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News

November 20, 2020

Stay-At-Home Advisory in Allegheny County

On November 18, the Allegheny County Health Department issued a stay-at-home and stop social gatherings advisory to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19. If left unchecked, the spread of COVID-19 poses a risk to communities and healthcare systems in Allegheny County.

About

Beginning immediately, Allegheny County residents are asked to stay at home and stop social gatherings to stem the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the county. Residents are advised to only leave home to go to work or school, for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, getting food, or the like.

Residents must always wear a face mask and practice physical distancing by staying at least six feet away from others in accordance with the November 17 state masking order. Additionally, residents are strongly encouraged to:

- not have guests in their homes unless they are essential workers (e.g., home healthcare providers, child care workers, or educators),
- cancel traditional Thanksgiving celebrations and celebrate virtually with non-household members,
- avoid unnecessary travel, and
- limit social event gatherings.

This advisory will remain in place for 30 days or until such time as the Health Director determines a change to the guidance is appropriate. All restrictions put in place by the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania Department of Health remain in effect.

More Information

To view the full list of recommendations, please read the full advisory.

News

November 17, 2020

Provide Your Feedback: Subsidized Child Care Eligibility

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) are accepting public comments through December 14, 2020 for proposed changes to the current subsidized child care eligibility regulations.

About

Proposed changes to the subsidized child care eligibility regulations at 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3041 might impact families, children, and early childhood education providers. The proposed changes include, but are not limited to, the following:

- expanded eligibility period of 12 months;
- expanded eligibility to cover hours the parent or caretaker requires sleep following completion of overnight work shift;
- no changes to the amounts of subsidy and co-payment for the duration of the eligibility period, unless to the family’s benefit;
- abolished the requirement for the parent or caretaker to pay an advanced co-pay prior to enrollment;
- children who turn 13 during the eligibility period will continue to receive the subsidy until the eligibility period ends;
- codifying payment practices permitting tiered reimbursement for providers who voluntarily exceed the basic health and safety requirements;
- codifying payment practices based on enrollment and not attendance, to include increasing the number of permitted absences from 25 to 50 per fiscal year;
- after five consecutive days absent, the child maintains eligibility, but the enrollment is suspended until the child returns to care; and
- establishment of waiver provisions and periods of presumptive eligibility for particular populations, including victims of domestic violence and families experiencing homelessness.

How To Submit A Comment

All public comments must be submitted in writing by December 14, 2020. All comments, suggestions, or objections should reference the regulation number, section, and subsection. Comments can be submitted using the following methods:

- email your comments to RA-ocdsubchildcare@pa.gov;
- fax your comments to 717.214.6575; or
- mail your comments to:Michael Ordonez
  Office of Child Development and Early Learning
  333 Market Street, 6th Floor
  Harrisburg, PA 17126

If you would like to receive a response, please include your contact information when submitting.

More Information

For information about the current regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Code website. To view the latest issue, read Volume 50 Number 46.

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News

November 16, 2020

DHS Warns of Potential Pandemic EBT Benefit Scam

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning of a possible scam concerning Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits and reminding Pennsylvanians to be skeptical of unsolicited or random calls or text messages about public-assistance programs – especially when the calls or text messages solicit personal information, such as Social Security numbers.

About

DHS is investigating a report of individuals receiving calls with pre-recorded messages advising them to expedite their P-EBT benefits issuance by providing their Social Security number and case record number. In the message, the speaker claims to be from a County Assistance Office (CAO).

DHS and other government agencies do not ask for information about P-EBT, SNAP, or any other public-assistance programs via unsolicited or random calls or texts, and Pennsylvanians should not reply to such a call or text or share any personal information if they are contacted in this way. If you or anyone you work with receive unsolicited or random calls or text messages telling you that you qualify for assistance and then asking for personal information, it is most likely a scam. Do not respond. Delete the message so you do not get caught in an identity theft scam.

Pennsylvanians who have questions about whether a call, text, letter, or other communication is legitimate should contact DHS’ Office of Income Maintenance. Clients in Philadelphia should call the Philadelphia Customer Service Center at 215.560.7226. Clients in all other counties can call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1.877.395.8930.

Apply for Benefits

Applications for the SNAP and other public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us. All Pennsylvanians experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic, a lost job, or a change in income are strongly encouraged to apply and see if they qualify for assistance with food, health care, and other essential needs.

More Information

For more information, read the full press release. To learn about food assistance resources for people around Pennsylvania impacted by COVID-19 and the accompanying economic insecurity, visit the Department of Agriculture’s food security guide.

*Information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

News

2020 SOC Symposium | Father Family Involvement

Are you interested in learning how Pennsylvania can build better futures for children through greater father family involvement? Join the National Association of Social Workers on December 1, 8, and 15 for the 2020 SOC Symposium. This event is virtual.

About

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Includes a brief presentation of Pennsylvania’s Journey to ensure child wellbeing, safety, and permanency for every child within the Commonwealth, as well as personal interviews with two Distinguished Pennsylvania System Change Leaders for Greater Father Family Involvement: “From Whence They Come.”

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Addresses the consequences of Father Absence and or Father Non-Involvement, and the need to move forward, a diverse group of expert panelists will help participants to unravel the question, “Are Fathers intentionally included, or not, in Pennsylvania’s child and family services and programming that are designed to enhance well-being outcomes for both?”

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

A Call to Action, as the Symposium comes to a close, with Media Q&A. Drs. Myers, Goode, Horn will emphasize why this mission is so crucial and will illuminate the strategy for moving Pennsylvania forward now!

Registration

To register for the Symposium, visit the event webpage. Online registration will be available until December 1, 2020. CEU credits available.

More Information

For registration questions, please contact Asagen.naswpa@socialworkers.org.

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News

November 13, 2020

Fifth Annual Healthy Schools Summit

Are you interested in translating research into action to create green and healthy schools? Join Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) on Thursday, December 3 for the Fifth Annual Healthy Schools Summit.

About

During this virtual conference, national, state, and local experts will tackle the following questions:

- How are school stakeholders coming together to realize their shared goal for green, safe, and healthy schools for students and staff to return to?
- How are school leaders translating public health research into action to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
- What resources are available for educators, nurses, parents, and students to respond to existing and emerging school health needs?

For information on the Summit sessions, please see the list below or view the full Summit Agenda.

Morning Sessions

- “From Research to Action and Knowledge to Practice”: Keynote Address
  by Tracy Enger, Program Manager, U.S Environmental Protection Agency
- “Public Health Decision Making for School Leaders: A Panel Discussion”
  with panelists Dr. Farhad Ahmed (PA Dept of Health), Aimee Eckmann (Perkins + Will), Dr. Megan Freeman (Children’s Hospital), and Dr. Robert Scherrer (Allegheny Intermediate Unit
- “Clearing the Air: Indoor Air Quality in the Time of COVID-19”: Expert Panel
  with panelists Nina Hwang (Green Seal), Al Pater (Riverview School District), Lynn Rose (Environmental Health Consultant), and Raj Setty (Setty & Associates)

Afternoon Sessions

- “The Future of Green and Healthy Schools” Afternoon Address
  by Anisa Heming, Director, Center for Green Schools, US Green Building Council
- Celebrating Five Years of Success through Our Healthy Schools Recognition Program: Virtual Awards Ceremony
  - Option A – Learning Through Pandemics Past: Bringing Public Health and Civics into the Classroom
  - Option B – “It’s Just a Cold” Navigating Student Health During COVID-19: Panel Discussion
  - Option C – Civic Engagement Through Climate Literacy

Registration

To register for the Summit, visit the Eventbrite page. For questions, please email Kara Rubio, Healthy Schools Manager at kara@womenforahealthyenvironment.org.

News

November 12, 2020

Apply for New Early Childhood League

Trying Together invites parents, caregivers of children, and community organizations to apply to its new Early Childhood League to advocate for positive changes in early learning policies. Online applications are being accepted through December 14, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.

About

Through the generosity of The Grable Foundation and a Remake Learning TOMORROW grant, Trying Together is launching the Early Childhood League in the Pittsburgh Region.

The League will empower marginalized families to work with local organizations and other community partners to advocate for positive changes in early learning policies that affect them and their children. Improvements in local early learning environments will be achieved by members of the League who will receive training from and be supported by Trying Together staff and other experts.

Details

The Early Childhood League will be composed of:

a minimum of 25 selected parents and other caregivers of young children;
a minimum of five community organizations; and
one large institution.

From January through September 2021, members of the League will meet once a month to discuss learning topics such as:

communications techniques;
community organizing strategies;
early childhood education principles; and
public policy processes.

With ongoing programmatic support from Trying Together and the TOMORROW grant, the League will acquire the agency to not only develop, but implement their own advocacy plan to further advance the efforts of existing statewide early childhood policy campaigns including: child care (Start Strong PA); pre-k (Pre-K for PA); and home visiting (Childhood Begins At Home).

Individuals interested in joining the League must submit an application and a resume. To apply, complete the application and upload your resume via the online form by December 14, 2020.

Organizations interested in participating should upload their latest annual report and a document including contact information and a brief statement summarizing why they would like to engage in advocacy for early learning.

Chosen participants will receive a stipend for their time.

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More Information

For more information about public policy efforts at Trying Together, contact Cristina Codario by email at cristina@tryingtogether.org or by calling 412.567.3673.

News

Educators: Join the Leap into Science National Network

Are you an educator in Pennsylvania who is interested in receiving training and materials to lead science and literacy workshops for children and families? Join the Leap into Science National Network! Applications must be submitted by December 14, 2020.

About

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 three through 10-years-old 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/or family groups. If your organization was already trained in the Leap into Science Wind curricula, you are NOT eligible to attend this training.

Organization Benefits

Each organization that participates in Leap into Science will receive:

- a two-hour virtual 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; and
- a curriculum and materials kit (valued at $300).

Participation Commitments

As a Leap into Science partner organization, participants commit to:

- scheduling and leading at least three Leap into Science workshops for children and/or families living in underserved rural or urban communities by September 2021, including an event during National Leap into Science Week (June 7 – 13, 2021);
- posting each workshop to The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country;
- completing a workshop report following each workshop; and
- participating in quarterly calls with other trained educators in your state.

Available Workshops

The Pennsylvania Leap into Science Team is hosting a free two-hour virtual training on the Leap into Science Light & Shadow workshops at the following times:

- Friday, January 29, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, May 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Submit An Application

To participate in the national network and attend one of the trainings listed above, please complete this brief application form by December 14, 2020.

Priority will be given to organizations that can send at least two educators to the training and who serve traditionally underrepresented audiences. If selected, you will receive an email notification of your acceptance by the end of December with details about the training you will attend.

More Information

For questions, contact Betsy O. Saatman at betsaa@pakeys.org or 484.955.5909.

News

ECE Job Openings: 11/12 – 11/18

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

Preschool Specialist

Kids Kademy II L.L.C. is looking to hire a reliable, nurturing, and dedicated individual to lead their Preschool Program. An ideal candidate would be knowledgeable about Keystone STARS. To apply, email your resume to erinc62301@yahoo.com.

Infant/Toddler Room Assistant Teachers

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking Infant/Toddler Room Assistant Teachers who will be responsible in assisting with children’s daily activities under the guidance of a teacher. If you have previous experience working with young children and are interested in joining their inclusive learning community where all families, children, and staff feel welcome and respected, please apply.

To apply, complete the online application. For questions, contact chcc@carriagehouse.org.

Preschool Teachers

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking highly-motivated Preschool Teachers who value the importance of building strong relationships with children, understand how young children learn and develop, and are dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment for every child. If you have previous experience working with young children and are interested in joining their inclusive learning community where all families, children, and staff feel welcome and respected, please apply.

To apply, complete the online application. For questions, contact chcc@carriagehouse.org.

Lead Young Toddler Room Teacher

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a full-time Lead Young Toddler Room Teacher for their Infant/Toddler Program. If you have previous experience working with young children and are interested in joining their inclusive learning community where all families, children, and staff feel welcome and respected, please apply.

To apply, complete the online application. For questions, contact chcc@carriagehouse.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 Wednesday, November 18.

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 November 18 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that news post 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.

News

November 5, 2020

Early Childhood Job Openings: 11/5 – 11/11

Featured Jobs

Lead Pre-K Teacher

Hilltop Children’s Center is looking to hire a Pennsylvania-licensed early childhood educator for their pre-k classroom. This is a year-round position. Interested professionals must be nurturing, empathetic, and dependable. Excellent classroom management skills desired.

To apply for this position, please contact lisazappa@hilltopccc.org or submit the online application.

Teacher/Assistant Teacher

Beulah Christian Preschool and Child Care is looking to hire an experienced, positive educator to successfully lead a team or to work with an established team in providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities based on the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards within NAEYC high-quality criteria. Successful candidates should be comfortable with all ages and available for an eight-hour shift from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round.

To apply for this position, please email Tracy Belmonte at tbelmonte@beulahpresby.org.

Young Toddler Teacher

Helping Hands Childcare is looking to hire a passionate teacher to work with one- and two-year-old children. Applicants should have two or more years of experience working with children and/or an early childhood degree. Applicants must be able to work between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and must have or be able to obtain clearances for working with children. This position will start in November.

To apply for this position, call 724.695.9200 or email helpinghands001@verizon.net. Please ask for Lori or Melissa.

Assistant Group Supervisor

Stubblefield’s Childcare and Early Head Start is looking to hire an Assistant Group Supervisor to supervise children ages six months to 12-years-old. To apply for this position, please email stubblefielddaycare@yahoo.com.

Metropolitan Preschool and Nursery

Metropolitan Preschool and Nursery is looking to hire Group Supervisors and Assistant Group Supervisors to ensure that all children are actively supervised and that their individual needs are met. To apply for this position, contact Dawn Fowler at 412.281.8315 or info@pghchild.care.

Early Learning Program Certification Representative

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services is looking to hire an Early Learning Program Certification Representative to conduct inspections of child care facilities and assess compliance with regulations that are in place to ensure the health and safety of children in regulated child care settings. This is a full-time position. This professional must be willing to travel.

To qualify, applicants must meet a Pennsylvania residency requirement and have at least two years of professional experience providing direct services to children and youth and a bachelor’s degree that includes 24 semester hours of college-level courses related to early childhood, or have an equivalent combination of professional experience and training.

Before you apply, please read the full job description. If you qualify, please contact Abigail O’Shura at 717.772.2219 or aoshura@pa.gov to apply.

Submit a Job Description

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 November 11 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that news post publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

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News

October 23, 2020

2020 Family Support Needs Assessment

On October 22, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released a new Family Support Needs Assessment that covers the needs and challenges experienced by families with young children and opportunities to address these needs and better serve families.

Overview

Developed in partnership with PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the assessment found that substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and mental health challenges are among the most pronounced issues facing young families across urban and rural communities. The assessment also shows an overall improvement in maternal and child health outcomes across many of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties since the last statewide needs assessment in 2014.

Assessment Findings

Informed by community surveys, interviews, and statewide data sets, the 2018-2020 Family Support Needs Assessment categorizes Pennsylvania’s counties as having “elevated need,” “moderate need,” and “low need,” across six domains: maternal and child health; socioeconomic status; substance abuse; child safety and maltreatment; community environment; and child care.

Overall, the findings show that 44 counties have elevated need in at least one of the domains and 15 counties across the state met elevated need thresholds in three or more domains. Importantly, the data collection occurred prior to the arrival of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, and the researchers anticipate that the pandemic will exacerbate many areas of community need.

Despite the elevated need recorded in the report, maternal and child health outcomes have dramatically improved across much of the state since the 2014 federally-mandated statewide needs assessment. For example:

- nearly every county (63) saw improved rates of preterm birth and teen birth;
- 60 percent of counties saw improvements in infant mortality rates;
- half of the counties saw a reduction in the percentage of children under age five living in poverty; and
- more than half of the 2,220 individuals surveyed for the needs assessment have a favorable view of the availability and quality of health and social services in Pennsylvania for families with young children.

The assessment also includes a review of the capacity and scope of the state’s home visiting programs, which provide voluntary, in-home services to under-resourced pregnant moms and families of young children. Pennsylvania significantly increased its investment in evidence-based home visiting over the last four years so that today, six evidence-based home visiting models serve a total of 10,150 families.

More Information

For more information, read the full press release and review the 2020 Family Supports Need Assessment Report.