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.

News

November 10, 2025

Will You Give Big This GivingTuesday?

This GivingTuesday, Trying Together will participate in Give Big Pittsburgh, a 24-hour online fundraising effort hosted by Pittsburgh Magazine and presented by GBU Life.

When you donate to Trying Together on December 2, you are part of a community of supporters who value the work of early childhood. Your financial support ensures that Trying Together can continue to advocate for young children and their caregivers, provide professional growth opportunities, and develop community resources.

Will You Help Us Reach Our Goal?

This year, we’ve set a goal of $5,000 — but we can’t reach that goal without your help! We encourage you to not only donate, but also to also raise money on behalf of Trying Together. Make a plan for December 2 to share with your friends and family members the important work we do, and ask them to join us in making a difference.

You also have an opportunity to maximize your impact through our Double the Donation page. Simply search for your workplace and if they offer a matching gift program, you will be guided through how to submit a matching gift request.

How to Give

Gifts to Trying Together will be accepted on the Give Big Platform from Tuesday, Dec. 2 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Donating to Trying Together on GivingTuesday is easy – simply complete the online donation form on the Give Big Pittsburgh platform.

How Your Donation Helps

When you donate to Trying Together, you are supporting a number of initiatives, including:

Community-Based High School Child Development Associate (CDA) Program
The Buzzword literacy initiative
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
Rapid Response Team

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.

News

CDA Office Hours with the PA Key

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

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.