February 1, 2021 Base Rates for CCW Reimbursements to Increase March 1 On February 1, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf announced an increase to base rates paid to child care providers participating in Child Care Works (CCW), Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program. About Effective March 1, 2021, base rates for CCW reimbursements will be increased to the 40th percentile of the market rate for child care in the provider’s region, up from approximately the 25th percentile where most of Pennsylvania’s child care providers currently sit. This change brings Pennsylvania closer to the federal government’s recommendation of reimbursing at the 75th percentile. This increase equates to an additional $28.8 million in federal funding for the 2020-21 fiscal year and $87.2 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year. This change will also regionalize rate calculation based on Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) regions rather than calculating rates by county for each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Pennsylvania is currently the only state that does not regionalize rates. Regionalization of rates creates a larger pool to more accurately represent rates across provider types licensed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning in each region rather than calculating rates by county with limited sample sizes and provider type representation. No provider will see their rates decrease with this new structure. The average increase across all regions is $4.59. Every three years, a child care market rate survey is conducted to guide rate setting. The last Market Rate Survey was completed in 2019 and released in 2020. Why It Matters “Child care is essential for a functioning economy. Investments in this industry benefit us in two different ways. They support communities and the families that rely on care to join the workforce every day and nurture the growth and development of young minds as they prepare for grade school and later long-term success,” said Gov. Wolf. “Increasing base reimbursement rates is an investment in the dedicated professionals that do this work every day and for countless parents and children. We all seek to weather the challenges created by the pandemic and the recovery ahead.” According to the announcement, nearly two-thirds of children enrolled in CCW are in a lower-rated child care provider, and higher quality providers serve fewer CCW families. By providing increased base payments for care for children enrolled in CCW, more child care operators will increase operating margins allowing them to potentially retain more highly qualified staff and engage in enhanced quality activities. “Child Care Works makes quality, affordable child care accessible for working families across our commonwealth,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “By investing in base rates, we invest in quality across our child care industry – an investment that will help providers grow, develop, and retain staff and continue to improve services and care for our youngest Pennsylvanians.” What is Child Care Works? Child Care Works is Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program that helps low-income families pay their child care tuition and fees. To be eligible, families must earn 200 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines at application and meet work or job training requirements. Eligible families are able to choose to enroll at any participating child care provider, which can be impacted by convenience, transportation, cost, and working hours. Families enrolled in CCW pay a co-pay, and providers that participate in CCW are reimbursed a set base rate per child from the state with the opportunity for add-on funding. More Information For more information, read Governor Wolf’s full announcement.
January 21, 2021 ECE Job Openings: January 21 – 27, 2021 Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below. Featured Jobs Hosanna House Child Development Center (CDC) Pre-K Counts Certified Lead Teacher Hosanna House Inc. is seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Pre-K Counts Certified Lead Teacher to join their team. Hosanna House Inc. is a NAEYC Accredited, PDE Private School Licensed, STAR 4 school. Their programs empower children to discover their interest through play, along with a curriculum that will ensure children are school ready and excited about learning. Teachers will be responsible for daily in-person educational instruction following the creative curriculum. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume via email to deniseb@hosannahouse.org. Submit a Job Description Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, January 26. This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after January 26 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org. Search Additional Jobs Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
January 14, 2021 ECE Job Openings: January 14 – 20, 2021 Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below. Featured Jobs Providence Connections, Inc. Assistant Group Supervisor Providence Connections, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Group Supervisor for their northside Family Support Center. The Assistant Group Supervisor will assist in the implementation of the daily program for children and coordinate daily activities and supervise the classroom in conjunction with and in the absence of the Group Supervisor. The Assistant Group Supervisor becomes a part of a working team to produce the best possible outcomes for the children and the program. Hours may vary to support the needs of the program. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to lwhite@providenceconnections.org. Carriage House Children’s Center Infant/Toddler Room Assistant Teachers Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking Infant/Toddler Room Assistant Teachers. Assistant Teachers are responsible for assisting with the children’s daily activities under the guidance of a teacher. Candidates should have a minimum of a high school diploma and at least two years’ documented experience working with children. Candidates with credits from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or the human services field are preferred. Pay Range: $10 – $14 To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to chcc@carriagehouse.org. Lead Young Toddler Room Teacher Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a Lead Young Toddler Room Teacher. The ideal candidate values the importance of building strong relationships with children, understands how young children learn and develop, and is dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment for every child. Candidates with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or related degrees are preferred. Candidates without designated degrees should have a CDA credential or equivalent (12 credits in Early Childhood Education or a related field) and demonstrate experience and knowledge of the field of early childhood education. Pay Range: $15 – $21 To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to chcc@carriagehouse.org. Part-Time School Age Teacher for Community Learning Hub Accredited Early Child Care Center in Squirrel Hill is seeking a part-time assistant teacher to help coordinate enrichment activities for a small classroom of school-age children who are participating in distance learning. This is an on-site, in-person classroom. Hours would be mid-day, 10 a.m. – 1 or 2 p.m. Candidates should have a minimum of a high school diploma and at least two years’ documented experience working with children. Pay Range: $10 – $12 To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to chcc@carriagehouse.org. Preschool Teachers Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking Preschool Teachers. The ideal candidate for these positions values the importance of building strong relationships with children, understands how young children learn and develop, and is dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment for every child. Candidates with Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or related degrees are preferred. Pay Range: $12 – $16 To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to chcc@carriagehouse.org. Kids Kademy II L.L.C. Director Kids Kademy II L.L.C. is seeking a mature, reliable, and nurturing Director for their small child care center. Applicants must have knowledge of Pennsylvania state licensing requirements and Keystone Star Requirements. This person will be responsible for the overall functioning of the center. Teaching is also required initially. To apply, please submit applications to kidskademy724@gmail.com. Heritage Community Initiatives Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives, located in Braddock, is seeking experienced, compassionate, flexible, creative, and reliable Teachers for the Heritage Out of School Time (HOST) program. HOST provides before and after school support to children in grades K-8. HOST program hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. This is a regular, full-time teaching opportunity with a robust benefits package. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Assistant Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking experienced, compassionate, flexible, creative, and reliable Assistant Teachers for the Heritage Out of School Time (HOST) program. HOST provides before and after school support to children in grades K-8. This unique full-time position, with a robust benefits package, will largely focus on serving as support for all classrooms that are housed at HOST. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Behavioral Support Specialist Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking an experienced, compassionate, flexible, creative, and reliable Behavioral Support Specialist for the Heritage 4 Kids Early Learning Center and HOST (Heritage Out of School Time) programs. HOST program hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. This unique full-time position, with a robust benefits package, will largely focus on serving as support for all classrooms that are housed at HOST. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher. The Pre-K Count Lead Teacher’s key focus is to provide high-quality programming within their assigned classroom of three- to five-year-olds, and must be committed to best practices according to regulations and guidelines from Heritage Community Initiatives, DHS, Keystone STARS, NAEYC, and Pre-K Counts. The Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher must be able to develop and facilitate developmentally, individually, and culturally appropriate practices and intentional teaching. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Pre-K Count Assistant Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher. The Pre-K Count Assistant Teacher’s primary focus is to provide high-quality programming within their assigned classroom of three – to five-year-old’s, and must be committed to best practices according to Pre-K Counts regulations and guidelines. This professional must be able to develop and facilitate developmentally, individually, and culturally appropriate practices and intentional teaching. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Older Toddler Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking an Older Toddler Teacher. 4 Kids serves children six weeks through preschool. This professional must follow all DHS, STARS, and NAEYC regulations, guidelines, and procedures. HOST program hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. This is a regular, full-time teaching opportunity with a robust benefits package. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Older Toddler Assistant Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking an Older Toddler Assistant Teacher. 4 Kids serves children six weeks through preschool. This professional must follow all DHS, STARS, and NAEYC regulations, guidelines, and procedures. HOST program hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. This is a regular, full-time teaching opportunity with a robust benefits package. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Business Manager for Education Services Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a Business Manager for Education Services. The Business Manager for Education Services is responsible for the business functions of both education programs. The manager ensures parent billings, account receivables, and collections are completed weekly, accurately, and on time. The manager also maintains and updates the database for reconciling, analyzing, and tracking parent tuition accounts, childcare subsidies, and nutrition. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Maintenance Coordinator (Permanent, Part-Time) Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a part-time Maintenance Coordinator. The Maintenance Coordinator is responsible for carrying out a wide variety of repairs, maintenance, and improvement services while possessing a broad range of craftsmanship and practical skills in order to accomplish assignments. Assignments can include but are not limited to painting, gardening, building repairs, processing maintenance requests, etc. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Director of Transportation Heritage Community Initiatives is looking for an exceptional project manager with proven marketing capabilities to direct and manage all aspects of the Heritage Community Transportation (HCT) program as well as any of the organization’s forthcoming transportation initiatives. Responsibilities include the development and execution of all strategies as well as management of transportation marketing to increase ridership, awareness of new initiatives, revenue generation, community participation, and brand awareness. View the full job description. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. Submit a Job Description Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, January 19. This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after January 19 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org. Search Additional Jobs Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
January 13, 2021 Apprenticeship Opportunity Available In Pennsylvania Are you an early learning professional in Southwestern Pennsylvania who is interested in earning higher wages or advancing your career? Apprenticeship might be right for you! About As an employer-driven program registered with the state of Pennsylvania, Apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning with related technical instruction to build skills and create pathways to earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree through partners at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and Carlow University. Request More Information Apprenticeship is accepting new apprentices for the 2021 Spring and Summer semesters. For more information, contact: Lindsey Vicoria – lindseyv@tryingtogether.org
January 11, 2021 Fund My Future Information Session Attend this online information session to learn about Fund My Future, a savings program that offers chances to win prizes and cash in monthly raffle drawings by depositing small amounts into your child’s savings account. About With the support from the Pennsylvania State Treasurer, Fund My Future is now available to all families in Pennsylvania to save for college and other post-secondary goals. Fund My Future provides a prize pool that makes the saving experience fun. This program is open to Pennsylvania residents who have children or grandchildren between the ages of birth to 18. Your child will benefit from the savings, and you benefit from the fun! Participants will have the chance to win a door prize. Registration To register, complete the online registration form. More Information For questions, please contact Fund My Future at 833.728.3946 or via this online form.
January 6, 2021 ECE Job Openings: January 6 – 13, 2021 Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below. Featured Jobs Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher Brightside Academy is looking to hire a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher. Interested professionals must have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or a related field) and a Pennsylvania Prek-4 or N-3 certification. To apply, email your resume to cjuth@brightsideacademy.com. In your email, please reference “Trying Together.” Submit a Job Description Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, January 12. This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after January 12 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org. Search Additional Jobs Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
December 17, 2020 COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan for Pennsylvania On December 11, 2020, the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force and Pennsylvania Department of Health released a COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan for Pennsylvania (PDF). The goal of the interim COVID-19 vaccination plan is to provide a transparent strategy to vaccinate all Pennsylvanians who want to be vaccinated so that Pennsylvanians can return to everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. At this time, early childhood education professionals including teachers, school staff working directly with students, child care employees, and early intervention staff fall under the 1B category (page 14), defined as essential business personnel who cannot work remotely or maintain social distancing. A variety of factors influence the distribution of vaccinations, including vaccine supply levels, number of critical personnel requiring the vaccine, and vaccine storage requirements. The vaccine supply is projected to increase quickly over the proceeding months, allowing vaccination efforts to be expanded to additional critical populations and the general public. It is important to note that recommendations on the various population groups to receive initial doses of the vaccine could change after the vaccine is available, depending on each vaccine’s characteristics, vaccine supply, disease epidemiology, and local community factors. The Pennsylvania Department of Health will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) ACIP recommendations in identifying populations of focus. More Resources for COVID-19 To best support these community members and the young children in their lives, Trying Together has created two resource lists, featuring helpful resources that families and educators can use to maneuver this difficult time. COVID-19 Resources for Families and Caregivers COVID-19 Resources for Early Care and Education Professionals For more information about COVID-19, visit the Allegheny County Health Department, World Health Organization (WHO), or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
December 11, 2020 New Mitigation Efforts To Take Effect 12/12 On December 10, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine introduced temporary protective mitigation measures that will take effect in Pennsylvania on December 12 at 12:01 a.m. About Temporary mitigation measures will take effect on December 12, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., and remain in effect until 8 a.m. on January 4, 2021. These mitigation efforts were put into place to: stop the devastating spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, keep Pennsylvania hospitals and health care workers from being overwhelmed, and help Pennsylvanians get through the holiday season – and closer to a widely available vaccine – as safely as possible. These efforts do not apply to educational instruction but do apply to school activities within and outside of the classroom that are not related to educational instruction, including, but not limited to, assemblies, school board meetings, staff meetings, and extracurricular activities. View the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on school operations. Limited-Time Mitigation Measures Capacity Limits for Businesses All in-person businesses serving the public may only operate at up to 50 percent of the maximum capacity stated on the applicable certificate of occupancy, except as limited by existing orders to a smaller capacity limit. Indoor Gatherings and Events Indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 persons are prohibited. Groups of people who share space within a building in the ordinary course of operations, such as in an office building, classroom, licensed child care, and non-licensed school-age programs, production floor, or similar regularly occurring operation of a business or organization, are NOT classified as events or gatherings. Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations set forth on indoor gatherings during religious services. However, these institutions are strongly encouraged to find alternative methods for worship, as in-person gatherings pose a significant risk to participants at this time. Outdoor Gatherings and Events Outdoor gatherings and events of more than 50 persons are prohibited. In-Person Extracurricular School Activities Voluntary activities sponsored or approved by a school entity’s governing body or administration are suspended, but these extracurricular activities may be held virtually. This includes, but is not limited to, attendance at or participation in activities such as musical ensembles, school plays, student council, clubs, and school dances. K-12 School Sports and Youth Sports All sports at K-12 public schools, nonpublic schools, private schools and clubs, travel, recreational, intermural, and intramural sports are paused. In-Person Dining and Alcohol Sales All in-person indoor dining at businesses in the retail food services industry, including, but not limited to, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs, and private catered events are prohibited. Outdoor dining, take-out food service, and take-out alcohol sales are permitted and may continue, subject to any limitations or restrictions imposed by Pennsylvania law, or this or any other Order issued by the Secretary of Health or by the Governor. More Information To view the full list of mitigation efforts, read the full press release. Answers to frequently asked questions are also available.
December 9, 2020 Updated Quarantine Recommendations in Pennsylvania On December 4, the Pennsylvania Department of Health updated their quarantine recommendations for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19. These recommendations have been updated in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidelines that include options to reduce the quarantine period. These recommendations are subject to change. Important Note This guidance does not apply to healthcare or congregate settings. Patients and residents in healthcare settings who have been exposed to COVID-19 should be treated as per healthcare guidance outlined in PA-HAN-526 or its successor. Staff working in a healthcare setting who are exposed to COVID-19 should follow guidance outlined in PA-HAN-510 or its successor. See page three of this document for more information. About Quarantine is used to separate someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. While individuals in quarantine may or may not develop illness, quarantine helps prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they have the virus. Any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden to the individual under quarantine against a small possibility of increasing the spread of the virus. While a shortened quarantine period may increase the public’s willingness to adhere to public health recommendations, the overall reduction in transmission and increased compliance will require evaluation; not only in terms of compliance with quarantine and contact tracing activities, but also for any potential negative impacts such as post-quarantine transmission. The most protective recommended quarantine period remains at 14 days post exposure. How Does Quarantine Work? Quarantine begins one day after a person has been last exposed to someone with COVID-19 who is infectious. For individuals with COVID-19 who are unable to isolate themselves from their household members, the household members’ quarantine period begins when the case is no longer infectious. For information on infectious periods, please refer to PA-HAN-518. Quarantine Length In accordance with recommendations and research from the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends the following quarantine periods: Option 1: Complete a full 14-day quarantine period which would begin the day after you last came into contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 who is infectious. This option is the most protective and poses the lowest risk for post-quarantine transmission of the virus. Other options should only be considered if this option causes an undue burden. Option 2: Individuals can end their quarantine period after Day 10 without testing if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring. However, individuals should continue to monitor their symptoms until Day 14. Option 3: Individuals can end their quarantine period after Day 7 if they complete a COVID-19 test on Day 5 (or later), receive a negative test result within 48 hours before the time of planned quarantine discontinuation, and exhibit no symptoms during the quarantine period. Quarantine cannot be ended earlier than Day 8. COVID-19 tests completed before Day 5 of quarantine will not be sufficient to allow quarantine to end early. Testing for the purpose of earlier discontinuation of quarantine should only be considered if it will have no impact on community diagnostic testing. Testing of symptomatic individuals seeking evaluation for infection must be prioritized. Additional Criteria Individuals can discontinue their quarantine periods in accordance with any of the options above only if the following criteria are also met: no clinical evidence of COVID-19 has been elicited by daily symptom monitoring during the entirety of quarantine up tot he time at which quarantine is discontinued; daily symptom monitoring continues through quarantine Day 14; and, individuals are counseled regarding the need to adhere strictly through Day 14 after exposure to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions (masking, physical distancing, etc.). If any symptoms develop, individuals should immediately self-isolate and contact the Department of Health at 1.877.724.3258, their local health department, or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status. More Information For more information, read the full Health Alert document. For questions, call your local health department or 1.877.724.3258. This information has been provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Caregivers If you are a parent, caregiver, or family member living in Pennsylvania, it’s important to remain calm, prepare, and take precautionary measures to maintain the health and wellbeing of yourself, your family, and the community. Continue reading below for a brief overview of COVID-19 and a list of family and caregiver resources. PA 2.1.1 Southwest If you require assistance and would like to access an extensive list of family and caregiver resources, please call 2.1.1 or text your zip code to 898.211 to receive text alerts. For more information or to receive support, visit the 2.1.1 website. PA 2.1.1 Southwest seeks to provide an easy-to-remember phone number and web resource for finding health and human services for everyday needs and in crisis situations, serving the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland. An Overview of COVID-19 COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus not previously seen in humans. Because the virus impacts the respiratory system, common symptoms of infection include fever, dry cough, tiredness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. However, WHO states that some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. After being infected with COVID-19, individuals generally display mild symptoms that begin gradually, but some people who become infected may not develop any symptoms at all and may feel healthy. To learn more about COVID-19 and the steps you can take to reduce your family’s risk of infection, read our recent news post. This post also includes information about what to do after infection, information on how it spreads, and links to several other organizations and entities that can provide more information. Guidance for Pennsylvanians As of May 31, COVID mitigation orders are lifted in Pennsylvania. The order requiring universal face coverings was lifted statewide on June 28, 2021. The Pennsylvania Department of Health still urges Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance on wearing masks where required by law, rules, and regulations, including healthcare, local businesses, and workplace guidance. Search for Child Care If your family is in need of child care, visit the Allegheny Child Care website to search for programs in Allegheny County or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website to search for programs throughout Pennsylvania. Meals for Children The Summer Food Service Program distributes free Grab ‘n Go Meals to children at 13 CitiPark and 34 partner locations in Pittsburgh. Meals are available to children up to the age of 18, and to individuals with disabilities up to 21 years old. This program runs from June 11 through August 13, 2021 (dates vary by location). To learn more, visit the program webpage or call 412.571.3291. Resources Information about COVID-19 Daily Updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, PAcast How COVID-19 Spreads, CDC Coronavirus, Social Distancing, and Self-Quarantine, Johns Hopkins Medicine Information for Pregnant Women and Children, CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding: A Message for Patients, ACOG Informational Videos about COVID-19, CDC Why are people wearing masks? 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Dr. G is Here to Help, Kidsburgh Helping Kids Who Are Worried About Coronavirus, Counselor Keri Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times, UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Autism Team Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies, CDC How to Talk to Younger Kids About Changes at School During COVID-19, Connecticut Childen’s Vaccines for Children and Adolescents: Lessons and Activities, Baylor University Prevention COVID-19 Self-Checker, CDC Plan Ahead Checklist: Get Your Home Ready, CDC Preparing Your Home: FAQs for Individuals and Families, CDC Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide, Ready PA Parents: Get Your Children Ready for COVID-19, CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Environment, CDC Tips for Keeping Children Healthy While School’s Out, CDC Three ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, MIT Medical Hand Washings for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties When Vaccine is Limited, Who Gets Vaccinated First?, CDC 8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program, CDC Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination, CDC Answers to Your Questions About Covid Vaccines and Kids, The New York Times After Infection What to do if you are sick or suspect that you’re sick with COVID-19, CDC Recommended precautions for household members, intimate partners, and caregivers, CDC What You Should Do If Caring for Someone with Coronavirus, American Red Cross Employee Rights, United States Department of Labor How to Protect Your Family After Being Discharged From the Hospital With COVID, Safety.com Impacts on Child Care, School, and Work How to Find, Choose, and Pay for High-Quality Child Care: A Guide for Families Family Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Early Learning Provider During COVID-19 Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19, Office of Unemployment Compensation Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave, Single Mom Defined Create a Backup Child Care Plan, Child Care Aware of North Dakota Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Coronavirus Information for Education: Pre-K, K-12 Schools, and Higher Education, PA Department of Health Ensuring Students with Disabilities Continue to Receive Services, U.S. Department of Education To Close or Not? How Superintendents Decide to Shut Down Schools, Education Week Updates from the Port Authority Unemployed and quarantined Pittsburghers can receive unemployment money faster, with fewer requirements, Public Source The Parents’ Guide to Google Classroom Map: Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Governor Wolf Extends School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year, Governor Wolf Considerations for Schools, CDC Checklist: Planning for Virtual or At-Home Learning, CDC Checklist: Planning for In-Person Classes, CDC How Is the Pandemic Changing Perinatal Health Care?, Georgetown University Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Labor Force, Annuity.org At-Home Activities The Play at Home Playbook, Playworks Senator John Heinz History Center Online Exhibits, Senator John Heinz History Center 30 Days of Good Things for Young Children (English) (Spanish) Play With Me!, Zero to Three Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Pittsburgh Youtube Channel How to Keep Kids Learning When They’re Stuck at Home, Common Sense Media The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities, We Are Teachers Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home, Common Sense Media The Ultimate Guide for Working from Home with Kids, School Closures Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures, Scholastic Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home, Medium Over 30 Virtual Field Trips with Links Storyline Online Free, Easy Science for Remote Learning, Mystery Science Audible Is Offering Free Audiobooks for Kids During School Closures, We Are Teachers Our Favorite Virtual P.E. 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familias a enfrentar la enfermedad Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), Child Traumatic Stress Network Translated Materials and Resources (English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Russian, Swahili, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Amharic, Nepali, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Somali, Tigryna), Pennsylvania Department of Health Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, French, Vietnamese, Bhasa, Urdu), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Chinese), NCTSN A Round-Up of Multilingual Resources on COVID-19, Switchboard AA and NHP In-Language Resources for COVID-19 (Google Sheet) COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions, UPMC CDC Prevention Flyer, RCUSA Additional Resources in Spanish Curated Lists COVID-19 Resource List, Homewood Children’s Village COVID-19 Resource Page, PEAL Center COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, NAMI Coping with COVID-19, NAEYC Supporting Families During COVID-19, Child Mind Institute Resources for Families in Pennsylvania on COVID-19, Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Coronavirus Resources, Center for Parent Information and Resources A support guide for parents raising babies and toddlers through the coronavirus crisis, Quartz COVID-19 Resources, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Resources for Early Childhood Policymakers on Preventing and Preparing for COVID-19, NIEER Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19, PIE Network Home Together Resources, PA Parent and Family Alliance COVID-19 Resources From Every Hour Counts, Every Hour Counts Online COVID-19 Resources for Kids, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Contacts and Information Commonwealth of Pennsylvania www.pa.gov Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.pa.gov 1.877.72.432584 | 1.877.PA.HEALTH Allegheny County Health Department www.alleghenycouty.us/ 412.687.2243 Allegheny County Alerts (COVID-19 Alerts) www.alleghenycounty.us/alerts United Way www.pa211sw.org Dial 2.1.1 | Text Your Zip Code to 898-211 (Text Alerts) United States Department of Education www.ed.gov/coronavirus Email: covid-19@ed.gov Optum (Free Emotional Support Helpline) 866.342.6892 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline suicidepreventionlifeline.org 1.800.273.8255 (English) | 1.888.628.9454 (Spanish) | 1.800.799.4889 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline 1.800.985.5990 | Text (English): TalkWithUs to 66746 | Text (Spanish): Hablanos to 66746 More Information For more information about COVID-19, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
