October 30, 2020 Recess Advocacy Team Community Conversation Are you interested in joining fellow advocates to discuss the important roles play and physical activity have in children’s lives? Join the Recess Advocacy Team on November 17 for a Virtual Community Conversation. About The freedom to play improves children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. Children make sense of what’s happening in the world around them through play, and it impacts their mental health and wellbeing. The Recess Advocacy Team is convening a virtual space for educators, families, and community members to discuss play and physical activity while balancing health, safety, and remote learning in the time of COVID-19. We must ensure children have opportunities to safely experience play and physical activity. This virtual community conversation is for play advocates to come together to discuss successes, challenges, and share strategies to elevate play. Registration Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. Please register to receive more information about accessing the sessions. Lunch & Learn November 17, 2020 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Register Dinner & Dialogue November 17, 2020 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Register More Information For more information about the Recess Advocacy Team and to subscribe to their newsletter, visit the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
September 11, 2020 How to Design Socially Distanced Classrooms Are you interested in learning how to create a socially distanced classroom that works for your students? Attend the webinar “How to Design Socially Distanced Classrooms During COVID-19” on September 17 to hear practical strategies for educators. About By the end of the presentation, viewers will be able to: define physical distancing versus social distancing; identify potential classroom design mistakes; apply suggested solutions for classroom setup; and encourage classroom community while practicing physical distancing. This webinar will be of interest to preschool and pre-k teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders. Time for questions will be provided. Registration To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.
April 21, 2020 Mindful Self-Compassion | Webinar Series Join the Brazelton Touchpoints Center, the Center for Child and Family Well-being at the University of Washington, and the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion for their three-part webinar series, “Mindful Self-Compassion.” About the Series In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brazelton Touchpoints Center, the Center for Child and Family Well-being at the University of Washington, and the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion have teamed up for a three-part webinar series that will introduce families and family-facing providers to mindful self-compassion (MSC) practices to help them care for themselves and each other. Available Webinars Heart Skills for Our Families and Ourselves in Challenging Times | April 29, 2020 | 3 p.m. This first webinar will provide an introduction to MSC, the research that supports it, and a few simple ways we can bring it into our lives during these challenging times. Participants will learn how MSC is being practiced in diverse communities around the world, can build resilience in all kinds of families, reduce caregiver burnout, and strengthen relationships. Participants also will have a chance to experience MSC through a few brief practice exercises during the webinar. Co-Creating Heart Skills with Communities | May 13, 2020 | 3 p.m. This second webinar will explore how communities can create culturally relevant, trauma-informed mindfulness, and self-compassion programs. Representatives from a team of parent leaders and health care partners in Seattle, Washington, will share their experience developing community-led mindfulness and self-compassion practices to promote the well-being of youth, families, and communities who are marginalized. Co-creating Heart Skills in Early Childhood Programs and Systems | June 24, 2020 | 3 p.m. This third webinar will explore how early childhood programs and systems use mindfulness and self-compassion to support their providers and the families and communities they serve. Participants will learn about the approaches diverse early childhood organizations are taking to adapt and integrate mindfulness and compassion to deeply inform organizational culture and systems change. More Information For more information, visit the Brazelton Touchpoints Center website. For more courses, visit our Course page. *Information provided by the Brazelton Touchpoints Center
Mindful Self-Compassion | Webinar Series Join the Brazelton Touchpoints Center, the Center for Child and Family Well-being at the University of Washington, and the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion for their three-part webinar series, “Mindful Self-Compassion.” About the Series In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brazelton Touchpoints Center, the Center for Child and Family Well-being at the University of Washington, and the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion have teamed up for a three-part webinar series that will introduce families and family-facing providers to mindful self-compassion (MSC) practices to help them care for themselves and each other. Available Webinars Co-creating Heart Skills in Early Childhood Programs and Systems | June 24, 2020 | 3 p.m. This third webinar will explore how early childhood programs and systems use mindfulness and self-compassion to support their providers and the families and communities they serve. Participants will learn about the approaches diverse early childhood organizations are taking to adapt and integrate mindfulness and compassion to deeply inform organizational culture and systems change. More Information For more information, visit the Brazelton Touchpoints Center website. *Information provided by the Brazelton Touchpoints Center
April 3, 2020 Distance Learning: How to Support STEM and Physical Activity at Home Are you interested in learning how to implement STEM activities to keep students learning and engaged at home? Join Kristin Harrington, EdTech Coach from Flager County Schools, on April 9 for the webinar, “Distance Learning: How to Support STEM and Physical Activity at Home.” About By attending this webinar, participants will learn: how to balance education with student engagement at home; how to mix STEM and active movement at home; about free tools for mindfulness and SEL for students; and advice on how to support other teachers and staff. This webinar will be of interest to kindergarten through middle school teachers, librarians, library media specialists, technology integration specialists and coaches, principals, and school and district leaders. There will be time to have your questions answered at the end of the presentation. Registration To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.
November 8, 2019 Pediatrician For President Educates & Activates Community In October 2019, Pediatrician For President launched his campaign to educate, motivate, and activate supporters and community leaders on early childhood issues. About Are you passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of children in the United States of America? Consider supporting Pediatrician For President in his campaign to engage, entertain, and educate the community on the following concepts: there is a national need to put a greater focus on Kids Health (and everything that impacts health); science and evidence-based medicine is important and should guide our path; and we could all spread more kindness and appreciate the kindness we receive. Pediatrician For President is a project established by Kids Plus Pediatrics. While Dr. Todd Wolynn will be portraying the character of Pediatrician For President, Wolynn is not running for president. About the Issues Pediatrician For President launched his campaign on the following beliefs: 1. Significant changes and investments are needed in Kids Health. Currently, the United States healthcare system is failing kids. “We need care – not coverage!” Moms, dads, caregivers, and community health are suffering and must be addressed to support the healthy development and wellbeing of children. We need meaningful Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) solutions. Human dignity and respect must be given to nurture the best in people. 2. Science is good (not perfect) but continues to improve and is a key to guiding our path. Research is necessary to continue to improve science and its guidance and requires significant support. We must reaffirm what science indicates as fact and dispel myths. Anti-science efforts must be combated and their ulterior motives to monetize, polarize, and politize must be exposed. 3. Kindness is abundant and renewable if we’re mindful and generous. This is not a plea for civility. Rather, the campaign seeks to remind us to keep our hearts open. The campaign will never suggest that people should not be angry. However, the campaign is rooted in a positive approach and with the intention to bring necessary change. We are all human, we are all connected, and compassion is good. Compassion puts us on the path to bring change to resolve suffering. Why Should You Support? Pediatrician For President: is completely aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policies and positions and will frequently direct and refer to AAP policies, statements, and resources; is kind, passionate, and respectful: he will never sling mud, swear, or insult; emulates Mister Rogers’ from his deep, true nurturing of his Congressional testimony combined with ‘Kid President’ matter-of-fact awesomeness; and his superpowers are his Pediatrician’s desire to help kids and families, his trust of the community, and his drive to bring about positive change The Plan Pediatrician For President is a centrist campaign – similarly to how the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) achieves bi-partisan support with a “Put Kids First” agenda. The campaign believes that kids, science, and kindness are three issues that many community members are passionate about and are willing to stand behind to make the United States of America and the world a better place. Pediatrician For President will never attack, celebrate, or acknowledge any particular political party or candidate. Rather, he will stay focused on the issues while reminding everyone about what makes us human and connected. Pediatricians, Pediatric Providers, and Pediatric Practices are some of the most trusted professions and organizations in the United States of America. While initial support may come from these groups, the campaign hopes families, friends, and their friends will rally behind this effort to better the lives of children and the community. Follow the Campaign Thus far, Pediatrician For President has stops planned in New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, San Francisco, and more! In cities across the United States of America, the candidate will visit healthcare workers, universities, landmarks, and other key opportunities. In fact, he’ll even be shaking a lot of hands, holding babies, and taking selfies with fans. Don’t worry – he will be carrying Purell! If you’re interested in following his progress, follow Pediatrician For President on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. There, he will be sharing posts and photo updates about the campaign and his journey. Will you support his campaign to help improve kid’s health and wellbeing?
August 2, 2019 National Immunization Awareness Month Immunizations (also called shots or vaccinations) help keep us healthy and safe from serious diseases. As August is National Immunization Awareness Month, take this time to check in on which shots you or your child needs and when to get them. About Vaccinations can prevent serious diseases like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. As an example, at age 6 months and older, everyone is highly encouraged to get a flu shot every year. However, many other shots work best when they are administered at certain ages. Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure that everyone in your family gets the shots they need and use the resources below for access to more information: Do you have a child age six or younger? Find out what shots your child needs. Checking in for yourself as an adult? Use this chart to see if you’re up-to-date on your shots. Are you pregnant? Check out this recommended immunization schedule. Assistance If you can’t afford vaccinations for your child, the PA Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides vaccinations at no cost to children who might not otherwise receive them. You can also apply for the PA Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) which includes coverage of vaccinations. For information on the VFC program, call 1.888.646.6864. For information on CHIP, call 1.800.986.5437. Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key
2019-20 PA NAP SACC Mini-Grant The Pennsylvania Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (PA NAP SACC) program is seeking licensed child care providers for their 2019-20 Mini-Grant Project! About the Program PA NAP SACC is a continuous quality improvement process focused on nutrition and physical activity practices and policies within early care and education settings. The program utilizes Go NAP SACC, an online, evidence-based tool to guide providers through self-assessment action planning, implementation, policy development, re-self-assessment, and reflection. The process empowers program leadership and includes individualized technical assistance to increase knowledge and improve the quality of practice and policy. With this, a limited number of programs will receive onsite, targeted technical assistance from a Child Care Health Consultant (CCHS) at no cost to the site. The CCHC reviews current practices and policies, assisting with developing sustainable policies and offering guidance for continuous quality improvement. Program Participation Beyond the reward of making a difference in the health of children in your care, those who participate and complete project requirements will receive a $500 mini-grant to support their action steps and enhance their nutrition and physical activity practices and policies. For STAR 3 and 4 programs, and STAR 2 programs moving to STAR 3, participation in all components of the program satisfies the performance standards and/or bonus point requirements related to utilizing a health care consultant to establish and maintain health policies above those required by certification. In addition to this, the program ensures participation in an organized effort to promote nutritional health for children. Technical support and policy consultation will be available to all participating programs. Timeline The PA NAP SACC Mini-Grant Project will follow the following timeline: Applications Due: August 27, 2019 Notification of Acceptance: September 12, 2019 Orientation & Kick-Off: October 2019 Implementation: Period of 8 to 9 months Reflection & Wrap Up: June 2020 How to Apply If you’re interested in participating, complete and submit the electronic application. All applications must be submitted by August 27, 2019. More Information For questions or more information, contact Lori McMonigal at 717.248.4942, x 112 or lmcmonigal@tiu11.org. *Information provided by PA NAP SACC
May 20, 2019 Development Through the Eyes of an ELL Child Join Professor Lois Wachtel in this edWebinar as she discusses early childhood developmental milestones through the eyes of a child, particularly an English language learner (ELL) child. Those who work with three- and four-year-old children will have the opportunity to take a closer look at their growth. About While we know all young children are amazing individuals, can you recall the vast amount of growth that is taking place in their world on a regular basis? At what age can we expect young children to be able to answer a simple question, name familiar colors, throw a ball, or demonstrate simple problem-solving skills? During this webinar, Wachtel will discuss all this and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of how young children are building language, physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and motor development skills. Specific examples will be provided with ELLs in mind. Time for questions will be provided. Continuing Education Credits available. Registration For more information and to register, visit the event website.
May 9, 2019 Day of “SELF” Discovery Conference The Day of “SELF” Discovery Conference is held each year to celebrate individuals who are involved in their own personal Recovery Journey! About This Conference serves as a way to learn tools to help promote Recovery, learn about available resources and services, share experiences related to personal recovery journeys, as well as a time to network and renew friendships made in previous years at the Conference. Ultimately, this Conference is held each year to celebrate the infinite possibilities that lie within each of us! The 19th annual Day of “Self” Discovery Conference, “Caravan To Wellness: Just For The Health Of It!” will focus on knowledge and awareness to improve the overall mental and physical wellness of conference attendees. In addition to some very stimulating workshops and presentations, the conference includes continental breakfast, lunch, raffles, and prizes as a part of the day’s activities. The Joyce King “EveryDay People” Award will be highlighted during the lunch break. Joyce King believed strongly that people who receive behavioral health and/or addiction services should have a voice in their treatment and that their voices must be heard! The conference will also include a Recovery Panel Presentation. Registration For the registration form, agenda, and more information, see the event PDF. Registrations must be submitted before May 30, 2019, via mail or fax.
