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 24, 2025 Early Intervention Toolkit Training Session Trying Together will host training sessions centered around its Early Intervention (EI) Toolkit on Zoom this spring. Learn More Children benefit from a team of supporters. When early childhood educators are aware of the support landscape, children are able to thrive. Trying Together’s EI Toolkit was created to help early childhood educators develop an active understanding of their role in EIR. The toolkit aims to increase mutual understanding and collaboration between early childhood educators, EI, and families with young children. In the training sessions, participants will discover how to navigate the EI Toolkit 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. More Details 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.
Early Intervention Toolkit Training Session Trying Together will host training sessions centered around its Early Intervention (EI) Toolkit on Zoom this spring. Learn More Children benefit from a team of supporters. When early childhood educators are aware of the support landscape, children are able to thrive. Trying Together’s EI Toolkit was created to help early childhood educators develop an active understanding of their role in EIR. The toolkit aims to increase mutual understanding and collaboration between early childhood educators, EI, and families with young children. In the training sessions, participants will discover how to navigate the EI Toolkit 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. More Details 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.
Early Intervention Toolkit Training Session Trying Together will host training sessions centered around its Early Intervention (EI) Toolkit on Zoom this spring. Learn More Children benefit from a team of supporters. When early childhood educators are aware of the support landscape, children are able to thrive. Trying Together’s EI Toolkit was created to help early childhood educators develop an active understanding of their role in EIR. The toolkit aims to increase mutual understanding and collaboration between early childhood educators, EI, and families with young children. In the training sessions, participants will discover how to navigate the EI Toolkit 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. More Details 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 5, 2025 Trying Together Releases Winter 2025 Professional Development Catalog Trying Together has released its 2025 winter catalog to help educators find professional growth opportunities that align with their career goals. The catalog provides course details and credentials. Learn More In the past year, Trying Together awarded nearly 4,500 PQAS credits to support continuous improvement in early learning programs. It aims to increase the number by regularly updating its Professional Development Catalog to make it easier for educators to continue to learn. All courses listed in the catalog are led by a certified PQAS instructor and are Act 48 approved. The courses are broken down into nine sections: Basics of Learning and Engagement Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Assessments and Supportive Services (Early Intervention) Behavior and Social-Emotional Learning Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) Health and Safety Advocacy and Public Policy Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Professionalism in Practice For more information on how Trying Together can assist educators in their learning goals, email learning@tryingtogether.org or call 412-421-3889.
January 20, 2025 Nomination Process Open for Ron Cowell Award The State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) for Early Intervention is seeking nominees for the Ron Cowell Award for excellence in service to young children with disabilities and their families. Learn More Any individual who has a significant impact on early intervention public policy, development, practices, or staff development is eligible to be nominated. Past honorees include parents, service providers, advocates, local administrators, and state leaders. All nominations are due by Friday, February 14. The award will be presented at the Thursday, April 3 SICC meeting. The nomination form is available on the SICC page of the EITA Portal.
January 10, 2025 Trying Together to Host UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships in March Registration is open for Trying Together’s UnConference focusing on systemic challenges relating to access to early intervention services on March 8. Other topics will include the impacts of systemic racism, suspensions and expulsions, staffing shortages, and under-investments in early childhood education. Learn More UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships will include expert-led sessions, keynote speeches, a light breakfast with coffee and tea, and a buffet lunch. Opening remarks will provide an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together – including the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis. Participants will attend a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they will attend three 30-minute mini workshops. Keynotes and Workshops The morning’s keynote presentation will be state Rep. La’Tasha Mayes’ (D-24) “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” During her speech, she 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 education system. The morning’s workshops include: “Exploring the Impact of Systemic Challenges on Access to Early Intervention Services: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Children in Early Childhood Settings,” led by Trying Together’s Emily Neff and Hailee B. Roye “Circle Time: Let’s Talk About EI,” a panel discussion featuring experts from Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, and Intensive Behavioral Health Services as well as a parent The afternoon’s mini workshops include: “Pyramid Model and Prevention Tips for Challenging Behaviors” “Early Intervention Toolkit: Tools and Resources for Early Care and Education Programs” “Early Intervention 101” “Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Children with Early Childhood Trauma” “Breaking the Stigma: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Families and Young Children” “Creating Calm: Interactive Sensory Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms” “Closing Session: From Awareness to Advocacy Action” The UnConference will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Kaufmann Center, located at 1825 Centre Avenue. Tickets cost $25. Space is limited. Registration is now open. Those who attend the conference will receive PQAS and Act 48 credit hours. Any questions about the UnConference should be emailed to Ben Filio at ben@tryingtogether.org. For more information about the event and session details, visit the UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships page on the Trying Together 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.
October 25, 2024 Trying Together Invites Families to Attend Early Intervention Forums Trying Together is inviting parents and family members of young children in Allegheny County to open forums on Early Intervention. Learn More The forums will discuss recent findings relating to Early Intervention. They are aimed at Allegheny County families whose children are currently receiving Early Intervention or have received it in the past nine years. Families who attend will have the opportunity to share their reactions and experiences. The forums will be held on Zoom on two different dates: Nov. 7 at 12:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. Registration is required and now open for the Nov. 7 and Nov. 12 forums. All questions should be emailed to ashley@tryingtogether.org.
September 24, 2024 PennAEYC Handouts Provides Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Information The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) has released a new, one-page handout that provides information on infant and toddler early intervention. Learn More The resource is intended for early care and education providers as well as the families they serve. It provides information about the Infant and Toddler Early Intervention program, which serves children who have or are at risk of developmental delays. The handout provides information on: Eligibility criteria and the enrollment process Available services and how they can support child development Contact information for referrals and questions The handout is aimed at helping families to determine whether the Infant and Toddler Early Intervention program is a good fit for their child. It can be found on PennAEYC’s website. Any questions about the handout should be emailed to Meg Eirkson, public policy and advocacy associate, at meirkson@pennaeyc.org.
