May 13, 2019 Lunch & Learn: Sensory Learning & the Autism Spectrum Join Parents in Toto Autism Resource Center, Seneca Valley School District, and Remake Learning to discuss the importance of sensory learning for youth on the autism spectrum, benefits of this learning, and the parent resources that are available. About Educators, administrators, community organization leaders, and parents are highly encouraged to attend and take part in this important conversation surrounding differently-abled youth in the region. Lunch will be served. More details and accessibility will be noted in an email closer to the event. For any dietary restrictions or requests, email Allie at allie@remakelearning.org. The deadline for restriction requests is June 19, 2019. Registration This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, visit the event webpage. For questions about the event or accessibility, email Allie at allie@remakelearning.org.
May 7, 2019 Parents Moving Forward Together | Conference Join the Allegheny Family Network for “Parents Moving Forward Together,” a one-day mental health conference focused on supporting our region’s children, caregivers, and educators. Workshops Legislative Panel with Rep. Dan Miller Building Leadership Qualities Connecting Trauma Through Stories Dissecting the IEP Teens: Intense Emotions and Suicidality Registration This event is free, but registration is required for lunch and child care. To register, call 412.246.2030. See the event’s Facebook page. Transportation Buses are available for specific areas. See the bus schedule here. Parking will be available onsite for $5. Free parking is available for Allegheny Family Network families. Share this flyer with your network.
May 1, 2019 STEM All Hands on Tech: Robot Playground Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Carrick branch for a day of experimentation, play, and learning by exploring interactive technology and a variety of robots. STEM All Hands On Tech programs support learning and literacy by introducing children to technology. This event is intended for children in grades pre-k to 5. Questions For questions, contact Jon Antoszewski at 412.381.6543 or antoszewskijo@carnegielibrary.org. This location is handicap accessible. See the event page.
Leap into Science! Workshop Professionals and community members that teach Preschool/School Age children and/or families are invited to join a national network for science and literacy. By joining, you will receive training and materials to lead Leap into Science workshops. What is Leap into Science? Leap into Science is a nationwide program developed by the Franklin Institute Science Museum that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed for children ages 3-10 and their families. The program empowers educators to offer workshops in community settings like libraries, museums, and out-of-school time programs to engage underserved audiences in accessible and familiar settings. Leap into Science provides workshops on a science theme for three possible audiences: early childhood, elementary, and family groups. Workshops The Pennsylvania Leap into Science Leadership Team is hosting free training sessions on Leap into Science Wind workshops at the following times and locations: Edinboro, PA: August 22, 2019; 10:00 am – 2:30 pm Williamsport, PA: September 12, 2019; 9:30 am – 2:00 pm Allentown, PA: Oct 1, 2019, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm Benefits Each organization who participates in Leap into Science will receive: A 4-hour in-person training on high-quality science and literacy curriculum and facilitation strategies for two or more educators, Ongoing support during program implementation as part of a Leap into Science National Network, Access to the national Leap into Science leadership team and online resources, A curriculum and materials kit (valued at $300), and Web-based training on new curriculum themes in subsequent years Commitments As a Leap into Science partner organization, you are committing to: Scheduling and leading at least three (3) Leap into Science workshops for children and/or families living in underserved rural or urban communities by next spring, Posting each workshop to The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country, Leading Leap into Science activities during National Leap into Science Week during the last week of February, Completing a workshop report following each workshop, Participating in quarterly calls with other trained educators in your state, and Completing an annual survey and possible interview. Registration To participate in the national network and attend one of the training sessions listed above, please complete this brief application form by May 15, 2019. Priority will be given to organizations that can send at least two educators to the training. If selected, you will receive email notification of your acceptance by June 15, 2019, along with details about the training you will attend. Questions For more information, contact the Franklin Institute Science Museum at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu. Share this flyer with your network.
April 15, 2019 Sign-On to Support Families Impacted by Postpartum Depression Understanding the Need Postpartum depression can strike any new mother. Research shows that approximately 15 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. In Pennsylvania, this means about 21,000 infants and moms are affected each year. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that when a mother suffers from postpartum depression, both mothers and babies experience negative effects, including: adverse effects on the baby’s brain and development, increased danger of child abuse and neglect, and increased medical care costs. Will you sign-on to support Pennsylvania’s mothers and infants? What is #StrongMomStrongBaby? #StrongMomStrongBaby is a statewide effort to amend the existing early intervention law (Act 212 of 1990) to add postpartum depression as an at-risk condition allowing infants to undergo assessments, parents to receive assistance in bonding with their babies, and if needed, Early Intervention services to ensure moms and babies have the best start together. To learn more and stay up-to-date, follow the campaign’s Facebook page. Take Action Show your support for Pennsylvania’s mothers and infants by adding your name to the #StrongMomStrongBaby petition.
April 10, 2019 Child Care Woes: The Push to Expand Access In a recent article published online by the Christian Science Monitor (CSM), Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo discussed parent’s “constant hustle” in relation to providing and identifying high-quality care for their young children. Overview In the article, staff writer Sara Miller Llana brings in the story of Dana Hunter, a full-time employee and mother living in Pittsburgh. In this, Ms. Hunter describes the challenging balancing act of providing primary care for her young children while managing the workload and time requirements of full-time employment. Trying Together Cara Ciminillo mentions, “It’s a constant hustle. It’s a constant piecing together and juggling of demands and priorities.” After sharing this story, the article later goes on to explain the growing support for pre-k, calling on evidence that access to early education not only supports the healthy development of young children but also supports caregivers’ return to the workforce. Although political figures are calling for increased access to early care and education, supported by the successful implementation of such programs in other countries, “affordable, quality child care still remains out of reach for many families, with women often shouldering the bulk of domestic management.” Article Read the full article to learn more about Pennsylvania’s push to expand access to child care.
March 29, 2019 Pittsburgh Spotlight Receives 82 Innovation Submissions After receiving a total of 82 submissions from southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia schools, museums, libraries, nonprofits, government agencies, and more, HundrED released a full list of the innovative submissions they received. Submissions included: Innovative approaches from 27 schools and school districts in the Pittsburgh region 9 technology tools to facilitate learning developed by local companies and research projects 8 projects of local colleges and universities, including innovations from the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University 31 programs and approaches from local museums, nonprofits, and community centers Our Highlight Listed as a submission, Message from Me (MfM) is an early childhood communications tool developed through the collaborative efforts of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) CREATE Lab and Trying Together. MfM was designed with the intention to involve families in the education experience and bridge the home-school connection while enhancing a child’s communication skills, independence, and opportunities for interaction. Using the MfM app, a child can record and share daily thoughts and experiences, impacting his or her feelings of individuality, self-confidence, and well-being. To learn more about MfM’s purpose, design, and impact, visit the HundrEd page. See the full list of submissions. What’s Next? HundrEd’s global research team will be running a rigorous review of all eligible applications, in addition to a review by a local committee consisting of educators, parents, students, researchers, and community stakeholders who will score each innovation to help decide which ones will be featured in the Spotlight collection. Following this review period, the 10 selected innovations will be announced in May as a part of Remake Learning Days, a regional celebration of the future of learning. About the Pittsburgh Spotlight HundrED is a not-for-profit organization that researches, highlights, and propels K-12 education innovations in an effort to improve education and inspire a grassroots movement by encouraging pedagogically sound, ambitious inventions to spread across the world. The Pittsburgh Spotlight is one of 6 individual spotlight categories, all centered around specific regions or topics. Through this spotlight, HundrED seeks to highlight educators and innovators in our area that are doing extraordinary things to help students. *Information provided by HundrED
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 27, 2019 Jeremiah’s Place: Spring Open House Join Jeremiah’s Place for their Spring Open House on Thursday, April 25th to take a tour of Pittsburgh’s only emergency child care center, explore volunteer and employment opportunities, and learn more about how you can utilize their services. About Jeremiah’s Place Jeremiah’s Place provides emergency care for children ages 0-6 for a few hours or a few days based on the needs of the family. The primary focus at Jeremiah’s place is to keep children safe and to provide a supportive solution for families in need. Located in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh, Jeremiah’s Place is staffed by trauma-informed caregivers and social workers. All services provided by Jeremiah’s Place are free, available 24 hours a day, and most importantly, judgment-free.
March 13, 2019 Child Care Becoming More Unaffordable for Low-Income Parents Overview A recent research brief, Child Care Affordability for Working Parents, from the Institute for Child, Youth and Family Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, finds that many U.S. parents who are highly attached to the labor force would have a difficult time purchasing full-time center-based care. Spending This finding is especially true for low-income, Hispanic and black parents. Overall, parents working full time and year-round would spend 10 percent of family income to send their children to full-time center-based child care; low-income parents working full time and year-round would spend 28 percent. Almost all low-income parents working full time and year round would have to spend more than the federal affordability benchmark of 7 percent to send their children to full-time center-based child care. Ranking According to the brief, Pennsylvania ranks fifth highest nationally in child care price to income ratios for low-income parents, and in fourth highest for Hispanic parents. Analysis Even for families with a parent working a full-time year-round job, full-time center-based child care for young children and care during the school year for school-age children is largely unaffordable. Importantly, the parents included in this analysis are those with a clear need for child care. This analysis has three key findings about the affordability of center-based care for working parents. First, market-price full-time center-based care would be difficult to afford for a majority of U.S. working parents. Second, center-based child care presents an even greater financial burden for low-income working parents – virtually all (95%) low-income full-time year-round working parents face unaffordable child care costs. Finally, because larger proportions of working black and Hispanic parents earn low incomes than working white and Asian/Pacific Islander parents, child care affordability issues disproportionately affect black and Hispanic working families. This disproportionate burden has the potential to exacerbate racial/ethnic disparities in both family economic security and child wellbeing. Read the full research brief here.
