided by Votes PA and Keystone Votes 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 Resources page here.