News

July 6, 2026

Fred Rogers Productions Names Trying Together Early Childhood Intervention Coordinator to Advisory Board

Fred Rogers Productions has named an early childhood intervention coordinator for Trying Together to its recently launched Education Impact Advisory Program.

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In April, the nonprofit children’s media company named after the iconic TV personality Mister Rogers kicked off the new initiative, which is composed of education professionals who provide insights into early childhood learning contexts, offer feedback on the media company’s content and resources, and co-create new educational engagement activities that are aligned with the company’s mission.

Kelly Palko, an early childhood intervention coordinator for Trying Together, was recently added to the 15-member cohort.

“Being a part of the Fred Rogers Productions Education Impact Advisory is both an honor and an incredible opportunity to continue the legacy of a person who believed deeply in the power of meaningful connections,” Palko said. “As an educator and a parent, I am inspired by Mister Rogers’ commitment to helping children feel seen, valued, and understood – and I am grateful to play even a small role in carrying those values forward.”

Advisors in the program will serve through July 2027. The cohort will interact with the teams behind the company’s award-winning series, such as “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Donkey Hodie,” and “Alma’s Way” to ensure the company’s content meaningfully connects with and supports children, caregivers, and educators.

Advisory members include professional teachers and principals, curriculum experts, early childhood education specialists, librarians, and child care providers.

The advisory board will:

Take a deep dive into the company’s series and educational frameworks
Share real-time insight from their own professional experiences
Co-create new activities and resources inspired by the company’s content
Serve as ambassadors for Fred Rogers Productions’ content in their respective communities

Other advisory board members from the Pittsburgh region include Grace Evans, SOY Pittsburgh coordinator at the Latino Community Center; Tiffany Harkleroad, youth services manager at the Butler Area Public Library; and Caitlin Lucas, kindergarten teacher at Keystone Oaks School District.

Photo by Jorge Santiago, courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions.

News

May 18, 2026

Mister Rogers Family Days to Offer Variety of Children’s Programming During First Week of June

Latrobe will host Mister Rogers Family Days during the first week of June, offering everything from story time events and classical music to a character meet-n-great and a scavenger hunt.

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Mister Rogers Days, which runs from June 1 to 6, celebrates the life, legacy, and hometown of Fred Rogers, the host of the beloved TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

The week’s highlight is its Saturday festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 6. It will include an acoustic performance by Keith Willochell, a children’s arts and crafts activity at Artemis Supports, a climbing wall and obstacle course, Daniel Tiger storybook walk, a scavenger hunt, an exotic reptile show, a free children’s books giveaway, and other activities.

Other highlights during the week include:

Community open house at the Fred Rogers Institute (Monday, June 1)
Take the Plunge: Dive Into Reading Story Time at Rogers-McFeely Pool (Tuesday, June 2)
A Beautiful Night in the Neighborhood: Latrobe Shop Hop & Night Market (Wednesday, June 3)
Sounds of the Neighborhood: A Classical Tribute Featuring the Pianos of Fred and Joanne Rogers (Wednesday, June 3)
Children’s Craft “Bloom of Blessing & Wish Tree” (Thursday, June 4)
Latrobe Art Center’s Annual Open Show (Thursday, June 4)
WQED Cartoon Academy Performance and Illustration Workshop by Cartoonist Joe Wos (Friday, June 5)

For more information, visit the Mister Rogers Family Days website.

News

January 27, 2025

Fred Rogers Institute Guide Provides Guidance on Children Dealing with Difficult Situations

The Pennsylvania Key has shared a guide from the Fred Rogers Institute about how to support children during difficult moments in life.

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“When Difficult Things Happen” is a PDF that shares kind words that adults can say to children who are experiencing loss. It also lists various things for adults to do to support children during this process.

Among the items listed on how to support children facing a loss include:

Being there for them without judgment while the child experiences whatever feelings come up
Helping them to know that their feelings are valid and accepted
Sharing some of your own feelings
Aiming to keep routines and expectations consistent, or letting them know what has to change and why
Letting them know that difficult feelings don’t last forever
Making space for play

For more information or to read other methods to help children cope with difficult situations – such as loss – read the Fred Rogers Institute guide.

News

January 26, 2021

Educators’ Neighborhood Community Sharing Event: Music and Sounds

Are you interested in discussing the relevance and impact of Fred Rogers’ approach with music and sounds for children, families, and educator-helpers? Join the Fred Rogers Center on Thursday, February 4 for their event, “Educators’ Neighborhood Community Sharing Event: Music and Sounds.”

About

During this Educators’ Neighborhood Community Sharing Event, participants will discuss the relevance and impact of Fred Rogers’ approach with music and sounds for children, families, and educator-helpers. Participants will watch segments of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood episodes and learn from a panel of practicing educators.

Registration

To register, complete the online registration form. All educators, caregivers, parents, and community members are welcome. Share this flyer with your network.

News

November 3, 2020

WQED Cardigan Day

Did you know that Friday, November 13 is both World Kindness Day and King Friday the XIII’s birthday? Join WQED to celebrate kindness and the inspiring work of Fred Rogers during their 3rd Annual Cardigan Day.

About

As a day of festivity, Cardigan Day brings the community together to celebrate kindness. Beginning at 10 a.m., WQED will showcase the “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” castle in the street outside of the WQED building (4802 Fifth Avenue). This street lane will be closed to regular traffic, allowing motorists with children to safely pull up to see the castle and receive a kid’s kindness bag. Each bag comes filled with snacks, crown-making materials, and Sarris Candies chocolates.

The castle will be available, weather permitting, for picture taking from the car, and kindness bags will be offered while supplies last. Following COVID Safety Guidelines, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Motorists MUST remain in their car at all times.

Wear Your Favorite Cardigan

As has been the yearly Cardigan Day tradition, WQED asks its neighbors to support kindness by donning their cardigans and using social media to post photos using #CardiganDay. Last year, Cardigan Day blew-up social media, trending as number one, as cardigan-wearing babies, pets and entire classrooms of students overtook Facebook and Twitter.

Episode Screening of Mister Rogers Neighborhood

WQED will culminate the celebration with a Family Movie Night featuring a Mister Rogers Neighborhood “kindness” episode. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Facebook. The event link will be available soon. Please continue to monitor the Facebook event page for updates.

More Information

For more information, visit the event Facebook page.