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American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

News

July 2, 2025

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide in person and hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainings to early childhood professionals.

About the Course

This PQAS-certified in-person course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.

The cost is $70.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.

Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.

Information for Hybrid Sessions

The online coursework for hybrid sessions must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete. We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to your in-person course. You will need to provide proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on your mobile device of class in order to participate in the in-person class portion of the training.

Session Details

  • Wednesday, Nov. 12| Hybrid | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pitt CEC-Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Thursday, Jan. 15 | Hybrid | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    HeartPrints, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive #1227, Room 2219, Cranberry Township
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24 | Hybrid | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Saturday, March 14 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Trying Together, 5604 Solway St., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Saturday, May 16 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Monday, June 1 | Hybrid | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pitt CEC-Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training – Hybrid

News

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training – Hybrid

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide in person and hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainings to early childhood professionals.

About the Course

This PQAS-certified in-person course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.

The cost is $70.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.

Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.

Information for Hybrid Sessions

The online coursework for hybrid sessions must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete. We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to your in-person course. You will need to provide proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on your mobile device of class in order to participate in the in-person class portion of the training.

Session Details

  • Thursday, Jan. 15 | Hybrid | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    HeartPrints, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive #1227, Room 2219, Cranberry Township
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24 | Hybrid | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Saturday, March 14 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Trying Together, 5604 Solway St., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Saturday, May 16 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Monday, June 1 | Hybrid | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pitt CEC-Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

News

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide in person and hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainings to early childhood professionals.

About the Course

This PQAS-certified in-person course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.

The cost is $70.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.

Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.

Information for Hybrid Sessions

The online coursework for hybrid sessions must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete. We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to your in-person course. You will need to provide proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on your mobile device of class in order to participate in the in-person class portion of the training.

Session Details

  • Tuesday, Feb. 24 | Hybrid | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Saturday, March 14 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Trying Together, 5604 Solway St., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Saturday, May 16 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Monday, June 1 | Hybrid | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pitt CEC-Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

News

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide in person and hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainings to early childhood professionals.

About the Course

This PQAS-certified in-person course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.

The cost is $70.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.

Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.

Information for Hybrid Sessions

The online coursework for hybrid sessions must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete. We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to your in-person course. You will need to provide proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on your mobile device of class in order to participate in the in-person class portion of the training.

Session Details

  • Saturday, March 14 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Trying Together, 5604 Solway St., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Saturday, May 16 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Monday, June 1 | Hybrid | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pitt CEC-Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

News

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide in person and hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainings to early childhood professionals.

About the Course

This PQAS-certified in-person course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.

The cost is $70.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.

Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.

Information for Hybrid Sessions

The online coursework for hybrid sessions must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete. We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to your in-person course. You will need to provide proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on your mobile device of class in order to participate in the in-person class portion of the training.

Session Details

  • Saturday, May 16 | Full Class | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Elizabeth Seton Center (Brookline), 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70
  • Monday, June 1 | Hybrid | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pitt CEC-Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

News

American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide in person and hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainings to early childhood professionals.

About the Course

This PQAS-certified in-person course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.

The cost is $70.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.

Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.

Information for Hybrid Sessions

The online coursework for hybrid sessions must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete. We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to your in-person course. You will need to provide proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on your mobile device of class in order to participate in the in-person class portion of the training.

Session Details

  • Monday, June 1 | Hybrid | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pitt CEC-Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh
    Register
    Cost: $70

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.

Trying Together Calls for Presentation Proposals for October UnConference

News

June 27, 2025

Trying Together Calls for Presentation Proposals for October UnConference

Trying Together invites those interested in presenting at its October UnConference, “From Representation to Inclusion,” to submit proposals for presentation topics relating to working with families of other cultures in early learning settings. 

Learn More

Trying Together’s UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format where a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme related to early childhood education. Speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands-on in the workshops.

Trying Together’s upcoming event, UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion, will be held on Oct. 4 at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.

Trying Together is seeking a focused range of topical presentations for the UnConference, which aims to be an introduction to working with families of other cultures in early learning settings. The audience for the UnConference will be early childhood educators – employees of child care and early learning programs – who may have limited experience working with children and families from cultures other than their own.

To submit a proposal, download the submission form. Then, submit the proposal as an attachment to learning@tryingtogether.org with the subject line “October 2025 Unconference Proposal” by 11:59 p.m. on July 25.

Choosing Topics

Appropriate topic areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Language access 
  • Early literacy in English learner populations
  • Trauma-informed care for early learners
  • Early intervention access for multicultural families
  • Using the ASQ or other assessment tools with non-English speakers
  • Considerations around social emotional learning/mental health
  • Engaging with and showcasing the diversity in your child care program
  • Important distinctions between immigrants and refugees
  • Technology tools to support non-English speaking families
  • Cross cultural parenting practices/family systems
  • Engaging fathers from other cultures
  • Culturally specific workshops – for example, working with Muslim or Latinx families (lived experience preferred)
  • Community needs and resources to meet them
  • Immigrant rights and advocacy
  • School enrollment, adjustment, engagement, and involvement for immigrant children and their families, including kindergarten transition
  • Understanding microaggressions in cross-cultural settings

Proposals will be reviewed by the UnConference’s planning committee, which will review proposals based on:

  • Extent to which the proposal targets and is relevant to the early learning child care workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania
  • Experience/expertise of presenters
  • Definition and focus of the topic
  • Ability to engage participants in discussion and hands-on learning experiences
  • Practical application of material and takeaways
  • Timeliness and importance of topic

Each workshop proposal should:

  • Encourage active learning
  • Present culturally sensitive ideas, practices, and/or relevant research aimed at positioning attendees as leaders at the early learning programs in which they work
  • Offer strategies for effective implementation of information acquired
  • Include presenters who have significant expertise in the topic area and who have spoken successfully in front of groups
  • Cover a 90-minute block of time

The proposal form will ask for a program description, learning objectives, and instructional methods. Those submitting proposals should provide enough detail, so the planning committee can understand how the session will be structured and which key issues will be covered. 

Stipends and Important Dates

Trying Together will offer an honorarium of $250 to any organization or individual (if not affiliated with an organization) whose proposal is chosen to be presented at the UnConference. This opportunity is open to presenters located in Southwest Pennsylvania.

Proposals will be due on July 25 and all applicants will be notified by Aug. 15 about the status of their proposal and the time of their workshop. Presentation slides and materials/overviews are due electronically by Sept. 19. The UnConference will take place on Oct. 4.

Lt. Gov. Davis Hosts Roundtable on PA Child Care Staffing Crisis

News

June 18, 2025

Lt. Gov. Davis Hosts Roundtable on PA Child Care Staffing Crisis

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis recently hosted a roundtable involving the state’s child care staffing crisis, discussing how it is affecting families, businesses, and the state economy.

Learn More

The roundtable took place at Grandma’s House in Apollo and was attended by Trying Together, the Early Learning Investment Commission, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and Advisory Commission on Women, members of the local business community, early childhood educators, and parents.

“This issue is personal for us – and it’s personal for families across the commonwealth, in cities like Pittsburgh and in more rural communities as well,” said Davis, who is co-chair of the Early Learning Investment Commission, a public-private partnership that brings together leaders to make recommendations and policy for early learning. “Having affordable and accessible child care is essential for working families, and it’s essential for the business community.”

Holmes Davis said she feels fortunate that her daughter, Harper, has access to affordable, high-quality child care, but that many in the state do not have the same opportunity.

“We know that’s not the case in every community and for every family, and that’s why we’re pushing for more state investments to help recruit and retain more child care workers,” she said.

Lynda Pozzuto, president of the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber, said the shortage of affordable child care in Pennsylvania affects both families and workplaces.

“Without reliable, low-cost options, parents are being forced to leave jobs or turn down employment altogether,” she said. “We can’t solve our labor shortage without first supporting the working families who power our communities.”

The 2025-26 state budget proposal includes a $55 million investment in retention and recruitment bonuses of up to $1,000 to increase child care availability, the first new line item for early childhood education in nearly 20 years and the first investment directly for child care teachers.

“If my child is going to be with someone for eight hours a day while I’m at work, I want to know that they are safe and cared for and loved – and that it’s someone who understands their needs and their brain development,” said Lindsay Garrison, a parent and director at Thistle Nook Nature Playschool. “In order to do this, we have to pay more. If we are only paying $12 an hour, we are going to get people who don’t have that education because they can go elsewhere.”

For more information on the roundtable, visit the PAcast website.

Trying Together Exec Director Featured on Women and Girls Foundation Podcast

News

June 17, 2025

Trying Together Exec Director Featured on Women and Girls Foundation Podcast

Trying Together’s executive director recently discussed the organization’s mission and the need for an increase in early childhood education workers’ wages on the Women and Girls Foundation podcast.

Learn More

The podcast, led by host Camila Rivera-Tinsley, frequently features guests who are “working toward a more equitable future” and tackles such topics as gender, racial, and environmental justice.

In a recent episode, Tinsley discussed issues surrounding early child care – from parents seeking child care for their children so they can work to those employed in the field in need of higher wages – with Cara Ciminillo, Trying Together’s executive director.

On the podcast, Ciminillo talks about how she got involved in early childhood education, April’s Month of the Young Child, the origin of Trying Together’s name, and the organization’s advocacy efforts during the state budget season.

Ciminillo talked about how early childhood education is an overwhelmingly women-led field.

“Probably about 96 percent of all early learning experiences and child care experiences are led by and provided by women,” she said. “It is a women-led field and has a high number of women of color who lead the work in this industry. They are brain builders.”

Ciminillo said the success of many of the state’s industries is tied to whether communities provide adequate child care options. She added that the state’s early childhood education teacher shortage is caused by the industry’s low wages.

“If you want to solve (the problems of) an industry’s workforce, you have to solve for the child care workforce,” she said. “It’s very much a challenge in terms of our collective economic mobility if we don’t solve the economics of child care and the wages they make.”

 To learn more, watch Ciminillo and Rivera-Tinsley discuss early childhood education on the Women and Girls Foundation podcast.

Trying Together to Host Monthly Virtual Professional Development Sessions on Early Childhood Topics

News

June 11, 2025

Trying Together to Host Monthly Virtual Professional Development Sessions on Early Childhood Topics

Trying Together will host virtual sessions on every third Wednesday of the month for its professional development series focused on frequently requested topics relevant to early childhood educators.

Learn More

The Growing Together Mini-PD sessions will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom every third Wednesday of the month. Registration – which is currently open –  is highly recommended, but people can join at any time using the Zoom link. PQAS credits are available for attendees. Download Flyer. 

The sessions include:

To add courses you’re interested in to your calendar, visit the individual event pages at the links above, scroll down, and click the “Add to Calendar” button.

For additional information, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.