News

February 16, 2023

Harm and Distrust: Honoring Historical Truths in the Classroom

Teaching historical truths can sometimes lead to difficult conversations in the classroom. It is essential for educators to meet conversations about race, equity, and injustices head on, and create safe environments for students to learn about the past.

Join edWeb.net and the News Literacy Project for this webinar to learn about the historical failure of mainstream news organizations to serve all people equally, the legacies of distrust this has caused among specific groups in America, and recent efforts by news outlets to improve their coverage.

Session Details

Thursday, February 23 | 6 – 7 p.m.

Virtual

Register

Learn More

Attendees will hear from education professionals about how they tackle these conversations in the classroom and draw on their personal experiences to shed light on historical truths. In addition, the presenters will highlight some of the resources that are available to support educators.

To learn more, visit the edWebinar website.

News

News

January 8, 2020

Changes to Clearances for Employees Having Contact with Children

In July 2019, Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations, including children who receive child care services outside of their homes.

About the Change

The federal Family First Prevention Services Act requires all adults who work in child care settings that receive Title IV-E funding to obtain child abuse clearances, even if they are not working directly with children. Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services law formerly allowed a 90-day provisional hire period for individuals who had applied for but were still waiting for clearance results. However, in 2019, Act 47 eliminated this 90-day provisional hire period to ensure that all adults working with children are legally able to do so.

Based on Act 47, child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes can request a waiver to hire an employee on a provisional basis for no longer than 45 days. The Department of Human Services is required to process Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearances within 14 days from the day in which the request is received and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history background checks within 30 days from the date of receipt. Generally, these clearances are processed more quickly than required.

New employees are not permitted to work alone with children and must be in the immediate vicinity of a permanent employee until all clearances are received. To access the waiver and instructions, visit the Keep Kids Safe website.

More Information

For more information on obtaining clearances, visit the Keep Kids Safe website.

*Information provided by PA Early Ed News

News

August 1, 2019

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 Date

Hill District

Questions

For more information, contact Adam Flango at 412.383.8726 or AdamFlango@pitt.edu.

Share this flyer with your network.

News

July 15, 2019

KidsPlay at Market Square

KidsPlay provides free interactive and educational programming for children in Market Square, with local partners including Science Tots, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, KidsBurgh, the Senator John Heinz History Center, and more.

Active Dates

  • Tuesdays, June 4 – August 27, 2019 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Saturdays, June 8 – August 31, 2019 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn More

To see a list of upcoming activities, visit the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership website.

News

May 30, 2019

Senator John Heinz History Center: Kids Enter Free!

During the month of June, kids enter for FREE each Sunday at the Senator John Heinz History Center! This opportunity is available thanks to UPMC.

About

On Sundays in June, all children ages 17 and under receive free admission to see the History Center’s six floors of award-winning exhibitions and interactive learning spaces. Families are invited to zoom down a 12-foot spiral “Liberty Tune” slide, throw an epic touchdown pass to legendary Steelers, explore the Neighborhood of Make-Believe featuring the original set and puppets from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and so much more! If you punch your stamp card on all six floors, you’ll even receive a free Heinz pickle pin!

Regular admission fees apply to all adults.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the History Center’s event page!

For questions, call 412.454.6000.

News

April 11, 2019

Sensory Friendly Saturday: Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is celebrating National Autism Awareness month by hosting four Sensory Friendly Saturdays throughout the year.

About the Event

During Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the museum will open 90 minutes before it opens to the public to allow families with members of the autism spectrum or those who experience sensory overload to visit the museum in a more controlled environment. Museum experts will give tours of the exhibitions and be on hand to answer questions throughout the morning. Designated quiet zones will allow visitors to decompress and experience the museum at their own pace.

Sensory Friendly Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Available Dates

  • April 27, 2019
  • July 13, 2019
  • October 5, 2019
  • December 28, 2019

Registration

Advance registration is required for each person attending.

Register online to save your spot!

Ticket Costs

Sensory Friendly Saturday includes specialized pricing:

  • Children Under 2: Free
  • Children 3 – 18: $5.95 per ticket
  • Adults: $9.95 per ticket
  • Adults 65+: $7.50 per ticket
Discounted Pricing
  • Access Card Holder – Adult: $1.00
  • Access Card Holder’s Child: $1.00
  • Access Card Holder – Senior: $1.00

To learn more about the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, visit their website.