November 19, 2020 ELRC Region 5 Office to Close November 23 Due to rising COVID-19 cases and the stay-at-home advisory in Allegheny County, the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 downtown office on Wood Street will be closed to the public beginning Monday, November 23. About On November 18, a stay-at-home and stop social gatherings public health advisory was issued by the Allegheny County Health Department. Due to this advisory and the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County, ELRC Region 5 will close its downtown office to the public. The downtown and satellite offices will remain closed through December 31, 2020. ELRC Region 5 staff will continue to provide high-quality customer service via phone and video conferencing. More Information For more information, read this news post from ELRC Region 5.
October 21, 2020 Allegheny County Family Resource Map Now Available Are you interested in accessing food, housing, parent, or employment services? Check out ELRC Region 5’s Allegheny County Family Resource Map to view resources available near you! About The Allegheny County Family Resource Map highlights the addresses, phone numbers, and websites of a variety of family supports, including: Aging Care and Education Employment Family Activities Food Health Housing New Parents Outdoors and Recreation Transportation Through the map, families can find countywide resources and services closest to them, such as senior community centers, family centers, early learning programs, public schools, WIC offices, parks, libraries, food pantries, diaper banks, clinics, public housing, Port Authority bus stops, and more. More Information For questions or to submit a map suggestion, please contact ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577 elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.
September 1, 2020 Virtual Community of Practice Meetings Are you interested in discussing topics of interest and current trends with fellow professionals in the early childhood field? Join ELRC Region 5 for their virtual Community of Practice sessions! About Community of Practice sessions provide early learning professionals with opportunities to discuss topics of interest, current trends in the early childhood field, and offer insight and inspiration to their fellow professionals. In November, these virtual sessions will discuss how to create Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plans using approved program observation instruments, creating goals from the results of those instruments, identifying the steps it will take to reach the goals, and who is responsible for ensuring the goal is implemented. Participants will learn about the importance of including staffs’ professional development plans and how to use the CQI throughout the whole year. Available Sessions Saturday, November 14: Continuous Quality Improvement Plan 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Attend the Session Thursday, November 19: Continuous Quality Improvement Plan 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Attend the Session 1 p.m. | Zoom Meetings | Attend the Session More Information For questions, contact ELRC Region 5 at elrc5@alleghenycounty.us or 412.350.3577. Share this flyer with your network.
June 22, 2020 Drive-Up Diaper Distribution Join Global Links and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) on June 25 for their public drive-up diaper distribution event outside of PPG Paints Arena (rain or shine). To ensure participant safety, this event cannot accommodate walk-up participants. About Global Links and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) have partnered to host a public drive-up diaper distribution event outside PPG Paints Arena (rain or shine), thanks to support from the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. The distribution will be equipped to serve up to 1,000 cars. What’s Included? Families and caregivers of young children who are experiencing financial hardship are invited to line up by car outside PPG Paints Arena to receive the following items (at no cost to families): One case (four packages) of diapers per car. One package of wipes per car. An informational sheet listing neighborhood resource centers that can provide further diaper assistance. Safe sleep information provided by Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative. Please note that two families CANNOT be represented in one car. Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing one or two different sizes of diapers. Traffic Details All vehicles attending the diaper distribution will enter the distribution area by turning onto Logan Street from Centre Avenue. Once on Logan Street, personnel on-site will direct vehicles from the lots to the location at which the diapers will be distributed. To exit, all traffic will be routed to Fullerton Street and will exit via Centre Avenue. Bedford Avenue between Washington Place and Crawford Street will be closed to traffic from downtown going uphill. Traffic from downtown can turn right onto Washington Place to access Centre Avenue or stay left on Bigelow Boulevard. Wylie Avenue will be closed between Crawford Street and Logan Street. More Information To learn more, visit the Drive-Up Diaper Distribution event page or the Global Links website.
June 16, 2020 Choosing Child Care | Virtual Workshop Choosing high-quality child care is a complex process, and to many it may feel overwhelming right now. Join the Center for Women Pittsburgh, Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, and Trying Together on June 28 for their virtual workshop “Choosing Child Care.” About Through this virtual workshop, participants will: learn about the CDC guidelines that early learning professionals are incorporating into their programs; hear questions they can use to ask providers about sanitation and physical distancing; see a live demonstration a new search tool for child care in Allegheny County; get tips on the application process, as well as what you need to apply for assistance; and know how they can help advocate for needed changes to the child care system. Registration To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.
June 4, 2020 Taking Personal and Professional Responsibility for Anti-Racism Work As caregivers, community members, and early childhood educators, we have a responsibility to ensure each child, family and caregiver is safe from racism and discrimination and has equitable opportunities to thrive. In order to do this, we must begin with ourselves. Set aside time in your day to do a personal inventory. What thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have you contributed to upholding systems of racism? What assumptions are you making? What actions or inactions have you taken that contribute to systems of oppression? Next, consider your family and your friends—what behaviors, statements, or jokes have gone unchecked? What actions or inactions have you taken within your interpersonal relationships that have contributed to an unsafe community for our black and brown children, neighbors and colleagues? How might you begin to lead by example within your own family or community? Anti-racism work is something that has to be attended to an ongoing way. In order to support you in this work, we have compiled a new webpage of resources to combat racism. Learn More with Upcoming Discussions June 5, 2020 at 8:30 p.m. | “I [STILL] can’t breathe”: Supporting kids of color amid racialized violence June 6, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. | CNN and ‘Sesame Street’ to host a town hall addressing racism June 9, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. | Virtual Parents Event: Talking to Children Authentically About Race and Racism June 10, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. | Race, Police, and Unarmed Civilian Deaths: What Can Be Done?
April 23, 2020 Supporting Your Child’s Learning in Everyday Activities Are you interested in learning how to support your child’s learning in everyday activities? Join Autism Navigator on April 28 for their webinar, “How-To Guide for Families: Supporting Your Child’s Learning in Everyday Activities.” About Autism Navigator is collaborating with the Autism Science Foundation to host a webinar that will review what it takes to learn to talk – the gestures, sounds, and actions; how to support children’s learning in everyday activities; and how Autism Navigator and Baby Navigator online resources can support families. Specifically, this webinar will explore their How-To Guide for Families and ways that families can use this resource to help develop their child’s social communication skills. In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the hosts will offer enrollment in their How-To Guide for free to all families of children ages one to six years old who join this webinar. Registration To register, visit the event webpage.
April 16, 2020 COVID-19: Resources for Early Learning Programs If you work for or operate an early learning program in Pennsylvania, including public and private schools; child care centers; group child care homes; family child care homes; family, friend, and neighbor care, it’s important to remain calm, prepare, and take precautionary measures. By doing so, you will help to maintain the health and wellbeing of yourself, other staff, and the communities you serve. For up-to-date recommendations and COVID-19 Resources for Early Learning programs, please visit the ELRC Region 5 website. Continue reading below for a brief overview of COVID-19; information about waivers and enrollment capacity; and a list of resources. 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. National Sex Offender Registry Clearances According to the Department of Human Services Office Child Development & Early Learning Bureau of Certification Services, no exceptions will be made for expired or late National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) clearances after regular child care operations resume. Once regular child care operations resume statewide, staff will not be permitted to return to early learning programs if any of their clearances are expired. For this reason, it is recommended that all staff who require new or renewed finger-print checks should do so as soon as possible at one of the following available facilities. To learn more about NSOR changes in the last 12 months, please visit ELRC Region 5’s news post. COVID-19 Resources for Early Learning Programs 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 Informational Videos about COVID-19, CDC Why are people wearing masks? Why are people covering their faces?, ZERO TO THREE CDC Report: Coronavirus Strikes All Ages, AARP Stress, Resilience, and the Role of Science: Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child People who are at a higher risk of severe illness, CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), AAP COVID-19 and Children: FAQ, CDC Coronavirus Information for Education, PA Department of Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel, U.S. Department of Education How Schools Should Respond to State Laws Regarding COVID-19, Child Trends A Message on COVID-19 From the Children’s Bureau, Children’s Bureau Guidance for Providers Revised Interim Guidance for Certified Child Care Facilities Operating During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic, Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning Health & Safety Guidance for Open Early Learning Programs, ELRC Region 5 Guidance for Operating a Child Care Center, OCDEL Guidance for Operating a Family Child Care Center, OCDEL Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs, CDC Guidance for Schools and Child Cares, The Pennsylvania Key Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), U.S. Small Bussiness Administration Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans Immediately Available to Child Care Providers, First Five Years Fund Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide and Checklist (English) (Spanish), U.S. Chamber of Commerce Best Practices for Child Care Programs Operating During COVID-19, ELRC Region 5 and Trying Together COVID-19: Updates for Early Educators & Families in Allegheny County, ELRC Region 5 Staffed Family Child Care Networks Can Navigate A New World Order, Opportunities Exchange Coronavirus Information for Education: Pre-K, K-12 Schools, and Higher Education, PA Department of Health Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs, CDC Coronavirus Prevention and Response, Office of Head Start (OHS) Ensuring Students with Disabilities Continue to Receive Services, U.S. Department of Education Office of Child Care COVID-19 Resources, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Child Care As COVID-19 spreads, most states have laws that address how schools should respond to pandemics, Child Trends Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures, Scholastic Coronavirus News & Resources for Child Care Professionals, Families and Policymakers, Child Care Aware of America Child Care for Essential Workers during Coronavirus Outbreak, Child Care Aware of America Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Outbreak, U.S. Department of Education Small Business Survival Guide to Combat COVID-19, FINIMPACT Online Learning: Education in Isolation, Digital Trends Considerations for Schools, CDC COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness Plan for Child Care Providers, HiMama Early Learning Early Learning Resources During COVID-19, ELRC Region 5 A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Through Coronavirus, Teaching Tolerance Can Virtual Preschool Be Developmentally Appropriate?, Child Care Lounge Amid coronavirus, Comcast makes Wi-Fi network free, expands unlimited data to all, TRIB Live Spectrum to offer free internet to students during Coronavirus outbreak, WECT 6 News Zoom CEO Eric Yuan Is Giving K-12 Schools His Videoconferencing Tools For Free, Forbes 3 Ways to Turn Your Classroom Remote in a Hurry, KQED Information for teachers during COVID-19 school closures, School Closures Schools Are Hosting Virtual Theme Weeks to Cheer Up Quarantined Kids, We Are Teachers Creative Ways Teachers Are Building Classroom Community Online, We Are Teachers Our Favorite Virtual P.E. Resources to Keep Kids Moving at Home, We Are Teachers 161 Science Documentaries You Can Watch Right Now (No Membership Required), PBS SOCAL 121 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies for Student Engagement, Albert Bringing the Zoo to You, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Request a Library Card to Access E-Books & More, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Free Distance Learning Plans for K–2 Students and Their Families, Common Sense Media History at Home, Senator John Heinz History Center A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, Harvard University Early Learning Resource Center, DHS Creative Curriculums, Trust Arts Education NASA at Home – For Kids and Families, NASA Wonderschool Learn-at-Home Ideas, Wonderschool 5 Things To Help Prepare Your Kiddo For School During COVID, LazyOne Home Learning Support, Twinkl Preschool During the Pandemic: Early Childhood Education in Extraordinary Times, ECTA Talking with Children Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis, Healthy Children, AAP Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19, NCTSN Are your kids anxious about Coronavirus? Dr. G is here to help, Kidsburgh How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, PBS KIDS for Parents Talking with Your Children about COVID-19, the CDC Online Interactive Game that Teaches Children about Germs and Handwashing, Luma One A guide to keeping your child safe and reassured as coronavirus spreads, CNN Health Washing Your Hands, CDC How to Wash Hands, Sesame Street Hand Washing for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties Kick Germs to The Curb While Singing This Daniel Tiger Song!, Fred Rogers Productions A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Healthy at Home (Toolkit), Ready Rosie, The Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child, KidsHealth Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus, Child Mind Institute Are Your Kids Anxious About Coronavirus? 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 Prevention COVID-19 Self-Checker, CDC Checklists for Teachers and Parents, CDC FAQs for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents, CDC Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide, Ready PA Parents: Get Your Children Ready for COVID-19, CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Environment, CDC Three ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, MIT Medical Practices to Stay Healthy, U.S. Department of Education Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, CDC 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 Impacts on Child Care, School, and Work U.S. Department of Education Releases “COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs” 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 Map: Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Governor Wolf Extends School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year, Governor Wolf Exception of Directive to Temporairly Close, PAKEYS Child Care Works Payment Modifications Due to Impacts Related to Corona Virus, OCDEL Schools and Child Care Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond, CDC Fact Sheets What You Need to Know about COVID-19 (English) (Spanish) (Simplified Chinese), CDC Fact Sheet from the Allegheny County Health Department Fact Sheet from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Informational Flyers Stop the Spread of Germs, Allegheny County Department of Health Keeping Your Home, School, and Workplace Safe, CDC Helping Children and Families Cope, NCPMI Resources Especially Helpful During the COVID-19 Response, ACDHS OID Mental Health Toll-Free 24-Hour Emotional Support Help Line (866.342.6892), Optum National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255) Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, CDC Seven Ways to Cope With Anxiety During the Coronavirus Outbreak, AARP Boxed In: COVID-19 and Your Mental Health, Everyday Health Stress and Coping, CDC Receiving Support Support for Helpers During Coronavirus, Fred Rogers Center Comcast’s Internet Essentials (offering two free months to new customers) PWSA Extends, Expands Shut Off Moratorium in Response to COVID-19, Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Neighbors Support – COVID-19 Resources, Representative Sara Innamorato Pittsburgh Mutual Aid: Resource Library Many Homeowners Eligible for Temporary Relief From Mortgage Payments, AARP COVID-19 & Family Resources, Family Centers Network Shared Services Central, Opportunities Exchange Child Care Centers, DHS Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19, Office of Unemployment Compensation Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets, Center for Parent Information & Resources Multilingual Resources A Round-Up of Multilingual Resources on COVID-19, Switchboard COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions, UPMC CDC Prevention Flyer, RCUSA Additional Resources in Spanish ChildCare Aware of America: Quédese actualizado con las noticias y los recursos más recientes sobre el Coronavirus, Child Care Aware of America COVID-19 Info in Other Languages, CPIR Curated Lists Resources on COVID-19 in PA for ECE Programs and Professionals, The Pennsylvania Key COVID-19 Resource Page, PEAL Center COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, NAMI Coping with COVID-19, NAEYC Resources for Early Childhood Policymakers on Preventing and Preparing for COVID-19, NIEER Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19, PIE Network The Social Care Network, Auntbertha Stay-at-Home Resource Page, Tickets for Kids Coronavirus Suite Landing Page, CPIR COVID-19 Resources From Every Hour Counts, Every Hour Counts Free Stuff for Teachers: Tools for a Unique 2020–2021 School Year, Coupon Chief Blog Online COVID-19 Resources for Kids, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Distance Learning Resources, Inclusive Schools Network Recorded Webinars Caring for Each Other, Brazelton Touchpoints and Sesame Workshop Don’t Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms, EdWeb 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.
April 15, 2020 Family Strengths Survey Now Available During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and adult caregivers are vital in supporting the care, education, and healthy development of young children. Each caregiver and family will have their own unique experiences during these tough times, with many requiring assistance to acquire food, pay bills, and access other critical services. To better understand which resources have been the most helpful and to ensure that these resources remain available, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics launched the “Family Strengths Survey.” The survey is open to the public and all answers will be submitted anonymously. Take the Survey If you are interested in submitting the Family Strengths survey in English, please visit the survey webpage or call 412.692.8026. The survey is also available in Spanish. You Could Win At the end of the survey, participants will have the choice to enter your name and contact information for a chance to receive a $100 gift card. Five people will be randomly selected each week from everyone who answers the survey. The contact information that you provide will never be linked to your answers in the survey. Visit the survey webpage to learn more. More Information For more information about the survey or to see weekly updates on survey results, please visit the Family Strengths Survey webpage. For questions, please contact PGHstudy@pitt.edu. For more information on COVID-19, including daily updates, please click here to visit our COVID-19 resources page.
January 3, 2020 Community Baby Shower | McKeesport & More Beverly’s Birthdays, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that provides birthday cheer for children experiencing homelessness and families in need, is hosting free community baby showers in 2020 for expecting women/partners who would benefit from services and resources. Attendees will receive lunch, play games, win prizes, receive a newborn care package, and connect with resource providers. These events are designed for expecting parents or individuals caring for a newborn (0-3 months). Available Dates January 4, 2020 (Tarentum) First UP Church | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | PDF January 7, 2020 (Hazelwood) Carnegie Library of Hazelwood | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | PDF January 13, 2020 (West End/McKees Rocks) Encore Event Designs | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | PDF February 17, 2020 (McKeesport, East McKeesport, Wilmerding, and White Oak) White Oak Athletic Association | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | PDF February 27, 2020 Wilkins Event Center / Hosanna House | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | PDF Learn More To see if you qualify and to register, contact Beverly’s Birthdays at 724.590.5106 or getinvolved@beverlysbirthdays.org. Learn more about Beverly’s Birthdays by visiting their website.
