February 13, 2026 Request MOYC Materials for Your Early Learning Program Trying Together is offering child care programs the opportunity to receive Month of the Young Child (MOYC) materials. Learn More Programs may request a mailed box of materials related to MOYC – which is observed in April – including: Posters to display at their program location or to give to local businesses to promote the importance of child care in the community Buttons for staff and families to wear during the month of April Printed materials and resources from Trying Together and ERLC Region 5 An activity Fun surprises Materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, and boxes are limited to one per program. Programs can expect to receive their boxes before the beginning of April. Those interested in receiving a box should fill out the request form. Programs can expect to receive their boxes before the beginning of April. MOYC boxes are reserved for programs in the following Southwestern Pennsylvania counties – Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland.
January 8, 2026 Celebrating Together: 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner Trying Together will hold its annual event to celebrate the Month of the Young Child (MOYC) and the work of early childhood educators on Thursday, April 30. Learn More This year, Trying Together will host Celebrating Together, an evening of formal events that includes a VIP Reception to present the inaugural Governor Josh Shapiro Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy. This will be followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner, with support from PNC Grow Up Great. Reserve your tickets. DATE Thursday, April 30 TIME • VIP Reception | 4:45 – 6 p.m. (registration opens at 4:30) | Bridges Ballroom • Dinner | 5:45 – 9 p.m. (registration opens at 5:30) | Event Center LOCATION Rivers Casino 777 Casino Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15212 NOTE: Dinner guests are requested to arrive and be seated for opening remarks by 6:15 p.m. sharp. As an incentive, guests who are checked in and seated by this time will receive extra register-to-win tickets. VIP Reception VIP Reception guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails/mocktails, and networking while supporting the work of early childhood educators. As this will be a brief reception, there will be a mix of high-top and seated tables. Please indicate any accessibility needs at the time of registration. Individual Ticket: $350 Group of 5 Tickets: $1,400 (a $350 discount) NOTE: VIP Reception tickets include complimentary admission to the dinner immediately following; please indicate during registration whether you will also attend the dinner. 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner The dinner will immediately follow the VIP Reception with hors d’oeuvres, food stations, music, register-to-win opportunities, photo booths, and more. Educator Ticket: $30 General Admission Ticket: $150 NOTE: Educators will be asked to provide the name of their early learning program during registration to be eligible for the educator ticket rate. Other Information All registrants must provide a unique first name, last name, and email address for their guests. However, placeholder information can be used temporarily at the time of registration for unconfirmed guests, and registrants must update all guest information through their confirmation email by Thursday, April 16 at 5 p.m. Additionally, educators will be required to indicate their early learning program, and guests under 21 must provide a designated chaperone at the time of registration. Please refer to our registration guide for support. The TicketStripe platform accepts Credit/Debit Card; Apple Pay and Google Pay (when enabled on devices); and ACH payments through Stripe. If your program would prefer to be invoiced, contact Gabby Lisella at gabby@tryingtogether.org. VIP Reception guests who are attending the dinner will have reserved seating in the Event Center. Dinner registrants who have at least 10 confirmed guests (by April 16 at 5 p.m.) will be contacted before the event and provided with a designated table number to share with their guests. A seating chart will be available for reference the day of the event. All other available seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Free parking will be available in the Rivers Casino parking garage. Valet parking is also available for a $12 fee. It is recommended that VIP Reception guests dress in cocktail attire. While we have never had a formal dress code for the dinner, many have used it as an opportunity to dress up. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will be available. Certified kosher meals can be made available upon request at the time of registration. Rivers Casino is ADA compliant. Language interpretation and audio/visual assistance can be provided upon request when indicated at the time of registration. VIP Reception and dinner seating will be reserved for those who indicate accessibility needs at the time of registration. Celebrating Together is a fundraising event to support Trying Together. No refunds will be provided after VIP Reception or Dinner registration is confirmed, or in the event of a no-show. If the event is cancelled, only VIP Reception ticket holders will receive a refund of the fair market value of their ticket ($250 dollars).
January 2, 2026 Tickets Available for MOYC Celebration This spring, Trying Together will host Celebrating Together, a special evening for early childhood educators and all who support them. Scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at Rivers Casino, this celebration will include a new VIP Reception followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. Get your tickets now to be part of this evening of celebration and fun! Learn More Trying Together recognizes April as Month of the Young Child as a way to uplift the incredible work of early childhood educators. In 2025, nearly 800 educators and supports came together at the Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. This year, Trying Together is excited to unveil Celebrating Together – a reimagined event that will include a new VIP reception to present the inaugural Governor Josh Shapiro Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy, followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. The VIP reception will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails/mocktails, and networking opportunities. The dinner will include food stations, music, register-to-win opportunities, photo booths, and other activities. See full details and purchase tickets. For more information, contact special events manager Gabby Lisella at gabby@tryingtogether.org or 412-204-6415, or by visiting the event’s website. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can purchase full-color advertisements to appear in the 2026 Celebrating Together program book. It is also possible to honor an early childhood educator by adding their name to the Recognition List in the program book. To sponsor the VIP reception or dinner, view Trying Together’s MOYC Sponsor Sheet. For more information, contact assistant director of development Maria Pisano at maria@tryingtogether.org or 412.421.3734.
April 16, 2025 Trying Together Honors Early Childhood Educators at Annual Celebration Dinner Nearly 800 early childhood educators and advocates joined Trying Together on April 10 for its Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner at Acrisure Stadium. The Westinghouse Academy marching band greeted attendees as they arrived at the event, which included a dinner, photo booth, raffle prizes, and networking. The formal presentation featured a video from Governor Josh Shapiro, who spoke about the importance of early childhood education in Pennsylvania and proposed investments for recruitment and retention. Honorees Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo paid tribute to the dinner’s two honorees – Riverview Children’s Center Executive Director Betty Lisowski and Dr. Aisha White, program director for the Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) at the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Child Development. “With more than 40 years’ experience, Betty has been the catalyst for sustained, high-quality early care and education and expansion at Riverview Children’s Center,” Ciminillo said of Lisowski. “Betty has positively impacted thousands of children, families, and colleagues through the high-quality care and education Riverview provides while also being a working mother of three.” Lisowski’s co-workers at Riverview paid homage to her work at the center in a video. Lisowski cited author and speaker Jim Collins’ quote that “great vision without great people is irrelevant” in describing those with whom she has worked in early childhood education. “I am truly blessed to have spent my entire 43-year career in this field,” she said. “It has been a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve loved the work, but more importantly I’ve loved and cherished the people I’ve had the privilege to work with.” Ciminillo noted Dr. White’s work in helping children find pride in their racial identity as well as her decades-long engagement in the arts, social activism and work involving racial awareness. During a speech following her own tribute video, White noted that many children in America are struggling, citing Black infant mortality rates that are nearly two times higher than the national average for all races or ethnicities and the fact that 11 million U.S. children live in poverty and 400,000 in foster care. “While things are not good for children across the board, there’s an extra burden on children of color – and especially Black children – and that’s the burden of racism,” she said. “With respect to race, what we can do is pretty simple: Support children’s positive racial identity development in as many ways as we can, as often as we can, and as effectively as we can.” Ciminillo also recognized two regional educators – Lesely Crawford, executive director of the ABK Learning and Development Center, and Eva Wood, executive director of Ligonier Valley Learning Center in Latrobe – who were recent honorees at the PennAEYC Voice for Children Awards. Valuing Educators During a toast to all of the early childhood educators in attendance, Ciminillo said that a society that values its children must also value those who care for them. “Tonight, we gather during the Month of the Young Child not just to celebrate, but to honor you,” she said. “Your work is essential. It always has been. But more and more, the world is beginning to understand what you’ve long known – that care is not just an individual act of kindness, it is a public good.”
March 27, 2025 Indiana County Board of Commissioners Declares April 5-11 as Week of the Young Child The Indiana County Board of Commissioners recently announced a proclamation to declare April 5 to 11 as the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) in the county. Learn More The proclamation is part of the county’s Week of the Young Child celebration event that includes a movie screening and activities. In the proclamation, the board of commissioners notes that “the early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for future success in school, work, and life, and it is crucial that we ensure all children have access to high-quality early education and care.” “The Week of the Young Child provides an opportunity for communities to recognize the vital role of early educators, caregivers, and families in supporting children’s development and learning,” the proclamation reads. It also recommends that local, state, and national efforts to support young children and their families should be developed and encouraged. The county’s Early Childhood and Education Committee of the Children’s Advisory Commission will offer WOYC activities on Saturday, April 5 at the Indiana County Courthouse and Indiana Theater. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) established the Week of the Young Child in 1971 to celebrate the unique needs and potential of young children as well as to recognize the importance of childhood education. Trying Together later designated April as the Month of the Young Child due to increased interest.
March 24, 2025 Resources for April Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for April observances: Month-Long Observances Month of the Young Child Month of the Young Child, Trying Together 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner, Trying Together April is the Month of the Young Child, Trying Together Celebrate Diversity Month A Celebration of Diversity in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh Events and News, Pittsburgh Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion World Autism Month Autism Acceptance Month, University of Pittsburgh World Autism Month, American Autism Association Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County, Trying Together Upcoming Events, Autism Pittsburgh A Sensory Friendly Guide to Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Autism Services, The Children’s Institute National Child Abuse Prevention Month Developmentally Appropriate Practice: A Guide for Parents, Trying Together Resources to Keep Kids Safe, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Managing Problem Behavior at Home, Child Mind Institute National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child Welfare Information Gateway Casework Practice, Child Welfare Information Gateway Sexual Assault Awareness Month National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Sexual Violence Education, Pennsylvania Department of Health Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025, National Sexual Violence Resource Center Medical Treatment for Sexual Assault, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and Their Loved Ones, Rape, Incest, and Abuse National Network (RAINN) A Guide for Friends and Family of Sexual Assault Survivors, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse, National Child Traumatic Stress Network Week-Long Observances April 6-12 is the Week of the Young Child Week of the Young Child, National Association for the Education of Young Children Week of the Young Child Overview, National Association for the Education of Young Children April 7-13 is National Library Week National Library Week 2025, American Library Association Kelvin Watson Lecture, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Brazelton Touchpoints Center to Host Session for Library Professionals, Buzzword April 22-26 is Every Kid Healthy Week Take Action During Every Kid Healthy Week, Action for Healthy Kids Day Observances April 2 is International Children’s Book Day International Children’s Book Day 2025, Awareness Days The 100 Best Children’s Books of All Time, Time Magazine The Complete Checklist: 100 Must-Read Books, Scholastic April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks April 4 is National School Librarian Day National School Librarian Day, National Day Calendar National School Librarian Day, There is a Day for That April 5 is National Self Care Day Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together Grandfamily Tip Sheets Provide Information on Self-Care and Youth Mental Health, Generations United April 6 is National Library Day National Library Day, Holiday Calendar National Library, April 6, 2025, National Today Events, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh April 15 is National American Sign Language Day 44 Incredible Ways to Teach Sign Language to Your Kids, Teaching Expertise Kids’ Books About Being Deaf, Arapahoe Libraries April 21 is National Kindergarten Day National Kindergarten Day, National Day Calendar Top 10 Kindergarten Readiness Skills, Hi5! Kindergarten Transition, Trying Together Kindergarten Registration Information Available on PA Promise for Children Site, Trying Together April 22 is Earth Day Earth Day Events, Pittsburgh Earth Day Earth Month, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy History of Earth Day, National Geographic Kids April 23 is World Book Day Book Request Form, Reading Ready Pittsburgh Buzzword Words & Activities, Buzzword World Book Day, Worldbookday.com World Book Day 2025, National Literacy Trust Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Book Lists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
March 17, 2025 April is the Month of the Young Child April has been designated as the Month of the Young Child. Trying Together is taking part in and hosting events and opportunities to tout the importance of early child care and celebrate organizations that provide vital services. History The Week of the Young Child was first established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Its aim was to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize early childhood programs and services that are centered around those needs. Over time, increased interest led Trying Together to designate the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). We celebrate MOYC to elevate the important work of families and early care and education professionals, who strive to meet the needs of the young children in their care. Events There are a number of great events to celebrate the Month of the Young Child. These include: Week of the Young Child Events at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center – The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will have special programming to celebrate young children and their caregivers the week of April 7. Learn more. 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner – Trying Together will join early care and education colleagues from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 at Acrisure Stadium for dinner, a photo booth, and prizes. There is currently a wait-list for this event. Annual Early Childhood Education Affiliate Dinner – On Tuesday, April 8, this event at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will feature a dinner and lecture with Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, a leading authority on educational organization and leadership. The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at the university’s gymnasium in Chambers Hall and the lecture will follow at 6:45 p.m. More details are available online. Working Families and the Need for Childcare Workshop – During this workshop – which runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16 – participants will learn how to search for and find child care options near their home and work. The workshop will also cover public funding options to pay for child care, resources to share with employees so they can easily find and navigate child care, the state of child care, and the impact on the workforce. Emily Neff, Trying Together’s director of public policy, will present during the workshop, which will be held at PAACC’s office at 850 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. Register online or by calling 412-264-6270. NAEYC Week of the Young Child – The NAEYC will celebrate daily themes as part of its Week of the Young Child from April 5 to 11. Visit the NAEYC’s website for more information on the daily themes and activity resources.
February 10, 2025 Request MOYC Materials for Your Early Learning Program Trying Together is offering child care programs the opportunity to receive Month of the Young Child (MOYC) materials. MOYC-in-a-Box Programs may request a mailed box of materials related to MOYC – observed each April – including: Posters to display at their program location or to give to local businesses to promote the importance of child care in the community Buttons for staff and families to wear during April Printed materials and resources from Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 Materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Programs can expect to receive their boxes before the beginning of April. Please note: We have reached our cap for requests and are no longer accepting submissions. About Month of the Young Child First established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 1971, the Week of the Young Child is an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Over the years, with growing interest and focus, Trying Together designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). In April 2025, Trying Together offers opportunities to elevate and celebrate early childhood by providing resources, hosting, co-hosting, and participating in child and caregiver -focused events, and working with early learning programs to share MOYC materials and experiences. Learn More To learn more about Month of the Young Child, visit Trying Together’s Month of the Young Child webpage.
January 29, 2025 PA Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award Application Deadline Extended The deadline for the 2025 Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award has been extended to Friday, January 31. Learn More The award brings awareness to and highlights the equity work within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education settings, including child care, as well as evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention programs. This year’s awardees will be invited to attend the annual celebration at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg during April’s Month of the Young Child. Invitations to elected legislators to attend the ceremony are encouraged. Awardees will also receive a certificate and commemorative poster to display in their programs and access to website, newsletter, and social media promotional support. They will also receive an opportunity to participate in a state library tour at the Forum Building in Harrisburg and a tour of the state capitol. Applicants must demonstrate how the individual, early childhood, or afterschool program has supported children and their families through embracing diversity and full inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and/or working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities. The application must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 31. For more information or to apply, visit The Pennsylvania Key website.
December 19, 2024 Registration Open for Trying Together’s Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner Trying Together will host its Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner on April 10. Registration is now open for the event. Learn More The dinner is held to celebrate early childhood educators during April’s Month of the Young Child. The event includes a dinner, photo booth, prizes, and more. This year’s dinner will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 at Acrisure Stadium, located at 100 Art Rooney Ave. in Pittsburgh. Individual tickets are $15 and groups of 10 may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $135. Registrants are encouraged to consider the value of individual and group rate tickets – $140 and $1,400, respectively – and contribute more if they are willing and able to do so. This is a high-demand event, so seating will be based on a first-come, first-served basis that evening and reserved tables will not be available. Free parking will be available for guests. Registration will close when capacity is met or by March 28. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can recognize early childhood caregivers by purchasing full-color advertisements to appear in the 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner program book. The deadline to reserve an ad or name in the recognition list is Friday, January 17. Those interested in attending can register now. Any questions should be emailed to info@tryingtogether.org. Month of the Young Child First established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child was an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Due to growing interest and focus, Trying Together later designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child. It is recognized as a time during which the dedicated work of early educators is promoted for the essential role that it plays in society.
