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Tag: back-to-school

Child Mind Institute Resources Help Caregivers to Address Children’s Back-to-School Worries

News

September 8, 2026

Child Mind Institute Resources Help Caregivers to Address Children’s Back-to-School Worries

Going back to school in the fall can be an exciting time for children – but it can also be a stressful one. The Child Mind Institute has put together some resources on how caregivers can talk to children about their back-to-school worries.

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As a caregiver, it is tempting to focus on positive aspects of the back-to-school experience, but glossing over a child’s worries can be a missed opportunity to help them share their concerns and prepare to deal with them.

The Child Mind Institute notes that while it is important to emphasize good things about starting school, caregivers should also take children’s worries seriously. This could involve bolstering the confidence of a child with a learning disorder while recognizing that their challenges can make school frustrating.

Caregivers should help children to have strategies in place for dealing with common stressors such as homework or test-taking before they get overwhelmed. The institute provides tips for children going back to school with ADHD and sensory processing issues and teens who are socially anxious.

The Child Mind Institute’s resources include:

Homewood Families Receive Backpacks, Resources at Family Center Open House

News

August 26, 2026

Homewood Families Receive Backpacks, Resources at Family Center Open House

More than 100 people turned out for the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center’s August 21 open house, where families received backpacks, supplies, and important resources to support their children’s growth and development.

Emphasizing the Importance of Early Learning

The open house was especially important because families learned about pre-k and Head Start options, said Toni Beasley, the Hub’s director.

“Many families in our area aren’t familiar with pre-k and the importance of sending their child to school before kindergarten,” Beasley said. “We let caregivers know that by sending their child to pre-k or Head Start, they are giving their child the best opportunity to develop important skills and prepare for kindergarten”

Educators and child care providers attended the event to meet with families and help enroll  children in early learning programs. They also provided information about free pre-k options in the region and other ways to afford child care. 

Supporting Families

Attendees received a variety of materials at the open house, including backpacks, swag bags, coats, a variety of snacks and drinks, and personal hygiene products, such as soap, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes, socks, and laundry detergent. They also took part in children’s activities and free blood pressure screenings.

“It wasn’t just school supplies,” Beasley said. “Children received hygiene supplies, clothing, and other items so they can start the school year feeling comfortable, confident, and with a sense of belonging.”

The Hub partnered with several organizations for the event. Beverly’s PGH Basics Boutique operated a truck, where participants could pick up everything from bedding and clothing to cleaning supplies, books, and toys. Students from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Community Alliance Program held a discussion on postpartum care.

The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, located at 7219 Kelly Street, supports the early learning needs of children, families, and early educators in Homewood. It offers developmentally appropriate activities for children from birth to age 9, individual and group support for parents to set and meet goals for their family, and professional growth opportunities for providers.

Child Mind Institute Provides Tips for Students Starting Elementary, Middle, or High School

News

August 25, 2026

Child Mind Institute Provides Tips for Students Starting Elementary, Middle, or High School

Although the sun is still shining and families are still taking vacations, the return to school is not far off.

This can lead to a combination of excitement and nervousness. For some, a new school year means a different teacher and classroom, but for others it could be a new school and higher expectations.

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The Child Mind Institute has put together some resources and suggested some strategies for a successful return to school. Some resources explore what children in transition years can expect, what skills they will need to develop, and how caregivers can support those who may be anxious.

One article discusses how kindergartners need to build independence and stamina for longer days and more structured learning activities, while middle schoolers will be changing classes for the first time and dealing with a heavier workload.

And high school freshmen will face pressure to effectively manage their time and develop productive study habits. Children of all ages will face social and emotional challenges and new opportunities as they navigate larger groups and more complex interactions.

The Child Mind Institute’s resources include:

Kick It: Back to School Sto-Rox Event

News

July 31, 2026

Kick It: Back to School Sto-Rox Event

A back-to-school event will be held on Friday, August 14 at the Sto-Rox Football Field in McKees Rocks.

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The event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will include performances by the Little Viking Cheerleaders and Farther Ryans Arts Center Dancing Soldiers.

The event will include community kick ball, a potato bag race, a Bounce house, face painting, hair cuts, nails, free book bags, produce, hotdogs and hamburgers, games, prizes, and entertainment.

Free book bags will be available.

The football field is located at 1105 Valley Street in McKees Rocks.

Pittsburgh Arlington Back to School Night

News

August 16, 2024

Pittsburgh Arlington Back to School Night

Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8 will host a Back to School Night event on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

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The event will help get students and their families excited about the new school year.

Visitors will have the opportunity to:

  • Meet their teacher
  • See their classroom
  • Enroll for the school year
  • Take part in a school supplies giveaway
  • Learn more about Pittsburgh Arlington

The first day of school for grades 1-8 is Monday, Aug. 26, while kindergarten will start on Thursday, Aug. 29.

The back-to-school night event will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Pittsburgh’s Back to School Bash

News

August 12, 2024

Pittsburgh’s Back to School Bash

Pittsburgh will host a Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 19 at Acriscure Stadium that will include backpack giveaways, food, and other activities.

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For its 12th annual event, the city has partnered with Pittsburgh Public Schools for the city’s largest back-to-school event. The event is aimed at preparing families for the first day of school.

The back-to-school bash will include free stuffed book bags, food, haircuts and hairstyles, manicures, shoes, socks, and more. The in-person part of the event takes place in the FedEx Great Hall at Acrisure Stadium, located at 100 Art Rooney Ave. The drive-through portion takes place in Gold Lot 1A, located at 792 W. General Robinson St.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 19, and no preregistration is required.

For more information, visit the event’s website.

Families, Early Childhood Educators Invited to Enter Chance to Win Back-to-School Kit

News

August 6, 2024

Families, Early Childhood Educators Invited to Enter Chance to Win Back-to-School Kit

Pennsylvania Promise for Children is inviting state families and friends of children to enter a chance to win a back-to-school kit.

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Pennsylvania families and friends of children – from birth to kindergarten age – as well as state early childhood educators can enter to win the kit.

Each kit will contain a copy of the 2024 PA One Book, “Slug in Love” by Rachel Bright, as well as early learning materials for children.

The deadline to enter is Aug. 30. Pennsylvania families or friends of a child, from birth to kindergarten age, can enter online. State childhood educators of children in the same age range can also now enter online.

More Details

Five winners in the family and friends category will be selected at random to win a copy of “Slug in Love” and early learning materials. The kit will also include a Crayola watercolor mixing set; a Charles Leonard glue stick; the book “A New Alphabet for Humanity: A Children’s Book of Alphabet Words to Inspire Compassion, Kindness, and Positivity” by Leesa McGregor; and David Elkind’s “The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children.”

Five winners in the early childhood educator category will receive the same items as well as six books that cover topics relevant to that profession.

Information on how to enter and other content rules can be found online.

Resources for August Observances

News

July 27, 2023

Resources for August Observances

Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.

Here is a list of resources for August observances:

Month-Long Observances

Summer Sun Safety Month

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Back to School Month

National Breastfeeding Month

Weeks of Recognition

August 6 – 12 is Exercise with Your Child Week

Days of Recognition

August 1 is National Night Out (NNO)

August 9 is National Book Lovers Day

August 15 is National Back To School Prep Day

August 26 is Women’s Equality Day

Taking the Stress Out of Back-To-School: For Parents

News

August 31, 2022

Taking the Stress Out of Back-To-School: For Parents

The Child Mind Institute recognizes that the new school year can bring new challenges for parents and educators alike. Parents play an important role in building a positive learning support at home through being responsive to children’s learning challenges or behavioral problems.

Register Here

 

About the Event

The Child Mind Institute will be hosting a virtual session on Helping Your Child Manage Back-to-School Stress. This hour-long call with expert clinicians will help parents learn how to use reinforcement and validation to support children in managing their anxiety. Specific coping strategies will be shared, along with information about how to tell when to seek professional support.

This event will take place on Wednesday, September 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will be hosted by Katie Peinovich, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker for the School and Community Programs team at the Child Mind Institute. Ms. Peinovich provides evidence-based trauma treatment to children in the New York City public school system and works with parents, teachers and school administrators to deepen their understanding of childhood trauma, its impact, and how to connect affected children with high quality care.

Participants must pre-register for this webinar and will receive an invitation to their email.

Taking the Stress Out of Back-To-School: For Educators

News

Taking the Stress Out of Back-To-School: For Educators

The Child Mind Institute recognizes that the new school year can bring new challenges for parents and educators alike. Educators play an important role in building a positive learning environment and supporting children when they experience learning challenges or behavioral problems.

Register Here

 

About the Event

The Child Mind Institute will be hosting a virtual session on Building Successful Students: How we can sharpen our skills to build a better learning environment. This hour-long call with expert clinicians. Start the year off with proactive strategies to set you and your students up for success and also discover ways to promote a positive learning environment, prioritize the student-teacher relationship, and foster student engagement and motivation.

This event will take place on Wednesday, September 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will be hosted by Angela Moyer MS, CAS, NCSP, a nationally certified school psychologist for the School and Community Programs team at the Child Mind Institute. Ms. Moyer has a decade of experience working in diverse communities across the Northeast and Midwest. As an advocate of social justice, Ms. Moyer works to empower marginalized families and communities by promoting the educational rights, opportunities and well-being of all children.

Participants must pre-register for this webinar and will receive an invitation to their email.