January 20, 2022 Registration Open for UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care Registration is now open for Trying Together’s “UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care,” which will be held February 8 to February 18, 2022. Between February 8-18, expert-led virtual workshops will share content related to trauma-informed care. We begin the UnConference with keynote speaker Dr. Veirdre Jackson and dive into how we can create an environment of healing through equity and trust. Following the keynote, workshop sessions include how to identify family stressors, how to provide responsive care-giving for children experiencing trauma, and an overview of the recently launched Rapid Response Team from Trying Together. Registration is now open and specific workshop dates and times will be added. For a flat fee of $25, you may attend as many sessions (keynote or workshops) as you like. Sessions will also be recorded for viewing after the UnConference has completed. You must register for the UnConference in order to access session recordings. PNC Grow Up Great is the series sponsor. Featured Sessions Keynote: Co-Creating A Healing Community of Equity & Trust Tuesday, February 8, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Living Strong Consulting Communities, however defined, are made up of people who bring a range of experiences and histories. Remaining open, curious, and culturally humble is essential to understanding a community’s resilience, strength, and wisdom. Claudia Woody says, “Inclusion means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued there.” Participants will explore the 5 Blocks of Building Restorative Relationships that allow caregivers to create holistic and supportive spaces that are responsive to historical trauma and equity literacy which holds us accountable to doing the work of learning together, seeking understanding, and creating a safe, valued, and heard community. Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Alicia Sebastian, Trying Together This session will discuss the ongoing and growing issue surrounding expulsion and suspension in early childhood education that have been linked to staff implicit bias, challenging behaviors, and staffing issues. The presentation will guide parents, caregivers, directors and staff working with children ages 0-5 on how to prevent expulsion and suspension in early childhood education. The session will discuss ways to implement evidence-based strategies to promote positive behavior support, self-regulation, and positive mental health. We will share community resources and programs for children and families in Allegheny County. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Necessary: Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out Monday, February 14, 2022 | 12:30 – 2 p.m. Presented by: Tracy Larson, Director, Early Childhood Partnerships, Office of Child Development In this session, participants will learn why self-care is necessary, how to recognize when they need to be more intentional about self-care, and research informed strategies and activities to reduce stress and avoid burn-out. At the end of the session, participants will create a personalized self-care plan. Talking to Listen: Exploring Family Stressors and Creating Positive Relationships to Support Families Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Patrick M. McKelvey, MS, NCC, National Youth Advocate Program Inc. Children react differently to stress and trauma, which can sometimes exhibit itself as challenging behaviors in the classroom. This workshop helps educators understand the impact that family stressors (such as a death, food insecurity, changes in placement, community violence, etc.) can have on both children and their caregivers. Participants will learn how to notice these family stressors; how to communicate with caregivers to build relationships that provide a supportive environment for young children; and self-regulation strategies to manage strong emotions when having difficult conversations with caregivers. Teaching Children Through a Trauma Lens Thursday February 17, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presenters: Amanda Harrison, MA, LPC, NCC, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys Research continues to show the detrimental effects that complex trauma has on the developing brain with our most vulnerable population. Over time, these young children are at risk for developmental delays, limited positive relationships, and a host of other difficulties. Our early education classrooms can create safe, responsive, and equitable environments to assist in reducing these harmful effects. This presentation will identify different types of trauma, how young children with trauma may present in the classroom, and supportive strategies teachers can implement to foster environments that encourage healing. Registration Registration for the UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care can be found on our UnConference page. For a flat fee of $25, you may attend as many sessions (keynote or workshops) as you like. Sessions will also be recorded for viewing after the UnConference has completed. You must register for the UnConference in order to access session recordings. Participants will receive PQAS and/or Act 48 hours. More Information For questions about the UnConference, contact Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org. For additional information, including FAQs, visit our UnConference page.
January 14, 2022 LinkedIn for Job Seekers Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for a virtual information session to learn about LinkedIn. Registration is available on the library website. Learn the ins and outs of LinkedIn, a social media platform that helps people connect with professional opportunities. LinkedIn is a powerful social media site, but it can be daunting for people that haven’t used it before. Participants will discuss what LinkedIn is, why they may want to utilize it for your job search, and how to reap some of the benefits.
Fund My Future PGH and Keystone Scholars Information Session A savings account in your child’s name can build hope and make future dreams a reality. Join The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to learn about Fund My Future PGH, a savings program that provides chances to win prizes and cash in monthly raffle drawings simply by depositing small amounts into your child’s savings account and Keystone Scholars, a PA Treasury scholarship that provides $100 scholarships for parents with children born in or after 2019. This virtual event is open to Allegheny County residents who have children or grandchildren between the ages of 0-18. Registration is available online.
Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit Join The Black and White Reunion for the 24th Annual Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit, Equity in Action: Navigating Intersections of Racial Justice. Registration for this event is available online. About the Event The Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit is a one-and-a-half-day conference dedicated to providing resources and spaces for community dialogues, sharing strategies and experiences of organizing for racial justice, healing from racial trauma, and providing connections to social support services for all attendees. The Summit is a multicultural initiative of the Black and White Reunion. It was first held in 1996, convened in response to the death of Jonny Gammage, a thirty-one-year-old Black man who was murdered by four white police officers in a suburb on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. The Summit begins Friday night, followed by a full day of panels and sessions on Saturday. Friday night includes a fireside chat by three internationally renowned, award-winning, best-selling Pittsburgh writers: Deesha Philyaw, author of “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” Brian Broome, author of “Punch Me Up to the Gods” Damon Young, author of “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker” The keynote opening event will also include a choral performance of “Lift Ev’ry Voice” by the Pittsburgh Heritage Gospel Chorale directed by Dr Herbert V.R.P. Jones. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, all Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit events will be held on Zoom. The Friday keynote will be accessible on YouTube and Facebook. The Summit’s goal is to underscore the necessity and importance of critically re-evaluating our respective histories, specifically the impact of white supremacy and how it has caused widespread dehumanization and exploitation throughout global and local history. Workshops and panels will confront historical and current racial issues, including social, economic, political, immigration, and environmental justice. Registration proceeds are used to cover the cost of hosting the Summit and for the Jonny Gammage Scholarship Fund which is awarded to law students of color with an interest in studying civil rights and social justice issues at the University of Pittsburgh Law School or Duquesne University Law School. We ask that those with access to more resources pay more and thus provide the cushion for those with less access to pay less, creating a sustainable economic underpinning for the conference.
Healthy Homewood Project Join a free 10-week program to get on track to feeling like your best self! These classes will help you stay accountable to a healthier lifestyle with exercise classes, motivational coaching, and professional wellness advice. Meetings will be held at the Homewood YMCA. To join, contact Brandon Marzke at 412.315.0991 or bmarzke@ymcapgh.org. Goals of the Program This program is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh, Homewood YMCA, and the Community Engagement Center. The program seeks to aid individuals in the following ways: Improve Health: Individuals can get help lowering their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol Fit Friends: Individuals can make lifelong friends, bonding through a healthy lifestyle Enjoy Exercise: Individuals can learn different types of workouts Fun Foods: Individuals can get advice on how to make healthy meals
January 13, 2022 Parents as Allies Webinars Join The Center for Universal Education at the Brooking Institution and Kidsburgh for their upcoming event, “Parents as Allies Webinars: Transforming Education Systems Through Family-School Collaboration.” About the Series The COVID-19 pandemic thrust family engagement into the spotlight, presenting an opportunity to markedly shift the overall vision for family-school collaboration. The Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution has been researching how families and schools can better work together to improve and transform how education is delivered and what it can achieve. In addition, Kidsburgh has been working with a cohort of school districts on different family engagement strategies, including conversations asking parents and caregivers on what schools and families can do together. All events are free and will be hosted via Zoom. Registration is required. Session Information Tuesday, January 25 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. This session is recommended for school leaders and teachers. Join lead author Rebecca Winthrop to explore CUE’s newly released playbook on family-school engagement, featuring key findings from a global survey of 25,000 parents and 6,000 teachers and a review of more than 500 effective family engagement strategies around the world. After a short presentation, attendees and educators will work in virtual breakout rooms to discuss insights from surveys across school districts in southwestern PA as well as create a shared vision for education that can lead to transformation. Wednesday, January 26 | 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. This session is recommended for parents and caregivers. In this virtual webinar, KDKA TV’s Kristine Sorensen moderates a presentation and discussion with CUE’s lead author Rebecca Winthrop and Kidsburgh’s Ambassador Yu-Ling Cheng. Parents and teachers will learn about the findings from CUE’s playbook on family-school engagement as well as on-the-ground strategies that are being implemented across local southwestern Pennsylvania school districts. The session ends with a Q&A.
Child Care Career Openings in the Pittsburgh Area Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See this week’s featured jobs. Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh Preschool Teacher Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a full-time teacher for their Preschool program. Candidates with degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, or child development are preferred. Apply: To apply, please email resume to chcc@carriagehouse.org Infant/Toddler Room Teacher Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking an Infant/Toddler Room Teacher. Candidates with degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, or child development are preferred. Candidates without designated degrees should have a CDA credential or equivalent (12 credits in Early Childhood Education or a related field) and two years’ experience. Apply: To apply, please email resume to chcc@carriagehouse.org Submit a Job Each week, Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form. All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included. For questions, contact Kara Bayer at kara@tryingtogether.org. Other Jobs in Early Childhood ECE Hire Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. Submit a Job to PACCA Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org.
January 3, 2022 Ed Gainey Sworn In As 61st Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh The City of Pittsburgh announced January 3, 2022 that Ed Gainey has been sworn in as its 61st Mayor. Mayor Gainey pledged his commitment to prioritize community and police relations, economic inclusion, affordability, and transportation and create a “Pittsburgh for all”. Mayor Gainey took the oath of office in the City Council Chambers. The ceremony was held virtually in accordance with guidance from public health officials. “I am honored to have the privilege of serving the people of Pittsburgh,” said Mayor Gainey. “My promise is that we will work to make Pittsburgh a city where economic opportunity is abundant for everyone, a city where affordability isn’t a luxury, and a city that is prepared to lead into the future.” During his inaugural address, Mayor Gainey pledged to support and enhance the City’s economic development efforts to ensure the growth of strong job creation. He also announced his intention to invest in transportation projects in conjunction with the Port Authority and PennDOT that include multi modal transit options, walkability, technology, and connectivity. “While Pittsburgh is a leader in many areas including health care, technology and our University system – under my Administration, we will work to build the foundation for the next generation of Pittsburghers by establishing policies that create and sustain investments in literacy, career and workforce development, civic infrastructure and partner with our schools to create a world-class education system that benefits everyone,” added Mayor Gainey. Mayor Gainey also acknowledged the historical significance of his election as the first Black Mayor of the City. In his speech, Mayor Gainey paid homage to Civil Rights activists and elected officials including Harvey Adams, Alma Speed Fox, Marcella Lee, Nate Smith, Byrd Brown, Dock Fielder, Bubby Hairston, and Chuck Frazier. “My victory represents another step forward in advancing the vision of a country where all people have access to opportunities to succeed,” said Mayor Gainey. “Our City is at its best when every resident has a seat at a table. We are at our best when we are defined by the strength, compassion and boldness of our collective spirit.” Additional Information The full official remarks from Mayor Gainey is available online.
December 29, 2021 Behavioral Health at The Children’s Institute The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh offers families a choice of outpatient, on-site evaluations and treatment in Squirrel Hill or virtual behavioral health services for children and young adults ages 5-21. In addition, Virtual Social Skills Groups for individual with autism, ADHD, anxiety, communication impairments, or other unique needs are offered. Classes will be scheduled soon for the new year. The behavioral health team of licensed therapists, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist work closely with each client and their family to develop skills to manage mood, thinking, and behaviors – making the move towards resiliency, healing, and becoming happier and healthier at home, school, and in the community. Additional details on any services are available on The Children’s Institute website.
December 23, 2021 Child Care Career Openings in the Pittsburgh Area Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See this week’s featured jobs. Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh Classroom Assistant Temple Ohav Shalon Center for Early Learning is seeking a Classroom Assistant to assist educators and children in the daily activities of the classroom. Apply: To apply, please email center@templeohavshalom.org Early Childhood Teacher Lawrence County Community Action Partnership is seeking an Early Childhood Teacher to work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team to individualize comprehensive services for the children and families in their classrooms. Apply: To apply, please visit the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership website. Submit a Job Each week, Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form. All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included. For questions, contact Kara Bayer at kara@tryingtogether.org. Other Jobs in Early Childhood ECE Hire Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. Submit a Job to PACCA Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org. Receive Jobs in Your Inbox To receive the latest job opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.
