February 10, 2022 Advocacy 101 The Advocacy 101 workshop gives an overview of the origin and need for advocacy in our region. Participants will receive an overview of the ELPA campaigns, how ECE programs are impacted by the budget process, and ways professionals and families can use their experience and knowledge to advocate. Participants should leave with foundational knowledge of the ELPA campaigns, and various advocacy actions they participate in or lead. This session will be virtual via Zoom. Register online to obtain the Zoom link. Objectives Gain knowledge of the what advocacy is defined of in regards to early childhood efforts. Discover what the early childhood landscape consists of in the state of Pennsylvania. Begin to learn about advocacy strategies and messaging to elevate the early childhood profession. This course is available for 1.5 hours of PQAS credit (K6.5.C1). Learn More Learn more about the Early Learning Pennsylvania campaigns and sign up for public policy alerts on the training together website.
February 9, 2022 Sensory Strategies for Early Learners Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for the upcoming virtual professional development session, “Sensory Strategies for Early Learners.” This session introduces participants to the most common developmental delays in children, aged birth through five years. It will also share strategies for supporting children with developmental delays. Presenters will identify activities, strategies, and Library resources that can generate positive sensory experiences for all young children. Registration for this event is available on the Carnegie Library website. For additional information, please contact info@carnegielibrary.org or call 412.622.3114
Every Child Ready to Read, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for the virtual professional development event, “Every Child Ready to Read,” on March 1. Early childhood educators, community partners, mentors and informal educators will gain information about the life-long impact of developing early literacy skills. The workshop presents an overview of Every Child Ready to Read and enables participants to easily integrate early learning strategies and supports into their existing work with children. Registration for this event is available on the Carnegie Library website. For additional information, please contact info@carnegielibrary.org or call 412.622.3114
Observing Young Children Observation is the window into the child’s thinking processes, interests, skills and abilities. Join The Learning Lamp for an upcoming professional development session, “Observing Young Children” on February 16. Participants will use video clips to practice observation skills and explore how recording our observations of young children can inform program decisions, assessments, and more. Registration for this event is available on The Learning Lamp website. This session is open to PennAEYC or PennAEYC Shared Services members. Space is limited and registration is required.
January 27, 2022 Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Workshop Series Join Brazelton Touchpoints Center for a three-part workshop series focused on infant and early childhood mental health. Registration for this event is available online. Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation is a capacity-building intervention that supports the mental health and social-emotional well-being of children, families, and providers who work with them. Family Connections is an evidence-based, system-wide model for mental health consultation and professional development. This three-part virtual workshop series based on the Family Connections model is for you if you are a Mental Health Consultant, Family Service professional, or early childhood systems leader. Each workshop provides knowledge, skills, and strategies that you can bring right back to your setting and implement them in service of the staff and family well-being. And, for Mental Health Consultants, this series will provide you with a workshop model for professional development in the programs for which you consult. Workshops Workshop topics include: Overcoming barriers to family-staff partnerships | 3/10, 2-3:30 p.m. Building strong family-staff relationships – key to young children’s development- is an ongoing process. Explore challenges to building these relationships and strategies to overcome them. Understanding depression and fostering resilience | 3/17, 2-3:30 p.m. Learn more about depression, and how you can help family-facing professionals reach out to family members about mental health concerns while keeping in mind their cultural values and beliefs. Talking to children about sensitive topics | 3/24, 2-3:30 p.m. Learn how to support family-facing professionals when discussing sensitive issues with children and families from diverse backgrounds, and how they can care for themselves during these conversations. Cost Each workshop costs $35, or all three workshops may be bundled for $90. Group rates are available by contacting Brazelton Touchpoints Center.
January 25, 2022 Deadline Extended: Spring 2022 Child Development Associate (CDA) Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? The deadline for the Spring 2022 CDA has been extended to January 31, 2022. What is a CDA Credential? A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Interested applicants may complete the CDA Interest Form to connect with a member of our staff. Please share this flyer with your networks. Trying Together’s CDA Programs Trying Together offers the following CDA programs at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania: CDA Credential Preparation Program Spring 2022 Classes: 1/11/22 – 6/14/22 (Deadline to Register: 1/31/22) Fall 2022 Classes: 8/30/22 – 3/28/23 Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology Participants complete 135 hours of professional development to earn their CDA Credential in six to nine months. Participants can matriculate up to nine course credits at Carlow University upon credential completion. CDA Credential Community of Practice Program Fall 2021 Classes: 11/16/21 – 1/4/22 (Deadline to Register: 11/11/21) Spring 2022 Classes: Spring Classes: 3/1/22 – 4/26/22 Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology Participants receive support in building a portfolio and preparing for the CDA Credential Exam. Applicants must have proof of 120 hours of coursework completed via professional development hours, transcripts, etc. CDA Credential Renewal Program Participants review current standards, literature, strategies, and more to meet the criteria for eight early childhood subject areas upon completion. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. More Information For more information, visit our CDA Credential page. To ask a question about our programs, contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org or Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org. For eligibility questions, contact Judy Graca at judy@tryingtogether.org.
January 20, 2022 Exploring Family Stressors and Creating Positive Relationships to Support Families Join Trying Together for the upcoming session, “Talking to Listen: Exploring Family Stressors and Creating Positive Relationships to Support Families”. 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. UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care This session is a part of Trying Together’s upcoming UnConference. Between February 8-18, expert-led 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. Individuals can learn more and register on Trying Together’s website.
Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out Join Trying Together for the upcoming session: “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Necessary: Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out”. 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. UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care This session is a part of Trying Together’s upcoming UnConference. Between February 8-18, expert-led 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. Individuals can learn more and register on Trying Together’s website.
Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education Join Trying Together for an upcoming professional development session, “Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education”. 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. UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care This session is a part of Trying Together’s upcoming UnConference. Between February 8-18, expert-led 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. Individuals can learn more and register on Trying Together’s website.
Co-Creating A Healing Community of Equity & Trust Join Trying Together for an upcoming session, “Co-Creating a Healing Community of Equity & Trust”. 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. UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care This session is a part of Trying Together’s upcoming UnConference. Between February 8-18, expert-led 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. Individuals can learn more and register on Trying Together’s website.
