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 9, 2019 Month of the Young Child: Celebrating Early Childhood With Trying Together having designated April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC), Kidsburgh asked Executive Director Cara Ciminillo to explain why access to high-quality early childhood care and education is so vital for our youngest generation. Overview In the article, Ciminillo explains why access to early learning and care is critical and moves on to discuss the roles of advocacy, policy, and investments. Identifying connections to Trying Together’s public policy agenda, Ciminillo explains that by successfully advocating for increased investments in early childhood, we’re working to ensure that all young children have access to affordable, high-quality programs; that all early childhood professionals are being compensated appropriately; and that all early childhood programs have access to the support they need to provide high-quality services. Article To read the full article, visit Kidsburgh’s website!
March 28, 2019 Work Together Wednesday’s Join the Carnegie Science Center every Wednesday during the Month of the Young Child (April) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a series of collaborative building activities inside of their Little Learner Clubhouse. All Little Learner Clubhouse activities are included with the purchase of general admission. Children under the age of 2 receive free admission. About the Little Learner Clubhouse Aspiring scientists age 6 and under and their families are invited to explore this nature-inspired hub for free-play and hands-on activities! Located on the fourth floor of the Science Center, Little Learner Clubhouse is a colorful gallery featuring a variety of interactive exhibits designed to foster scientific curiosity, including: The Clubhouse The Learning Tree The Water Table The Tomato Stand The Book Cove The Baby Garden The Button Wall Buy Tickets and Learn More Individuals interested in purchasing tickets online, learning more about the Little Learner Clubhouse, or viewing available ticket discounts can do so by visiting the Carnegie Science Center website. Discounts are available for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders, active military members, veterans, and more. Discounts require specific verification. Please see their website for details. Ticket Costs: General Admission Adult: $19.95 General Admission Adult 65+: $14.95 General Admission Child: $11.95 General Admission Child Under 2: Free Carnegie Science Center Membership Holders: Free
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 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 share the importance of early care with the audiences that need to hear it most. Empower Early Childhood Development You can help Trying Together achieve the goal of empowering early child care professionals by making a donation for the Month of the Young Child. Gifts of any amount will help, but these are suggested amounts to consider that would directly impact quality improvements for our region’s early learning programs: $50 helps to cover the average cost for one early educator to attend a professional learning course offered by Trying Together. $500 covers the cost for an early educator to complete necessary job requirements and receive support from Trying Together through the Child Care 101: New Hire Orientation Professional Development Series. $2,500 provides an early educator the opportunity to grow in their career by obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate or School-Age Professional Credential offered by Trying Together. If you’re interested in supporting the Month of the Young Child campaign or learning more about how to work with Trying Together, contact Kerry May at 412-206-1053 or email kerry@tryingtogether.org. Month of the Young Child Events 2024 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators 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. Individual and group ticket prices are available. When Thursday, April 25, 2024 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Where Acrisure Stadium, UPMC Club 100 Art Rooney Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Free parking in Gold Lot 1 (W. General Robinson Street) will be available for guests. Dress Code While we have never had a formal dress code for this event, many have used it as an opportunity to dress up. We recognize that many people will be coming from work directly to the event. For this reason, please dress in what is most comfortable and convenient for you! More Events Education Affiliate Dinner and Lecture Event Details Thursday, April 18, 2024 5 – 6:45 p.m. Event and Conference Center, Saint Vincent College Lecture with Todd Whitaker 7 p.m. Carey Performing Arts Center, Saint Vincent College Details are available on the Saint Vincent College Education Department website. Check out our Events page to discover all of the Month of the Young Child programming available throughout April 2024. 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 6 – 12, 2024. Daily themes include: Kick-Off Saturday (April 6, 2024) Music Monday (April 8, 2024) Tasty Tuesday (April 9, 2024) Work Together Wednesday (April 10, 2024) Artsy Thursday (April 11, 2024) Family Friday (April 12, 2024) To learn more about WOYC, WOYC daily themes, and WOYC activity resources, visit NAEYC’s WOYC webpage. 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 #MOYC2024.
