August 7, 2023 Imagination Library Restarted by Foundations, City of Pittsburgh Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a free book access program, is restarting in the City of Pittsburgh thanks to funding from the City and local foundations, including The Benter Foundation and the Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation. The free program sends one book per month in the mail to enrolled children ages birth to five at no cost to families. How to Enroll Families who reside in the City of Pittsburgh can enroll in the program by visiting the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library website. Families who were previously enrolled in the program will not need to re-enroll and should start receiving books again automatically. About the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Restart The program halted at the end of April 2023 for most city children after funding had run out. (A small group of children in three zip codes were still eligible to participate.) Reading Ready Pittsburgh, a local nonprofit that supports access to books and encourages family engagement through reading, will administer the program at the beginning of the restart period. Related Content & Resources Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Summer Reading Extravaganza 2023 2023 Summer Reading Programs for Young Readers Hill District Conducting Survey on Parent Engagement in Child Literacy Restaurants Add Books to the Menu with Summer Reading Programs Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases 2023 Best Books for Babies List 2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District Toolkit: Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success
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 CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together Summer Safety Brochure, Allegheny County Health Department, Trying Together Sun Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) August is National Immunization Awareness Month, Trying Together National Immunization Awareness Month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommended Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Parent-Friendly Version, Birth through 6 Years, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines for Your Children By Age, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Spanish / Español Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month National Center Releases Guide on Children’s Eye Health, Trying Together An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health Eye Health and Safety for Kids, National Eye Institute (NEI) Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care For Children, National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye Conditions and Diseases, National Eye Institute (NEI) Spanish / Español 6 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Child’s Eye Health, John Hopkins Medicine Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Vision, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources for Parents of Blind and Low-Vision Children, Library of Congress: National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Parenting Without Sight: What Attorneys and Social Workers Should Know About Blindness, National Federation of the Blind How to Get Free Audio Books for the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Braille Institute 25+ Children’s Books Featuring Visually Impaired Characters, WonderBaby Back to School Month Allegheny Child Care What is Allegheny Child Care? 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together Top 10 Skills for Children Entering Kindergarten, Trying Together Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Family Guide (ECLKC), Trying Together Kindergarten Transition: A Guide for Families, Trying Together National Breastfeeding Month Breastfeeding Resources, Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, Trying Together Breastfeeding Classes August is National Breastfeeding Month: This is Our Why, U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) Lactation Support, Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding (HSCUB) Breastfeeding, Kids Plus Pediatrics Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC) Breast Feeding Resources, Birth Doulas of Pittsburgh Weeks of Recognition August 6 – 12 is Exercise with Your Child Week Childhood Physical Health: Resources, Trying Together Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators & Families, Trying Together Supporting Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families: The Importance of Exercise, Trying Together Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Trying Together Air Quality Tips and Training Available for Families and Educators, Trying Together Physical Education Vocabulary for Kids, Trying Together Resources for Supporting Physical Activity, Nutrition, Play and More, Action for Healthy Kids Promoting the Physical Health of Boys (and Girls), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Days of Recognition August 1 is National Night Out (NNO) National Night Out Returns to Pittsburgh, Trying Together City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety About National Night Out National Night Out Resources August 9 is National Book Lovers Day Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases 2023 Best Books for Babies List, Trying Together Toolkit: Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success, Trying Together 2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, Trying Together Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Books to Celebrate Gender Expression, Inclusion, and Pride, Trying Together Children’s Books About Transitions, Trying Together Children’s Books About Mental Health, Trying Together Restaurants Add Books to the Menu with Summer Reading Programs, Trying Together August 15 is National Back To School Prep Day 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together 101 Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Kids, Care.com Back-to-School Tips, HealthyChildren.org 10 Considerations Before Going Back to School as a Parent, Parents Magazine August 26 is Women’s Equality Day Family Guide: Gender and Gender Identity, Trying Together Women’s Equality Day, The National Women’s History Alliance Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) The Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance Women’s Issues Support Groups in Pittsburgh, Psychology Today The Women and Girls Foundation
July 13, 2023 3 For Free: Free Admission in August for Three Local Museums The Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and the Heinz History Center will be open to visitors free of charge every operating day throughout the month of August 2023. ‘3 For Free’ Campaign The ‘3 For Free’ campaign will celebrate the museums’ recognition among the nation’s best. All three museums recently won honors from USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Through online voting, the museums collectively ranked in top five as some of the finest museums in the country: The Warhol (fourth in Best Art Museums), Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (second in Best Children’s Museums), and the Heinz History Center (second in Best History Museums). Plan Your Visit Visitors seeking free tickets during the ‘3 For Free’ month are encouraged to book online at each museum’s website. Advanced reservations are recommended, but not required. Use the links below to secure your tickets: Book your tickets for The Andy Warhol Museum (RAD promo will apply at checkout) Book your tickets for Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Book your tickets for the Heinz History Center This offer will be in addition to the annual free-admission RAD Days, which will begin in September. Related Content & Resources 2023 Summer Reading Programs for Young Readers CitiParks Announces Free Pool Access for Area Youth Updated: Summer Food Programs Offer Free Meals to Children Carnegie Museums Offer Free Memberships to Teens CitiParks Publishes Summer Guide LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District
June 29, 2023 Resources for July 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 July observances: Month-Long Observances National Parks and Recreation Month City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation, CitiParks Summer Program Guide, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Top Green Spaces and Public Parks in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh Growing Equity in City Green Space, Eos Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature, Child Mind Institute Free Worksheet: Thank a Park Ranger Card, Education.com Become a Junior Ranger, National Park Service Five Fun Activities for Teaching Kids About Conservation, National Recreation and Park Association Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together National Make a Difference to Children Month 5 Pittsburgh Organizations supporting Our Most Vulnerable Children–and Inspiring Us to Help, Kidsburgh Most Popular Pittsburgh Children & Youth Nonprofits and Charities, Great Nonprofits Positive Parenting, National Institute of Health The Power of Positive Parenting, UC Davis Health 8 Ways to Strengthen a Parent-Child Relationship, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin Bonding with Stepchildren: 7 Tips for Building a Strong Relationship, Care.com Three Principles to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families, Harvard University Center on the Developing Child Strategies to Support Black Students, Teachers, and Communities in Schools, Education Northwest 12 Powerful Statistics That Prove Why Teachers Matter, We Are Teachers Family Engagement, Office of Head Start and Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center Raise Child Care, Start Strong PA National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Prioritizing Minority Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) BIPOC Mental Health, Mental Health America Mental Health Disparities: Diverse Populations, American Psychiatric Association Contextualizing BIPOC Youth Mental Health, National Black Women’s Justice Institute Mental Illness Doesn’t Discriminate, so Why Do BIPOC Communities Have Difficulty Accessing Care?, Jefferson Center for Mental Health Erasing Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) BIPOC/AAPI Mental Health Resources, NAMI New Hampshire Where to Find Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents in Pittsburgh, The University of Pittsburgh: Youth and Family Research Program Anti-Racism Resources for Families, Trying Together Multilingual Trauma Resources, The Child Mind Institute Days of Recognition July 4 is Independence Day Ways to Celebrate Independence Day in Pittsburgh in 2023, VisitPittsburgh 23 Crafts and Activities for Independence Day, WeAreTeachers The History of Independence Day, History Channel A Nation’s Story: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”, National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) The Fourth of July is a Black American Holiday, The Washington Post 19 Children’s Books to Inspire Courage and Activism, HarperCollins Publishers July 14 is International Non-Binary People’s Day Gender Identity Development in Early Childhood, Trying Together Resource List: LGBTQ+ Organizations, Trying Together A Guide to Gender Identity Terms, NPR & WESA Understanding Nonbinary People: How to Be Respectful and Supportive, National Center for Transgender Equality 10 Ways to Step Up as an Ally to Non-Binary People, Stonewall 20 Picture Books to Help You Raise Kind, Tolerant Kids, Today Early Childhood Book List: Learning About Gender Diversity, Social Justice Books July 24 is National Parents’ Day 7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Parents’ Day This Year, Parents Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together Positive Parenting Tips, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series, Trying Together Outside Gender Norms: Father’s Day and Mother’s Day Aren’t Easy First for LGBTQ Families, The Standard-Times Parenting Resources for Foster Parents, Child Welfare Information Gateway Being a Step-Parent and Raising Your Partner’s Child, Raising Children Resources to Share with Expectant Families, Office of Head Start Find Child Care, ELRC Region 5 July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day Drowning Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Drowning Prevention & Facts, American Red Cross Water Safety at Home, Safe Kids Worldwide Water Safety Tips for Families, Seattle Children’s Hospital Toddler Water Safety: 14 Ways to Keep Safer, Stop Drowning Now Water Safety for Your Special Needs Child, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Resources: Learn to Swim, Allegheny County 4 Places To Get FREE Summer Swim Lessons For Kids In The ‘Burgh, Macaroni Kid How to Perform Child and Baby CPR, American Red Cross Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 Partnering to Offer First Aid & CPR Training, ELRC Region 5 July 26 is National Disability Independence Day Guide to Disability Rights Laws, U.S. Department of Justice: Civil Rights Division Ideas for Celebrating the ADA, ADAAnniversary.org Disability and Autism Supports, Allegheny County Department of Human Services Disability Resources in the Community, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) 16 Shelf-Worthy Children’s Books About Disabilities for All Students, WeAreTeachers Representation Matters: Kids Books That Embrace Disability and Difference, New York Public Library Service Dogs 101—Everything You Need to Know, American Kennel Club Assistive Devices for Children: Walking and Mobility, KidsHealth
June 27, 2023 June Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of June recalls collected from the following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Infanttech recalled Zooby Video Baby Monitors for Cars due to fire hazard. Sound Around recalled Children’s Multi-Purpose Helmets due to risk of head injury. Zuru recalled Baby Shark and Mini Baby Shark Bath Toys with Hard Plastic Top Fins due to risk of impalement, laceration, and puncture injuries to children. Nationwide Pharmaceutical recalled Iron Dietary Supplements due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirement and risk of poisoning. Trek recalled Promax Hydraulic Disc Brakes Sold on Trek Bicycles due to crash hazard. Bell Sports recalled Giro Merit Helmets due to risk of head injury. Little Cotton Clothes recalled Children’s Pajamas and Nightdresses due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. Deux Par Deux recalled Children’s One-Piece and Two-Piece Pajama Sets due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. TopGlore recalled Narskido Infant Bath Seats due to drowning hazard; sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Jetson Electric Bikes recalled Nova and Star 3-Wheel Kick Children’s Scooters due to fall hazard. Foremost Foods Corporation recalled Pamana Brand Mini Fruit Jelly Cup (35.27OZ) due to potential choking hazard. Richin Trading Inc. recalled Sunwave Brand Mini Fruit Jelly Cup (35.27oz./52.90oz) due to potential choking hazard. More Information For recall details, visit the links above or review the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites.
April 24, 2023 April Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of April recalls collected from the following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Rollerblade USA recalled Rollerblade® Fury Inline Skates and Rollerblade® Fury Brake Supports due to fall hazard. Lucky Global recalled Lelinta Multi-Purpose Kids Helmets due to risk of head injury. Sold exclusively on Walmart.com. Lil Anglers recalled Children’s Fishing Rods Sold with Kid Casters No Tangle Combos due to violation of federal lead content ban. Bagno Milano recalled Children’s Robes due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. NewCosplay recalled Children’s Sleepwear due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. Sold exclusively at Amazon.com. FunnyPaja recalled Children’s Bathrobes due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. Sold exclusively at Amazon.com. Arshiner recalled Children’s Nightgowns due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. Sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Goumi recalled Children’s Robes due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. IKEA recalled BLAVINGAD Fishing Games due to choking hazard. Monti Kids recalled Basket with Balls/Toys due to choking hazard. Jetson Electric Bikes recalled 42-Volt Rogue Self-Balancing Scooters/Hoverboards due to fire hazard. Two deaths reported. Delta Enterprise Corp. recalled 2-in-1 Outdoor Kids Swings due to fall hazard. Cannondale recalled Tesoro Neo X Speed Electric Bicycles due to fall and injury hazards. Open Cycle recalled UP Ekar, UPPER Ekar, WIDE Ekar and MIND Ekar Bicycles due to crash hazard. Rico Perez Products, Inc. recalled 60-count bottles of Dr. Rico Perez Super Kids Colostrum Chewable Tablets due to undeclared milk allergen. More Information For recall details, visit the links above or review the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites.
March 29, 2023 March Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of March recalls collected from the following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Mockingbird expanded its recall on strollers to include Mockingbird Single Strollers due to fall hazard. Ecoxall recalled Sodium Hydroxide Caustic Soda Beads and Potassium Hydroxide Flakes due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirements. Pfizer recalled Nurtec ODT Orally Disintegrating Tablets due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirement and risk of poisoning. Meiling Hou recalled Baby Crib Bumpers due to violation of federal crib bumper ban and suffocation hazard. Epoch Everlasting Play recalled all Calico Critters Animal Figures and Sets sold with bottle and pacifier accessories due to choking hazard. Two deaths have been reported. Sandoz recalled Aprepitant Capsules and Lidocaine and Prilocaine Cream due to failure to meet child resistant packaging requirement and risk of poisoning. Ouwoer Direct recalled Multi-Purpose Kids Bike Helmets due to risk of head injury. Smocked Runway recalled Classic Whimsy Children’s Pajamas due to violation of federal flammability standards and burn hazard. Primark recalled Children’s Bamboo Plates due to risk of lead and chemical exposure hazards. Patagonia recalled Patagonia Infant Capilene Midweight Base Layer Sets due to choking hazard. Perrigo recalled Gerber Good Start SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula due to potential Cronobacter Sakazakii contamination. Maxi-Cosi is recalled the Coral XP Rear-Facing Infant Seat due to risk of injury in a crash. More Information For recall details, visit the links above or review the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites.
January 4, 2023 Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
