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
August 2, 2023 Everyday Interactions Matter: Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs The primary ingredient of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation for connection, learning, and growing for young children and adults alike. Throughout the “Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs” series, Allegheny County early learning professionals will engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. EIM is designed to support early learning professionals, including owners, directors, and educators, in examining the everyday moments that make up their days and sharing elements of their practice with peers. Through this strengths-based process, professionals can recognize and build upon powerful moments of connection, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday interactions. This event series is being offered to Allegheny County providers only. Session Details: Date and Time: Mondays, September 11 – October 16 | 6 – 7:15 p.m. Where: All sessions are virtual (Zoom). All sessions include homework through our self-paced Schoology platform. Instructors: Sarah Grubb, Allison Robinson, Diana Schwab Cost: FREE Standards: 15 PQAS hours/ACT 48 credits will be offered. C2: Knowledge Application Child Development and Learning in Context Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator There is a three (3) person per early learning site limit. Seating is limited to 20 participants. Register Questions? For questions about the course or credit, contact Sarah at Sarah.Grubb@alleghenycounty.us.
Everyday Interactions Matter: Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs The primary ingredient of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation for connection, learning, and growing for young children and adults alike. Throughout the “Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs” series, Allegheny County early learning professionals will engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. EIM is designed to support early learning professionals, including owners, directors, and educators, in examining the everyday moments that make up their days and sharing elements of their practice with peers. Through this strengths-based process, professionals can recognize and build upon powerful moments of connection, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday interactions. This event series is being offered to Allegheny County providers only. Session Details: Date and Time: Mondays, September 11 – October 16 | 6 – 7:15 p.m. Where: All sessions are virtual (Zoom). All sessions include homework through our self-paced Schoology platform. Instructors: Sarah Grubb, Allison Robinson, Diana Schwab Cost: FREE Standards: 15 PQAS hours/ACT 48 credits will be offered. C2: Knowledge Application Child Development and Learning in Context Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator There is a three (3) person per early learning site limit. Seating is limited to 20 participants. Register Questions? For questions about the course or credit, contact Sarah at Sarah.Grubb@alleghenycounty.us.
Everyday Interactions Matter: Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs The primary ingredient of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation for connection, learning, and growing for young children and adults alike. Throughout the “Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs” series, Allegheny County early learning professionals will engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. EIM is designed to support early learning professionals, including owners, directors, and educators, in examining the everyday moments that make up their days and sharing elements of their practice with peers. Through this strengths-based process, professionals can recognize and build upon powerful moments of connection, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday interactions. This event series is being offered to Allegheny County providers only. Session Details: Date and Time: Mondays, September 11 – October 16 | 6 – 7:15 p.m. Where: All sessions are virtual (Zoom). All sessions include homework through our self-paced Schoology platform. Instructors: Sarah Grubb, Allison Robinson, Diana Schwab Cost: FREE Standards: 15 PQAS hours/ACT 48 credits will be offered. C2: Knowledge Application Child Development and Learning in Context Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator There is a three (3) person per early learning site limit. Seating is limited to 20 participants. Register Questions? For questions about the course or credit, contact Sarah at Sarah.Grubb@alleghenycounty.us.
Everyday Interactions Matter: Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs The primary ingredient of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation for connection, learning, and growing for young children and adults alike. Throughout the “Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs” series, Allegheny County early learning professionals will engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. EIM is designed to support early learning professionals, including owners, directors, and educators, in examining the everyday moments that make up their days and sharing elements of their practice with peers. Through this strengths-based process, professionals can recognize and build upon powerful moments of connection, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday interactions. This event series is being offered to Allegheny County providers only. Session Details: Date and Time: Mondays, September 11 – October 16 | 6 – 7:15 p.m. Where: All sessions are virtual (Zoom). All sessions include homework through our self-paced Schoology platform. Instructors: Sarah Grubb, Allison Robinson, Diana Schwab Cost: FREE Standards: 15 PQAS hours/ACT 48 credits will be offered. C2: Knowledge Application Child Development and Learning in Context Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator There is a three (3) person per early learning site limit. Seating is limited to 20 participants. Register Questions? For questions about the course or credit, contact Sarah at Sarah.Grubb@alleghenycounty.us.
Everyday Interactions Matter: Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs The primary ingredient of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation for connection, learning, and growing for young children and adults alike. Throughout the “Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs” series, Allegheny County early learning professionals will engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. EIM is designed to support early learning professionals, including owners, directors, and educators, in examining the everyday moments that make up their days and sharing elements of their practice with peers. Through this strengths-based process, professionals can recognize and build upon powerful moments of connection, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday interactions. This event series is being offered to Allegheny County providers only. Session Details: Date and Time: Mondays, September 11 – October 16 | 6 – 7:15 p.m. Where: All sessions are virtual (Zoom). All sessions include homework through our self-paced Schoology platform. Instructors: Sarah Grubb, Allison Robinson, Diana Schwab Cost: FREE Standards: 15 PQAS hours/ACT 48 credits will be offered. C2: Knowledge Application Child Development and Learning in Context Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator There is a three (3) person per early learning site limit. Seating is limited to 20 participants. Register Questions? For questions about the course or credit, contact Sarah at Sarah.Grubb@alleghenycounty.us.
Everyday Interactions Matter: Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs The primary ingredient of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation for connection, learning, and growing for young children and adults alike. Throughout the “Deep and Simple Relating in Early Learning Programs” series, Allegheny County early learning professionals will engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. EIM is designed to support early learning professionals, including owners, directors, and educators, in examining the everyday moments that make up their days and sharing elements of their practice with peers. Through this strengths-based process, professionals can recognize and build upon powerful moments of connection, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday interactions. This event series is being offered to Allegheny County providers only. Session Details: Date and Time: Mondays, September 11 – October 16 | 6 – 7:15 p.m. Where: All sessions are virtual (Zoom). All sessions include homework through our self-paced Schoology platform. Instructors: Sarah Grubb, Allison Robinson, Diana Schwab Cost: FREE Standards: 15 PQAS hours/ACT 48 credits will be offered. C2: Knowledge Application Child Development and Learning in Context Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator There is a three (3) person per early learning site limit. Seating is limited to 20 participants. Register Questions? For questions about the course or credit, contact Sarah at Sarah.Grubb@alleghenycounty.us.
July 10, 2023 BabyTalks Series: Fostering Inclusive Play for All Infants and Toddlers In this BabyTalks webinar, attendees will learn how play varies across individuals, families, cultures, and communities. Join Beth Zack, PhD, and Marie Baeta, MA, from the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning to explore the importance of moving away from a “one size fits all” approach to play. Those that attend will discover ways to make play accessible, culturally relevant, and meaningful to all infants and toddlers. This webinar is offered with English and Spanish captioning. Key topics that will be discussed during this webinar include: Infant and toddler play through a lens of equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness. Strategies to create playful learning experiences that are accessible and meaningful to all infants and toddlers. This webinar benefits Head Start and child care program directors, managers, and administrators serving infants and toddlers, teachers, home visitors, and family child care providers, TTA providers, program office staff located in Regional offices and Washington, D.C., Head Start Collaboration offices. Register Certificates of completion are available for this webinar.
July 7, 2023 PA DHS Accepting Applications for Children’s Trust Fund Grants The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is accepting applications for the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) grants to promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings in order to address child and family well-being and prevent abuse and neglect of children in the Commonwealth. The maximum CTF grant award is $50,000 per year. About the Children’s Trust Fund Grants The mission of the Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) is to prevent child abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania. To do this, the CTF Board of Directors funds community-based primary and secondary prevention programs that support families. The CTF was established in December 1988 by Act 1988-151. It operates under the administration of the CTF Board and is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), a dual deputate of the Department of Human Services (DHS) the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Funds for the CTF are generated from a $10 surcharge on all applications for marriage licenses and divorce complaints. These surcharges are paid into a special non-lapsing fund. Interest, donations and federal funds also contribute to the CTF. The CTF is dedicated to funding community-based programs to prevent child abuse and neglect. Since its inception, the CTF has invested more than $37 million through 295 grants. See the list of current grantees. The CTF also supports the work of the Pennsylvania Strengthening Families Leadership Team. How to Apply Application details and forms are available at the eMarketPlace website. Each Applicant must submit one complete copy of the Submittal via email to ra-pwrfaquestions@pa.gov. The subject line of the email must indicate “RFA 13-23 Application”. Applications are due by 10 a.m. on July 31, 2023. Please refer to the eMarketplace listing for any changes regarding the deadline. Organizations can view the bid online. Awarded contracts are posted to eMarketplace after they become fully executed. Questions? If you have a question, send an email to Robin Lease at RAPWRFAQUESTIONS@PA.GOV. All emails should include the subject line “RFA #13-23 Question” and must be submitted by July 14, 2023 at 10 a.m. Written answers will be posted on the eMarketPlace website on July 21, 2023.
July 5, 2023 2023 Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference The 2023 Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference is a unique learning opportunity to support children and youth experiencing homelessness and students experiencing foster care. This three-day conference is ideal for: School district homeless liaisons. Foster care points of contact. Child welfare agency education liaisons and private providers. Shelter staff and staff in congregate care settings. Early education, Head Start staff, and K-12 educators. School social workers and counselors. Pupil services personnel. Post-secondary staff. Any professionals working with children and youth experiencing homelessness, children and youth experiencing foster care. When: Wednesday, 10/11 – Friday, 10/13 Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, Pa. 16046 Register (There is no cost to attend.) The Paving the Way Conference is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education programs Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) and Educational Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care and is held in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and Center for Schools and Communities.
