June 14, 2021 Any Time is 3Ts Time: New Parent Resource Any Time is 3Ts Time is a nationwide multimedia campaign, supported by PNC Grow Up Great®, that fosters knowledge and builds actionable skills that enable parents to promote their children’s foundational brain development. At the core is the 3Ts—Tune In, Talk More, and Take Turns—a simple, yet powerful tool that equips parents to make the most of everyday interactions with their young children. These evidence-based strategies help parents develop their children’s intellectual and educational potential. About Any Time is 3Ts Time Any Time is 3Ts Time aims to create broad awareness of foundational brain development across communities and a deep knowledge shift within parents in order to help all children succeed. It includes online, print, and in-person resources that help caregivers support their young children’s brain development, particularly in the first three years of life. Research shows that the way parents talk and interact with their child and how much has a big impact on children’s success in school and life. This simple tool helps parents optimize the power of language in everyday moments. More Information Additional information about Any Time is 3Ts Time and registration can be found on the Any Time is 3Ts Time website.
April 7, 2021 Parenting Together Pathway Provides Information for Parents In April 2021, as part of Month of the Young Child, Trying Together launched the Parenting Together Pathway to provide high-quality information on early childhood topics for caregivers. The Parenting Together Pathway provides families the opportunity to learn more about: brain development; play; interactions and relationships; technology; child care; and advocacy to better support their children’s healthy growth. Additional videos will be released through 2021. Course Content The Parenting Together Pathway currently includes six topics related to early childhood. The Beautiful Brain This presentation provides an overview of how the brain develops during early childhood. Caregivers will learn about the impact of interactions, environments, and trauma on a child’s brain, and develop an understanding of how strong brain development can be effectively supported through fun and engaging activities. It’s More Than Just Play: The Role of Play in a Child’s Life This presentation provides an overview of the types of play and how play benefits young children. Caregivers will learn about how they can support playful learning. Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary This presentation provides an overview of positive interactions between children and their caregivers. Caregivers will learn to recognize moments of connecting, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday moments. The Role of Technology in Caregiving and Caregiving Experiences This presentation provides an overview of how technology can be resourceful in caregiving experiences. Caregivers will learn how integrating technology into children’s daily routines, including play, can be fun and supportive towards their development. How to Choose High-Quality Child Care This presentation provides an overview of important characteristics to look for when searching for child care. Caregivers will learn about the various aspects of child care that attribute to high quality interactions and experiences. Becoming A Child’s First Advocate This presentation provides an overview of advocacy, its definition, and the role it plays for young children and their families. Caregivers will learn about various campaigns related to early childhood and how they can become and advocate for all children. Additional Information Please visit the Trying Together website to view video content for the Parenting Together Pathway.
October 26, 2020 Reducing Suspensions and Expulsions in ECE Programs A child’s first five years are the most critical for neurological development. This is why responding to young children’s behaviors by suspending or expelling them from early childhood education (ECE) programs threatens their well-being during a critical period of learning. To highlight ways in which ECE professionals should work to focus on preventative and responsive strategies for healthy child development, Trying Together has released a white paper entitled, “A Pathway to Reduce and Eliminate Early Childhood Suspensions and Expulsions.” This white paper is meant to provide guidance for stakeholders at all levels – teachers in the classroom, directors of programs, early interventionists, quality coaches, mental and behavioral health specialists, advocates, families, and policymakers. Trying Together maintains that the elimination of suspensions and expulsions in early childhood settings must simultaneously occur with policies that increase resources and support for educators. The white paper provides researched recommendations including: Establishing developmentally appropriate policies Addressing implicit bias Strengthening family engagement Utilizing developmental screening tools Promoting professional growth opportunities The new white paper is a continuation of Trying Together’s efforts to encourage ECE programs and professionals to set developmentally appropriate expectations and establish preventative solutions. Other resources include Trying Together’s white paper entitled, “End Early Childhood Suspensions and Expulsions: Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Policies For Addressing Behaviors in The Early Elementary School Grades” and a supplemental document entitled, “Addressing Suspensions and Expulsions: A Guide for Families,” which provides helpful tips family caregivers can employ to address their suspension and expulsion concerns. For more information, read the new, complete white paper.
June 21, 2018 Center on the Developing Child Statement on Separation of Families Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D., Founding Director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has released a statement on the impact to healthy development for young children separated from their families at the United States’ border. Dr. Shonkoff states that based on the available understanding of decades of research, healthy brains develop through consistent, stable, responsive, and supportive relationships with at least one caregiver. He further notes that high and persistent levels of stress can disrupt this brain development as well as other biological systems having severely negative impacts on learning, behavior, and physical and mental health throughout the child’s life. Dr. Shonkoff calls for immediate reunification. “Stated simply, each day we fail to return these children to their parents, we compound the harm and increase its lifelong consequences.” To read Dr. Shonkoff’s full statement and for resources related to family separation visit developingchild.harvard.edu.
