August 29, 2025 Trying Together Releases Fall 2025 Professional Development Catalog Trying Together has released its 2025 fall catalog to help educators find professional growth opportunities that align with their career goals. The catalog provides course details and credentials. Learn More In the past year, Trying Together awarded nearly 4,500 PQAS credits to support continuous improvement in early learning programs. It aims to increase the number by regularly updating its Professional Development Catalog to make it easier for educators to continue to learn. All courses listed in the catalog are led by a certified PQAS instructor and are Act 48 approved. The courses are broken down into nine sections: Assessments and Supportive Services (Early Intervention) Child Development Classroom Environment Curriculum Development Family and Community Engagement Guidance and Behavior Management Health and Safety Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Professionalism and Program Organization For more information on how Trying Together can assist educators in their learning goals, email learning@tryingtogether.org or call 412-421-3889.
August 27, 2025 UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion Registration is open for Trying Together’s UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion, which will take place on Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Learn More The UnConference will focus on immigrant children and their families, delving into the ways early childhood educators can foster supportive and inclusive learning environments. Participants will hear from a keynote speaker and caregivers before taking part in a large group activity. Attendees will also attend workshops led by representatives from organizations that serve immigrant families in the region. These workshops will cover topics such as inclusive practices and building trust; trauma-informed communication; play and literacy; honoring identity; practical considerations for educators; and more. The cost to attend is $25. Registration is now open.
Trying Together Asks Caregivers and Educators to Write Letters Advocating for the Importance of Play In recognition of the upcoming National Day of Play championed by the USA Affiliate (IPA USA) of the International Play Association on Sept. 20, Trying Together is asking caregivers and educators to take part in a letter-writing campaign to advocate for the importance of play for children in early childhood settings. Be an Advocate for Playful Learning Play-based learning and adequate recess time have been shown to support children’s health and holistic well being, aid in the development of executive function skills, improve behaviors, and increase academic knowledge acquisition. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the World Health Organization recommend one to three hours of vigorous activity for children each day and play-based learning as the primary instructional model for all of early childhood, birth to age 9, yet no state in the United States requires recess and most children in U.S. schools receive 40 minutes or less of recess per day. How Can You Help? Trying Together’s Advocacy Team recommends sending a letter to school principals, school board members, or other district leaders and mobilizing other members of the community to do the same. The Advocacy Team has put together a toolkit of sample letters to get started. Writers should be sure to include their own story and discuss why play matters to them. Letters can be sent by mail or email. Sample letters include ones for caregivers or teachers to administrators, ECE providers to school districts, formal memos to districts or birth to age 5 programs, and students. Another resource is a list of recommendations on physical activity by age. “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood“ -Mr. Rogers
August 25, 2025 Students in Trying Together’s Summer CDA Course Tout Program’s Relationship Building Students in Trying Together’s summer Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program said the program helped them to learn more about the early childhood education system as well as learn from each other. Learn More The summer CDA program was the first time Trying Together offered a hybrid course option with an in-person class in the beginning, the middle, and at the end. All other classes in between were virtual. Students met with instructors twice a week, every other week, for Zoom classes to review CDA course content and build their professional portfolio. The format of the summer program moved more rapidly than Trying Together’s typical CDA Program, condensing six months of content into three while still maintaining a high standard of quality. “I am grateful to have my CDA with Trying Together,” said student Rajlakshmi Ghosh Pal. “The whole team is just amazing. They are so helpful that I feel so confident after being in this class.” The students were motivated and excelled at relationship building with one another. Between the instructors and students, there was a sturdy support system in which they encouraged one another to keep pushing. As instructors presented course content, students shared their own experiences in their classrooms and suggested teaching strategies to each other. The instructors enjoyed seeing the community building between them and their students. “This program has helped me to implement different types of learning into my classroom to better help children learn,” student Madison Deithorn said. “I have also learned from classmates their way of teaching to try in my classroom.” Even though summer classes have wrapped up, the students are continuing to work hard by completing their CDA applications, taking the exam, and being observed in their classroom to showcase their work to earn their CDA Certificate. Student Maria McCoy said she was glad to have participated in the class and noted that “Trying Together helped me become more aware of the impact that I make in my classroom daily.” Another student, Denise Hazlip, said the class gave her a greater understanding of the early childhood education system. “Taking my CDA class has been a valuable and rewarding experience,” she said. “Throughout the course, I have gained a deeper understanding of child development, early learning standards, and the important role that educators play in supporting children and families. The class has not only given me knowledge, but also practical strategies that I can use every day in the classroom.”
August 19, 2025 Trying Together to Hold Event to Celebrate Grandparent Relative Care Providers Trying Together will hold an event at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center in September to celebrate grandparents who are relative care providers for their grandchildren. Learn More As a cosponsor for Home Grown’s Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Appreciation Week, Trying Together will host the Relative Provider Grandparents Appreciation Day on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. FFN Appreciation Week is an opportunity to celebrate the over 5 million family, friend, and neighbor caregivers who look after 11.5 million children each year. This week of celebration begins on National Grandparents Day, a holiday that honors the bond between children and grandparents. Those who are a grandparent caring for a grandchild can bring the children in their lives to the Hub for an appreciation celebration. The event will include food, fun activities, and an opportunity for participants to share their stories. The event is free, but space is limited. Those interested in attending should register as soon as possible. The Hub is located at 7219 Kelly St. in Pittsburgh.
August 18, 2025 Registration Open for UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion Registration is now open for Trying Together’s UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Learn More The UnConference will focus on immigrant children and their families, delving into the ways early childhood educators can foster supportive and inclusive learning environments. Attendees will hear from a keynote speaker and caregivers as well as take part in a large group activity. Participants will attend workshops led by representatives from organizations that serve immigrant families in the region. These workshops will cover topics such as inclusive practices and building trust, trauma-informed communication, play and literacy, honoring identity, and practical considerations for educators. More Details The UnConference will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art, located at 4400 Forbes Ave. The fee to attend is $25. Registration is required and now open. Parking will be available in the museum parking lot and on the street. A light breakfast with coffee and tea will be available and lunch will be provided as part of the registration fee. The event will begin with keynote speaker Ivonne Smith-Tapia, director of refugee and immigrant services at Jewish Family & Community Services. Then, participants will take part in a large group workshop and panel. After lunch, attendees will take part in two sessions – out of 10 options – they chose during registration. The day will end by 4:30 p.m. A total of 6.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available for attendees. Workshops Participants will be able to select their first and second choices of preferred sessions for each of the afternoon session time slots. Workshops include: Effective and Trauma-Informed Communication Pathways for English Learners and Their Families Muslim Families in Learning Environments: Building Trust and Inclusion Who Makes the Rules? Exploring Cross-Cultural Communication Through Play Supporting Positive Identity Development Through Picture Books Carnegie Museums of Art Extension Activity What’s in a Name? Honoring Identity Through Cultural Learning Not Just a Seat, But a Say: Inclusive Practices That Nourish Refugee 101: Background and Practical Considerations for ECE Teachers Positionality, Power & Poetry: A Reflection on Bias & Creating Inclusive Practices Within Multicultural Classrooms Carnegie Museums Guided Art Tours For descriptions of the workshops, visit the UnConference’s registration page. About UnConference The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands-on in the workshops.
August 7, 2025 PA Chamber of Commerce Leaders, Teachers, and Parents Discuss Teacher Shortage Pennsylvania chamber of commerce leaders, child care teachers, and parents gathered on Zoom Wednesday to discuss how the ongoing state child care teacher shortage is forcing classrooms to close and leaving working families scrambling to find child care. During the event, participants said that the teacher shortage – driven by unlivable wages – is limiting care options for working parents and called on state lawmakers to address the shortage. Learn More Participants urged state lawmakers to prioritize child care in the 2025-26 state budget by including Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal to invest $55 million in a new and recurring Child Care Recruitment and Retention line item to boost the pay of the state’s child care teachers by $1,000. “As chamber leaders, we know that child care isn’t just a family issue – it’s an economic issue,” said Ron Aldom, executive director of the Somerset County Chamber. “This is why more than 70 of Pennsylvania’s local chambers of commerce are urging the General Assembly to invest in our child care teachers. When parents can’t find reliable, affordable care, they can’t work. When child care providers struggle to recruit and retain staff, classrooms close and employers lose valuable employees.” Albom cited the results of a statewide PA Chamber survey of employers on the impact of limited child care options on Pennsylvania businesses. The survey found that: A total 81% of employers said they have moderate or significant recruitment and retention issues due to child care challenges. A total 69% of businesses indicated that it is extremely or very important to help their employees meet their child care needs. According to the survey, he said, a total of 60% of parents reported being late for work because of child care problems, while 27% had to quit jobs and 18% were fired. Aldom also cited economic analysis from the nonprofit ReadyNation and the PA Early Learning Investment Commission that showed gaps in Pennsylvania’s child care system costing working families, employers, and taxpayers $6.65 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue. Briana Tomack, president and CEO of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce said that Pennsylvania has lost 460 of its child care providers since 2019. “In Southwest PA specifically, the numbers are at critical levels,” she said. “Fayette County has lost over 30% of its providers, Greene over 25% of their providers, and Westmoreland has lost over 11%. Imagine trying to keep a job, run a business, or even put food on the table when child care is out of reach – not for weeks, but for years.” A September survey conducted by the Start Strong PA Campaign of 1,140 state child care providers showed that 92% of child care programs reported challenges in recruiting staff, with 85% struggling with teacher shortages that are leaving more than 3,000 unfilled positions statewide. Programs could serve an additional 25,320 children if they could recruit and retain the necessary staff, and these numbers represent less than 18% of the total open registered programs in Pennsylvania. “Right now, we serve 120 children,” said Brie Rice, program specialist at Irwin’s JB’s Bright Beginnings. “But here’s the heartbreaking reality: We’re licensed for 350.” Amy Bradley, president and CEO of the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that in a September survey, 100% of the 23 providers that responded in Cambria County said they face challenges recruiting the staff they need, resulting in 64 unfilled staff positions and 748 child care spaces unavailable for working families. Dr. Leah Spangler, CEO of Johnstown’s The Learning Lamp, said there are 48 unfilled child care educator jobs in Somerset, Cambria, and Fayette counties. If fully staffed, a total of 297 more children could be served. “I wear two hats that feel impossible to balance most days,” said Sara Sisler, parent and director of curriculum, environment, and development at Judy Early Education Group. “I’m not only a parent of two young children who rely on child care, but I’m also an early educator in the field. I have witnessed the recruitment and retention challenges firsthand, as the turnover rates in our centers are at an all-time high.” Stephanie McAdoo, director of Indiana County’s Indi Kids said it is challenging to fill open child care positions because “teachers make less than cashiers at Sheetz or Target.” And Dan DeBone, president and CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber, noted that polling data has shown that Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly support increased funding to grow early childhood care and education programs. A Susquehanna poll found that Pennsylvania voters believe that early childhood education is an important component of a child leading a healthy and productive life (98%), support increasing state funding for teacher recruitment and retention (83%), and back more funding to increase pre-k teacher compensation (72%). The discussion between the county leaders, educators, and parents can be viewed online.
July 31, 2025 Applications Open for Trying Together’s 2026 ECE Advocacy Fellowship Trying Together’s 2026 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advocacy Fellowship aims to elevate the voices of early care and education professionals, parents, researchers, and other key contributors to the early learning ecosystem that are catalysts for meaningful change. Trying Together envisions a future in which caregivers feel valued and empowered to promote diversity, equity, racial justice, and a sense of belonging. We recognize the critical role of early childhood in shaping lifelong success and are committed to advocating for inclusive, high-quality learning experiences while addressing systemic inequities. The 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship invites passionate individuals from across the field to apply and become strong advocates for investing in young children. Applications are open online and will be accepted until Wednesday, October 1 at 11:59 p.m. Apply now. About the Fellowship The 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to empower participants through the following core components: Strengthening Advocacy Skills: Build the ability to advocate effectively for policies that support early care and education. Fellows will explore policy systems, practice storytelling, and engage in hands-on activities to grow their advocacy confidence. Cultivating Change-Makers: Grow as leaders and advocates within the early childhood field. Through reflection and peer collaboration, fellows will identify their leadership styles and explore their role in driving systemic change. Enhancing Leadership: Develop essential leadership skills to create lasting, positive impact. Sessions will focus on communication, decision-making, and community engagement. Mastering Communication: Learn strategies to craft compelling, equity-centered messages that resonate with diverse audiences and drive policy influence. Applying and Showcasing Learning: Complete a final project that reflects your advocacy journey and outlines your future impact. Projects will be shared in a public, interactive setting with organizational leaders and community partners. Fellows and their employer will receive a stipend for their dedicated time. The program is offered at no cost to fellows or their places of employment. Dinner is provided during each session, and travel stipends are available on a case-by-case basis. Intended Audience Trying Together’s 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship is designed for professionals actively engaged in the early care and education field, including but not limited to: Parents Relative care providers Family child care home Group child care home Child care program administrators and educators – such as Head Start teachers, infant/toddler educators, pre-k educators, etc. PK-4 teachers and principals Home visitors School-age child care providers Trainers Professors in higher education Child care resource and referral professionals Researchers Session Details The Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship is an immersive, yearlong program from January to December, featuring monthly in-person meetings supported by small group and individual work between sessions. Each session is led by the Trying Together Policy team, with support from influential voices in early childhood, public policy professionals, and community leaders. These sessions draw on insights from regional, state, and national experts. They focus on the latest research, policy updates, and strategic approaches to advancing early childhood, while helping fellows strengthen their advocacy skills, expand their networks, and position themselves within the early learning system. Beyond learning, the fellowship offers valuable opportunities for networking, professional growth, and community building. Fellows also have the chance to travel to Harrisburg to visit the Pennsylvania Capitol Building and meet with legislators. The program culminates in a final project that showcases each fellow’s advocacy journey and vision for future impact. Application Details Online applications are being accepted through Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Our selection committee aims to create a well-balanced cohort, considering factors such as geography, diversity, experience, and interests. Notifications to all participants will be sent during the first week of December. More Information For more information about the 2026 ECE Advocacy Fellowship at Trying Together, contact Hailee B. Roye by email at hailee@tryingtogether.org or by calling 412-692-0573.
July 29, 2025 Increase Giving to Trying Together Through Double the Donation Those looking to maximize their donation to Trying Together can now do so through Double the Donation, a company that helps nonprofits raise more money from corporate matching gifts. Learn More Double the Donation aims to inform donors about matching gift programs offered by their employers, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of their donations. Matching gifts are a type of corporate philanthropy in which companies match their employees’ donations to nonprofit organizations. After an employee donates to a nonprofit, they can submit a matching gift request to their employer and the company will make an additional donation to the nonprofit. By submitting a matching gift request, donors can significantly increase the impact of their donation. Those interested in donating to Trying Together should check if their employer participates in a matching gift program today. Donors can now use the Double the Donation widget on the Give Now page to search prior to making a donation. How Double the Donation Works Once a donor makes a donation to Trying Together, they will be prompted to check for matching gift opportunities The donor then enters their employer’s name into Double the Donation’s database, which uses an autocomplete feature to suggest companies. Double the Donation’s database identifies if the donor’s employer has a matching gift program and if the donor is eligible. If eligible, the donor is guided through the process of submitting a matching gift request to their employer, often directly through the Double the Donation platform.
July 24, 2025 Trying Together Invites Community to Complete Survey Trying Together is asking for the communities it serves to take a survey to help the organization provide the best resources and opportunities. Learn More The survey aims to collect up-to-date information for those it serves and includes such questions as: Demographic and Identity Preferred language Necessary accommodations to participate fully in Trying Together events and activities Dietary preferences or restrictions It also provides the opportunity to sign up for seven e-communication subscriptions, such as the Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 newsletters and public policy alerts. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and those who fill it out will be automatically registered for a chance to win a gift card. Take the survey now.
