April 16, 2025 Trying Together Honors Early Childhood Educators at Annual Celebration Dinner Nearly 800 early childhood educators and advocates joined Trying Together on April 10 for its Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner at Acrisure Stadium. The Westinghouse Academy marching band greeted attendees as they arrived at the event, which included a dinner, photo booth, raffle prizes, and networking. The formal presentation featured a video from Governor Josh Shapiro, who spoke about the importance of early childhood education in Pennsylvania and proposed investments for recruitment and retention. Honorees Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo paid tribute to the dinner’s two honorees – Riverview Children’s Center Executive Director Betty Lisowski and Dr. Aisha White, program director for the Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) at the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Child Development. “With more than 40 years’ experience, Betty has been the catalyst for sustained, high-quality early care and education and expansion at Riverview Children’s Center,” Ciminillo said of Lisowski. “Betty has positively impacted thousands of children, families, and colleagues through the high-quality care and education Riverview provides while also being a working mother of three.” Lisowski’s co-workers at Riverview paid homage to her work at the center in a video. Lisowski cited author and speaker Jim Collins’ quote that “great vision without great people is irrelevant” in describing those with whom she has worked in early childhood education. “I am truly blessed to have spent my entire 43-year career in this field,” she said. “It has been a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve loved the work, but more importantly I’ve loved and cherished the people I’ve had the privilege to work with.” Ciminillo noted Dr. White’s work in helping children find pride in their racial identity as well as her decades-long engagement in the arts, social activism and work involving racial awareness. During a speech following her own tribute video, White noted that many children in America are struggling, citing Black infant mortality rates that are nearly two times higher than the national average for all races or ethnicities and the fact that 11 million U.S. children live in poverty and 400,000 in foster care. “While things are not good for children across the board, there’s an extra burden on children of color – and especially Black children – and that’s the burden of racism,” she said. “With respect to race, what we can do is pretty simple: Support children’s positive racial identity development in as many ways as we can, as often as we can, and as effectively as we can.” Ciminillo also recognized two regional educators – Lesely Crawford, executive director of the ABK Learning and Development Center, and Eva Wood, executive director of Ligonier Valley Learning Center in Latrobe – who were recent honorees at the PennAEYC Voice for Children Awards. Valuing Educators During a toast to all of the early childhood educators in attendance, Ciminillo said that a society that values its children must also value those who care for them. “Tonight, we gather during the Month of the Young Child not just to celebrate, but to honor you,” she said. “Your work is essential. It always has been. But more and more, the world is beginning to understand what you’ve long known – that care is not just an individual act of kindness, it is a public good.”
April 1, 2025 Trying Together Unveils Early Intervention Toolkit Trying Together recently launched its Early Intervention Toolkit, a comprehensive guide designed to provide vital tools, strategies, and resources for early care and education programs, Early Intervention professionals, and families in Allegheny County. Learn More The toolkit, which was unveiled during Trying Together’s UnConference at the Kaufmann Center in March, was developed with two main goals: To increase mutual understanding between ECE programs and Early Intervention (EI) services To strengthen the collaborative relationship between ECE professionals, EI professionals, and families Users of the toolkit can explore a variety of resources online, but also have the option to print individual resources. Examples include: An introduction to Early Intervention How to connect families with Early Intervention ECE and EI collaboration Inclusive ECE environments Additional resources For more information, take a look at Trying Together’s Early Intervention Toolkit. Training Sessions Trying Together will host training sessions on the toolkit this spring during which participants will discover how to navigate it to access a variety of resources for both parents and educators. Participants’ real-world needs will be used to identify resources from the toolkit to apply in their classroom settings. The sessions will be held on Zoom. The course costs $20. The dates for the course include: Monday, April 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration for the training sessions is open.
March 27, 2025 Trying Together’s Friendraiser Event in the Strip District Trying Together’s board of directors will host a fundraiser to share information about the organization’s mission and celebrate its impact during a Friendraiser on Thursday, May 15 at Kingfly Spirits. Learn More Registration is now open! The deadline to register is Monday, May 5. Guests interested in learning more about advocating for early childhood and expanding their network are invited for an evening of information and connection. Tickets are a donation of $100 per person. The event will include light appetizers and participants will receive a drink ticket for one cocktail. A cash bar will also be available. Donations will help Trying Together continue to provide high-quality care and education for young children through advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. The Friendraiser will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kingfly Spirits, located at 2613 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Questions should be emailed to Kerry Chapman, Trying Together’s assistant director of development, at kerry@tryingtogether.org or call 412.206.1053.
March 24, 2025 Trying Together to Host Friendraiser Event in Strip District on May 15 Trying Together’s board of directors will host a fundraiser to share information about the organization’s mission and celebrate its impact during a Friendraiser on Thursday, May 15 at Kingfly Spirits. Learn More Guests interested in learning more about advocating for early childhood and expanding their network are invited to join the Trying Together board of directors for an evening of information and connection. Tickets are a donation of $100 per person. Attendees will be served light appetizers and receive a drink ticket for one cocktail. A cash bar will also be available. Donations will help Trying Together continue to provide high-quality care and education for young children through advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. The Friendraiser will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kingfly Spirits, located at 2613 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Registration is now open. The deadline to register is Monday, May 5. Anyone with questions about the event can email Kerry Chapman, Trying Together’s assistant director of development, at kerry@tryingtogether.org or call 412.206.1053.
March 18, 2025 OCDEL: Working Together — Certification and Providers The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will host two upcoming virtual training sessions on certification. Working Together Early childhood providers looking to strengthen their partnership with certification can attend the virtual Working Together – Certification and Providers. The session will enable them to enhance collaboration, build new connections, and move forward with shared goals. The free session will dive into key aspects of working with certification representatives, from inspection preparation tips to resources that support compliance and quality improvement. Participants will be able to gain insight into OCDEL’s Quality Assurance initiative, the announcement development process, and the role providers play in shaping policies that affect one’s work. The session will explore how positivity and partnership create stronger programs that benefit providers and children. A total of 2.5 professional development hours will be available upon completion. Registration is now open for the following sessions: Wednesday, April 23 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
OCDEL: Working Together — Certification and Providers The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will host two upcoming virtual training sessions on certification. Working Together Early childhood providers looking to strengthen their partnership with certification can attend the virtual Working Together – Certification and Providers. The session will enable them to enhance collaboration, build new connections, and move forward with shared goals. The free session will dive into key aspects of working with certification representatives, from inspection preparation tips to resources that support compliance and quality improvement. Participants will be able to gain insight into OCDEL’s Quality Assurance initiative, the announcement development process, and the role providers play in shaping policies that affect one’s work. The session will explore how positivity and partnership create stronger programs that benefit providers and children. A total of 2.5 professional development hours will be available upon completion. Registration is now open for the following sessions: Wednesday, April 23 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
February 18, 2025 Presenters and Proposals Sought for Early Childhood Conferences Presenters and proposals are being sought for several upcoming conferences relating to early childhood education in Pennsylvania. OCDEL Conference The state’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is seeking experienced presenters to share expertise during the upcoming 2024-25 PA Pre-K Counts & Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program Grantee Meeting on April 30 and May 1. Each session at the conference – which will take place at Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Summit – will be an hour-and-a-half and focus on data-informed practices, strategies, and lessons learned. OCDEL is also seeking Pre-K Counts and Head Start program leaders who have demonstrated success in administrative areas to lead or co-present on program-based content. Those interested in leading a session should complete an online form. Breaking Barriers: Empowering Voices for the Future Another upcoming conference, Early Childhood Education: Breaking Barriers, Empowering Voices for the Future, is seeking presenters. Participants can share their knowledge and skills with educators and community leaders at the conference. Presentations should address challenges in early childhood education, how to amplify diverse voices, and how to shape the future of education. The event will take place June 14 in Philadelphia. It will include speakers, workshops, networking, and a vendor marketplace. Seminars will run from one to two hours. Each session should include at least 10 to 15 minutes of interactive or discussion-based activities to engage participants. To learn how to submit to be a presenter at the conference, visit its website. Division for Early Childhood The Division for Early Childhood is accepting proposals for the 41st Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families. The conference will take place on October 7 in Portland, Oregon. Proposals are due by Tuesday, February 18. Information on how to submit to the conference is available online.
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 hosted UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships on Saturday, March 8, at the Kaufmann Center. Participants attended expert-led sessions that focused 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. Details Saturday, March 8 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kaufmann Center 1825 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Limited parking at the venue was available as well as street parking. A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a buffet lunch was provided to participants. Opening remarks at the event provided an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together. These included the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis. Participants explored resource tables and attended a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they attended three 30-minute workshops. Tickets for UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships cost $25. Keynote Presentation State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-24) delivered the morning’s keynote speech, “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” The mini-keynote inspired 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 shared 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 were 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 was 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 explored 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 examined 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 developed 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 featured 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 included 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 had 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 were introduced to the Pyramid Model, focusing on Tier 1 strategies to create supportive classroom environments and prevent behavior escalation. They reviewed a classroom checklist and explored how these supports can reduce triggers for children, along with alternative communication techniques from the “Words Matter” handout. The session also covered 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 were 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 left the session knowing how to use the EI Toolkit to access support resources for both families and early educators. Early Intervention 101 Instructors: Jennifer Mason; 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 provided 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 provided an exploration of trauma and its effects on learning. Participants learned how trauma influences learning, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Through interactive activities and case studies, educators gained 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 explored tools to support difficult conversations with families and, ultimately, help reduce stigma. Participants had 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 focused 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 were 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 reconvened for closing remarks. Participants had 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 engaged 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 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.
