News

May 3, 2023

Storybook STEAM

Join the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for Storybook STEAM, an introduction of the dual approach to early learning that combines storytelling with hands-on learning in the fields of STEAM.

Attendees will learn to engage children’s natural curiosity and creativity, while also helping them develop important problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Event Details

Thursday, May 11 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Allegheny Intermediate Unit
475 East Waterfront Drive
Homestead, PA 15120

Registration not required.

About Storybook STEAM Lessons

In a Storybook STEAM lesson, a teacher or educator begins by reading a storybook that relates to a particular STEM or STEAM concept. The storybook serves as a starting point for the lesson, providing context and engaging students’ imaginations. After the story, students are given a hands-on activity or project that relates to the STEM or STEAM concept introduced in the story. For example, after reading a story about the water cycle, students might conduct an experiment to observe the different stages of the water cycle.

The goal of Storybook STEAM is to make STEM and STEAM concepts more accessible and engaging for children. By using storytelling as a starting point, children are more likely to be motivated and interested in learning about these subjects. Additionally, by incorporating arts and creativity into STEM learning, Storybook STEAM helps children develop a well-rounded set of skills that will serve them well in the future.

Overall, Storybook STEAM is a creative and effective approach to teaching STEM and STEAM concepts to young children. It encourages children to think critically and creatively, and it helps make these important subjects more accessible and engaging.

Learn More

This event is part of Remake Learning Days. To learn more, visit the Remake Learning Days website.

News

April 11, 2023

AIU Career Fair

Join the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) as the organization hosts a Career Fair on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

A variety of positions are available throughout the organization, including roles in English as a second language (ESL), special education, Head Start, Early Head Start, family and community engagement, occupational/physical therapy, virtual learning facilitators, and technology services programs. Attendees will be able to meet and network directly with AIU team members.

All attendees are guaranteed an interview. Registration required. This event is in-person.

Where: AIU Central Office, 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA. 15120. Submit your resume to the AIU in advance.

For more information, email recruitment@aiu3.net or visit the AIU Career Fair event page.

News

May 3, 2022

Pre-K Counts and Head Start Enrollment

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is enrolling for Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs, which provide high-quality pre-kindergarten education for children who are three to five years old and not eligible for kindergarten.

About

Pre-K Counts

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit Pre-K Counts Program provides high quality pre-kindergarten classroom education for children.

Eligibility

  • Preference given to children eligible for kindergarten the following school year

  • Households that meet income guidelines (up to 300% of the federal poverty level)

Call 412-394-5863 for more information, classroom locations, or to enroll.

Head Start

The Head Start program provides eligible preschool children with high quality, comprehensive, in-home or classroom programming designed to support school readiness skills. The program offers services that include health and wellness, education, social services, and family engagement.

Eligibility

  • Households currently receiving TANF cash, SSI, are homeless, or a foster parent for children ages 3-5

  • Households that meet income guidelines (up to 100% of the federal poverty level)

Call 412-394-4594 for more information and classroom locations or complete the online pre-application form.

Find Other Pre-K Counts and Head Start Programs

Families can find Head Start program in their community through the Head Start Provider Locator and Pre-K Counts programs on the COMPASS website.

For assistance from the ELRC Region 5, call 412.350.3577 or email elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.

News

May 7, 2019

Pittsburgh Apraxia Specialists Panel

Join Apraxia Kids on May 16 for their Pittsburgh Apraxia Specialists Panel. Attendees will join local speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for a one-of-a-kind panel and Q&A session, visit the Apraxia Kids headquarters, and network with local families, caregivers, and therapists.

About

Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families; facilitating community engagement and outreach; and investing in the future through advocacy and research.

This event coincides with Apraxia Awareness Month, an important time for informing the local community of the struggles that children with apraxia face each day. Apraxia Kids hopes to bring the Pittsburgh community together to raise awareness, support each other, and build a bridge between parents and professionals!

Speakers

  •  Megan Overby, Ph.D., CCC-SLP – Duquesne University
  • Kathy Helfrich-Miller, Ph.D., CCC-SLP- Rehabilitation Specialists
  • Jen Rakers, MSLP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVEd. – UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
  • Carrie Van Soest, MS, CCC-SLP – UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
  • Eileen Cirelli, MS, CCC/L-SLP – Allegheny Intermediate Unit
  • Gretchen Myers, MSLP-CCC; Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech – Center4Speech
  • Katie Micco, MS, CCC-SLP; Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech – Duquesne University

Registration

Registration for this event is free and may be accessed via the event’s webpage.

News

May 7, 2018

Kindergarten Transition White Paper Highlights Regional Efforts

The move from pre-kindergarten to Kindergarten marks a critical point in the lives of young children and their families.

In the 2017 – 2018 school year, Allegheny County reported early registration at 84% and on-time registration at 97% for Kindergarten students. This success is due largely in part to the local Hi5! Campaign funded by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and chaired by Trying Together and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3.

To highlight the successful regional and national efforts of child care centers, Head Start and pre-k teachers, and school districts to support young children and families in this momentous occasion, Trying Together has released a white paper entitled, Kindergarten Transition. 

The paper provides researched recommendations and activities including:

  • requiring local transition teams;
  • providing guidance on how to leverage funds;
  • encouraging data sharing;
  • including parents and guardians in the transition process;
  • ensuring high-quality, developmentally appropriate Kindergarten;
  • strengthening relationships and collaboration between early childhood programs and elementary schools; and
  • rethinking the responsibility of school readiness.

“Research and evaluation nationally shows that children who experienced effective transition practices retain the developmental gains made in early childhood through the early elementary grades,” said Cara Ciminillo, Trying Together Executive Director. “Through the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA), Pennsylvania school districts will now have more flexibility to use federal dollars to support their Kindergarten transition efforts.”