March 8, 2023 Trying Together Offering MOYC Opportunities Trying Together is offering families, community members, and child care providers a number of opportunities to celebrate Month of the Young Child. MOYC-in-a-Box Trying Together is offering child care programs in Allegheny County the opportunity to receive Month of the Young Child (MOYC) materials. Programs may request a mailed box of materials related to Month of the Young Child 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 ELRC Region 5 A copy of this year’s PA One Book, “Mel Fell” by Corey R. Tabor Materials will be shipped by the end of March, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Request your MOYC box. Month of the Young Child Events MOYC Resource Open House Friday, April 7 The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, 7219 Kelly St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Details to come Student Affiliate Dinner Wednesday, April 12 | 5 – 8:30 p.m. Seton Hill University, Cecilian Hall Administration Building (2nd Floor), 1 Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 Register Homewood Block Party Saturday, April 15 | 12 – 4 p.m. The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, 7219 Kelly St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Pre-registration not required Annual Celebration Dinner Thursday, April 27 | 6 – 8:30 p.m. Acrisure Stadium, UPMC Club, 100 Art Rooney Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Register 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 2023, we will offer 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.
April 28, 2021 New Resources from Trying Together As Month of the Young Child comes to a close, Trying Together is featuring several resources that were released throughout April. These resources further Trying Together’s mission to supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. New Resources DAP Series Parts IV, V, and VI As an early childhood nonprofit, Trying Together recognizes that a child’s parent is their first and most important caregiver. That’s why we created the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (DAP) Series to assist parents and caregivers in creating high-quality learning experiences at the earliest stages of their child’s life. The series features digital and print content that provides information on critical early childhood topics. As of April 2021, six Parts have been published, including: Part I: Developmentally Appropriate Practice; Part II: Childhood Physical Health; Part III: Child Care; Part IV: Early Intervention and Inclusion; Part V: Safety and Emergencies; and Part VI: Social-Emotional Development. Resources will continue to be added through 2022 as additional Parts are finalized. Parenting Together Pathway The Parenting Together Pathway is a video-based learning series to provide high-quality information on early childhood development to parents and caregivers in Allegheny County and surrounding areas. Launched in April 2021, the Parenting Together Pathway provides families the opportunity to learn more about: brain development; play; interactions and relationships; technology; child care; and advocacy to better support their children’s healthy growth. Additional videos will be released through 2021. Recess Advocacy Toolkit In partnership with the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative and thanks to support from The Grable Foundation and Remake Learning Tomorrow Grants, the Recess Advocacy Team created a Recess Advocacy Toolkit. As schools shift from remote learning back to in-person education, the importance of play and recess must be at the forefront of the conversation around reopening schools and helping children adjust to a changed educational environment. This toolkit highlights research, strategies, and advocacy opportunities for play and physical activity at home and at school.
March 19, 2019 Tech Tuesday: Food Science! Join the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh to delve into the science of sprouting food scraps! Did you know you can “force” carrot tops, sprout avocado pits, and regrow celery? Look closely and learn about science experiments to try at home. This program is drop-in, so guests may come and go as they please! This program is designed for our youngest learners (0-5) but is suitable for all ages. For more information, visit the event page!
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.
March 1, 2019 Annual Celebration Dinner Join Trying Together and early childhood colleagues at the Annual Celebration Dinner to celebrate the work you do for young children. Enjoy dinner, a photo booth, and prizes. Details Thursday, April 4, 2019 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Carnegie Museum of Art 4400 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Registration Is Now Closed Individual Ticket: $12.00 Director’s Table (10 Tickets): $100 A buffet meal will be served. Please indicate at time of purchase if you require gluten-or dairy-free options or a kosher meal. Limited quantities will be available. If you are still interested in a ticket, Trying Together may be able to accommodate the request. Please contact Sharon Seitam at 412.421.3889 or sharon@tryingtogether.org for more details. Emcee Charles “Chuck” Herring, EdD Keynote Speaker Illah R. Nourbakhsh K&L Gates Professor of Ethics and Computational Technologies Director CREATE Lab Carnegie Mellon University Honoring PNC Grow Up Great 15th Anniversary Questions? Sharon Seitam, Operations Manager 412.421.3889 sharon@tryingtogether.org
April 2, 2018 April is Month of The Young Child Throughout April, Trying Together will host the Month of The Young Child to focus public attention on the needs and rights of young children, their families, and the adults who interact with them. MONTH OF THE YOUNG CHILD In the Pittsburgh-area, Trying Together observes the Month of The Young Child by providing advocacy, resources, and events that support high-quality early learning experiences for young children. “We look forward to recognizing the Month of The Young Child every year,” said Cara Ciminillo, Trying Together Executive Director. “During the month we take a moment to pause and reflect not only on where the early childhood field is and where we want it to go, but on the individuals who care for and educate young children each day.” ANNUAL CELEBRATION DINNER The Annual Celebration Dinner for early care and education professionals will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art and host keynote speaker William (Bill) E. Strickland, Jr. of Manchester Bidwell Corporation. “Those in the early childhood field are often underpaid and undervalued,” said Ciminillo. “I hope the opportunity to hear from someone like Mr. Strickland whose life’s work was inspired by an educator is particularly meaningful for those in attendance.” Trying Together will also honor early childhood advocate and professional Patricia (Pat) Cobbs (posthumously) at the Dinner. “Miss Pat used to say, ‘It’s all about the kids!”, said Ciminillo. “Whether she was advocating on behalf of young children, or managing JLC Daycare which she owned in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, her mission was always to make sure we were doing what’s best for children.” Later in the week, Ms. Cobbs’ family will accept The Pennsylvania Association for The Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) 2018 VOICE for Children Award on her behalf on Friday, April 13 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Ciminillo says the Dinner will be very celebratory as Trying Together completed its rebrand and released its five-year strategic plan earlier this year. “Our board, partners, and staff invested a great deal of energy, expertise, and time into the rebrand and strategic planning process. With our refreshed look and name, and a clear path for the future, I’m looking forward to celebrating together with them and thanking those involved at the Dinner.” Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, photo booth, prizes, and more. This year’s dinner is now at capacity and has sold-out. CAPITOL VISIBILITY DAY IN HARRISBURG Trying Together staff and advocates will travel to the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg to bring attention to the unmet needs of young children statewide. Currently, 106,000 pre-k eligible 3 and 4-year-olds lack access to publicly funded programs throughout the Commonwealth. On Wednesday, April 18, 2018 staff and advocates will visit with State Legislators and ask visitors to decorate paper stacking blocks in the Rotunda. “Everyone has an early care or education story to tell,” says Ciminillo. “As principal members of the Pre-K for PA Campaign, we are committed to bringing those stories to policymakers’ attention to ensure every child attends a high-quality pre-k program and enters kindergarten ready to succeed.” Participants will be able to add Polaroids, draw pictures, write their stories, and decorate with stickers on the blocks. The blocks will then be stacked to visually represent the expansive impact early childhood programs have on constituents. Those interested in joining in this or other legislative visits should submit a form at tryingtogether.org. THE HOMEWOOD BLOCK PARTY The Homewood Block Party will be held on Saturday, April 28, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Kelly Street in front of The Homewood Early Learning Hub, a community resource of Trying Together. “This event enables us to celebrate and connect with the children and families served through programming at the Hub and at Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center where we are the lead organization,” said Ciminillo. The Block Party is FREE and features activities, food, performances, and resources for young children. Registration is not required. Interested vendors are asked to contact Cynthia Battle at 412-421-3889 or cynthia@tryingtogether.org. Full details on the Month of The Young Child.
January 9, 2018 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). MOYC is a time to plan how we will better meet the needs of all young children, families, caregivers, and early care and education professionals. Elevate Early Childhood The Month of the Young Child is a time where the dedicated work of early educators can be promoted for the essential role that it plays in our society. The events of the last few years have demonstrated just how important it is to fund, support, and elevate the work of child care. Trying Together has assembled a month full of opportunities to share the importance of early care with the audiences that need to hear it most. Celebrating Early Learning Programs Allegheny County child care providers had the opportunity to receive Month of the Young Child materials from Trying Together 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 ELRC Region 5 A copy of this year’s PA One Book, “Mel Fell” by Corey R. Tabor Month of the Young Child Events Supporting Our Workforce: Child Care in Westmoreland County The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce will host this half-day summit to discuss the current state of child care for working families in Westmoreland County. When Thursday, April 20, 2023 8 – 11 a.m. Where Westmoreland Community College 145 Pavilion Lane Youngwood, PA 15697 Cost Free! To learn more about Supporting Our Workforce or to register for the event, visit the Support Our Workforce event page. Annual Celebration Dinner Join Trying Together and your early care and education colleagues to celebrate the work you do for young children and families. Guests will enjoy dinner, a photo booth, and prizes, and hear from a variety of speakers. Individual and group ticket prices are available. When Thursday, April 27, 2023 6 – 8:30 p.m. Where Acrisure Stadium, UPMC Club 100 Art Rooney Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Cost Individual tickets: $12 Groups of 10 may reserve a table at a discounted rate of $100. To learn more about the Annual Celebration Dinner or register for the event, visit the Annual Celebration Dinner event page. Homewood Block Party We are inviting all to join us for a free event in the Homewood community! There will be craft activities, along with face painting, dancing, and more for all ages! There will be a wide variety of resources from organizations in Homewood and the Pittsburgh area for caregivers and families. When Saturday, April 15, 2023 12 – 4 p.m. Where The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (Outside) Cost Free! For more information, see our flyer or visit the Homewood Block Party event page. For details or questions, visit The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Facebook Group. Student Affiliate Dinner In our high-tech, high-pressure educational environment, it is easy to forget that children and teachers need to experience the joy and fun of learning. They need to experience it without stress and fear of failure, but with confidence, success, and high-quality experiences of delight. Through this, children make meaningful connections and feel valued, confident, and safe in loving classroom communities. If you are an educator looking to bring more joy into your classroom, join Seton Hill University for this annual event, featuring Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld. Brodskey Chenfeld is an educational consultant, teacher, and the author of “Still Teaching in the Key of Life: Joyful Stories From Early Childhood Settings.” Interested individuals must register by Monday, April 3. When Wednesday, April 12, 2023 5 – 8:30 p.m. Where Cecilian Hall Administration Building (2nd Floor), Seton Hill University 1 Seton Hill Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 Cost $25 To learn more about the Student Affiliate Dinner or register for the event, visit the Student Affiliate Dinner event page. Find More Check out our Events page to discover all of the Month of the Young Child programming available throughout April 2023. Join the Celebration from Home NAEYC Week of the Young Child Celebrate the daily themes featured during the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child (WOYC). This year’s events will be held on April 1 – 7, 2023. Daily themes include: Kick-Off Saturday (April 1, 2023) Music Monday (April 3, 2023) Tasty Tuesday (April 4, 2023) Work Together Wednesday (April 5, 2023) Artsy Thursday (April 6, 2023) Family Friday (April 7, 2023) To learn more about WOYC, WOYC daily themes, and WOYC activity resources, visit NAEYC’s WOYC webpage. Take Action MOYC is a time to plan how we will better meet the needs of all young children, families, caregivers, and early learning professionals. Elected officials play a critical role in funding essential early childhood programs. During MOYC we invite you to advocate with us and remind our lawmakers of the importance of investing in early learning. Five-Minute Advocacy Activities Display the posters included in your MOYC box near the entrance of your learning center. Follow Start Strong PA on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Sign on to be an individual supporter. Take action. Providers, share your story on social media and encourage your parents to do so, too. Use these sample templates: As an ECE professional, I deserve to be paid as such. ECE teachers earn an average of $12.43 per hour. This doesn’t cover the cost of living in PA. #SolveChildCare Month of the Young Child is a time to discuss and plan ways to better meet the needs of all young children, families, and early care and education professionals. Unfortunately, 50% of educators in the ECE field reported that they do not plan to, or are unsure of, whether they will remain in their jobs in the next five years. The system is not equitable. Find out more: https://bit.ly/ECE-Wage-Study #SolveChildCare #TheCrisisIsReal #MOYC2023 Child care and early learning is more than just a job. I entered the early childhood field because [insert your reason]. #Working4Children As an early childhood educator, my passion is working with young children. I am grateful for [center name/director] for giving me the opportunity to do this work every day. #Working4Children #MOYC2023 As a parent, I rely on child care to [insert action]. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to [insert Outcome]. #SolveChildCare 15-Minute Advocacy Activities Celebrate early learning on social media. Photograph artwork from around your center, snap a photo of everyday learning activities, or take a 30-second video of a teacher reading “Mel Fell”(included in this box) to a group of students. Post it on social media and include a caption that highlights the learning that took place during the activity (i.e. fine motor skills, social skills, building language, mathematics, etc.). Then tag Trying Together and your local legislators! Leave a brief message for your legislator at their district office. Craft your own message or follow this simple template: Name and location of early learning program I employ [insert number of] early learning professionals [Insert number of] children attend my center where they receive care and education in a safe and enriching environment while their parents are at work. I have the capacity to provide care for [insert number of] children when fully staffed. I urge you to take action to end the child care staffing crisis by investing in our workforce. Increase investments in early learning and child care. We must prioritize the child care workforce. PA businesses depend on working families and working families depend on child care and early learning programs. Find your local legislator: https://bit.ly/PA-Legislators Have more time? Work with Trying Together to invite a legislator to visit your program and read “Mel Fell.” If you’re interested in hosting a visit, complete this form. Reach out to your parents and ask for volunteers to write a letter to the editor regarding the value of child care and early learning. Contact ashley@tryingtogether.org to receive a letter to the editor template. Host a coffee and conversation listening session with parents and caregivers to elevate the quality care and learning their children are receiving every day. Check out the Leadership in Action program for more ideas. Additional Ways to Advocate Follow and tag Trying Together on social media. Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Stay up to date with ECE updates by signing up for our public policy newsletter. View our MOYC Advocacy flyer to learn more.
