January 8, 2025 Map Provides Window Into Day-to-Day Life of Early Childhood Educators Trying Together – in partnership with the Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA campaigns – has created an interactive map that highlights the day-to-day realities of child care programs around the state. These first-hand accounts depict the joys and challenges of working in the early care and education field. Learn More Visitors to the site will see the impact of low wages for educators, the closed classrooms and silent playgrounds, teachers struggling to afford basic necessities, and empty administrative offices. But they will also read stories about the joy a child finds on a swing at a program in Coraopolis or how teachers have an impact on the learning and growth of children in their communities. There’s even a story about a preschooler field trip to Burger King. The stories also show how, despite challenges, early childhood educators go above and beyond for their children and families. This includes meeting transportation needs, providing meals, and collaborating with caregivers on securing early intervention services for children. Each photo on the site was taken during an everyday moment in an early care and education program setting. The captions were written by each participant with guidance from their early childhood colleagues. Recruitment and Retention Currently, early childhood educators in child care programs make an average $15.15 per hour, which is less than $32,000 a year and does not meet the cost of living in any Pennsylvania county. Trying Together, Start Strong PA, and Pre-K for PA are all calling for early childhood educators (ECE) to be paid what they deserve. To compete with states that are doing more to keep ECE teachers in the classroom, Pennsylvania must invest $284 million in new and recurring state funding to implement a child care teacher recruitment and retention initiative. To read the stories, view the map on the A Day in the Life website.
January 7, 2025 UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships Trying Together will host UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships on Saturday, March 8, at the Kaufmann Center. Participants will attend expert-led sessions that focus on systemic challenges relating to access to early intervention services as well as the impacts of systemic racism, suspensions and expulsions, staffing shortages, and under-investments in early childhood education. Register Now Details Saturday, March 8 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kaufmann Center 1825 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Limited parking at the venue is available as well as street parking. A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a buffet lunch will be provided to participants. Opening remarks at the event will provide an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together. These will include the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis. Participants will explore resource tables and attend a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they will attend three 30-minute workshops. Tickets for UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships cost $25. Space is limited. For questions about registering large groups, contact Ben Filio at ben@tryingtogether.org Keynote Presentation State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-24) will deliver the morning’s keynote speech, “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” The mini-keynote will inspire participants to see themselves as having an active role in early intervention advocacy and policy change that leads to a more inclusive early childhood system. During the keynote, Rep. Mayes will share insight about why it’s important for policymakers to hear from early childhood experts and the role of educators’ voices in policy making and systemic change. Participants will be encouraged to think about their individual roles in young children’s lives, how to envision a more inclusive system for all, and how to begin to explore steps for achieving the vision through advocating for early intervention – both in their daily practice and systemic policy change. Workshops There will be one large group workshop in the morning followed by three 30-minute workshops in the afternoon. Morning Exploring the Impact of Systemic Challenges on Access to Early Intervention Services: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Children in Early Childhood Settings Instructors: Emily Neff and Hailee B. Roye, with support from The PEAL Center With support from The Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center, this session explores how systemic racism, under-investment in early childhood education (ECE), and staffing shortages impact access to early intervention services and suspensions and expulsions in early childhood settings. Participants will examine these issues through multiple perspectives—ECE teachers, support services, and parents—using real-world data and case studies to identify systemic barriers. Through group activities and collaborative discussions, participants will develop actionable strategies to reduce exclusionary practices and better support children. Circle Time: Let’s Talk About EI Moderator: Dr. De Voka Gordon, Ed.D This panel discussion will feature experts from Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), Intensive Behavioral Health Services, and the parent perspective. Facilitated discussion topics will include strategies for partnering with families, coaching and collaborating with ECE programs, determining when Intensive Behavioral Health Services are necessary, and envisioning ideal partnerships between ECE and EI. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in the discussion. Afternoon Pyramid Model and Prevention Tips for Challenging Behaviors Instructor: Deysi Keegan In this training, participants will be introduced to the Pyramid Model, focusing on Tier 1 strategies to create supportive classroom environments and prevent behavior escalation. We will review a classroom checklist and explore how these supports can reduce triggers for children, along with alternative communication techniques from the “Words Matter” handout. The session will also cover the Rapid Response Team (RRT) process and how to support teachers in working with children exhibiting a variety of behaviors. Early Intervention Toolkit: Tools and Resources for Early Care and Education Programs Instructor: Ashley Harland In this session, participants will be provided with an overview of an Early Intervention Toolkit and interactive website, created by Trying Together in partnership with early care and education programs and early intervention providers across Allegheny County. The toolkit aims to increase mutual understanding early care and education programs, EI providers, and families with young children. Participants will leave the session knowing how to use the EI Toolkit to access support resources for both families and early educators. Early Intervention 101 Instructors: Vonna May-Miller; Elizabeth Gamza, M.Ed; and Melissa Friend In this session, representatives from The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Allegheny Intermediate Unit Preschool Early Intervention, and Pittsburgh Public Preschool Early Intervention will provide participants with tools to better understand early intervention services and how to access those services. Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Children with Early Childhood Trauma Instructor: Candace Shoenberger This course provides an exploration of trauma and its effects on learning. Participants will learn how trauma influences learning, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Through interactive activities and case studies, educators will gain practical strategies for creating trauma-informed classrooms that support all students. Breaking the Stigma: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Families and Young Children Instructors: Dominique R. Webster-Outten and parent Tifanee Moniqué Young Stigma still exists around disability, mental health, and seeking support services. In this session, speakers will explore tools to support difficult conversations with families and, ultimately, help reduce stigma. Participants will also have a chance to consider how they talk to young children in a manner that can help promote inclusion, integration, and acceptance of classroom peers of all abilities. Creating Calm: Interactive Sensory Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms Instructors: Julia Kingera and Flo Angelo It can be challenging for young children to regulate their emotions and processing. This session will focus on sensory strategies that can be used classroom-wide as a way to teach children to self-regulate. In this hands-on and interactive training, participants will be coached on how to implement sensory strategies in the classroom setting. Closing Session: From Awareness to Advocacy Action Instructors: Emily Neff and Ashley Harland For the final workshop of the day, the full group will reconvene for closing remarks. Participants will have a chance to illustrate how they are collectively taking action towards creating equitable early childhood opportunities. For the final 15 minutes of this workshop, participants will engage in an advocacy action pledge to leave them with concrete and actionable next steps. What Do I Receive? PQAS and Act 48 credit hours Lunch Networking with colleagues Hands-on, interactive workshops Questions? Any questions about the UnConference should be emailed to Ben Filio at ben@tryingtogether.org. About UnConference The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands on in the workshops. The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues. Thank You To Our Sponsor and Partners A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and our workshop partners.
December 30, 2024 Registration Open for NAEYC’s 2025 Public Policy Forum Registration is now open for the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) 2025 Public Policy Forum. Learn More The annual forum will be held in Washington, D.C. from Sunday, February 23 to Tuesday, February 25. The forum is expected to bring together hundreds of early childhood educators and stakeholders. The event aims to strengthen advocacy skills, expand policy knowledge, deepen relationships with congressional offices, and build a movement across states and communities. Each state will have a state team lead who will coordinate congressional meetings with state team members. After registering, keep an eye out for emails from state team leads with more information about meetings and opportunities to engage. The forum will begin at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23. Registration is now open. The registration fee for the forum is $150 per registrant, and the cutoff date to register is Friday, January 24. Any questions should be directed to naeycppfsupport@cmrus.com or 800-450-5185.
December 19, 2024 Registration Open for Trying Together’s Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner Trying Together will host its Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner on April 10. Registration is now open for the event. Learn More The dinner is held to celebrate early childhood educators during April’s Month of the Young Child. The event includes a dinner, photo booth, prizes, and more. This year’s dinner will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 at Acrisure Stadium, located at 100 Art Rooney Ave. in Pittsburgh. Individual tickets are $15 and groups of 10 may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $135. Registrants are encouraged to consider the value of individual and group rate tickets – $140 and $1,400, respectively – and contribute more if they are willing and able to do so. This is a high-demand event, so seating will be based on a first-come, first-served basis that evening and reserved tables will not be available. Free parking will be available for guests. Registration will close when capacity is met or by March 28. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can recognize early childhood caregivers by purchasing full-color advertisements to appear in the 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner program book. The deadline to reserve an ad or name in the recognition list is Friday, January 17. Those interested in attending can register now. Any questions should be emailed to info@tryingtogether.org. Month of the Young Child First established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child was an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Due to growing interest and focus, Trying Together later designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child. It is recognized as a time during which the dedicated work of early educators is promoted for the essential role that it plays in society.
December 10, 2024 Trying Together Community Honors Advocacy Fellows The Trying Together community recently held an event to honor the 22 fellows who completed their 11-month journey of advocacy, creativity, and dedication through the Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship. A total of 77 attendees gathered to celebrate the fellows’ accomplishments and reflect on their work. The fellows showcase projects that addressed early intervention, staffing recruitment, child care advocacy, mental health support, and more. The fellows demonstrated their creativity and commitment to driving change through posters, brochures, and PSA videos they created. They also shared their next steps in advocacy, highlighting how their passion and hard work will continue to make an impact beyond the fellowship. “A huge ‘thank you’ to our fellows for their unwavering dedication and to everyone who made this night so memorable,” said Hailee B. Roye, Trying Together’s policy and practice manager. “Your efforts have shown the power of advocacy and the importance of building a brighter future for children, families, and educators.” About the Fellowship The Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship is committed to equipping early childhood professionals, parents, families, and caregivers of young children with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively advocate for policies that enhance the quality and accessibility of early care and education.
Representative from Rep. Abney’s Office Discusses Early Childhood Needs at The Learning Loft A representative from the office of state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-19th, visited The Learning Loft this week to discuss the role of early childhood education. Learn More Natali Lara-Jimena, Abney’s constituent services advisor, visited the early childhood education on Centre Avenue, which is in the state representative’s district. Her visit provided a first-hand glimpse into the vital role that early childhood educators play as the “workforce behind the workforce.” Amid an ongoing state staffing crisis and capacity challenges for early childhood education, Lara-Jimena’s engagement underscored the critical need for action and support. Lara-Jimena met with educators, who discussed balancing the needs of children and families while navigating consistent underfunding and workforce shortages. The visit highlighted the importance of a proposed $284 million recruitment and retention initiative to help providers offer competitive wages and ensure the long-term sustainability of the early childhood workforce. The proposed funds would help to stabilize and strengthen the field by addressing urgent staffing needs, retaining skilled educators, and ensuring that children and communities could rely on getting high-quality care.
December 4, 2024 Trying Together Releases 2022-24 Donor Impact Report Trying Together released a donor impact report for 2022-24 that discusses various initiatives donors have helped support over the past two years. The report also highlights stories of impact and information on giving opportunities. Strategic Goals Trying Together’s mission is to support high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals interacting. It works in Southwestern Pennsylvania and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national models. The donor impact report outlines numerous strategic goals that Trying Together has met over the past few years, including: Expanding the Buzzword early literacy initiative in Allegheny County Providing developmentally appropriate resources to caregivers of young children on various topics Providing free diapers and infant formula to families in need Launching The Institute for Early Childhood Career Pathways to support new and current early care and education professionals in achieving goals Providing 9,670 hours of professional development to nearly 3,500 educators Supporting 44 teachers to achieve their Level II Teacher Certification Providing immediate support to families and early educators through the Rapid Response Team if a child is in danger of suspension or expulsion Consulting with private industries to remove barriers such as child care access Collaborating to increase investment in local child care programs Starting the state’s first Provider Advisory Board with 40 early care and education professionals Facilitating a fellowship for 22 early educators to train them in advocacy for the early childhood field and profession Advising on legislation updates, resulting in fewer operational barriers for home-based child care providers in Pittsburgh Implementing a multi-year development and fundraising plan increasing individual giving by 540% Meeting and exceeding its Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community fundraising goal for the first time Having 100% Board of Directors participation in giving to Trying Together Individual Giving The report also provides information on how to donate to Trying Together. It lists the three donation levels: Early Childhood Supporter: $5 per month or $60 annually Early Childhood Sustainer: $10 per month or $120 annually Trying Together Champion: $83.33 per month or $1,000 annually Download the Donor Impact Report to see how Trying Together’s initiatives have impacted the community.
October 15, 2024 PACCA Accepting T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Applications for Spring Semester The Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) is accepting T.E.A.C.H. scholarship applications for the spring 2025 semester. Learn More Early childhood education professionals who are interested in attending college for the spring semester that begins in January should apply to T.E.A.C.H. as soon as possible. Interested applicants should also begin the college admissions process now and contact an early childhood education advisor at their intended college or university. This helps to ensure that scholarship applicants are admitted to their school and can register for courses if/when they receive a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. can provide contact information for advisors at partnering institutions. Applicants must complete and submit all required documentation by Friday, Nov. 15 to be considered for the spring 2025 semester. PACCA will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis, however, incomplete applications and those received after the November date will not receive priority for consideration. New scholarship awards for the spring semester will be dependent upon funding availability at that time. More information on eligibility or program requirements can be found – and applications can be downloaded – on PACCA’s website. Counselors can be contacted on T.E.A.C.H.’s website.
October 4, 2024 Professional Development: Supervision 101 ELRC Region 5 is offering the following professional development opportunity for your team of early learning educators. Learn More The live webinar Supervision 101 will give a foundational overview of supervision in licensed early childhood programs. This course will focus on the supervision aspects of the DHS Certification Regulations for child care in Pennsylvania. The participants will be able to define supervision per the regulations. This session will also focus on ratio, scenarios, and the vital importance of supervision in child care. This is an excellent course for new early childhood professionals or for those who might need a refresher. This session is eligible for one hour of PQAS and Act 48 credit. Session Details Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 10 – 11 a.m. Virtual via Zoom Cost: $5 Register Instructors: Holly Cessna Standards: Health and Safety Questions? For questions about the course or credit, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.
October 2, 2024 Working Together Webinar Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA will host an upcoming webinar that will focus on early learning in Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget. Learn More The webinar, which will be available in English and Spanish, will focus on early learning in the state budget for 2025-26. It will also include an advocacy update and a discussion on opportunities for child care. The webinar will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. Those interested in attending should register in advance. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Speakers will include Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA partners, including: Champions for Early Education Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children Pennsylvania Child Care Association Pennsylvania Head Start Association Trying Together Attendees will learn how to continue working with others to strengthen the state’s early learning system for teachers and programs and grow access to more eligible families.