Trying Together Surpasses Fundraising Goals for Give Big Pittsburgh

News

December 3, 2025

Trying Together Surpasses Fundraising Goals for Give Big Pittsburgh

Thanks to the generous support of donors, Trying Together exceeded its fundraising goal for Give Big Pittsburgh, a 24-hour online fundraising effort held on GivingTuesday that was hosted by Pittsburgh Magazine and presented by GBU Life.

The organization’s goal for the day was $5,000, but ultimately raised $7,180. 

Learn More

The donation form will remain open until the end of the year, but individuals who want to make a year-end donation can do so on Trying Together’s website.

Cara Ciminillo, Trying Together’s executive director, said that donations made on GivingTuesday will help to further the organization’s mission of ensuring that every child has quality early care and education.

“Thank you to those who donated through Give Big Pittsburgh on GivingTuesday,” she said. “Every gift, whether big or small, fuels this work. And every dollar moves our community closer to the care system children deserve. I’m incredibly fortunate to lead an organization filled with people who show up every day for children, families, and early educators across Southwestern Pennsylvania. We believe in a future where every child has access to affordable, high-quality care and education – and where the educators who make that possible are valued, supported, and fairly compensated.”

Double Your Donation

Donors  can double their donation if their employer has a matching gift program. Once an individual makes a donation, they will be prompted to check for matching gift opportunities. 

They will be prompted to enter their employer’s name and the Double the Donation database will identify whether the employer has a matching gift program and determine if the donor was eligible.

If eligible, the donor is guided through the process of submitting a matching gift request to their employer.

How Donations Help

Individuals who donate to Trying Together are helping to support a number of initiatives, including:

  • Community-Based High School Child Development (CDA) Program
  • Buzzword literacy initiative
  • Rapid Response Team
  • Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (DAP) Resources series
  • Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Diaper & Formula Banks
  • Institute for Early Childhood Career Pathways
  • Pediatric First Aid/CPR Facilitation and Instruction
  • Home-Based Child Care Business Cohort

To learn of other giving opportunities, visit Trying Together’s Give Now page.

CDA Office Hours with the PA Key

News

January 22, 2024

CDA Office Hours with the PA Key

Register now for the upcoming virtual CDA Office Hour event for CDA candidates on February 14! Office Hours are a place to bring questions about requirements and completion of the CDA in Pennsylvania. Participation is free, but registration is required.

Any questions can be directed to Amy Barrett at amybar@pakeys.org.

CDA Office Hours with the PA Key

News

CDA Office Hours with the PA Key

Register now for the upcoming virtual CDA Office Hour event for CDA candidates on February 14! Office Hours are a place to bring questions about requirements and completion of the CDA in Pennsylvania. Participation is free, but registration is required.

Any questions can be directed to Amy Barrett at amybar@pakeys.org.

Child Development Associate (CDA) Programs for Spring & Fall 2022

News

November 3, 2021

Child Development Associate (CDA) Programs for Spring & Fall 2022

Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? Check out our programs to get certified, renew your certification, and more!

What is a CDA Credential?

A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Interested applicants may complete the CDA Interest Form to connect with a member of our staff.

Please share this flyer with your networks.

 


 

Trying Together’s CDA Programs

Trying Together offers the following CDA programs at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania:

CDA Credential Preparation Program

  • Spring 2022 Classes: 1/11/22 – 6/14/22 (Deadline to Register: 12/20/21)
  • Fall 2022 Classes: 8/30/22 – 3/28/23
  • Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology

Participants complete 135 hours of professional development to earn their CDA Credential in six to nine months. Participants can matriculate up to nine course credits at Carlow University upon credential completion.

CDA Credential Community of Practice Program

  • Fall 2021 Classes: 11/16/21 – 1/4/22 (Deadline to Register: 11/11/21)
  • Spring 2022 Classes: Spring Classes: 3/1/22 – 4/26/22
  • Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology

Participants receive support in building a portfolio and preparing for the CDA Credential Exam. Applicants must have proof of 120 hours of coursework completed via professional development hours, transcripts, etc.

CDA Credential Renewal Program

Participants review current standards, literature, strategies, and more to meet the criteria for eight early childhood subject areas upon completion. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis.

 


More Information

For more information, visit our CDA Credential page. To ask a question about our programs, contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org or Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org. For eligibility questions, contact Judy Graca at judy@tryingtogether.org.