Connections and Conversations: Advocacy 101

News

June 29, 2020

Connections and Conversations: Advocacy 101

Are you interested in learning about the budget process and state government in Pennsylvania? Join Trying Together on July 22 at 6 p.m. for our online session, “Connections and Conversations: Advocacy 101.”

About

Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic.

This session will highlight the budget process and state government in Pennsylvania. Participants will receive an overview of the Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA) campaigns, how early childhood education programs are impacted by the budget process, and ways professionals and families can use their experiences and knowledge to advocate. This session will also identify advocacy actions attendees can participate in or lead to advocate for early childhood.

Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org or Sarah Grubb at sarah.elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Wednesday, July 22 | 6 – 7 p.m
    • Instructors: Emily Neff, Cristina Codario, and Lindsey Ramsey
    • CKC: K6.10 C1
    • CDA Subject Area: Maintaining a commitment to professionalism.
    • Registrations must be submitted by Monday, July 20. Space is limited.
    • Sessions will be offered biweekly and will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be offered.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the course webpage.

Session Rules and Guidelines

These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants.

    • Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively.
    • Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic.
    • Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression.
    • Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session.
    • Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator.
    • Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share.
    • To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number.
    • Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations!

More Information

For questions or more information, please contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.

Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary

News

June 22, 2020

Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary

Are you interested in learning how to maintain essential interactions with young children during this difficult time of masks and physical distancing? Join Trying Together on July 8 for our free online session, “Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary.”

About

The primary ingredient of early childhood quality begins with the “everyday interactions” between educators and children. These simple and ordinary interactions that take place during play, transition, and daily routines form the very foundation of learning and growing. How can educators uphold these essential interactions with children during this challenging time of masks and physical distancing?

Early learning professionals are invited to join Trying Together on July 8 at for our online module “Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary” to engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. As a part of the “Connections and Conversations: Virtual Check-Ins” series, this session will encourage educators to recognize powerful moments of connecting, sharing, growing, and belonging in their everyday interactions with young children.

Learning Objectives

    • Observe video footage of children and their caregivers in authentic settings and describe positive interactions.
    • Recognize moments of connecting, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday moments in the early childhood setting.

Registration

To register, visit the event webpage. Registrations must be submitted by July 6, 2020. Space is limited.

Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org or Sarah Grubb at sarah.elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.

Virtual Series Overview

Connections and Conversations: Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic.

Sessions will be offered biweekly and will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be offered.

Session Rules and Guidelines

These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants.

    • Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively.
    • Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic.
    • Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression.
    • Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session.
    • Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator.
    • Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share.
    • To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number.
    • Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations!

More Information

For questions or more information, please contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.

Drive-Up Diaper Distribution

News

Drive-Up Diaper Distribution

Join Global Links and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) on June 25 for their public drive-up diaper distribution event outside of PPG Paints Arena (rain or shine). To ensure participant safety, this event cannot accommodate walk-up participants.

About

Global Links and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) have partnered to host a public drive-up diaper distribution event outside PPG Paints Arena (rain or shine), thanks to support from the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. The distribution will be equipped to serve up to 1,000 cars.

What’s Included?

Families and caregivers of young children who are experiencing financial hardship are invited to line up by car outside PPG Paints Arena to receive the following items (at no cost to families):

    • One case (four packages) of diapers per car.
    • One package of wipes per car.
    • An informational sheet listing neighborhood resource centers that can provide further diaper assistance.

Please note that two families CANNOT be represented in one car. Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing one or two different sizes of diapers.

Traffic Details

    • All vehicles attending the diaper distribution will enter the distribution area by turning onto Logan Street from Centre Avenue. Once on Logan Street, personnel on-site will direct vehicles from the lots to the location at which the diapers will be distributed. To exit, all traffic will be routed to Fullerton Street and will exit via Centre Avenue.
    • Bedford Avenue between Washington Place and Crawford Street will be closed to traffic from downtown going uphill. Traffic from downtown can turn right onto Washington Place to access Centre Avenue or stay left on Bigelow Boulevard.
    • Wylie Avenue will be closed between Crawford Street and Logan Street.

More Information

To learn more, visit the Drive-Up Diaper Distribution event page or the Global Links website.

Transitioning Your Child from Preschool EI to Elementary School

News

June 17, 2020

Transitioning Your Child from Preschool EI to Elementary School

Are you interested in learning about options for developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child as they transition from preschool early intervention (EI) to elementary school? Join the PEAL Center on July 1 for their webinar, “Transitioning Your Child From Preschool Early Intervention to Elementary School.”

About

In this webinar, participants will learn about:

    • the importance of informed decision making in determining educational placement,
    • options for developing an IEP as a child transitions,
    • the impact of adult perspectives on children’s opportunities, and
    • a Student Snapshot tool families can use in preparing for the transition.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.

Pittsburgh Families Invited to Receive Free Children’s Books

News

Pittsburgh Families Invited to Receive Free Children’s Books

Since the City of Pittsburgh’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launch in February 2019, the program has grown to include over 3,200 local children and recently sent its 30,000th book. Thanks to funding received from the Hillman Family Foundation and McCauley Ministries, the program will continue to sustain and grow services in Pittsburgh.

About the Program

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a free program for any child who lives in the City of Pittsburgh age zero to five to receive one book a month in the mail until their fifth birthday. When they turn five, they will have their own library of up to 60 books.

The City of Pittsburgh’s program is affiliated with the national initiative started by music legend Dolly Parton. Participating children will begin receiving books through the U.S. Postal Services approximately eight weeks after the registration form has been received.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, preschoolers must:

  • be a resident of the City of Pittsburgh,
  • have a parent or guardian fill out an official registration form, and
  • notify the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania of any address changes.

Registration

To sign up for this program, register your child(ren) online via the Imagination Library website!

Interested in mailing in or submitting your registration in person? See their webpage for more details.

More Information

For any questions, please contact Tiffini Simoneaux at tiffini.simoneaux@pittsburghpa.gov or 412.255.2505. To view the booklist, visit the Imagination Library website.

Choosing Child Care | Virtual Workshop

News

June 16, 2020

Choosing Child Care | Virtual Workshop

Choosing high-quality child care is a complex process, and to many it may feel overwhelming right now. Join the Center for Women Pittsburgh, Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, and Trying Together on June 28 for their virtual workshop “Choosing Child Care.”

About

Through this virtual workshop, participants will:

    • learn about the CDC guidelines that early learning professionals are incorporating into their programs;
    • hear questions they can use to ask providers about sanitation and physical distancing;
    • see a live demonstration a new search tool for child care in Allegheny County;
    • get tips on the application process, as well as what you need to apply for assistance; and
    • know how they can help advocate for needed changes to the child care system.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.

Women’s Rap

News

June 1, 2020

Women’s Rap

Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Join us for a group discussion to build your confidence, gratitude, and supportive relationships with other women.

Event Details

Second Friday of Every Month
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Location

The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center
7219 Kelly Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Learn More

For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website.

Please share this flyer with your networks.

Fathers Trying Together

News

Fathers Trying Together

Are you a single father or caregiver? Would you like to build positive memories with your child and learn healthy ways to cope with barriers and stress? Join us for a group discussion.

To receive the event link, please complete our online registration form. During registration, you will be asked to select from a list of  session dates. Please select all session dates that you wish to attend.

Event Details

  • First Tuesday of Every Month (in-person)
    6 – 7:30 p.m.

Location

  • The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center
    7219 Kelly Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Learn More

For more information, contact The Homewood Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website.

 

Fathers Trying Together

News

Fathers Trying Together

Are you a single father or caregiver? Would you like to build positive memories with your child and learn healthy ways to cope with barriers and stress? Join us for a group discussion.

To receive the event link, please complete our online registration form. During registration, you will be asked to select from a list of  session dates. Please select all session dates that you wish to attend.

Event Details

  • First Tuesday of Every Month (in-person)
    6 – 7:30 p.m.

Location

  • The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center
    7219 Kelly Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Learn More

For more information, contact The Homewood Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website.

 

Fathers Trying Together

News

Fathers Trying Together

Are you a single father or caregiver? Would you like to build positive memories with your child and learn healthy ways to cope with barriers and stress? Join us for a group discussion.

To receive the event link, please complete our online registration form. During registration, you will be asked to select from a list of  session dates. Please select all session dates that you wish to attend.

Event Details

  • First Tuesday of Every Month (in-person)
    6 – 7:30 p.m.

Location

  • The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center
    7219 Kelly Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Learn More

For more information, contact The Homewood Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website.