November 13, 2019 Operation Better Block Homewood Community Meeting Homewood residents and property owners are invited to join Operation Better Block, Inc. on November 20 for their Monthly Community Meeting. About Community members are invited to join together to learn about a potential new charter school in the area, the University of Pittsburgh’s SPIN Project, and fire safety as the weather gets cooler. Attendees can also participate in a raffle to win two tickets to the Harriet Tubman Guild Annual Luncheon. Dinner will be provided. More Information For questions or to learn more, contact Operation Better Block, Inc. at 412.731.1908 or gdemarchi@obbinc.org.
August 8, 2019 Applications Open | Building Capacity for Coaching Initiative In collaboration with The Pennsylvania Key, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) recently announced the “Building Capacity for Coaching Initiative” in support of developing internal coaches in STAR 3 and STAR 4 facilities. About The purpose of this initiative is to leverage coaching supports from Penn State Better Kid Care (BKC) and other professional growth activities to develop internal coaches in STAR 3 and STAR 4 facilities. Selected applicants will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of early childhood practices and must have the approval of their administrator or director as this will require a time commitment. Family Child Care providers can apply if they are able to support other family child care providers in their coaching efforts and commit the time necessary to complete the program. Benefits Facilities will develop the internal capacity to offer coaching to other staff to ensure continuous quality improvement; receive exceptional professional development opportunities at no cost as well as access to the Learning Community; and gain valuable insight as OCDEL works to learn about needed coaching supports for ECE providers. Coaching & Staff coaches receive a one-time stipend of $2,500 and teachers receive supports and coaching on areas of practice that can strengthen or improve child experiences in their classroom. What Will Be Expected Facilities participating in this program must meet the following expectations: Facility identify a coach (lead teacher, director, assistant director, or another instructional leader); have two teachers, identified by the coach, complete four free modules; have coach-staff teams select one coaching guide as a framework for coaching; and complete additional recommended professional development supports as needed. Coach attend a one-day in-person coach training; complete two free BKC online modules; observe and then facilitate bi-weekly coaching sessions with selected teachers; complete a coaching log; participate in monthly learning community webinars; and participate in two touchpoints per month. Applications To apply for this program, visit their online form. All applications must be submitted by Friday, September 20, 2019. Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. Questions For more information or questions, contact Barbara Willier at barwil@pakeys.org.
April 5, 2019 Homewood Event Series: Get Up Join Operation Better Block this April and May for the Fuel Up, Redd Up, Get Up event series (4/12, 20, & 5/5). *The calendar information for this event page links with the May 5 event: Get Up* May 5: Get Up The series will close on May 5 by gathering to cheer on the marathon runners as they make their way through the Homewood community. Volunteer sign-ups will be available for the marathon through Camille via phone at 412.731.1908 or by visiting the Operation Better Block office. Attendees of this event are encouraged to provide your name and t-shirt size and will meet in front of the Homewood House from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. More Information For more information, visit the series’ event page.
Homewood Event Series: Redd Up Join Operation Better Block this April and May for the Fuel Up, Redd Up, Get Up event series (4/12, 20, & 5/5). *The calendar information for this event page links with the April 20 event: Redd Up* April 20: Redd Up The series continues on April 20 with an annual clean-up day claimed by the phrase “Redd Up.” This will be a day of volunteering for all to go out and clean the streets and sidewalks of Homewood. Sign-ins and tool pickups will start at 9 a.m. in the YMCA basketball court. The day will end with lunch at 11:30 a.m. May 5: Get Up The series will close on May 5 by gathering to cheer on the marathon runners as they make their way through the Homewood community. Volunteer sign-ups will be available for the marathon through Camille via phone at 412.731.1908 or by visiting the Operation Better Block office. Attendees of this event are encouraged to provide your name and t-shirt size and will meet in front of the Homewood House from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. For calendar information on this event, visit its event page. More Information For more information, visit the series’ event page.
Homewood Event Series: Fuel Up Join Operation Better Block this April and May for the Fuel Up, Redd Up, Get Up event series (4/12, 20, & 5/5). *The calendar information for this event page links with the April 12 event: Fuel Up* April 12: Fuel Up The series will kick off on April 12 with a free community dinner from 6 – 7:30 at the House of Manna. The dinner will feature vendors, food, music, community discussion, and more! To attend, you must register with NaTisha by calling 412.731.1908 or by visiting the Operation Better Block office. April 20: Redd Up The series continues on April 20 with an annual clean-up day claimed by the phrase “Redd Up.” This will be a day of volunteering for all to go out and clean the streets and sidewalks of Homewood. Sign-ins and tool pickups will start at 9 a.m. in the YMCA basketball court. The day will end with lunch at 11:30 a.m. For calendar information on this event, visit its event page. May 5: Get Up The series will close on May 5 by gathering to cheer on the marathon runners as they make their way through the Homewood community. Volunteer sign-ups will be available for the marathon through Camille via phone at 412.731.1908 or by visiting the Operation Better Block office. Volunteers will provide your name and t-shirt size and will meet in front of the Homewood House from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. For calendar information on this event, visit its event page. More Information For more information, visit the series’ event page.
