equity Archives

News

June 7, 2023

Organizations Publish New Education and Equity Resources for Families and Educators

The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice and the Erikson Institute have recently published new education and equity resources for parents, caregivers, teachers, policy makers, and child care providers.

Find a list of these resources below.

Recently Published Resources on Education & Equity

Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline – U.S. Departments of Education and Justice

About

The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice share with educators around the country the goal that all students attend schools where they are supported, safe, and able to access an excellent education. A school environment that is free from discrimination is essential to meeting that goal. However, decades of enforcement activity have demonstrated that discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in student discipline was, and continues to be, a significant concern.

Discrimination in student discipline forecloses opportunities for students, pushing them out of the classroom and diverting them from a path to success in school and beyond. Significant disparities by race—beginning as early as preschool—have persisted in the application of student discipline in schools.

The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice created this resource to to support schools’ efforts to confront the issue of race discrimination in student discipline effectively.

Content

In it, the authors:

provide examples of the Departments’ investigations of discrimination over the last 10 years;
describe how the Departments resolved investigations of 14 school districts in 10 states;
discuss concerns of discrimination in schools’ use of:
- out-of-school suspensions
- expulsions
- school-based arrests
- referrals to law enforcement
- involuntary discipline transfers
- informal removals
- and other discipline against Black, Latino, and/or Native American students;
demonstrate the Departments’ ongoing commitment to the enforcement of laws that protect students from discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in student discipline;
and demonstrate ways school districts can take steps to proactively improve their administration of student discipline

Access this resource or learn more about it on the U.S. Department of Education website.

Pre-K in Family Child Care Project: Strategies Toward the Equitable Implementation of Pre-K in Family Child Care – The Erikson Institute

About

The Pre-K in Family Child Care (PKFCC) Project explores strategies, successes, and challenges in the implementation of public pre-kindergarten (pre-k) in family child care (FCC) settings across states and locals in the U.S. through an equity lens.

This brief presents key findings about how pre-k systems address curriculum, assessment, developmental screening, and monitoring requirements to ensure FCC settings are equitably included in pre-k delivery.

Findings are based on data collected through focus groups in November 2022. These groups included 14 state and local pre-k administrators representing seven states and three cities or locals.

Content

Highlights from the report include:

Many pre-k systems that include FCC require educators to use designated curriculum, assessment, and/or screening tools and to
participate in monitoring.
- Some pre-k systems allow FCC educators to select a curriculum, assessment, or screening tool from the same approved lists offered to center-based preschools.
- Pre-k systems generally do not offer FCC-specific curriculum options that address mixed-age groups or are culturally representative.
Few pre-k systems differentiate requirements for FCC educators or intentionally include FCC educators’ voices and perspectives in decision making.
- Approved or vetted tools are often not available in providers’ or children’s home languages. Additionally, they do not often represent the culture of the FCC educators and children they serve.
- Requirements for FCC educators implementing pre-k are often the same as center-based pre-k settings.
Pre-k systems invested in including FCCs offer individualized supports to meet curriculum, assessment, developmental screening, and monitoring requirements.
- Coaching and professional development are provided through some pre-k systems to support FCC implementation of curriculum and assessment standards and requirements.
- Fiscal supports are provided in some pre-k systems to offset the costs of curriculum, assessment, and developmental screening requirements. However, more supports are offered for curriculum implementation than for assessments and developmental screening.

Access this resource or learn more on the Erikson Institute website.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Education and Erikson Institute websites.

News

May 31, 2023

Pennsylvania Women Work Accepting Nominations for 2023 Circle of Hope Awards

Pennsylvania Women Work invites members of the community to nominate groups, organizations, and individuals for two of its 2023 Circle of Hope Awards: the Corporate Volunteerism Award and the Diversity & Inclusion Award.

The Corporate Volunteerism Award recognizes an organization or individual(s) within a company that has made significant contributions to PA Women Work’s clients, programs, fundraising, and overall mission through volunteerism, while the Diversity and Inclusion Award honors a corporation or individual(s) within a company that has made significant contributions in the area of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

All nominations must be made using the online nomination form by June 23.

Award Criteria and Nomination Process

Corporate Volunteerism Award

Criteria

A strong commitment to the mission and vision of PA Women Work
Demonstrated consistent volunteerism with the organization for at least one year
Displayed passion for empowering women to succeed in the workforce through volunteerism with PA Women Work
A history of participation in at least two PA Women Work volunteer activities

Nomination Process

To nominate a group, organization, or individual for the Corporate Volunteerism Award, complete the online nomination form including the following in your nomination:

A narrative (no more than 300 words) explaining why the corporation, individual or group should be highlighted for their volunteerism efforts with PA Women Work. This narrative should answer the question: “How has the corporation/nominee shown passion for PA Women Work’s mission through volunteerism with the organization?”
A list of the volunteer activities the nominee has participated in. Ex.: Mentor, Mock Interviews, Event Committee
If a corporation, a list of employee names from the corporation who volunteer with PA Women Work.

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Criteria

A strong commitment to the recruitment, retention, and promotion of a diverse workforce
A record of commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts
Improvements in upward mobility for racial and ethnic minorities and women in management positions

Nomination Process

To nominate a group, organization, or individual for the Diversity and Inclusion Award, complete the online nomination form and answer the following in your nomination:

How has the company/nominee created or enhanced an inclusive work environment?
How has the company/nominee demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and advancing the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity within their company?

Learn More

PA Women Work considers each nomination, then notifies and announces winners by July 14. Award winners will be recognized at the PA Women Work Circle of Hope Awards Dinner on October 12.

For more information on the 2023 Circle of Hope Awards, contact Lauren Riegelnegg at lriegelnegg@pawomenwork.org.

To learn more, visit the PA Women Work website.

News

Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition Hosting Community Feedback Meetings

The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition and the City of Pittsburgh are hosting a series of community feedback meetings on their Allegheny County Digital Equity Plan and are inviting community members to come discuss their digital needs with community leaders.

Held at various locations throughout the summer, all residents of Allegheny County are encouraged to attend.

About Community Feedback Meetings

What are the community feedback meetings?

At community feedback meetings, community leaders will ask attendees for feedback on the draft Digital Equity Plan for Allegheny County and ask questions about digital technology in attendees lives.

Why are these meetings taking place?

The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition needs to ensure that their Digital Equity Plan addresses residents’ digital needs. The coalition must understand what residents need so they can use any funding offered to give all residents equal access to digital technology and information.

Who participates in meetings?

Meetings will consist of Allegheny County residents and community leaders. Leaders involved in the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition, the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County will lead the meetings and collect feedback from residents.

When will the meetings take place?

Meetings will be held throughout the summer of 2023. To see a complete schedule of meetings, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

Where will the meetings take place?

The coalition will host meetings in locations across Allegheny County. Additionally, they will host a number of virtual meetings.

To find a full list of meeting dates, times, locations, and registration links, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

News

February 22, 2023

Office for Civil Rights Issues Fact Sheet on Diversity & Inclusion Activities

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently released a fact sheet for educators, parents, and students on the legality of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training in federally funded spaces.

The fact sheet confirms that DEI training and similar activities are generally consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In most circumstances, they are permitted in states, school districts, public schools, and public and private colleges.

About the Fact Sheet

This fact sheet was created in response to confusion regarding the legality of diversity, equity, and inclusion activities in schools. It clarifies that federal civil rights laws do not categorically prohibit schools from offering activities such as instruction on the impact of racism, cultural competency training, or school climate surveys.

Download the Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Diversity & Inclusion Activities Under Title VI | English

Fact Sheet: Diversity & Inclusion Activities Under Title VI | Spanish

About Title VI

Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Activities intended to further objectives such as diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not prohibited under Title VI.

Title VI allows activities such as:

diversity, equity, and inclusion training
instruction in or training on the impact of racism or systemic racism
cultural competency training or other nondiscrimination trainings
efforts to assess or improve school climate, including through creation of student, staff,
and/or parent teams, use of community focus groups, or use of climate surveys
student assemblies or programs focused on antiharassment or antibullying
investigations of and issuance of reports concerning the causes of racial disparities within a
school
use of specific words in school policies, programs, or activities, such as equity, discrimination,
inclusion, diversity, systemic racism, or similar terms

Learn More

OCR is responsible for the enforcement of Title VI. To contact OCR for technical assistance, call 1-800-421-3481 (TDD: 1-800-877-8339) or email OCR@ed.gov.

The Department of Education also funds regional Equity Assistance Centers, which provide technical assistance and training at the request of school boards and other related governmental agencies on issues such as racial harassment, prejudice reduction, and other issues occasioned by desegregation. To contact the Equity Assistance Centers, visit the Department of Education’s website.

To learn more at www.ed.gov/ocr.

News

February 16, 2023

Weathering the Storm: Keeping Immigrants and their Families Covered During the Medicaid Unwinding

The 2020 Families First Coronavirus Response Act created a continuous coverage requirement, ensuring that anybody enrolled in Medicaid would stay enrolled without going through the process of redeterminations. However, on April 1, 2023 the pandemic-era’s continuous coverage requirement will come to an end. States will have 12 months to initiate Medicaid redeterminations for more than 80 million people nationwide.

Although this “unwinding” puts all people enrolled in Medicaid at risk of coverage loss, immigrants and their family members face unique obstacles to remaining covered. These include language barriers, privacy concerns, and fear of immigration-based consequences. Advocates, enrollment professionals, and allies can help.

Join Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) for this webinar to hear from national experts and state advocates about how to keep immigrants and their families covered and learn how to partner with PIF in these efforts.

Session Details

Thursday, February 23 | 12 – 1 p.m.

Virtual

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Protecting Immigrant Families website.

News

February 3, 2023

Pittsburgh Regional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Educators Conference

Join the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) at this annual conference to explore culturally aware and responsive ways to foster an inclusive environment for our marginalized learners. Educational leaders will discuss topics involving race and ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ and gender identity, and serving students with disabilities.

Conference Details

Saturday, March 25 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites
One Bigelow Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost for AIU employees and staff of AIU member school districts: Free
Cost for others: $40

Learn More

This conference is presented by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Attendees will have the option to attend a number of informative sessions throughout the day, including a presentation by keynote speaker Eva Reign, star of Pittsburgh-native Billy Porter’s directorial debut, “Anything’s Possible.” The film, released in 2022, centers on the experience of a Black transgender teenager.

Educators can earn up to six Act 48 credit hours by attending the event.

News

January 20, 2022

Co-Creating A Healing Community of Equity & Trust

Join Trying Together for an upcoming session, “Co-Creating a Healing Community of Equity & Trust”.

Communities, however defined, are made up of people who bring a range of experiences and histories. Remaining open, curious, and culturally humble is essential to understanding a community’s resilience, strength, and wisdom. Claudia Woody says, “Inclusion means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued there.” Participants will explore the 5 Blocks of Building Restorative Relationships that allow caregivers to create holistic and supportive spaces that are responsive to historical trauma and equity literacy which holds us accountable to doing the work of learning together, seeking understanding, and creating a safe, valued, and heard community.

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.

News

Registration Open for UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care

Registration is now open for Trying Together’s “UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care,” which will be held February 8 to February 18, 2022.

Between February 8-18, expert-led virtual 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.

Registration is now open and specific workshop dates and times will be added. For a flat fee of $25, you may attend as many sessions (keynote or workshops) as you like. Sessions will also be recorded for viewing after the UnConference has completed. You must register for the UnConference in order to access session recordings.

PNC Grow Up Great is the series sponsor.

Featured Sessions

Keynote: Co-Creating A Healing Community of Equity & Trust

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Living Strong Consulting

Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education

Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presented by: Alicia Sebastian, Trying Together

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.

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Necessary: Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out

Monday, February 14, 2022 | 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Presented by: Tracy Larson, Director, Early Childhood Partnerships, Office of Child Development

In this session, participants will learn why self-care is necessary, how to recognize when they need to be more intentional about self-care, and research informed strategies and activities to reduce stress and avoid burn-out. At the end of the session, participants will create a personalized self-care plan.

Talking to Listen: Exploring Family Stressors and Creating Positive Relationships to Support Families

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presented by: Patrick M. McKelvey, MS, NCC, National Youth Advocate Program Inc.

Children react differently to stress and trauma, which can sometimes exhibit itself as challenging behaviors in the classroom. This workshop helps educators understand the impact that family stressors (such as a death, food insecurity, changes in placement, community violence, etc.) can have on both children and their caregivers. Participants will learn how to notice these family stressors; how to communicate with caregivers to build relationships that provide a supportive environment for young children; and self-regulation strategies to manage strong emotions when having difficult conversations with caregivers.

Teaching Children Through a Trauma Lens

Thursday February 17, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenters: Amanda Harrison, MA, LPC, NCC, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys

Research continues to show the detrimental effects that complex trauma has on the developing brain with our most vulnerable population. Over time, these young children are at risk for developmental delays, limited positive relationships, and a host of other difficulties. Our early education classrooms can create safe, responsive, and equitable environments to assist in reducing these harmful effects. This presentation will identify different types of trauma, how young children with trauma may present in the classroom, and supportive strategies teachers can implement to foster environments that encourage healing.

Registration

Registration for the UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care can be found on our UnConference page.

For a flat fee of $25, you may attend as many sessions (keynote or workshops) as you like. Sessions will also be recorded for viewing after the UnConference has completed. You must register for the UnConference in order to access session recordings.

Participants will receive PQAS and/or Act 48 hours.

More Information

For questions about the UnConference, contact Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org. For additional information, including FAQs, visit our UnConference page.

News

January 19, 2022

UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care

UnConference Details

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.

Video recordings of the sessions are available until April 20, 2022. You must have registered for the UnConference in order to access session recordings. If you are having trouble viewing the recordings, please contact Allison Hritz at allison@tryingtogether.org.

Please share this flyer with your networks.

What Do I Receive?

- PQAS and/or Act 48 hours.
- Networking with colleagues.
- Interactive workshop sessions.
- Refreshed or refined thinking about your work with young children.

Featured Sessions

Keynote: Co-Creating A Healing Community of Equity & Trust

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Living Strong Consulting

Communities, however defined, are made up of people who bring a range of experiences and histories. Remaining open, curious, and culturally humble is essential to understanding a community’s resilience, strength, and wisdom. Claudia Woody says, “Inclusion means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued there.” Participants will explore the 5 Blocks of Building Restorative Relationships that allow caregivers to create holistic and supportive spaces that are responsive to historical trauma and equity literacy, which holds us accountable to doing the work of learning together, seeking understanding, and creating a safe, valued, and heard community.

Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education

Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presented by: Alicia Sebastian, Trying Together

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.

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Necessary: Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out

Monday, February 14, 2022 | 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Presented by: Tracy Larson, Director, Early Childhood Partnerships, Office of Child Development

Talking to Listen: Exploring Family Stressors and Creating Positive Relationships to Support Families

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presented by: Patrick M. McKelvey, MS, NCC, National Youth Advocate Program Inc.

Teaching Children Through a Trauma Lens

Thursday February 17, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenters: Amanda Harrison, MA, LPC, NCC, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys

Registration

Individuals may register for this event online. Recordings of each workshop session will be available on this webpage after the conclusion of each session. Please continue to monitor this page for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Attend this UnConference Virtually?

These sessions are hosted using the web-based video conferencing platform Zoom. Please download Zoom to your device of choice prior to the start of the UnConference. UnConference hosts send out all workshop links via email at least 24 hours before the start of each event.

How Do I Receive Credit?

PQAS and Act 48 credits are available to professionals who registered for and complete these sessions. More information, including the online Attendance form, will be sent via email to individuals who registered. Once completed, Allison Hritz, Professional Learning Coordinator at Trying Together, will process your credit. If you have questions specific to receiving credit, please email allison@tryingtogether.org.

More Information

For questions about the UnConference, contact Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org.

Presenter Information

Keynote Presenter: Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Living Strong Consulting

Dr. Veirdre Jackson is a woman pursuing her purpose, passion, and life’s priority to share her belief that all children deserve the best education available. She is an award-winning author, educator, and entrepreneur who is recognized as a leading educational trainer in trauma informed practices and cultural competence. She is a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience supporting non-profit and executive leadership.

Dr. Jackson is the CEO/Founder of Living Strong Consulting LLC and the Co-Founder of Fresh Fountain of Life Counseling and Wellness. She also serves on the educational executive boards of the Black Women’s Educational Alliance and Camp Endeavor. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, working with organizations like Lakeside Global Institute as a mentor trainer; Penn State Extension as an online course developer; Pennsylvania Early Head Start as a classroom and home visiting coach; Zero to Three as a Certified trainer in Infant Toddler Competencies and the Growing Brain; and various K-12 public and charter school districts as an Equity and Justice Consultant and Relational Coach. Her commitment to leaders and organizational development is elevated through her John Maxwell Team Certification which allows her to support leaders in sustaining growth and maintaining mission through trainings, mastermind sessions, lunch & learns, and coaching in such topics as Today Matters, Leadership Gold, How to Be a REAL Success, Becoming A Person of Influence, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, and more.

Dr. Jackson has been recognized for her expertise in professional development by Pennsylvania’s Keystone Stars’ Southeast Regional Key as a Professional Development Champion; is a featured presenter for the newly released “4 Part Trauma and Child Development Series” by Penn State’s Better Kid Care; has been a contributor to Women’s Entrepreneur Magazine; is a reoccurring keynote and breakout session speaker for conferences nationally and the guest speaker on several podcasts, and was recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of 40 Leaders Under 40.

Amanda Harrison, MA, LPC, NCC, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys

A 2000 graduate with a degree in elementary education from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, Amanda always had a passion for working with children. Soon after returning to her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she went on to complete a Master’s in Clinical Counseling in which she specialized in child and adolescent therapy. For the past 16 years, she has had various roles in the mental health field. Currently, she continues her passion of working with children and families as an Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys. A current doctoral candidate at IUP’s Counselor Education and Supervision, PhD program, she also continues to specialize her education and assist others in becoming competent mental health professionals.

Dr. Tracy Larson, Director, Early Childhood Partnerships, Office of Child Development

Tracy Larson is a psychologist, educator and consultant who has worked in the early childhood education field for 17 years promoting adult and child social emotional learning and mental health and wellness. Dr. Larson empowers adults to build positive adult-child relationships and create supportive environments where all children thrive.

Patrick M. McKelvey, MS, NCC, National Youth Advocate Program Inc.

Patrick McKelvey earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Patrick is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. Patrick has served in a variety of roles including a Clinical Program Manager overseeing pediatric and early childhood behavioral health programs in Western Pennsylvania, specializing in evidenced-based trauma treatments for children and families in various community and school-based settings and serving as an educational and outreach coordinator focused on childhood grief. Patrick currently serves as Clinical Supervisor for the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) in Columbus, Ohio where he oversees school-based programming and a newly developed rapid response team for children and adolescents. Patrick has spent the last 4 years collaborating with Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families to develop and implement staff supports to mitigate the effects of secondary traumatic stress. In addition, Patrick is a rostered Child- Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) therapist; and has a passion for developing innovative approaches to working within an interdisciplinary approach with other child-serving systems to advocate for strengthening child-centric and trauma-informed approaches to child and family supports.

Alicia Sebastian, Trying Together

Alicia Sebastian is currently spearheading a new project in Allegheny County focusing on decreasing and eliminating expulsions and suspensions in child care settings. Her current role as the Collaborations and Support Strategist focuses on creating a Rapid Response Team for child care providers to utilize if they are in need of external support for children, staff, and families. She has been working for Trying Together, a non-profit agency in Pittsburgh, PA since February 2020, where she started as an Early Head Start Coach providing support to Early Head Start staff. Prior to working with Trying Together, Alicia spent three years as a developmental therapist working with infants and toddlers ages zero to three throughout Allegheny and Washington County. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Disability Services and completed her Master’s Degree in 2016 at the University of Pittsburgh through a program in Early Intervention specializing in Autism.

Thank You To Our Sponsors and Partners

A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great.

About Trying Together

Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. Trying Together works regionally (in Southwestern Pennsylvania) and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national audiences.

News

November 3, 2021

Instructional Implementations of Interventions That Address Today’s Diverse Classroom

Join EdWeb.net for the upcoming webinar, “Instructional Implementations of Interventions That Address Today’s Diverse Classroom”. In this edWebinar, join Dr. Bonnie Cochran, Dr. Tonya Clarke, Jay Hillman, and Dr. Jessica Talada to hear what other district leaders from around the country are implementing in anticipation of the wider range of learning needs teachers will be facing this school year. The presenters will be exploring the best ways to select evidence-based solutions, designing flexible implementation models, and supporting teachers for accelerated student learning.

Additional Information

The learning loss as a result of the pandemic is no longer hypothetical. All students have been affected and educators are facing a larger number of students who need in-classroom interventions. This urgency requires all educators to find the right solutions that can address this gap knowing that:

All students have been affected in some way
Math and reading learning have seen the largest declines in scores
Students who were one to two years behind have even larger instructional gaps
Proven solutions that can be implemented in the classroom in flexible ways have to be considered for students to catch up