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

News

January 30, 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

  • Tuesday, 3/18/25 | Hybrid | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    Monroeville Public Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146
    Register

  • Tuesday, 5/13/25 | In person | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Pitt CEC Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208
    Register

  • Tuesday, 6/17/25 | Hybrid | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    Trying Together, 5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
    Register

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.

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, 3/18/25 | Hybrid | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    Monroeville Public Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146
    Register

  • Tuesday, 5/13/25 | In person | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Pitt CEC Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208
    Register

  • Tuesday, 6/17/25 | Hybrid | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    Trying Together, 5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
    Register

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.

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, 6/17/25 | Hybrid | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    Trying Together, 5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
    Register

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.

Trying Together to Host UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships in March

News

January 10, 2025

Trying Together to Host UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships in March

Registration is open for Trying Together’s UnConference focusing on systemic challenges relating to access to early intervention services on March 8. Other topics will include the impacts of systemic racism, suspensions and expulsions, staffing shortages, and under-investments in early childhood education.

Learn More

UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships will include expert-led sessions, keynote speeches, a light breakfast with coffee and tea, and a buffet lunch.

Opening remarks will provide an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together – including the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis.

Participants will attend a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they will attend three 30-minute mini workshops.

Keynotes and Workshops

The morning’s keynote presentation will be state Rep. La’Tasha Mayes’ (D-24) “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” During her speech, she will inspire participants to see themselves as having an active role in early intervention advocacy and policy change that leads to a more inclusive early education system.

The morning’s workshops include: 

  • “Exploring the Impact of Systemic Challenges on Access to Early Intervention Services: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Children in Early Childhood Settings,” led by Trying Together’s Emily Neff and Hailee B. Roye
  • “Circle Time: Let’s Talk About EI,” a panel discussion featuring experts from Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, and Intensive Behavioral Health Services as well as a parent 

The afternoon’s mini workshops include: 

  • “Pyramid Model and Prevention Tips for Challenging Behaviors” “Early Intervention Toolkit: Tools and Resources for Early Care and Education Programs” “Early Intervention 101” “Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Children with Early Childhood Trauma” “Breaking the Stigma: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Families and Young Children”
  • “Creating Calm: Interactive Sensory Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms” 
  • “Closing Session: From Awareness to Advocacy Action” 

The UnConference will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Kaufmann Center, located at 1825 Centre Avenue. Tickets cost $25. Space is limited. Registration is now open.

Those who attend the conference will receive PQAS and Act 48 credit hours. Any questions about the UnConference should be emailed to Ben Filio at ben@tryingtogether.org. 

For more information about the event and session details, visit the UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships page on the Trying Together website.

Introduction to ASQ: SE-2

News

January 9, 2025

Introduction to ASQ: SE-2

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are offering the following professional development opportunity for your team of early learning educators.

Introduction to ASQ: SE-2

Participants will learn how to use the ASQ-SE-2® as a social-emotional developmental screening tool for children ages three months to 5 years. The session provides information on why a developmental screening tool is administered in early childhood programs, how to administer and score the screener, strategies for sharing results with families of diverse backgrounds, and resources to support making referrals to additional services as needed.

Participants must have taken “Introduction to ASQ-3” prior to this professional development course.

The cost is $15 for the session.

Session Details

  • Saturday, January 11 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

  • Location: Trying Together, 5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

  • Register

Questions?

For questions about the course or credit, contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org.

Map Provides Window Into Day-to-Day Life of Early Childhood Educators

News

January 8, 2025

Map Provides Window Into Day-to-Day Life of Early Childhood Educators

Trying Together – in partnership with the Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA campaigns – has created an interactive map that highlights the day-to-day realities of child care programs around the state. These first-hand accounts depict the joys and challenges of working in the early care and education field. 

Learn More

Visitors to the site will see the impact of low wages for educators, the closed classrooms and silent playgrounds, teachers struggling to afford basic necessities, and empty administrative offices.

But they will also read stories about the joy a child finds on a swing at a program in Coraopolis or how teachers have an impact on the learning and growth of children in their communities. There’s even a story about a preschooler field trip to Burger King.

The stories also show how, despite challenges, early childhood educators go above and beyond for their children and families. This includes meeting transportation needs, providing meals, and collaborating with caregivers on securing early intervention services for children.

Each photo on the site was taken during an everyday moment in an early care and education program setting. The captions were written by each participant with guidance from their early childhood colleagues.

Recruitment and Retention

Currently, early childhood educators in child care programs make an average $15.15 per hour, which is less than $32,000 a year and does not meet the cost of living in any Pennsylvania county.

Trying Together, Start Strong PA, and Pre-K for PA are all calling for early childhood educators (ECE) to be paid what they deserve. To compete with states that are doing more to keep ECE teachers in the classroom, Pennsylvania must invest $284 million in new and recurring state funding to implement a child care teacher recruitment and retention initiative.

To read the stories, view the map on the A Day in the Life website.

UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships

News

January 7, 2025

UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships

Trying Together hosted UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships on Saturday, March 8, at the Kaufmann Center.

Participants attended expert-led sessions that focused on systemic challenges relating to access to early intervention services as well as the impacts of systemic racism, suspensions and expulsions, staffing shortages, and under-investments in early childhood education.

Details

  • Saturday, March 8
    8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Kaufmann Center
    1825 Centre Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Limited parking at the venue was available as well as street parking. A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a buffet lunch was provided to participants.

Opening remarks at the event provided an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together. These included the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis.

Participants explored resource tables and attended a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they attended three 30-minute workshops.

Tickets for UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships cost $25.

Keynote Presentation

State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-24) delivered the morning’s keynote speech, “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” The mini-keynote inspired participants to see themselves as having an active role in early intervention advocacy and policy change that leads to a more inclusive early childhood system. During the keynote, Rep. Mayes shared insight about why it’s important for policymakers to hear from early childhood experts and the role of educators’ voices in policy making and systemic change.

Participants were encouraged to think about their individual roles in young children’s lives, how to envision a more inclusive system for all, and how to begin to explore steps for achieving the vision through advocating for early intervention – both in their daily practice and systemic policy change.

Workshops

There was one large group workshop in the morning followed by three 30-minute workshops in the afternoon.

Morning

Exploring the Impact of Systemic Challenges on Access to Early Intervention Services: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Children in Early Childhood Settings
Instructors: Emily Neff and Hailee B. Roye, with support from The PEAL Center

With support from The Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center, this session explored how systemic racism, under-investment in early childhood education (ECE), and staffing shortages impact access to early intervention services and suspensions and expulsions in early childhood settings. Participants examined these issues through multiple perspectives—ECE teachers, support services, and parents—using real-world data and case studies to identify systemic barriers. Through group activities and collaborative discussions, participants developed actionable strategies to reduce exclusionary practices and better support children.

Circle Time: Let’s Talk About EI
Moderator: Dr. De Voka Gordon, Ed.D

This panel discussion featured experts from Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), Intensive Behavioral Health Services, and the parent perspective. Facilitated discussion topics included strategies for partnering with families, coaching and collaborating with ECE programs, determining when Intensive Behavioral Health Services are necessary, and envisioning ideal partnerships between ECE and EI. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in the discussion.

Afternoon

Pyramid Model and Prevention Tips for Challenging Behaviors
Instructor: Deysi Keegan

In this training, participants were introduced to the Pyramid Model, focusing on Tier 1 strategies to create supportive classroom environments and prevent behavior escalation. They reviewed a classroom checklist and explored how these supports can reduce triggers for children, along with alternative communication techniques from the “Words Matter” handout. The session also covered the Rapid Response Team (RRT) process and how to support teachers in working with children exhibiting a variety of behaviors.

Early Intervention Toolkit: Tools and Resources for Early Care and Education Programs
Instructor: Ashley Harland

In this session, participants were provided with an overview of an Early Intervention Toolkit and interactive website, created by Trying Together in partnership with early care and education programs and early intervention providers across Allegheny County. The toolkit aims to increase mutual understanding early care and education programs, EI providers, and families with young children. Participants left the session knowing how to use the EI Toolkit to access support resources for both families and early educators.

Early Intervention 101
Instructors: Jennifer Mason; Elizabeth Gamza, M.Ed; and Melissa Friend

In this session, representatives from The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Allegheny Intermediate Unit Preschool Early Intervention, and Pittsburgh Public Preschool Early Intervention provided participants with tools to better understand early intervention services and how to access those services.

Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Children with Early Childhood Trauma
Instructor: Candace Shoenberger

This course provided an exploration of trauma and its effects on learning. Participants learned how trauma influences learning, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Through interactive activities and case studies, educators gained practical strategies for creating trauma-informed classrooms that support all students.

Breaking the Stigma: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Families and Young Children
Instructors: Dominique R. Webster-Outten and parent Tifanee Moniqué Young

Stigma still exists around disability, mental health, and seeking support services. In this session, speakers explored tools to support difficult conversations with families and, ultimately, help reduce stigma. Participants had a chance to consider how they talk to young children in a manner that can help promote inclusion, integration, and acceptance of classroom peers of all abilities.

Creating Calm: Interactive Sensory Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms
Instructors: Julia Kingera and Flo Angelo

It can be challenging for young children to regulate their emotions and processing. This session focused on sensory strategies that can be used classroom-wide as a way to teach children to self-regulate. In this hands-on and interactive training, participants were coached on how to implement sensory strategies in the classroom setting.

Closing Session: From Awareness to Advocacy Action
Instructors: Emily Neff and Ashley Harland

For the final workshop of the day, the full group reconvened for closing remarks. Participants had a chance to illustrate how they are collectively taking action towards creating equitable early childhood opportunities. For the final 15 minutes of this workshop, participants engaged in an advocacy action pledge to leave them with concrete and actionable next steps. 

What Do I Receive?

  • PQAS and Act 48 credit hours
  • Lunch
  • Networking with colleagues
  • Hands-on, interactive workshops

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.

The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues.

Thank You To Our Sponsor and Partners

A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and our workshop partners.

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 First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training 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.

Session Details

  • Saturday, 2/22/25 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Trying Together
    5604 Solway Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15217
    Register

The cost is $38.

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.

Questions?

For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.

Introduction to ASQ-3

News

Introduction to ASQ-3

In “Introduction to ASQ-3,” participants will learn how to use the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ®–3) as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years. The session provides information on why a developmental screening tool is administered in early childhood programs, how to administer and score the screener, strategies for sharing results with families of diverse backgrounds, and supporting resources for making referrals to additional services if needed.

Monday, February 10 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Questions?

For questions about the course or credit, contact Holly Cessna at holly.elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.

Registration Open for Trying Together’s Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner

News

December 19, 2024

Registration Open for Trying Together’s Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner

Trying Together will host its Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner on April 10. Registration is now open for the event.

Learn More

The dinner is held to celebrate early childhood educators during April’s Month of the Young Child. The event includes a dinner, photo booth, prizes, and more.

This year’s dinner will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 at Acrisure Stadium, located at 100 Art Rooney Ave. in Pittsburgh.

Individual tickets are $15 and groups of 10 may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $135. Registrants are encouraged to consider the value of individual and group rate tickets – $140 and $1,400, respectively – and contribute more if they are willing and able to do so. 

This is a high-demand event, so seating will be based on a first-come, first-served basis that evening and reserved tables will not be available. Free parking will be available for guests.

Registration will close when capacity is met or by March 28.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals can recognize early childhood caregivers by purchasing full-color advertisements to appear in the 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner program book. The deadline to reserve an ad or name in the recognition list is Friday, January 17.

Those interested in attending can register now. Any questions should be emailed to info@tryingtogether.org. 

Month of the Young Child

First established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child was an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Due to growing interest and focus, Trying Together later designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child. It is recognized as a time during which the dedicated work of early educators is promoted for the essential role that it plays in society.