April 27, 2023 Resources for May Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for May observances: Month-Long Observances May is National Foster Care Month Foster and Adoptive Families, Trying Together What to Know About Becoming a Foster Parent in PA, Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network (SWAN) Top 10 Tips for New Foster Families, Fostering Families Today Parenting Resources for Foster Parents, Child Welfare Information Gateway Ways to Help Foster Children, Adopt US Kids National Foster Care Month 2023 Virtual Event: Foster Care and Mental Health, Children’s Bureau 5 Things Foster Youth Want All Teachers to Know, We Are Teachers May is Mental Health Awareness Month Where to Find Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents in Pittsburgh, The University of Pittsburgh: Youth and Family Research Program Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Childhood Mental Health, Trying Together Preventing Parent Burnout: Meeting the Emotional Challenges of Caring for Children with Mental Health Issues, The Child Mind Institute Parenting with a Mental Health Condition, Mental Health America 44 Children’s Books About Mental Health, The Child Mind Institute Creating an Inclusive Classroom for Neurodivergent Learners, Edutopia May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Recognizing the Influence, History, and Achievements of Pittsburgh’s AAPI Residents, Visit Pittsburgh DEI Resources: Supporting AAPI Communities, National Head Start Association A Guide for Parents on Talking to Kids about Asian American Identity & Racism, Immigrant History Initiative AAPI Books for Kids of All Ages, Chicago Parent 85 Brilliant Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) Children’s Books, Imagination Soup 18 Student Activities for AAPI Heritage Month, We Are Teachers Weeks of Recognition May 1 – 7 is Children’s Book Week Children’s Book Week Poster and Activity Pages, Every Child a Reader Creative Ways to Celebrate Children’s Book Week, BookTrust 125 Books We Love for Kids, New York Public Library May 8 – 12 is National Teacher Appreciation Week 10 Ways Families Can Celebrate Teachers, National PTA Teacher Appreciation Week: How Caregivers Can Celebrate and Show Gratitude, Harper Collins Publishers How Can Parents Best Support Teachers? We Asked, Education Week Why Teacher Self-Care Matters and How to Practice Self-Care in Your School, Waterford Days of Recognition May 7 is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?, National Institute of Mental Health A Teacher’s Guide to Anxiety, The Child Mind Institute Parenting Guides on Child Mental Health Disorders, The Child Mind Institute Find additional resources under “Mental Health Awareness Month” above. May 12 is National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day Self-Care for Child Care Professionals, HiMama Remember to Take Care of Yourself: Six Ideas for Family Child Care Providers, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 101 Thoughtful Ways to Express Gratitude for Your Childcare Staff, Brightwheel Raise Child Care, Start Strong PA Advocate: Take Action, Trying Together Find additional resources under, “National Teacher Appreciation Week” above. May 14 is Mother’s Day Celebrate Mother’s Day in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh 10 Mother’s Day Craft Ideas for Kids, Artful Parent 33 Preschool Activities to Honor Mom in the Classroom, Teaching Expertise Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together Find Child Care, ELRC Region 5 Moms’ Mental Health Matters, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746 (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS) Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources to Share with Expectant Families, Office of Head Start May 28 is World Hunger Day Hunger & Poverty in America, Food Research and Action Center Child Hunger in America, Feeding America Food Resources for Pennsylvanians, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Food Resources in Pittsburgh, City of Pittsburgh Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Walk-In Food Distribution at The Hub, Trying Together
May 10, 2021 Grandparent Council Become an Advocate for Young Children The Grandparent Council helps to ensure that all young children receive high-quality care and education. Members meet monthly through virtual Zoom meetings to: learn more about the importance of an early childhood education; receive guidance and support in identifying high-quality early learning environments; and learn how to advocate for the well-being of all children in our communities. Join the Council To join Trying Together’s Grandparent Council, please complete and submit the sign-up form. Submit The Online Form First Name * Last Name * Address City State/Province * AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingAmerican SamoaFederated States of MicronesiaGuamMarshall IslandsNorthern Mariana IslandsPalauPuerto RicoU.S. Minor Outlying IslandsVirgin IslandsArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces Europe, the Middle East, anArmed Forces PacificAlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaNew BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaNorthwest TerritoriesNunavat TerritoryOntarioPrince Edward IslandQuebecSaskatchewanYukon Territory Zip Phone * Email * How many grandchildren do you have and what are their ages? (optional) Other Ways to Sign-Up If you would like to submit the form via mail, please print, fill-out, and mail this form (PDF) to: ATTN: Grandparent Council 5604 Solway Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217. If you would like to submit the form via email, please print, scan, and email this form (PDF) to info@tryingtogether.org. Courses Zoom 101 Presenter: Peter Sloan Navigating technology in our new virtual reality can sometimes be very challenging. This Zoom training will provide a brief overview of how to properly use the Zoom platform, along with tips and tricks to help everyone become more technologically savvy. View a transcript of Zoom 101 Zoom Training from Trying Together on Vimeo. Grandparent’s Council Introduction and Advocacy 101 Presenters: Emily Neff and Lindsey Ramsey This workshop gives an overview of the origin and need for grandparent advocacy in our region. Participants will receive an overview of the Early Learning Pennsylvania (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, and guidance on how to complete the mandated reporter training. View a transcript of Grandparent’s Council Introduction and Advocacy 101 Grandparent’s Council Introduction and Advocacy 101 from Trying Together on Vimeo. Developmentally Appropriate Practice and the Importance of Play Presenters: Cristina Codario and Lainey Yockey As grandparents and caregivers of all types spend quality time with the young children in their lives, it is important to make every moment count! Young children need to engage in developmentally appropriate activities to ensure healthy development. This training will provide an overview of child brain development and the interactions and best practices that are needed to support it. We will also discuss the importance of play for children and provide caregivers with family resources to help support them along their journey. View a transcript of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and the Importance of Play Developmentally Appropriate Practice and the Importance of Play from Trying Together on Vimeo. The Early Learning Landscape and Relative Providers Presenter: Bliss Letang The Early Learning Landscape in Pennsylvania is full of care options for our little learners. Caregivers even have the opportunity to become “Relative Providers” for children who are receiving subsidized child care. This training will outline the care options available for children and families in our region along with giving detail on the steps it takes to become a “Relative Provider”. View a transcript of The Early Learning Landscape and Relative Providers The Early Learning Landscape from Trying Together on Vimeo. More Information For questions contact Lindsey Ramsey, Public Policy Regional Coordinator by calling 412.567.4173 or emailing lindsey@tryingtogether.org.
April 28, 2021 New Resources from Trying Together As Month of the Young Child comes to a close, Trying Together is featuring several resources that were released throughout April. These resources further Trying Together’s mission to supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. New Resources DAP Series Parts IV, V, and VI As an early childhood nonprofit, Trying Together recognizes that a child’s parent is their first and most important caregiver. That’s why we created the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (DAP) Series to assist parents and caregivers in creating high-quality learning experiences at the earliest stages of their child’s life. The series features digital and print content that provides information on critical early childhood topics. As of April 2021, six Parts have been published, including: Part I: Developmentally Appropriate Practice; Part II: Childhood Physical Health; Part III: Child Care; Part IV: Early Intervention and Inclusion; Part V: Safety and Emergencies; and Part VI: Social-Emotional Development. Resources will continue to be added through 2022 as additional Parts are finalized. Parenting Together Pathway The Parenting Together Pathway is a video-based learning series to provide high-quality information on early childhood development to parents and caregivers in Allegheny County and surrounding areas. Launched in April 2021, the Parenting Together Pathway provides families the opportunity to learn more about: brain development; play; interactions and relationships; technology; child care; and advocacy to better support their children’s healthy growth. Additional videos will be released through 2021. Recess Advocacy Toolkit In partnership with the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative and thanks to support from The Grable Foundation and Remake Learning Tomorrow Grants, the Recess Advocacy Team created a Recess Advocacy Toolkit. As schools shift from remote learning back to in-person education, the importance of play and recess must be at the forefront of the conversation around reopening schools and helping children adjust to a changed educational environment. This toolkit highlights research, strategies, and advocacy opportunities for play and physical activity at home and at school.
February 2, 2021 Family Engagement Toolkit Now Available When adults come together to support children, profound changes can happen. To reinforce parents, caregivers, and early learning professionals in their work to create strong partnerships, Trying Together created the Family Engagement Toolkit. About When early learning programs implement family engagement practices, they invite parents, caregivers, and other important adults to learn the best ways to connect, build trust, and join in true partnership for the wellbeing of their child. In fact, research shows that active family engagement leads to better outcomes for children and builds stronger learning communities. In an effort to support caregivers in bolstering their family engagement practice, Trying Together created the Family Engagement Toolkit, an online toolkit of printable resources that enable families and early childhood educators to: access strategies that strengthen the relationships that nourish a child’s growth and sense of belonging, find ideas and resources to enrich relationships in their learning community, learn ways to increase equity and access for all involved, and take the opportunity to reflect on the family engagement practices in their home or program. The Toolkit is best suited for families and child care providers of children ages birth to nine years old. The Toolkit provides information and resources on family engagement practices in a variety of settings, including: child care centers, family child care homes, group child care homes, and relative provider locations. For more information, visit our About the Family Engagement Toolkit page. Featured Resources Trying Together’s Family Engagement Toolkit includes resources for families and child care providers. Continue reading below to view some of our featured resources. Resources for Families Each family brings its own unique talents, customs, and vibrancies to their child’s child care program. Because of this, it is essential that each family offers its own knowledge, lived experiences, and partnership to best support their child. To assist in this process, Trying Together developed the following resources: Create an Engagement Plan for your family. Fill out this questionnaire to help your provider learn more about your family. Learn about your rights as a parent or caregiver. Access a curated list of family resources on topics such as Choosing a Child Care Provider, Preparing for Transition, Anti-Racism Tools, Child Behavioral and Mental Health Support, Child Development Milestones, English as a Second Language Support, Food Assistance, and more. Resources for Providers Family engagement is a process in which educators and families build intentional, authentic relationships toward the shared goal of supporting a child’s healthy growth and development. To assist providers in achieving this goal, Trying Together developed the following resources: Download the Family Engagement Toolkit to access family engagement ideas and resources. Use this questionnaire to get to know more about the families you serve. “My Day” documents can help communicate about the child’s day (infant and toddlers) (pre-k). Create a Family Engagement Plan. Create a Provider Family Engagement Plan. Create a Relative Provider Family Engagement Plan. Access a curated list of provider resources on topics such as Creating a Family EngagementPlan, Making the First Connection, Strengthening Existing Connections, Supporting Transition, Professional Development, and more. More Information Support, inspiration, and insight for the Family Engagement Toolkit were drawn from several sources, including Jefferson Regional Foundation. To view the full Toolkit, visit our Family Engagement Toolkit page. For assistance with creating a family engagement plan, contact Trying Together at 412.421.3889 or info@tryingtogether.org.
December 24, 2020 Housing Resources for Families in Allegheny County If your family is at risk for eviction, local resources and programs are available to help. Housing and Eviction Resources Housing Stabilization Program The Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Housing Stabilization Program provides one-time or short term (up to three months) financial assistance to households who are facing a temporary, non-reoccurring housing crisis. Depending on which type of support is needed, you may be able to receive funding to cover move-in fees, utilities, rent, mortgage payments, and legal fees. Eligibility To qualify, individuals must: be a renter or homeowner, live in the City of Pittsburgh, be at or below 50 percent of the Average Monthly Income if a renter, be at or below 80 percent of the Average Monthly Income if a homeowner, and develop a stability plan with a service provider. Apply For This Program If you are eligible, contact United Way by dialing 211 or texting your zip code to 898.211. Interested applicants may also contact United Way via chatroom (located at the bottom right of the webpage) or the online contact form. Housing Legal Assistance Program The Housing Legal Assistance Program assists individuals through the following services: Tangled-Title: Legal assistance of up to $5,000 if you own a home but need the deed transferred to your name. Eviction Prevention: Legal assistance of up to $3,000 if you are at risk of eviction or are currently experiencing eviction and need legal assistance. Eligibility To qualify for Tangled-Title assistance, individuals must live in the City of Pittsburgh, have an income that is at or below 80 percent of the Average Monthly Income, and not have any outstanding City, School, and County real estate taxes (or must be on a payment plan for at least three months. To qualify for Eviction Prevention assistance, individuals must live in the City of Pittsburgh, have an income that is at or below 50 percent of the Average Monthly Income, and be experiencing wrongful threats of lock-out, eviction, or sub-standard living conditions. Apply For This Program To apply for Tangled-Title assistance, contact United Way by texting your zip code to 898-211 or by dialing 211. To apply for Eviction Prevention, call 412.255.6574 or email hof@ura.org. For more information, contact Victoria Jackson at 412.255.6696 or hof@ura.org. Just Mediation Pittsburgh Just Mediation Pittsburgh offers free, confidential mediation services to landlords and tenants who are looking to find solutions to housing disputes. Just Mediation Pittsburgh mediators facilitate a dialogue between both parties to identify positive solutions and create a shared, legally binding agreement. Request Services Participation in these services is voluntary. Both parties must be willing to share their perspectives, listen to the other individual’s perspective, and create constructive solutions. To request services, visit the Just Mediation Pittsburgh page. For more information, contact 412.228.0730 or info@mysite.com. Allegheny Link If you are experiencing a housing crisis, the Allegheny Link can help connect you to resources. The Allegheny Link will assess your eligibility for homeless supports such as rental assistance, utility assistance, and homeless services. Range Of Services The Allegheny Link assists Allegheny County residents: who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in finding stable housing, who are pregnant, or parents and caregivers of children up to age six years of age, get referrals to home visiting programs, who are over the age of 60 live safely in their community, and with any disability find services that meet their needs. Contact If you are in need of services, contact the Allegheny Link at 1.866.730.2368. This line will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Callers between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. will be directed to appropriate supports by an automated message. Individuals can also contact the Allegheny Link via email. This method is especially suggested for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Rental Payment Assistance The Department of Public Assistance has an Emergency Shelter Fund that provides financial assistance to help individuals prevent eviction or foreclosure, obtain permanent housing, or obtain temporary shelter. Individuals must be receiving public assistance benefits to qualify. For more information, contact 412.565.2146. Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh, Inc. Do you feel you have been the victim of housing discrimination? Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh investigates allegations of housing discrimination. If you have been a victim of housing discrimination, all of their services are free of charge. Report Discrimination To file an anonymous complaint, or to speak with a member of their staff, call 412.391.2535. Individuals can also report discrimination by completing this online form. Shelter Directory Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program has a Shelter Directory on its website that contains a filterable list of emergency shelters and housing providers. Shelters and providers included on the list accept homeless families and/or homeless youth. Some shelters and providers may admit single adults. Access the Directory. More Information Visit the Allegheny County website to learn more about housing subsidies, mortgage assistance, homelessness, discrimination support services, and more. If you are an individual experiencing homelessness, visit the Homeless Services page.
December 9, 2020 COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Caregivers If you are a parent, caregiver, or family member living in Pennsylvania, it’s important to remain calm, prepare, and take precautionary measures to maintain the health and wellbeing of yourself, your family, and the community. Continue reading below for a brief overview of COVID-19 and a list of family and caregiver resources. PA 2.1.1 Southwest If you require assistance and would like to access an extensive list of family and caregiver resources, please call 2.1.1 or text your zip code to 898.211 to receive text alerts. For more information or to receive support, visit the 2.1.1 website. PA 2.1.1 Southwest seeks to provide an easy-to-remember phone number and web resource for finding health and human services for everyday needs and in crisis situations, serving the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland. 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. Guidance for Pennsylvanians As of May 31, COVID mitigation orders are lifted in Pennsylvania. The order requiring universal face coverings was lifted statewide on June 28, 2021. The Pennsylvania Department of Health still urges Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance on wearing masks where required by law, rules, and regulations, including healthcare, local businesses, and workplace guidance. Search for Child Care If your family is in need of child care, visit the Allegheny Child Care website to search for programs in Allegheny County or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website to search for programs throughout Pennsylvania. Meals for Children The Summer Food Service Program distributes free Grab ‘n Go Meals to children at 13 CitiPark and 34 partner locations in Pittsburgh. Meals are available to children up to the age of 18, and to individuals with disabilities up to 21 years old. This program runs from June 11 through August 13, 2021 (dates vary by location). To learn more, visit the program webpage or call 412.571.3291. Resources 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 Information for Pregnant Women and Children, CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding: A Message for Patients, ACOG 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 How to Spot Fake News (and Teach Kids to Be Media-Savvy), Common Sense Media People who are at a higher risk of severe illness, CDC American Sign Language (ASL) COVID-19 Resources, CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), AAP COVID-19 and Children: FAQ, CDC Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): What Parents Should Know, Unicef Information on COVID-19 and Pregnant Woman and Children, CDC A Message on COVID-19 From the Children’s Bureau, Children’s Bureau For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19, CDC Guide to Coronavirus for Cancer Patients, Asbestos.com Breastfeeding & COVID-19: FAQs, infantCPR Community Resources, PA Unites Against Covid COVID-19 Parent Information, CDC Talking with Children Early Learning Resources During COVID-19, ELRC Region 5 Talking with Children About Coronavirus, Fred Rogers Center Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis, Healthy Children, AAP Tips for Families: Coronavirus, Zero to Three 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, 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 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 How to Wash Hands, Sesame Street A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child, KidsHealth “REMEMBER”: Surviving the Pandemic with your Children!, IACAPAP Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus, Child Mind Institute How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, PBS 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 How to Talk to Younger Kids About Changes at School During COVID-19, Connecticut Childen’s Vaccines for Children and Adolescents: Lessons and Activities, Baylor University Prevention COVID-19 Self-Checker, CDC Plan Ahead Checklist: Get Your Home Ready, CDC Preparing Your Home: FAQs for Individuals and Families, CDC Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide, Ready PA Parents: Get Your Children Ready for COVID-19, CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Environment, CDC Tips for Keeping Children Healthy While School’s Out, CDC Three ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, MIT Medical Hand Washings for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties When Vaccine is Limited, Who Gets Vaccinated First?, CDC 8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program, CDC Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination, CDC Answers to Your Questions About Covid Vaccines and Kids, The New York Times 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 How to Protect Your Family After Being Discharged From the Hospital With COVID, Safety.com Impacts on Child Care, School, and Work How to Find, Choose, and Pay for High-Quality Child Care: A Guide for Families Family Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Early Learning Provider During COVID-19 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 The Parents’ Guide to Google Classroom Map: Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Governor Wolf Extends School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year, Governor Wolf Considerations for Schools, CDC Checklist: Planning for Virtual or At-Home Learning, CDC Checklist: Planning for In-Person Classes, CDC How Is the Pandemic Changing Perinatal Health Care?, Georgetown University Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Labor Force, Annuity.org At-Home Activities The Play at Home Playbook, Playworks Senator John Heinz History Center Online Exhibits, Senator John Heinz History Center 30 Days of Good Things for Young Children (English) (Spanish) Play With Me!, Zero to Three Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Pittsburgh Youtube Channel How to Keep Kids Learning When They’re Stuck at Home, Common Sense Media The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities, We Are Teachers Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home, Common Sense Media The Ultimate Guide for Working from Home with Kids, School Closures Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures, Scholastic Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home, Medium Over 30 Virtual Field Trips with Links Storyline Online Free, Easy Science for Remote Learning, Mystery Science Audible Is Offering Free Audiobooks for Kids During School Closures, We Are Teachers Our Favorite Virtual P.E. Resources to Keep Kids Moving at Home, We Are Teachers Resources for Kids During Social Distancing Virtual Classes, Allysa Axelband Hassid 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 Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home, Medium Free Distance Learning Plans for K–2 Students and Their Families, Common Sense Media Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems!, The Kennedy Center Keeping Children Active during the Coronavirus Pandemic (English) (Spanish), American College of Sports Medicine Newest Play Ideas, Learning 4 Kids History at Home, Senator John Heinz History Center Healthy at Home (Toolkit), Ready Rosie, The Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies Time to talk, play, and create: Supporting children’s learning at home, Brookings At Home Activity Guide, Zero to Three The Best Kids Yoga Videos, Preschool Inspirations How You and Your Kids Can De-stress During Coronavirus, PBS Learning 4 Kids – Play Ideas, Camille Catllet Tech Balance, Common Sense Media RIF Pittsburgh Youtube, Reading Is FundamentalnPittsburgh Coronavirus: A Book for Children, Nosy Crow Engaging Kids During Stay at Home, Tickets for Kids PNC Grow Up Great, PNC Creative Connections, Trust Arts Education Online Learning: Education During Isolation, Digital Trends Wonderschool Learn-at-Home Ideas, Wonderschool Discover The Fun Of Backyard Geology, Porch Home Learning Support, Twinkl How Coding Provides Skills That Can Help Children Cope With Distress, Columbia Engineering Fact Sheets and Guides 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 Internet Safety Guide For Seniors, VPN Smash A Parent’s Guide to Discussing Financial Hardship With Your Children, Fiscal Tiger The Complete Guide to Financial Help for Single Moms, Coupon Chief Blog 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 Recorded Webinars Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street in Communities and Brazelton Touchpoints Center Updates for Families – Learning at Home, PEAL Center Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) while Learning from Home, PEAL Center Helping Parents Manage Stress During COVID-19, National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (NCECHW) Mental Health Toll-Free 24-Hour Emotional Support Help Line (866.342.6892), Optum National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255) NAMI National HelpLine Warmline Directory, NAMI Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, CDC Seven Ways to Cope With Anxiety During the Coronavirus Outbreak, AARP SEL and Mental Health Resources for COVID-19, SEL4US How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Are We There Yet?, Center for Parent Information & Resources Boxed In: COVID-19 and Your Mental Health, Everyday Health How Seniors Can Stay Virtually Connected with Loved Ones, Senior Lifestyle Holidays During the Pandemic, Child Mind Institute Stress and Coping, CDC Tips on Celebrating the Holidays While Social Distancing, My Move Receiving Support Food Assistance Programs Available in Pennsylvania, Trying Together CHIP Will Maintain Enrollment During COVID-19 Crisis, Trying Together How to get help during the coronavirus pandemic in Pittsburgh, The Incline Find a Food Pantry, Partner Agency, or Program Near You, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Apply for Unemployment, Office of Unemployment Compensation Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, and More, COMPASS Request a Library Card to Access E-Books & More, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 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 Coronavirus: Response & Resources, The Autism Society of America COVID-19 & Family Resources, Family Centers Network Tech Balance, Common Sense Media Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave, Single Mom Defined Child Care Centers, DHS Allegheny County Family Centers – News, University of Pittsburgh The Social Care Network, Auntbertha Community Delivery Hotline for Allegheny County, Allegheny Delivery Crisis Planning and Counseling for Parents with Shared Custody, Online Counseling Programs Free Microsoft Courseware to Upskill During COVID-19, GreyCampus Guide to Financial Help for Single Parents Raising Kids in 2021, Possible Finance Multilingual Resources Guía de ayuda para padres y cuidadores para ayudar a las familias a enfrentar la enfermedad Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), Child Traumatic Stress Network Translated Materials and Resources (English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Russian, Swahili, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Amharic, Nepali, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Somali, Tigryna), Pennsylvania Department of Health Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, French, Vietnamese, Bhasa, Urdu), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Chinese), NCTSN A Round-Up of Multilingual Resources on COVID-19, Switchboard AA and NHP In-Language Resources for COVID-19 (Google Sheet) COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions, UPMC CDC Prevention Flyer, RCUSA Additional Resources in Spanish Curated Lists COVID-19 Resource List, Homewood Children’s Village COVID-19 Resource Page, PEAL Center COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, NAMI Coping with COVID-19, NAEYC Supporting Families During COVID-19, Child Mind Institute Resources for Families in Pennsylvania on COVID-19, Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Coronavirus Resources, Center for Parent Information and Resources A support guide for parents raising babies and toddlers through the coronavirus crisis, Quartz COVID-19 Resources, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Resources for Early Childhood Policymakers on Preventing and Preparing for COVID-19, NIEER Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19, PIE Network Home Together Resources, PA Parent and Family Alliance COVID-19 Resources From Every Hour Counts, Every Hour Counts Online COVID-19 Resources for Kids, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 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.
October 27, 2020 Remote Learning Resources Available With recent changes to schooling due to COVID-19, Trying Together has compiled a list of remote learning resources to support teachers, parents, and students as they transition to and navigate remote learning. The Remote Learning Resources list is available on the Trying Together website. Additional COVID-19 Resources To best support community members and the young children in their lives, Trying Together has created two resource lists, featuring helpful resources that families and educators can use to maneuver this difficult time. COVID-19 Resources for Families and Caregivers COVID-19 Resources for Early Care and Education Professionals About Trying Together Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. Trying Together works regionally (in Southwestern Pennsylvania) and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national audiences. Learn more on the Trying Together website.
October 2, 2020 Homewood Virtual Block Party We’re throwing you a BLOCK PARTY! Join the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center and Homewood Early Learning Steering Committee (HELSC) on October 10 for a virtual celebration filled with storytime sessions, family yoga, a virtual bike ride, and a dance party! About Since the onset of COVID-19, Trying Together has been working with the HELSC to figure out a way to provide Homewood families, partners, and collaborators an experience that matches the energy and excitement of the events hosted in years prior. With this in mind, Trying Together and the HELSC are excited to announce the first Homewood Virtual Block Party! Homewood Virtual Block Party Saturday, October 10 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. While this year’s event is different, the virtual event still features many educational and fun activities that past attendees of the Homewood Block Party know and love. The Homewood Virtual Block Party will be pre-recorded and available for viewing on this event page via the Trying Together Vimeo player and on Facebook via the Trying Together page. Featured Events The Homewood Virtual Block Party will feature online events from the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, Homewood Community Engagement Center, Homewood Children’s Village, Kenny’s, YWCA Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, WQED Education, Fund My Future/Propel Schools, Mayor’s Office/Imagination Library, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, and University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Family Dance Party Ready to get your groove on? Join the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, HELSC, and DJ Doug for a Virtual Family Dance Party from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Family Fun Bags Want a swag bag? Complete your virtual block party registration and you may pick up a Family Fun Bag with information, resources, and giveaways from the activities and partners featured during the party. Coordinate your bag pick-up time on the day of the party (October 10) with one of our contacts listed below during their available hours: Homewood YWCA | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cheryl Smith | 412.391.5100 The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Toni Beasley | 412.540.5732 Registration To register, please complete this online form by Friday, October 8 at 5 p.m. Registrants will receive the event link via email at least 24 hours before the start of the celebration. If you miss the registration deadline, you can still coordinate a time to pick up a Family Fun Bag. You can also watch the Block Party Livestream on the Trying Together website or Facebook page on October 10. More Information For questions, please contact Sarah Byrne-Houser at sarah@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network.
September 17, 2020 Recess Helps Students Reach Their Full Potential As we begin a very different school year, the Recess Advocacy Team continues to elevate play and provide support to educators and families. Recess is key to helping students reach their full potential within the classroom and beyond. Several studies show that recess increases children’s attention span and productivity in the classroom. New Resources from the Recess Advocacy Team Send a letter to your child’s teacher The Recess Advocacy Team updated their student letter asking teachers to remember the importance of play to reflect our current times. Instructions: (1) Download the letter (2) Enter information for the teacher, your child’s name, and your name in the editable boxes (3) Save the letter with your information (4) Send the electronically signed letter via email If your child is attending school in person, you can still download, print, and share a hard copy. Play and Physical Activity Resource Guide for Educators and Families The Recess Advocacy Team compiled a list of resources for educators and families to make sure play and physical activity are a part of childrens’ days and serve as a foundation for their learning, growth, and development. This list includes resources, activities, and considerations for ensuring play shows up in our daily lives—and ways that educators and families can incorporate play/physical activity into children’s learning. Families are encouraged to share this resource when sending the letter to the teacher. Learn More About the Recess Advocacy Team The Recess Advocacy Team is a group of organizations dedicated to health, wellness, education, and play with a focus on recess practices and policies in pre-k through sixth grade. You can learn more about the Recess Advocacy Team on the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative website.
September 2, 2020 Helping Parents & Caregivers Navigate a School Year Like No Other Are you interested in hearing from the country’s leading experts about topics such as social-emotional wellness, mental health, learning resources, tech safety, and more? Join Remake Learning and other presenting organizations for the “So Now What?” virtual series! About The series will bring the country’s leading experts in education and childhood development, including PBS Kids, Common Sense Media, Learning Heroes, and UPMC Children’s Hospital, together with parents and caregivers to share and learn from one another. Presenters will cover a range of topics specific to this moment in time, including: social-emotional wellness, mental health, learning resources, communication, tech safety, and much more. Available Sessions The series includes the following sessions: COVID-19 and Kids Health: An Evidence-Based Practical Guide & FAQ Wednesday, September 2 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Supporting Young Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness as We Return to School Wednesday, September 9 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Tweens, Teens, and Mental Health Wednesday, September 9 from 8 – 8:30 p.m. Ready to Partner: 5 Steps for a Different Kind of School Year for Families and Schools Wednesday, September 16 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. How to be Safe Online and Balance Tech Usage in a World of Virtual Learning Wednesday, September 23 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Learning Resources for Families Wednesday, September 30 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Registration To register, complete the online registration form. Share this flyer with your network.
