November 11, 2021 Earn an ECE Degree at No or Low Cost Are you looking to earn an early childhood degree or credential at low or no cost? The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Apprenticeship Program can help. Interested applicants should fill out the Apprenticeship Interest Form. What is the ECE Apprenticeship Program? The ECE Apprenticeship Program is a learn-as-you-earn career pathway that helps early learning professionals in Allegheny County earn a CDA Credential or Associate’s Degree while maintaining employment at an early learning program. The program is employer-driven and flexible in meeting Apprentices’ needs. Apprentices choose courses based on what fits in their lives and schedules and are matched with a skilled Coach who offers additional guidance, structure, and support. Join us to advance your career and elevate the important work of early childhood. How is the program structured? The program includes two main elements: completing courses through our partners at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and completing on-the-job hours in a child care program with a Coach. Most courses are offered through a synchronous model like Zoom or an asynchronous model like an online class or platform. However, in-person classes will be available in Fall 2021. Apprentices decide which learning format works best for their learning needs and schedules. What does the program hope to achieve? The program offers continuing education opportunities to early childhood educators and encourages a community of learning by building relationships between Apprentices and Coaches. Research shows that having well-educated, well-compensated, and supported early childhood educators: reduces turnover in the field, positively impacts work climates, and creates a diverse, skilled workforce that is able to serve children of a variety of needs and backgrounds and work with families as partners in their child’s early education. To support the healthy development of children and families, Pennsylvania must support the education, retention, and career advancement of professionals in the early childhood field. This program offers a pathway to do that. Who is the ideal candidate? This program is ideal for child care staff in Allegheny County who are looking to continue their education in early childhood or child development at low or no cost. Employers will be responsible for supporting Apprentices and Coaches in their work. Become an Apprentice Interested applicants should fill out the Apprenticeship Interest Form. For more information or to ask a question, contact Lindsey Vicoria at lindseyv@tryingtogether.org and Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org. Frequently Asked Questions Is there a cost to participate? The program provides education and materials to professionals at no or low cost. It depends on what funding is available to support the purchase of textbooks, coursework, and other materials. What does a typical week look like? During a typical week, Apprentices continue the important work they do with children and families at their child care center and attend class one day per week (typically at night). Apprentices also meet with a skilled Coach one night per week to talk about the coursework and how the educator will implement what they learned into their classroom. Can I receive credit for courses I completed in the past? Yes! Our friends at CCAC do a great job at pulling any credit hours they can for our Apprentices (even if those credit hours were earned several years ago in a different field of study). This reduces the time Apprentices spend in school to meet their required credit hours. What do Apprentices complete? Apprentices sit through an initial orientation to hear program details, discuss professionalism, and build relationships with program staff and other Apprentices. From there, professionals will register for and complete courses through CCAC and complete on-the-job learning hours in their center. CDA-Level Apprentices complete 2,000 on-the-job learning hours in their center, which is very manageable throughout the course of their coursework. Associate’s-Level Apprentices complete 4,000 on-the-job learning hours in their center. How does this tie into NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies? The program also focuses on helping professionals achieve NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. Our Coaches meet with Apprentices to discuss what they are accomplishing in the classroom, set professional goals, and mark when the Apprentice accomplishes a goal/competency. How did this program get started? Sponsored through the 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund, the ECE Apprenticeship Program was designed to streamline a career pathway for educators and reduce barriers to higher education (financial challenges, time responsibilities, etc.). Whether an early learning professional is looking to obtain a CDA Credential or Associate’s Degree, this program was created to help. How is this program unique? The ECE Apprenticeship Program is the only registered apprenticeship opportunity in Southwestern Pennsylvania that provides an Associate’s Degree track in early childhood education. Our program is also early childhood focused, which is still a very new thing in Pennsylvania. What is Trying Together’s role? Who are the partners? Trying Together uses our amazing network of child care providers to complete the early childhood work, provide professional development, and oversee the general operations of the program. We have partners at Partner4Work, which is a workforce development agency in the Pittsburgh area, and Literacy Pittsburgh, which offers resources to our students, including tutoring and additional support. Our partners at CCAC provide all of the coursework. More Information Interested applicants should fill out the Apprenticeship Interest Form. For more information or to ask a question, contact Lindsey Vicoria at lindseyv@tryingtogether.org and Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org. To stay up to date on the latest news and opportunities, sign up to receive Trying Together’s newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
April 7, 2021 Parenting Together Pathway Provides Information for Parents In April 2021, as part of Month of the Young Child, Trying Together launched the Parenting Together Pathway to provide high-quality information on early childhood topics for caregivers. The Parenting Together Pathway provides families the opportunity to learn more about: brain development; play; interactions and relationships; technology; child care; and advocacy to better support their children’s healthy growth. Additional videos will be released through 2021. Course Content The Parenting Together Pathway currently includes six topics related to early childhood. The Beautiful Brain This presentation provides an overview of how the brain develops during early childhood. Caregivers will learn about the impact of interactions, environments, and trauma on a child’s brain, and develop an understanding of how strong brain development can be effectively supported through fun and engaging activities. It’s More Than Just Play: The Role of Play in a Child’s Life This presentation provides an overview of the types of play and how play benefits young children. Caregivers will learn about how they can support playful learning. Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary This presentation provides an overview of positive interactions between children and their caregivers. Caregivers will learn to recognize moments of connecting, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday moments. The Role of Technology in Caregiving and Caregiving Experiences This presentation provides an overview of how technology can be resourceful in caregiving experiences. Caregivers will learn how integrating technology into children’s daily routines, including play, can be fun and supportive towards their development. How to Choose High-Quality Child Care This presentation provides an overview of important characteristics to look for when searching for child care. Caregivers will learn about the various aspects of child care that attribute to high quality interactions and experiences. Becoming A Child’s First Advocate This presentation provides an overview of advocacy, its definition, and the role it plays for young children and their families. Caregivers will learn about various campaigns related to early childhood and how they can become and advocate for all children. Additional Information Please visit the Trying Together website to view video content for the Parenting Together Pathway.
January 6, 2021 ECE Job Openings: January 6 – 13, 2021 Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below. Featured Jobs Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher Brightside Academy is looking to hire a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher. Interested professionals must have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or a related field) and a Pennsylvania Prek-4 or N-3 certification. To apply, email your resume to cjuth@brightsideacademy.com. In your email, please reference “Trying Together.” Submit a Job Description Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, January 12. This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after January 12 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org. Search Additional Jobs Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
December 22, 2020 Virtual Community of Practice Meetings Are you interested in discussing topics of interest and current trends with fellow professionals in the early childhood field? Join Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 for their virtual Community of Practice sessions! About ELRC Region 5 offers Communities of Practice (COP) for early learning professionals to discuss topics of interest, current trends in the field, and offer insight and inspiration to one another. In January, the COP virtual sessions will give providers the opportunity to discuss their school-age care program successes, needs, and questions. Participants will be given the most current school-age care updates, information, resources, and professional development opportunities. Available Sessions Saturday, January 9, 2021: School Age Child Care Check-In 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Attend the Session Thursday, January 21, 2021: School Age Child Care Check-In 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Attend the Session 1 p.m. | Zoom Meetings | Attend the Session More Information For questions, contact elrc5@alleghenycounty.us or 412.350.3577. Share this flyer with your network.
December 17, 2020 ECE Job Openings: 12/17 – 12/23 Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below. Featured Jobs Overnight Therapeutic Child Care Staff Jeremiah’s Place is looking to hire Overnight Therapeutic Child Care Staff. These professionals would be responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate therapeutic environment to minimize the adverse effects of a stressful situation or traumatic experience of children in crisis. Professionals would be responsible for managing the child care of children visiting Jeremiah’s Place’s short-term emergency child care center during its overnight hours. To apply, email your resume to Jordan Shoenberger at jshoenberger@jeremiahsplace.org. Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Hillel Academy is STAR 4, NAEYC accredited early childhood program looking for energetic and nurturing educators to work with infants and toddlers. The Assistant Teacher will work closely with the Lead Educator to implement lesson plans and care for the children. If you are a hard worker, enjoy helping young children, and are interested in learning more about the position, please contact Ruth Pohuly at rpohuly@hillelpgh.org or call at 412.521.8131. To apply, email your resume to rpohuly@hillelpgh.org. Submit a Job Description Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, December 22. This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after December 22 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that news post publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org. Search Additional Jobs Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
December 10, 2020 ECE Job Openings: 12/10 – 12/16 Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below. Featured Jobs Early Childhood Educator Kinder Academy is seeking experienced, motivated early childhood teachers for their growing centers in Robinson Township. Their centers are newly remodeled and participate in Keystone Stars and CACFP programs. Teachers must have a love for nurturing and educating young children. As a leader, you are a role model for all to follow and create a collaborative and caring learning environment. Kinder Academy is currently seeking applicants for Infant, Toddler, and Preschool classrooms. To apply, complete the online application or email careers@kinderacademypgh.com. Assistant Teacher Carlow University’s Early Learning Center is looking to fill an Assistant Teacher position. The Assistant Teacher will plan and implement daily programming for infants and toddlers using DAP theory, maintain daily communication with parents, and complete child observations and assessments. To apply, complete the online application. Pre-K Counts Certified Teacher Hosanna House Inc. is a NAEYC Accredited, PDE Private School Licensed, STAR 4 school looking for a passionate and enthusiastic teacher to join their team! Hosanna House Inc. school programs empower children to discover their interest through play, along with a curriculum that will ensure children are school ready and excited about learning. Teachers will be responsible for daily in-person educational instruction following the creative curriculum. To apply, email your resume to Denise Bell at deniseb@hosannahouse.org. Submit a Job Description Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, December 15. This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after December 15 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that news post publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org. Search Additional Jobs Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
December 2, 2020 Simple Interactions and Stories (Panel Discussion) Are you interested in learning how to encourage, enrich, and empower human relationships in your work with young children? Join Simple Interactions on January 14 for “Simple Interactions + Stories.” About Throughout the pandemic, Simple Interactions has been inspired to hear stories from individuals across child-serving contexts about how COVID-19 has impacted their work and interactions with families, youth, and children. This event will feature a facilitated panel with four practitioners and professionals. Each panelist will share their stories of finding opportunities, overcoming challenges, and using relational thinking to support children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists will include Lisa Kuh, Director of Early Education, Somerville Public Schools; Monica Allison, Site Coordinator, ParentChild+ Staff; and Amie White, Director of Family and Youth Engagement, A+ Schools. Available Times This session is available at the following times: Thursday, January 14 | 12 – 1: 15 p.m. | Register Thursday, January 14 | 7:30 – 8:45 p.m. | Register More Information To learn more, visit the Simple Interactions website.
Virtual Conference: Early Literacy, Libraries, and You Are you interested in learning how to raise lifelong readers? Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh from February 15 – 25, 2021 for their virtual conference, “Early Literacy, Libraries, and You.” About Educators and caregivers play a critical role in developing children’s reading readiness. In order to be ready to read when they enter school, young children need rich early literacy activities and interactions. Through this virtual conference, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will discuss activities, resources, and research that will enable participants to raise lifelong readers through expanded early literacy practices. Formal and informal educators and caregivers are invited to attend. Attendees are welcome to register for one or more sessions. For individuals seeking continuing education hours, the number of hours received will correspond with the number of sessions attended. All sessions will be hosted on Zoom. Event links being sent out via email. Featured Sessions Every Child Ready to Read Monday, February 15 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Transformation Big & Small: The Pittsburgh Ready Story Monday, February 15 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Using Digital Media Resources with Early Learners Wednesday, February 17 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Library 101 Wednesday, February 24 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Race, Reading, and Young Children Thursday, February 25 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. More Information This Virtual Conference is presented in partnership between Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Trying Together as part of the Pittsburgh Ready project, with support from PNC Grow Up Great. To learn more, visit the Carnegie Libary of Pittsburgh website.
November 20, 2020 Tuition-Free Courses Available for ECE Professionals Are you an early learning professional who is interested in earning an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or Child Development Certificate? No- and low-cost options are available for eligible professionals in Pennsylvania through the Professional Development Organization (PDO). Professional Development Organization The Professional Development Organization (PDO) is a grant-funded educational collaboration among four universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and numerous partner universities, colleges, and community programs across the state to advance the career pathways of the early childhood workforce. PDO funding covers tuition, expenses, and other supports to help eligible early childhood educators earn credit-bearing credentials and degrees. Tuition-Free Courses Tuition-free courses are eligible for early childhood professionals who: are Pennsylvania residents, work in a Keystone STARS program, and work a minimum average of 25 hours per week over an entire work year (during non-COVID times). To determine your eligibility, complete the online application. Once your eligibility is confirmed, a PDO Liaison from your region will contact you to discuss your professional development options. Available Pathways The following pathways are available to advance your academic and professional development: Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) Associate’s Degree, Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree, Early Childhood Education Steps To Take If you are interested in taking advantage of this limited-time opportunity, complete these three steps: Apply for Tuition Assistance Complete the application. Once submitted, an ECE Liaison will contact you to confirm your eligibility for tuition assistance, guide you through the application at a PDO partner university, college, or program, and help you register for classes. Be sure to check your spam folder as it may contain an email from your ECE Liaison. Apply to a Partner School or Program Before you apply to a school, be sure to speak with an ECE Liaison who can help you navigate any fees that may be waived. Among the supports available to students is a free 24/7 tutoring service. View the full list of partner schools and programs. Register for Classes Class offerings at all schools and programs may change each semester. Check with an ECE Liaison or the school for details. View this document for examples of available classes. More Information For more information, contact Mimi Loughead at mimi@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network.
November 19, 2020 Join Us In Celebrating #GivingTuesday Join Trying Together, your neighbors, and the global community on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, in celebrating kindness, collaboration, and generosity. Join us in #GivingTogether this #GivingTuesday. What Is GivingTuesday? First established in 2012, GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It’s also an opportunity for people to stand together in unity—to use their individual power of generosity to support and champion the organizations and causes they care about. Why Should You Participate? 2020 has been a difficult year, and it has been especially difficult for our nation’s families. Due to job loss, financial strain, education challenges, and limited access to child care, families have been working tirelessly to make ends meet and support the learning and development of their children. However, they cannot do it alone. That’s why Trying Together’s mission to reinforce the work of early childhood is more important than ever before. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trying Together has: mobilized our advocates to ensure child care businesses receive the emergency funds they need to stay in business and provide services to families; distributed critical health and safety supplies to early learning programs that serve essential workers and their families; developed an online search tool to assist essential workers and families with quickly finding and choosing early learning programs that meet their needs; created an online community for families to connect, discuss, and support one another in their care and education planning for the 2020-21 school year; and curated comprehensive COVID-19 resource lists online, one of which is for families and caregivers and the other for early care and education professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic and after, Trying Together will continue to develop our programs, resources, and services to meet the needs of our communities. Will you join us in this work by showing your support on GivingTuesday? What You Can Do We all have gifts to give, and thanks to social media, online giving, mail, and phones, there are limitless ways to use your generosity to reinforce the early childhood field. For examples of how you can give this giving season, see the list below! Submit A Donation If you would like to support Trying Together’s work directly, consider submitting a financial donation! We appreciate donations of any size. However, for those looking for recommended amounts, Trying Together has identified the following tiers: Early Childhood Supporter ($60) Early Childhood Sustainer ($120) Early Childhood Champion ($1,000) Thanks to the generosity of Trying Together’s Board of Directors, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2,000. Help us secure these matched dollars by donating! Share Your Story When you think of a good teacher, who do you think of? Take time this GivingTuesday to thank that person via social media, phone, or email and let them know how their work has positively impacted your life or the life of your child. SOCIAL MEDIA 1. Join the larger community in celebrating gratitude by posting your thank you message, picture, or video on social media using #GiveThanks or #GivingTogether. Example: I’d like to say thank you to @amymiller for the wonderful work she’s been doing to support my child’s learning and healthy development! Ashton still can’t stop talking about the caterpillar craft he did last month! 🐛🦋 #GiveThanks #GivingTuesday 2. Set a goal for how many educators you’d like to thank this giving season and share it out on social media using #GiveThanks or #GivingTogether! Example: This #GivingTuesday, I’m celebrating gratitude by thanking three early learning professionals who have had a positive impact on my life and child. Will you join me? #GiveThanks 📞💌 #GivingTuesday is on December 1 this year and to celebrate, I’d like to #GiveThanks to the early learning professionals who work tirelessly to make sure my child is safe, supported, and cared for. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you!CLICK TO TWEET PHONE OR EMAIL If you have their phone number or email, contact your early learning professional and let them know how much you appreciate the work they do to support your family. Share Our Fundraising Page Another great way to support Trying Together is by sharing our fundraising page with your network. To help get you started, we have created a GivingTuesday Social Media Toolkit that features sample social media posts and more! More Information For questions, please contact Trying Together at info@tryingtogether.org.
