August 19, 2019 2020 Gro More Good Garden Grants Now Open If you’re a Head Start program looking to integrate gardening into your curriculum, apply today for a Gro More Good Garden Grant! About Studies show that many children from at-risk backgrounds don’t have access to fresh produce on a daily basis. However, research also shows that children who grow fresh food eat more fresh food and are healthier as a result. That’s why the National Head Start Association and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation are joining forces to address this critical issue facing young children. Through the Gro More Good Garden Grants initiative, both partners will work with Head Start programs across the country to teach children, families, and communities how to grow their own fresh produce. Their multi-year initiative will make garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families. Grant Details $5,000 grants, garden kits, and product donations will be awarded to the 10 highest scoring applicants. The Garden Grants are a three-year program with an opportunity to apply again in the fall of 2020 for the 2021 grant cycle. Expectations As a part of the grant award, Head Start programs will be expected to host a Community Build Day, bringing together Head Start students and families, community partners, and Scotts Miracle-Gro associates in a day of community service to build and celebrate the garden. Community Build Days should be held during the March through June timeframe. Application To apply for a Gro More Good Garden Grant, visit the application page. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 11, 2019. Learn More For more information, visit the National Head Start Association website or the grant FAQ page. For direct questions, email gardens@nhsa.org. *Information provided by the National Head Start Association
July 2, 2019 Buzzword: Talk & Play Series 4 Join Buzzword Pittsburgh every Wednesday from July 10 to August 7 for Talk & Play Series 4! All events are free for learners ages five and under, with their caregivers, and will include activities that enhance vocabulary and literacy skills. A light dinner will be provided. Program Schedule The schedule of events is as follows: Wednesday, July 10 • Word of the Day: SECRET with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Festival Opera Wednesday, July 17 • Word of the Day: INFESTED with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Wednesday, July 24 • Word of the Day: PROTECT with Carnegie Science Center and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Wednesday, July 31 • Word of the Day: ERUPT with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Wednesday, August 7 • Word of the Day: SOAR with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre More Information For more information, contact Jan Jones at jan@tryingtogether.org. Click here to view the Facebook event page.
June 14, 2019 Family Involvement Conference XLV Join the Pennsylvania Coalition for Parent Involvement this October for the Family Involvement Conference. About The Family Involvement Conference is presented to you by the Pennsylvania Coalition for Parent Involvement Ltd. in collaboration with the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE). This conference is based upon the premise that active family involvement in the education process is the key to effective schools and student achievement. Its goal is to bring together, in a common forum, school administrators, teachers, community members, and parents, to interact and address issues that are vital to academic success and the well being of our children. This includes afterschool and out-of-school-time programs, special needs children and early childhood education. Join with colleagues and parents to share ideas about how to make this partnership a reality in your school. Registration Fees Registration fees vary depending on selected type: Individual Rate with Meals: $450 per person Individual Rate without Meals: $220 per person Group Rate with Meals (5+): $425 per person Group Rate without Meals (5+): $180 per person Day Attendees (with lunch): $135 per person, per day Registration Participants must register for this event, and forms may be submitted via mail, email, or fax. To learn more about how to register, visit the Family Involvement Conference website. Learn More For questions, call 610.250.9455 or visit the Family Involvement Conference website. Share this flyer with your network.
June 3, 2019 The 10th Annual PA Infant Mental Health Conference Join the Pennsylvania Association for Infant Mental Health (PA-AIMH) on August 1 and 2 for the 10th Annual PA Infant Mental Health Conference. Keynote Topics PA-AIMH strives to provide a meaningful professional learning environment for all cross-sector professionals working with very young children and their families. Keynote topics will include: Infant and early childhood mental health-focused policy and messaging; Clinical interventions; Disaster and critical incident response; and Reflective supervision and practice. PQAS and Act 48 credits available for professionals in the Early Childhood Education system. Keynote Speakers Jordana Ash, LCSW, IMH-E Director of Early Childhood Mental Health Director, State of Colorado Sherryl Scott Heller, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Tulane University Joy Osofsky, Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Public Health Head, Division of Pediatric Mental Health, Louisiana State University Christopher Watson, Ph.D., IMH-E Director of the Center for Reflective Practice at the Center for Early Education and Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Registration To register, visit the event website. Registration cost: Member: $315 General: $350 More Information For more information, visit the event website. For questions, contact PA-AIMH via email at pa-aimh@pa.-aimh.org.
May 8, 2019 Zoo Day: Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh Celebrate spring alongside the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP) by joining them for a day of fun at their 2nd Annual Picnic at the Pittsburgh Zoo. About On Saturday, May 25, families and community members are invited for a day of socializing and fun at the Pittsburgh Zoo. The group will be gathering at 12:30 p.m. at the Garden Tent for lunch and socializing with all of their DSAP families and friends. Registration Registration for ALL guests attending is required, including those who hold annual zoo passes and those under the age of 24 months. However, the ticket price will be waived for these guests upon registration. To attend, RSVP by May 11 via the event webpage. Please bring your own picnic lunch; DSAP will provide snacks, dessert, and beverages. Ticket Prices General: $7 Annual Pass Holder: Free Children (2 & Under): Free
November 29, 2018 The VOICE for Children Awards Celebration The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) announced that their 2019 VOICE for Children Award Celebration will be held at the historic Hotel Hershey on April 5, 2019. About the Award PennAEYC recognizes the critical role advocacy plays in high-quality early learning settings and celebrates those who speak on behalf of Pennsylvania’s children. As the voice for early care and learning, community advocates play an important role in assuring all Pennsylvania’s children get the start that they deserve in school and in life. The VOICE for Children Award is the only statewide award in Pennsylvania recognizing the grassroots leaders whose work impacts the quality of care for young children. Now in its 9th year, the VOICE Award celebrates not only individual award recipients, but the early childhood profession. Hotel Reservations If you plan to stay at the Hotel Hershey, reserve your room online or call (855.729.3108) today as rooms are limited. If calling, ask for the room block for the PA Association for the Education of Young Children at The Hotel Hershey, April 5-6, 2019. Other area hotels are also available. Questions For more information, contact Rose Snyder via email (rsnyder@pennaeyc.org). *Information provided by PennAEYC*
November 16, 2018 NAEYC Invites ECE Professionals to #ProtectFamilies In today’s world, each new day brings an onslaught of information, images, data, and stories. While immigrant families with young children may cycle in and out of the front pages, the need for early childhood educators from all backgrounds to stand together to protect and support them continues to capture our time and attention. As an active member of the Protecting Immigrant Families campaign, NAEYC continues to stand against family separation, and to stand in opposition to the new proposed regulation on “public charge,” which they believe would punish parents and harm children. With stories of two-year-olds in court and tent cities on the border, NAEYC remains deeply concerned about what has happened and what will happen to the hundreds of children still separated from their families, as well as what will happen to the families yet to be detained. Opportunities to Stay Informed and Advocate Watch this webinar from NAEYC and CLASP that outlines the roles and responsibilities early childhood educators have in working with immigrant families. Write comments in opposition to the public charge regulation. Learn more and, if you are ready, submit your comments today. You can also wait until NAEYC is able to share additional templates and language specific to early childhood education and educators. (Stay tuned, and check out this great Q & A from CLASP for the early childhood community in the meantime!) Support Save the Children, which has partnered with the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) Immigration Justice Campaign, and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) to assist family reunification efforts. Vote and pledge to vote by taking part in the “Our Votes. Their Futures.” campaign. Speak Up, Speak Out If you believe in a world in which all young children can thrive and learn, our society must be dedicated to ensuring that they reach their full potential. This world does not include incarcerating children, separating them from their families, or forcing families to stop accessing critical services and supports because they are afraid. Rather, NAEYC understands and upholds the bonds between children and their families, and, as advocates, calls for individuals to speak up and out to defend those bonds. Recognize the power of your voice and actions, and stay engaged as NAEYC members move forward on this and many other issues facing our children, families, and educators. *Information provided by NAEYC*
