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Tag: Month of The Young Child

News

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

Celebrate Diversity Month

World Autism Month

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Week-Long Observances

April 6-12 is the Week of the Young Child

April 7-13 is National Library Week

April 22-26 is Every Kid Healthy Week

Day Observances

April 2 is International Children’s Book Day

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day

April 4 is National School Librarian Day

April 5 is National Self Care Day

April 6 is National Library Day

April 15 is National American Sign Language Day

April 21 is National Kindergarten Day

April 22 is Earth Day

April 23 is World Book Day

News

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.

News

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. 

News

March 29, 2024

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
2024 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner, Trying Together
2024 Homewood Early Learning Block Party, Trying Together
Affirming Black Joy: Race, Identity, and Early Childhood, Trying Together

Celebrate Diversity Month
A Celebration of Diversity in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh
Events, 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
Strategies for Reducing Inequity in Child Protection: Addressing Bias, 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 2024, 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 Events, Carnegie Science Center

April 7-13 is National Library Week
National Library Week Activities Scheduled at Northland Public Library in McCandless, TribLive

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 2024, 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
Call for Participation: UN World Autism Awareness Day Event 2024, LinkedIn

April 4 is National School Librarian Day
National School Librarian Day 2024 Celebration Ideas, We Are Teachers
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 Day, April 6, 2024, 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
7 Children’s Books About Deafness, Deaf Unity

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 for the 2024-25 School Year: Allegheny County, Trying Together
Kindergarten Registration Information for the 2024-25 School Year: Westmoreland, Fayette, Armstrong, Greene, and Butler Counties, Trying Together

April 22 is Earth Day
Wild Earth Music, Art, and Culture Festival, Pittsburgh Earth Day
History of Earth Day, National Geographic Kids
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Announces Earth Day Events in April, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Honoring Earth Month in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

April 23 is World Book Day
Book Request Form, Reading Ready Pittsburgh
Buzzword Words & Activities, Buzzword
World Book Day, Worldbookday.com
World Book Day 2024, National Literacy Trust
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Book Lists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

News

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.

News

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!

News

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

News

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.

News

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 (WOYC) 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,) a time during which 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 engage the children, families, and educators in early childhood settings during MOYC. Check back for additional information soon!

 

Events & Opportunities

Join Us In Celebrating Together

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, join us for Celebrating Together, an evening of formal events including 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 with support from PNC Grow Up Great. 

Thursday, April 30, 2026
VIP Reception | 4:45 – 6:00 p.m. | Bridges Ballroom
Dinner | 5:45 – 9:00 p.m. | Event Center

Rivers Casino
777 Casino Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails/mocktails, and networking at the VIP Reception while supporting the work of early childhood educators. The Dinner will immediately follow with register-to-win opportunities, photo booths and more. Guests may choose to attend one or both events.

Registration is now open! Get your tickets by April 16, 2026.

To sponsor the VIP Reception and/or Dinner, or to place an ad in the program book, please see our MOYC Sponsor Sheet and program book ad PDFs for more information. For questions, contact Maria Pisano, director of community relations, at maria@tryingtogether.org.

Participate in The NAEYC Week of the Young Child (WOYC)

NAEYC has announced that the WOYC will run from April 11 -17, 2026. Check back on this page soon for information on The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center’s WOYC events during WOYC.

To learn more about WOYC, daily themes, and activity resources, visit NAEYC’s WOYC webpage.

The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will host daily activities for the Week of the Young Child

  • Musical Monday: Open House
    April 13 from 4 pm-6:30 pm
    Families are invited to an open house at the Homewood Hub & Family Center featuring musical activities courtesy of Playnotes Pgh. Food, refreshments, and fun for the whole family! Come and learn about the Center and have some fun!
  • Tasty Tuesday, Storytime at the Hub
    April 14th from 10:30 am-11:15 am
    Join our weekly Storytime at the Hub for a special, fun, food-themed Dinosaur Experience! Raaawr!
  • Work Together Wednesday: Drop-In Play
    April 15th: 11 am-1 pm
    The Hub is teaming up with special guest Holy Cross Homewood & Reading is Fundamental(RIF) Storymobile for a joint storytime and activity during drop-in play hours. After the activity, families are welcome to Stay and play!
  • Family Collage Thursday
    April 16th at either 10 am-12 pm or 3 pm-5 pm to add to the collage!
    Join the Hub & Family Center Staff to help create a special Center collage featuring artistic creations and family photos! Feel free to bring printed photos of your family! The finished collage will be displayed inside the Center!
  • Family Fun Night Friday: Line Dancing w/ Attack Theatre
    April 17th from 6 pm-7:30 pm
    Enjoy an evening of fun, food, and line dancing featuring special guest Attack Theatre as we close out the Week of the Young Child in style with a movement-based Family Fun Night! Registration is required – register here

Submit Your MOYC-in-a-Box Requests

Trying Together is now accepting requests from child care programs to receive a box of Month of the Young Child (MOYC) materials. Boxes will be mailed or delivered to programs by their Quality Coach before April 1, 2026. The request form is now closed.

Attend the Student Affiliate Dinner

The Annual Student Affiliate Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Westmoreland County Community College in collaboration with Carlow University. Registration is now open. 

Attend the PennAEYC VOICE for Children Celebration

Join PennAEYC (the Pennsylvania affiliate for NAEYC) for their annual 2026 Voice for Children Awards taking place on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Hershey Lodge from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Early bird and regular registration will open in January 2026. Save the date, and check PennAEYC’s website for additional event details. 

Indiana County’s Week of the Young Child

The Week of the Young Child will kick off on Saturday, April 11 with a proclamation at the Indiana County Courthouse. This will be followed by a walk to the Indiana Free Library. Children’s activities – including storytime, crafts, and a STEAM Play Day – will be offered at the event, which begins at 10 a.m. For more information on the event, check out this flyer from the Children’s Advisory Commission of Indiana County.

 

Butler County Week of the Young Child: Early Learning is Dino-Mite!

Butler County will celebrate the Week of the Young Child with Early Learning is Dino-Mite!, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at The Monarch Training Institute, located at 100 Brugh Avenue in Butler.

The free event, which is aimed at children from birth to grade school, will include four live programs, music therapy, dinosaur yoga, storytime, free books, prizes, snacks, and a photo opportunity with a dinosaur. Every family that attends will receive a copy of Ame Dyckman’s “Don’t Blow Your Top.”

For more information, check out the event’s flyer.

Share Your Celebrations With Us

Follow Trying Together on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn! If you’re hosting a Month of the Young Child or Week of the Young Child celebration, tag us on social media with the hashtags #TryingTogether and #MOYC2026.

Community College of Allegheny County Career Fair

The Community College of Allegheny County will hold a career fair from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 in the gym of its Allegheny campus.

Employers that will attend the fair include Aflac, Allegheny County, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, City of Pittsburgh,  Concordia Visiting Nurses, Dollar Bank, Giant Eagle, JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, Metro One LPSG, Nordstrom, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Sheetz, St. Clair Health, Trying Together, United States Army, WQED, and others.

Students can register for the fair and view the full list of employers by logging into their Handshake account by using their CCAC username and password.

Share Your Part of NAEYC’s Story

NAEYC is celebrating its centennial this year and marking the milestone by collecting the stories that have shaped early childhood education. During 2026, NAEYC will celebrate the Year of Reflections, which will give educators an invitation to share their memories and the moments that made them who they are as an educator as well as their dreams for the next generation. Those interested in participating can share their story online.