August 5, 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 ELRC Region 5 for their virtual Community of Practice sessions! About Community of Practice sessions provide early learning professionals with opportunities to discuss topics of interest, current trends in the early childhood field, and offer insight and inspiration to their fellow professionals. In August, these virtual sessions will provide an overview of using the Pennsylvania Professional Development (PD) Registry. Participants will learn how to use the PD Registry as a tool to organize staff and will receive support and clear instruction on renewal requirements for the Keystone STARS program. Available Sessions Saturday, August 8 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Register Thursday, August 20 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Register 1 p.m. | Zoom Meetings | Register More Information Information about the meetings will be sent to participants following registration. For questions, contact ELRC Region 5 at elrc5@alleghenycounty.us or 412.350.3577. Share this flyer with your network.
July 31, 2020 New Process to Prevent Suspensions and Expulsions Effective August 1, a new process to request support for a child with unique needs or challenging behaviors to prevent suspension and/or expulsion from early learning programs is available for families and early learning professionals. How to Request Support To request assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), early learning professionals and families can complete a new online form entitled, “PA Key Expulsion/Suspension Support Request.” Circumstances for Alternative Support If a family has an established relationship with their local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC), the family or case provider can reach out directly to their ELRC to receive program support. If the child is already receiving Early Intervention (EI) Services, providers can reach out to the child’s local EI program to request assistance with parent permission. If the child has not previously been evaluated and the family and/or early learning provider believes the child may be eligible for EI Services, call the CONNECT Helpline at 1.800.692.7288. If the child has been evaluated and does not qualify for EI Services, request assistance from the local ELRC to receive appropriate supports. More Information For more information, view the Developing Suspension and Expulsion Policies document.
July 21, 2020 Child Care Works Payment Practice Changes Effective 9/1 On July 17, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) issued an announcement stating that starting September 1, 2020, Child Care Works (CCW) payments will return to payment practices and policies based on attendance and invoicing for all children. This will remain true regardless of when a child was enrolled with the provider. Additional Policy Changes In addition, the following policies will again be effective starting September 1: absences will be tracked and counted towards the 40 days of absences for all children; children’s enrollment after five days of absence will be suspended until the child returns to care; all Adverse Action notices will be sent to families per policy; dual enrollments, the practice implemented under COVID-19 to support both a closed provider and families who need care, will end; and collection of family co-pays will resume. The announcement is intended to provide advance notice to child care providers, allowing them to plan for the use of final CARES Act funding which will be issued in August. Providers should communicate the resumption of absence policies (effective September 1) to the families they serve. More Information For more information, view OCDEL’s full announcement or contact your local ELRC.
July 16, 2020 COVID-19 Supplies Distribution Event for Child Care Providers About Trying Together, Global Links, and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 are partnering to ensure that 650 licensed child care operators in Allegheny County are fully equipped with the protective and cleaning supplies they need to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and employees. All licensed child care providers in Allegheny County are eligible to receive cleaning supplies and safety equipment. Providers must have their tax identification (EIN) numbers read for staff at the distribution site. What’s Included Child care operators are invited to visit a distribution location to receive: an infrared, no-touch thermometer; gloves for diaper changes and cleaning; hand sanitizer; disinfectant; reusable cloth masks; reusable clear plastic face shield; and one case of tissues. Available Dates and Locations Distribution at Global Links | Register Wednesday, July 22 | 1 – 3 p.m. 700 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Distribution at LaRoche University | Register Thursday, July 23 | 1 – 3 p.m. 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Distribution at Edgewood Town Centre | Register Friday, July 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. 1763 South Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 See a map of each distribution location. Registration To ensure enough supplies are available, please register for the date and location of your choice via the PPE Supply Pickup Form. Each provider must sign up separately. Providers with multiple locations should sign up for each program, specifying the program name on each form. More Information The purchase and distribution of supplies are made possible through the generous support of local foundations. For more information, call 412.350.3577 or visit elrc5.alleghenycounty.us.
COVID-19 Supplies Distribution Event for Child Care Providers About Trying Together, Global Links, and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 are partnering to ensure that 650 licensed child care operators in Allegheny County are fully equipped with the protective and cleaning supplies they need to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and employees. All licensed child care providers in Allegheny County are eligible to receive cleaning supplies and safety equipment. Providers must have their tax identification (EIN) numbers read for staff at the distribution site. What’s Included Child care operators are invited to visit a distribution location to receive: an infrared, no-touch thermometer; gloves for diaper changes and cleaning; hand sanitizer; disinfectant; reusable cloth masks; reusable clear plastic face shield; and one case of tissues. Available Dates and Locations Distribution at Global Links | Register Wednesday, July 22 | 1 – 3 p.m. 700 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Distribution at LaRoche University | Register Thursday, July 23 | 1 – 3 p.m. 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Distribution at Edgewood Town Centre | Register Friday, July 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. 1763 South Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 See a map of each distribution location. Registration To ensure enough supplies are available, please register for the date and location of your choice via the PPE Supply Pickup Form. Each provider must sign up separately. Providers with multiple locations should sign up for each program, specifying the program name on each form. More Information The purchase and distribution of supplies are made possible through the generous support of local foundations. For more information, call 412.350.3577 or visit elrc5.alleghenycounty.us.
COVID-19 Supplies Distribution Event for Child Care Providers About Trying Together, Global Links, and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 are partnering to ensure that 650 licensed child care operators in Allegheny County are fully equipped with the protective and cleaning supplies they need to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and employees. All licensed child care providers in Allegheny County are eligible to receive cleaning supplies and safety equipment. Providers must have their tax identification (EIN) numbers read for staff at the distribution site. What’s Included Child care operators are invited to visit a distribution location to receive: an infrared, no-touch thermometer; gloves for diaper changes and cleaning; hand sanitizer; disinfectant; reusable cloth masks; reusable clear plastic face shield; and one case of tissues. Available Dates and Locations Distribution at Global Links | Register Wednesday, July 22 | 1 – 3 p.m. 700 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Distribution at LaRoche University | Register Thursday, July 23 | 1 – 3 p.m. 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Distribution at Edgewood Town Centre | Register Friday, July 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. 1763 South Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 See a map of each distribution location. Registration To ensure enough supplies are available, please register for the date and location of your choice via the PPE Supply Pickup Form. Each provider must sign up separately. Providers with multiple locations should sign up for each program, specifying the program name on each form. More Information The purchase and distribution of supplies are made possible through the generous support of local foundations. For more information, call 412.350.3577 or visit elrc5.alleghenycounty.us.
July 1, 2020 Keystone STARS 2020 Program Survey The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) invites all certified child care facilities to complete the Keystone STARS 2020 Program Survey. About the Survey This anonymous survey will help OCDEL to better understand how program leadership in Keystone STARS programs have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Your participation in the survey can inform how OCDEL provides support to the field moving forward. July 10, 2020 is the deadline for submitting surveys. More Information The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports families and their children, from prenatal through school age, by using data, research and stakeholder guidance to assure high quality services. You can learn more about OCDEL by visiting their website.
The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center On July 6, 2020, The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will reopen to the public at 7219 Kelly Street by appointment Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Merging the Hub with the former operations at the Homewood-Brushton Family Center (579 Rosedale Street) under one roof, this change brings with it exciting new opportunities for serving the community in Homewood. The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center staff will continue to support the needs of families and early learning professionals who care for and educate young children. Hub & Family Center staff may be contacted individually at their phone number or email address, found on the Trying Together website. Reopening Starting July 6, 2020, The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will reopen its physical office spaces to the public by appointment: M-F | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7219 Kelly St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 All staff will be required to follow guidance provided by the CDC. Locations and departments may have limited in-office staff as some employees continue to telework. After July 6, appointments are required for individuals interested in accessing services and support at The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center. In-person operations will continue to be dependent on recommendations provided by Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. About the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center supports the early learning needs of young children, families, and early educators in the Homewood communities. The Hub & Family Center offers: developmentally appropriate activities for children from birth to age nine; individual and group support for parents to set and meet goals for their family; and professional growth opportunities for center-, family-, and home-based early learning programs, and relative-providers. More Information To learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, please visit Trying Together’s website.
June 25, 2020 Join Providers Across PA to Tell Your Story On Tuesday, June 30, child care providers across Pennsylvania are participating in a day-long, story sharing event on social media to increase attention on child care and its importance as a community resource and economic driver. About Governor Tom Wolf and the General Assembly authorized the spending of stimulus funds to support early learning programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even once all those funds are distributed, they are not enough. With diminished enrollment, scarcity of staff, unpaid bills, and no clear picture of what tomorrow will bring, many child care providers still do not know if their business will survive. We need the federal government to allocate more funding to support child care programs so they can weather this crisis. To gain these urgently needed funds, stories from child care providers, early educators, and families are essential. Stories can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 30. We want to be sure that as many people as possible–especially our elected officials–understand that the child care crisis is not over and without child care there is no recovery! Alert your network of friends, families, and staff to look out for your story and like, share, and/or retweet it. How to Share Prepare your story ahead of time so that you can easily post or tweet during the event. You can use your answers to the questions on this Google form to help create your draft. Pictures are encouraged to help others see the real people affected by this crisis! Sharing on Twitter: Break your story down into a thread of 280 characters. Click the blue “Tweet” button in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Type out the first tweet of your thread. Press the + button in the lower right hand corner of your Tweet composition window, and a new space will appear for you to add a second tweet. In the final tweet of the thread, include #FundChildCare #SaveEarlyLearning and Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) and Senator Bob Casey (@SenCasey). Sharing on Facebook: From the top of your News Feed, click What’s on your mind, [Name]? Add a text update or click the type of post you would like to share (example: Photo/Video, Feeling/Activity). Posts can be up to 63,206 characters so you have plenty of room, however, longer posts get cut off in a user’s feed, forcing them to expand the text if they want to read the full story. At the end of your post include #FundChildCare #SaveEarlyLearning and tag @SenatorBobCasey and @SenatorToomey Sharing on Instagram: Tap + at the bottom of the screen. Take a photo or video or choose one from your phone’s library. Tap Next. You can also add effects or filters. Tap Next again, and then tap Write a caption Enter your caption and tap OK > Share (iPhone) or Share (Android). In your caption include #FundChildCare #SaveEarlyLearning and tag @senbobcasey and @senpattoomey More Information Questions? Please contact Cristina Codario at cristina@tryingtogether.org.
