Early childhood education professionals interested in attending college in the Fall 2023 semester can now submit applications to receive a T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Scholarship and earn their teaching degree at little to no personal cost.
Interested applicants must complete and submit their T.E.A.C.H. applications with all required documentation/information by Friday, July 7.
About T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships
T.E.A.C.H. encompasses several different scholarship programs. These programs help child care professionals complete coursework toward a degree or credential in early childhood and increase their compensation.
Every T.E.A.C.H. scholarship has five key components:
- Scholarship – The scholarship covers most of the cost for tuition and books. Additionally, recipients receive a travel stipend each semester they are enrolled in class. Also, T.E.A.C.H. requires that the sponsoring child care program offer paid release time for the student to attend class, study, or handle personal needs.
- Education – In one scholarship year, each participant must successfully complete a required number of credit hours (usually 9-15) toward a degree in early childhood education.
- Compensation – At the end of the scholarship year, if they complete their educational requirement, participants are eligible to receive either a stipend or a raise.
- Commitment – Participants agree to continue working in their child care program for one year after each scholarship year.
- Counseling – Each recipient gets assigned a counselor able to assist the student in securing a scholarship, navigating the college processes, setting goals, and monitoring progress and needs.
Eligibility
The Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a variety of T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to meet the needs of the early care and education workforce in center and home-based settings. Eligible applicants must:
- work a minimum of 25-30 hours per week directly with children in a DHS-certified child care program;
- make $19 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for directors); and
- remain interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward a degree or credential in early childhood.
Apply
To apply, download a scholarship application on the PACCA website and submit your completed application by Friday, July 7 through one of the following methods:
- Email: teachinfo@pacca.org
- Fax: 717.657.0959
- Mail: 20 Erford Road, Suite 302, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Additionally, begin the college admissions process and contact an early childhood education (ECE) advisor at your intended college/university. This helps to ensure that scholarship applicants get admitted to their college/university and can register for courses if/when they receive a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. can provide contact information for early childhood education advisors at partnering institutions if needed.
Learn More
Scholarship awards are dependent upon the availability of funds and priorities of funders.
PACCA will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis. However, incomplete applications and applications received after Friday, July 7 will not receive priority for consideration.
For questions about scholarship eligibility or requirements, contact a T.E.A.C.H. Counselor at 717.657.9000.
Join the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) for this annual panel discussion with state legislators on an array of issues affecting public education in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania.
Event Details
Thursday, March 23 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit – Central Office
475 East Waterfront Drive
Homestead, PA 15120
Register
Learn More
The event will feature a discussion with state lawmakers on a variety of issues impacting public schools. The conversation will be moderated by KDKA-TV reporter Jon Delano.
A remote attendance option is available. (If you select the remote attendance option, a link will be emailed to you within 24 hours before the event.)
City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s transition organization announced a series of community meetings, an online engagement portal, and a resident input message center that will allow residents to provide input to help guide the work and policy recommendations of the transition committees. One meeting will focus on education and workforce development.
About
According to a news release, the meetings, online portal, and message center aim to provide an opportunity to capture and empower the diverse voices of communities across the city.
Residents will be able to weigh in on some of the city’s most pressing issues including equitable development, education and workforce development, infrastructure and environment, and community health and safety.
Meetings Schedule
The schedule of community meetings is as follows:
- Equitable Development – Monday, February 21, 2022 at 6 p.m.
- Education and Workforce Development – Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6 p.m.
- Community Health and Safety – Monday, February 28, 2022 at 6 p.m.
- Infrastructure and Environment – Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 6 p.m.
All of the community forums will take place virtually. All citizens interested in participating are asked to register through the online portal designed to accommodate multi-lingual residents.
Residents who may not have access to technology to participate in online events are invited to call 412.267.7592 and leave a voice message in their primary language to share their ideas. Messages will be transcribed and shared with the transition committees. All community organizations and community advocacy groups are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas on these platforms and via community meetings.
The portal also includes a survey that will be updated every two weeks, and an “idea wall” where residents will have the ability to submit ideas through March 15, 2022.
More Information
For more information, view the full news release or visit Mayor Gainey’s transition website.
Join Trying Together for an upcoming professional development session, “Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education”.
This session will discuss the ongoing and growing issue surrounding expulsion and suspension in early childhood education that have been linked to staff implicit bias, challenging behaviors, and staffing issues. The presentation will guide parents, caregivers, directors and staff working with children ages 0-5 on how to prevent expulsion and suspension in early childhood education. The session will discuss ways to implement evidence-based strategies to promote positive behavior support, self-regulation, and positive mental health. We will share community resources and programs for children and families in Allegheny County.
UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care
This session is a part of Trying Together’s upcoming UnConference. Between February 8-18, expert-led workshops will share content related to trauma-informed care. We begin the UnConference with keynote speaker Dr. Veirdre Jackson and dive into how we can create an environment of healing through equity and trust. Following the keynote, workshop sessions include how to identify family stressors, how to provide responsive care-giving for children experiencing trauma, and an overview of the recently launched Rapid Response Team from Trying Together.
Individuals can learn more and register on Trying Together’s website.
On December 7, 2021, after new school board members Jamie Piotrowski, Tracey Reed, and Eugene Walker were sworn in, Sala Udin (School Board District 3) was elected President of the Board. Devon Taliaferro (District 2) was named 1st Vice-President and Pam Harbin (District 4) was named 2nd Vice-President.
One of the first major actions the board will need to take will be to approve the 2022 budget of $690.3 million. Since 2017, spending in Pittsburgh Public Schools (district and charter) has grown by $99.3 million while revenues have grown by $45.6 million. The board will also need to approve a plan to spend $100 million in American Rescue Plan dollars by the end of the year as well (which called for money for tutors, out of school partnerships, operational excellence, and more).
The biggest challenge facing this board is that overall K-12 enrollment in Pittsburgh’s public schools has declined by 2,916 students since 2017 (District: -4,041; Charter: +1,125).
A+ Schools will host a lunch and learn conversation on Wednesday, December 15 at noon to discuss the budget proposals. Registration for this virtual event may be completed online.
Join WQED for their third Teachable Moments Webinar on October 19, 2021. Participants may register online.
Additional Information
This is a short engaging workshop surrounding our mini-series, Teachable Moments. Engage in activities and have a chance to ask educators questions. This event will be hosted by veteran educators and longtime WQED Education partners, Denice Pazuchanics and Elaine Volpe.
The first 100 registrants receive a Gardening Herb Activity Toolkit. To receive your activity kit before the webinar, please register by 10/11. Participants will still receive one after this date, but delivery is not guaranteed in time for the webinar.
Join Carlow University on October 9 for “Sister Mary Paul Education Symposium: Seismic Shifts in Education“. This symposium will focus on strengthening relationships with faculty and staff, learning from them, investing in their development, and connecting with them on a personal level.
Additional Information
This event can be attended in person or virtually. Act 48 hours are available, and lunch will be provided. Break-out sessions will include: Technology Classroom Supports; Personalized Educational Models; Culturally Responsive Classroom; Connecting with Students; Educator Self-Care; and more.
Registration is available online.
Join HiMama for a free virtual Early Learning Summit. The event will be held virtually on Saturday, January 15, 2022 with a full day of educational sessions, including specific breakout sessions for educators, directors, and owners. A special kickoff event Friday, January 14 for networking opportunities, extended learning, and some special giveaways.
Conference Agenda
- 11:00 – 11:45 | The Power of Reflection for Personal and Professional Development
- 11:45 – 12:45 | Sneak Peek: Your Plan for Professional Growth This Year
- 1:00 – 1:45 | Power of Play: How to Assess and Document Social-Emotional Development
- 1:45 – 2:15 | Booth Exploration & HiMama Tours
- 12:15 – 3:00 p.m. | Session A: Roundtable – Activity and Lesson Planning for Your Classroom
- 12:15 – 3:00 p.m. | Session B: Roundtable – Staff Motivation and Retention at Your Center
- 3:00 – 3:45 | All about Parent Engagement
- 4:00 – 4:45 | Strategies to Manage Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom
- 4:45 – 5:00 | Wrap-up
- 5:00 – 6:00 | Power Hour! Booth Exploration & HiMama Tours
Featured Speakers
- Constant Hine | Specialized Coach in transformational learning, and Founder of Horizons In Learning.
- Beth Cannon | International Speaker and Author on Early Childhood Education.
- Ron Grady | Early Childhood Educator and founder of online curriculum resource, Childology.
- Prerna Richards | Founder of Together We Grow, providing professional development, coaching, and consulting for educators.
Registration
To claim your free ticket, complete the online registration form.
Finding Joy through Playful Learning aims to bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who have a variety of experiences related to education, play, and learning. The conference will take place via Zoom over the course of several days covering six topics related to playful learning. The goal is to generate dialogue among different stakeholders and share best practices to support children and families in learning through play.
About
Join Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, and Trying Together in February for a virtual conference bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss and share best practices to support children and families in learning through play.
Act 48 and PQAS credits are available. PPID and PD Registry numbers will be collected during the sessions. The following discount code is available for early educators who wish to participate in individual sessions or the entire series:
Available Sessions
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Rethinking Education During and Post COVID-19
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Join featured speakers Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Dr. Scott Miller, and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for discussions of how playful learning can change education during and after COVID-19. Featured Speakers: Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek (Temple University, Brookings Institution), Scott Miller (Avonworth Primary Center), and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
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How Play Can Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Hear from Sarah Grubb, Cindy Eggleton, and Sheba Gittens about play’s role in mental health and wellbeing. Featured Speakers: Cindy Eggleton (Brilliant Detroit), Sarah Grubb (ELRC Region 5), and Sheba Gittens (University of Pittsburgh).
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Addressing Equity Issues Through Playful Learning
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims and Dr. Mandy McGuire will present their work on using play and playful learning to address inequity. Featured Speakers: Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims (PaTTAN) and Dr. Mandy McGuire (University of Texas at Dallas).
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Activating Communities Around Playful Learning
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Ariana Brazier, Justin Forzano, Shari Hersh, Gamar Markarian, and Sarah Siplak, will discuss what it means to activate communities and how their communities inform the work they do. Featured Speakers: Ariana Brazier (ATL Parent Like a Boss), Justin Forzano (Open Field), Shari Hersh (Mural Arts), Gamar Markarian (New School), and Sarah Siplak (Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative).
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Using Technology to Strengthen the Way We Learn and Play
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn about technologies and applications from Katie Gullone, Megan Rooney, Javier Maisonet, and Project Rangeet. Featured Speakers: Elias Blinkoff (Temple Infant & Child Lab), Katie Gullone (Trying Together), Javier Maisonet (Math Talk), Simran Mulchandani (Project Rangeet), and Megan Rooney (La Escuelita Arcoiris).
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Replicable and Low-Cost Ideas for Playful Learning
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Explore low-cost and replicable ways to encourage playful learning from Shannon Merenstein, Amy Kronenberg, Rebecca Fabiano, and Aishwarya Narayana. Featured Speakers: Rebecca Fabiano (Fab Youth Philly), Amy Kronenberg (Learn to Earn Dayton), Shannon Merenstein (HATCH Art Studio), and Aishwarya Narayana (HUME).
Registration
To register, visit the online registration page. General Admission tickets cost $55 and include admission to all sessions. Single session registration is also available for $10 per session. Attendees will receive the Zoom link for each day’s session prior to the start of the event.
More Information
For questions, contact admin@playfullearninglandscapes.fun or 267.468.8610.
Join The Salon from January 25 – 29, 2021 for “Centering Women in Economic Recovery” to learn about the regional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women in the workforce.
About
Centering Women in Economic Recovery is a free five-day lunchtime series with regional female thought leaders from organizations with deep expertise in policy, business, community, public sector, and education. Each day at noon, panelists will explore the regional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women in the workforce and discuss the policies and actions needed to build a more female-forward infrastructure that supports equity for working women.
Featured Sessions
State & Federal Policy Response
Monday, January 25, 2021 | 12:00 p.m.
Moderator: Heather Arnet, Women and Girls Foundation
Panelists include:
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- Megan Nestor, Fourth Economy
- Carol Joyner, Family Values@Work
- Claire Ewing-Nelson, National Women’s Law Center
- Rochelle Jackson, Black Women’s Policy Agenda
- Rosamaria Cristello, Latina Community Center
Private & Business Response
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 12:00 p.m.
Moderator: Jessica Brooks, Pittsburgh Business Group on Health
Panelists include:
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- Sabrina Saunders, Vibrant Pittsburgh
- Katherine Kellaman, Port Authority of Allegheny County
- Carrie Riggle, First Commonwealth Bank
- Anne Gargas, Torchlight
Government & Public Sector Response
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 12:00 p.m.
Moderator: Anne Sekula, The Salon
Panelists include:
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- Anu Jain, City of Pittsburgh GEC / Workforce Equity Initiative
- Moriah Hathaway, Pennsylvania Governor’s Commission on Women
Community & Nonprofit Response
Thursday, January 28, 2021 | 12:00 p.m.
Moderator: Michelle Pagano Heck, Nonprofit Talent
Panelists include:
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- Angela Reynolds, YWCA
- Bobbi Watt Greer, The United Way of Southwest PA
- Tanya Volkes Mallory, Dress for Success
- Michelle McMurray, The Pittsburgh Foundation
Child Care & K-12 Public Education Response
Friday, January 29, 2021 | 12:00 p.m.
Moderator: Cara Cimminilo, Trying Together
Panelists include:
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- Heather Hopson, Single Mom Defined
- Muffy Mendoza Brown, Brown Mommas
- Megan Rose, Center for Women Pittsburgh
Registration
To register, complete the online registration form. Share this flyer with your network.
