April 5, 2019 Homewood Event Series: Fuel Up Join Operation Better Block this April and May for the Fuel Up, Redd Up, Get Up event series (4/12, 20, & 5/5). *The calendar information for this event page links with the April 12 event: Fuel Up* April 12: Fuel Up The series will kick off on April 12 with a free community dinner from 6 – 7:30 at the House of Manna. The dinner will feature vendors, food, music, community discussion, and more! To attend, you must register with NaTisha by calling 412.731.1908 or by visiting the Operation Better Block office. April 20: Redd Up The series continues on April 20 with an annual clean-up day claimed by the phrase “Redd Up.” This will be a day of volunteering for all to go out and clean the streets and sidewalks of Homewood. Sign-ins and tool pickups will start at 9 a.m. in the YMCA basketball court. The day will end with lunch at 11:30 a.m. For calendar information on this event, visit its event page. May 5: Get Up The series will close on May 5 by gathering to cheer on the marathon runners as they make their way through the Homewood community. Volunteer sign-ups will be available for the marathon through Camille via phone at 412.731.1908 or by visiting the Operation Better Block office. Volunteers will provide your name and t-shirt size and will meet in front of the Homewood House from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. For calendar information on this event, visit its event page. More Information For more information, visit the series’ event page.
March 29, 2019 Trauma-Informed Care: Training Session Our past experiences – personal, familial, societal – influence our brain development and shape how we interpret and respond to the world. Sometimes adults do not recognize how these experiences manifest as behaviors and they unintentionally harm children. This introductory session is designed to change participants’ approach to the behaviors children exhibit to decrease the likelihood of triggering them. Session Objectives Participants will be introduced to the Trauma-Informed Care framework. Participants will become familiar with the foundations of Trauma-Informed Care. Participants will understand complex trauma and the parts of the brain related to trauma. Participants will learn to recognize the impacts of trauma. To pre-register for this session, visit their Eventbrite page. *A certificate of participation will be given upon request. Session Focus Areas General Overview Trauma-Informed Care Framework Complex Trauma including Brain Development Impacts of Trauma What ELIE Circle Is Bringing Self-Reflection Self-Care Growth Mindset Intentionally Building Relationships Importance Barriers including Race and Gender Techniques Communication Importance Barriers Techniques including Motivational Interviewing, Empathic Communication, Restorative Practices About ELIE Circle ELIE Circle works to eliminate that through professional development training sessions that create trauma-informed communities – environments that focus on not re-traumatizing individuals and assist with development that may have been lost or delayed due to trauma – emotion regulation and empathy for example. ELIE Circle provides the following professional development services: Collaboration to create training sessions for organizations Consultation on creating trauma-informed out-of-school programs Facilitation of discussions with Q&A *Each customer receives a free consultation meeting to discuss organizational needs. Questions & Concerns For any questions or concerns, contact Debralyn Woodberry-Shaw, MSW, LSW at eliecircle@gmail.com.
March 4, 2019 Month of The Young Child Events Announced Throughout April, early childhood nonprofit Trying Together will host and highlight local events in celebration of the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). Held annually in April, MOYC is a month-long celebration in recognition of the important role that early childhood care and education play in the lives of children and families. “While we designate April as the time of year when we formally recognize early care and education professionals and family caregivers with special events, we want them to know we value them for the important work they do everyday to support healthy development for the young children the care for and educate,” said Cara Ciminillo, Executive Director of Trying Together. MOYC Organization Event Submissions New this year, local nonprofits hosting events for young children in April are invited to submit details to Trying Together for inclusion in promotions. Organizations interested in submitting their events must meet the following requirements: The event is hosted in April The event is open to the public The event features opportunities for young children (birth – nine), explores early childhood topics, or provides professional development opportunities for early childhood educators, families, and/or professionals To submit your events, visit tryingtogether.org. For questions on applying, contact Maria Pisano at 412.421.3889 or maria@tryingtogether.org. Annual Celebration Dinner On Thursday, April 4 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Trying Together will host its their Annual Celebration Dinner at the Carnegie Museum of Art. This event, featuring keynote speaker Illah Nourbakhsh, CMU CREATE Lab Director of the Community Robotics, Education, and Technology Empowerment, will bring together local early childhood care and education professionals in celebration of the work they do to support Pennsylvania’s youngest generation. Guests will enjoy a dinner buffet, photo booth, prizes, and more. Tickets are currently available online for $12 per person, or $100 for a Director’s Table, at tryingtogether.org. Update This year’s Annual Celebration Dinner is officially sold-out! If you still require a ticket, Trying Together may be able to accommodate the request. Please contact Sharon Seitam at 412.421.3889 or sharon@tryingtogether.org. The Student Affiliate Dinner On Thursday, April 11 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Carlow at Greensburg and Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) will host the 9th Annual Student Affiliate Dinner at WCCC to celebrate local early childhood education students and community. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Melissa Sherfinski, the conversation will explore how educators can empower students through equitable practices. Register for The Student Affiliate Dinner by Wednesday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m. For questions about The Student Affiliate Dinner, contact Vicki Hricik at 724.925.4013 or hricikv@westmoreland.edu. The Homewood Block Party On Saturday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Trying Together, the Homewood Early Learning Hub, and Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center will host their annual Homewood Block Party on Kelly Street. Young children and their families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of free activities, food, performance, and information from local partners about the work they do. No registration is required. For questions or more information, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.
February 12, 2019 Fostering Inclusive Spaces for Children of All Abilities Join APOST at United Way’s Pittsburgh Office for this eye-opening and interactive workshop, tailored to increase awareness about disabilities, and to share different ways to make your program space more inclusive for children with disabilities. With her firsthand experience living with a disability and parenting a child with a disability too, guest presenter, Michelle Walker, of Lend An Ear Consulting, will be here to help participants navigate this important topic for Out-of-School Time providers. Questions are encouraged. Objectives of this workshop are: Participants will learn and discuss the various types of disabilities, both visible and invisible. Participants will explore ways to be more inclusive, more accessible and welcoming for all. Registration To register, visit their event page. Questions For questions, contact APOST at 412.456.6876 or apost@uwac.org.
February 5, 2019 All for All Spring Educator Forum Join All for All, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, and Remake Learning for a day-long forum focused on the ways that teachers, staff, and administration can create more welcoming school environments for immigrant and refugee students. For further information, visit the event website.
November 29, 2018 Skate with Santa at the Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink Looking to celebrate the holiday spirit with your young children? Enjoy a special opportunity to take to the ice with Santa Claus just days before Christmas! Bring along the kids and the camera to capture these holiday memories at the Schenley Ice Skating Rink. This event includes great music and the chance to skate outdoors in beautiful Schenley Park. For more information, call 412-422-6523 or visit www.pittsburghpa.gov/schenley/rink. Admission Costs Adults: $5 Seniors: $4 Veterans with ID: $4 Youth (17 and under): $3 Skate Rentals: $3 Skate Sharpening: $5 Schenley Skating Rink accepts credit cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay.
November 13, 2018 The State of Maker Learning in Southwest PA and Beyond Join education practitioners in a discussion of the State of Maker Learning in SW PA and Beyond on November 15th at CoLab18. This event, through lightning talks and group discussion, will serve as a catalyst to better understand the maker space landscape in Pittsburgh, obtain ideas from national makers, and generate new ideas for all. Click here to learn more and to register. Speakers Include: Kyle Cornforth | Executive Director | Maker Ed http://www.makered.org/ Kareem Edouard, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum | School of Education | Drexel University Dr. Terrence S. Robinson, MBA | Success Pathways Alliance Light breakfast and lunch provided. *Event information provided by APOST*
October 18, 2018 Worst Case Scenarios: Child Care Provider Emergency Planning and Management Register today for the Worst Case Scenarios min-conference. Pre-registration is required. Child care providers, whether a single family home provider or staff at large center, need to have a plan and be prepared for challenging situations that could threaten children and staff, including the impact on children and staff with special health care needs and disabilities. The goal of this conference is to provide information that will improve caregiver’s knowledge of what to do in emergency situations, and familiarize them with the local people to contact. The cost is $15 per person for the half-day conference which includes a continental breakfast. PQAS hours are available. View this flyer for event and registration details.
October 16, 2018 Making the Connection: Manganese Exposure and Children’s IQ Manganese is an essential additive in the steel making process, with as much as 90% of manganese consumption worldwide being used by the steel industry alone. This presentation will highlight the links between manganese in air pollution to neurodevelopmental consequences, including lowered IQ in children. Keynote speaker, Dr. Erin Haynes, will present her work studying two Appalachian communities in rural Ohio, followed by speakers from UPMC and GASP who will relate the subject to what’s happening in relation to Pittsburgh’s current steel industry. This event is part of GASP’s Making the Connection series, intended for medical professionals as well as community members interested in learning more about the links between air pollution and various health problems. It will begin with an hour of networking and refreshments from 5pm-6pm outside of the Hutchinson and Hayashi Auditorium, before moving into the auditorium for the main program. Walk-in registration is welcomed. Online registration available. Share this flyer with your networks.
June 18, 2018 P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festival Visit the P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art festivals and experience fun activities designed to help young Black children learn about and celebrate their race, culture, and heritage. Children ages 3 to 8 will enjoy activity stations designed by trained artists and educators. Families are invited to enjoy free food, performances, art, and music! Festival Dates Upcoming festivals will be held at the following locations: East Liberty July 14, 2019, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Kingsley Association Homewood August 25, 2019, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Homewood YMCA Hill District September 15, 2019, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Center for Nurturing Families Questions For more information, contact Adam Flango at 412.383.8726 or AdamFlango@pitt.edu. Share this flyer with your network.
