April 17, 2024 OCDEL Announces 2024 Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award Recipients The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award. Several local child care providers were among this year’s recipients. About the Equity in ECE Champion Award The Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award recognizes the equity work of Pennsylvania early childhood education (ECE) programs and professionals, and highlights the impact of that work on staff, children, and families within early childhood education settings. The award recipients’ work aligns with the state Department of Education’s Equity and Inclusion Toolkit and the position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Local Award Recipients Award recipients for 2024 in the region included: Gold Level Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Pre-K Kids Learning Center, New Castle Silver Level AIU/Steel Valley Family Center, Homestead Brightside Academy, Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh Jack Safer, President & CEO, Brightside Academy, Pittsburgh Bronze Level Dr. Shawna Starling, Vice President of Intervention and Development Services, Brightside Academy, Pittsburgh Shady Lane School, Pittsburgh Learn More The Equity in Early Childhood Education Award brings awareness to and highlights the equity work taking place within the state’s early childhood education and afterschool settings by child care, evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention professionals and organizations that support the National Association for the Education of Young Children. An appreciation event will be held at the State Capitol Rotunda, located at 501 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. The event is open to the public.
April 1, 2024 April is the Month of the Young Child April has been designated as the Month of the Young Child. Trying Together has planned a month full of events and opportunities to tout the importance of early child care and celebrate organizations that provide vital services. History The Week of the Young Child was first established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Its aim was to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize early childhood programs and services that are centered around those needs. Over time, increased interest led Trying Together to designate the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). We celebrate MOYC to elevate the important work of families and early care and education professionals, who strive to meet the needs of the young children in their care. MOYC-in-a-Box Early learning programs can request a mailed box of materials related to the month. Materials include posters to display at program locations or to give to businesses to promote the importance of child care in the community; buttons for staff and families to wear in April; and printed materials and resources from Trying Together and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5. To request the MOYC box of materials, fill out this form. Materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The last day to request materials is Friday, April 12. Events There are a number of great events to celebrate the Month of the Young Child. These include: 2024 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner – Trying Together will join early care and education colleagues from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 at Acrisure Stadium for dinner, a photo booth, and prizes. There is currently a wait-list for this event. Homewood Early Learning Block Party – This free event will feature craft activities as well as face painting, dancing, and other activities. There will be resources from organizations in Homewood and the Pittsburgh region for caregivers and families. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center. Affirming Black Joy: Race, Identity, and Early Childhood – The Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) program’s spring speaker series event will feature Trying Together’s Cara Ciminillo as a guest speaker. This virtual event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Registration for this event is now open. Education Affiliate Dinner and Lecture – Beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, this event at Saint Vincent College will feature a dinner and lecture with Todd Whitaker, a leading authority on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. at the college’s Event and Conference Center and the lecture will follow at 7 p.m. at the Carey Performing Arts Center. More details are available on the college’s Education Department website. NAEYC Week of the Young Child – The NAEYC will celebrate daily themes as part of its Week of the Young Child from April 6 to 12. Visit the NAEYC’s website for more information on the daily themes and activity resources.
August 18, 2023 Learn How to Spark WONDER this School Year! “When You Wonder, You’re Learning” invites teachers and parents to join them for a presentation and lively discussion on how to create joy in your child’s learning journey in your classroom, in your home, and wherever children learn. Hosted by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, co-authors of the acclaimed book, When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids, will discuss simple things you can do to kickstart joy, curiosity, and wonder for the children in your life. Join this FREE. dynamic presentation and engaging conversation on Tuesday, 8/29, from 8 – 9 p.m. via Zoom. Register Today
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.
May 23, 2023 Reducing Lead Exposures in Early Learning Centers Join Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) on Tuesday, May 30 for a free webinar focusing on deep cleaning information and resources for early learning centers. During this session, attendees will learn more about the WHE lending library for cleaning equipment. Early learning providers in southwest PA are encouraged to attend. When: Tuesday, 5/30 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. Register Check out the webinar flyer for more information.
