August 19, 2024 CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
August 14, 2024 Working Together Webinar Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA will host an upcoming webinar on early learning initiatives in the state. Learn More The Working Together Webinar will focus on several topics relating to early learning in the state, including: Early learning in the 2024-25 state budget Follow up and response to state policymakers Federal advocacy update and opportunities for child care The webinar, which will be available in English and Spanish, will include Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA partners – including First Up: Champions for Early Education, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, Pennsylvania Child Care Association, Pennsylvania Head Start Association, and Trying Together. Attendees will learn how to work together in 2024 to strengthen Pennsylvania’s early learning system for teachers and programs and grow access to more eligible families. More Details The webinar will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Those interested in attending must register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide a hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to early childhood professionals. About the Course This PQAS-certified blended learning course consists of an in-person class and online coursework. The course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs. The online coursework 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 three to four 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. Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years. Session Details The course will take place on: Monday, September 16 | 3 – 6 p.m. Trying Together – Conference Room 5604 Solway Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217 The cost is $38. Registration will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13. 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 session, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.
August 8, 2024 Registration Open for UnConference: Beyond the Playground: Advancing Racial Equity in Play Registration is now open for UnConference: Beyond the Playground: Advancing Racial Equity in Play. Learn More Trying Together – in partnership with the P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) Program, Hatch Partners in Play, and Playful Pittsburgh – will host the event on Monday, October 14 at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants will attend expert-led sessions that focus on the value and necessity of play; the benefits of play-based learning; how school and state policy may impact their children’s play experiences; play, race, identity, and the arts; and the importance of risky play activities such as climbing and balancing. Keynote Speakers and Workshops This year’s UnConference will include two keynote addresses. Dr. Denisha Jones will present “Play as Liberatory Early Childhood Pedagogy” in the morning. The afternoon address will be “The Healing Power of Play and Optimism” by Antony (Ant) Toombs, of the Life is Good Playmaker Project. There will be two rounds of workshop sessions after the keynote speakers. PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available. Registration is required. Upon registration, attendees will be asked to select one workshop session from each timeframe. Workshops include: A session on the Playlab Framework that has been implemented in several public school classrooms in the region A dialogue-based workshop inspired by the playful engagement typical of a Parent LAB PLAY DAY A workshop exploring play equity and access in schools and communities A session exploring the critical role of risky play in early childhood education, highlighting its significance in fostering children’s physical, emotion, and cognitive development A session featuring P.R.I.D.E. artists as they share interactive themed art activities for early childhood-aged children Lunch will be served and attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues. More Details Free valet parking will be available for participants. Phipps is accessible via Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses and POGOH, Pittsburgh’s bikeshare program. Some sessions will be held outdoors, so it’s recommended that participants wear layers and comfortable footwear. Some walking is required between sessions. Participants should note needed accommodations during registration and a Trying Together representative will reach out. Tickets for the UnConference are $25. Space is limited, so those interested in attending should register by Sept. 30. Event details are available on Trying Together’s UnConference page.
July 24, 2024 Trying Together Offering Fall CDA Credential Cohorts Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? Trying Together is offering a CDA program at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania. A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Learn More Trying Together is offering two Fall CDA program cohorts beginning in September. Cohort 1 begins September 3 and will be held every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. via Zoom Cohort 2 begins September 14. It will be held one Saturday a month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a Northside location that will be determined at a later date. About CDA Participants can matriculate CDA program coursework into 9-12 college credits at Carlow University, CCAC, or Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). Educators in the community based CDA program: participate in distance learning through in-person, online self-paced Schoology, and Zoom sessions complete 135 hours of professional development over six to nine months focused on the practice knowledge and skills needed to get credentialed receive individualized support from experienced instructors review current early childhood health and safety standards, ECE literature and resources, strategies on building positive relationships, strategies for implementing observations and assessments, etc. focus on the completion of CDA Credential Portfolio requirements, preparing for the exam, and completing the application process explore current early childhood theories, research, and best practices have access to laptop lending Apply Those interested in Trying Together’s CDA Credential Preparation Program should complete the CDA Credential Program Interest Form. NOTE: This form is for inquiry purposes only and is only available to professionals in Pennsylvania. After completing the form, a member of the Trying Together staff will contact you to determine your eligibility and identify a CDA pathway that works best for you. LEARN MORE More information about the program and eligibility requirements can be found on Trying Together’s CDA webpage.
July 8, 2024 Child Care Openings in Pittsburgh Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See featured jobs for this week. Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh MASTER TEACHER The Kinder Academy is looking for a master teacher, who will be responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. Most of all, the teacher must seek strong connections to children, families, and coworkers. Those interested should send a resume to twalzer@kinderacademy.com. ASSISTANT TEACHER Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a flexible and qualified assistant teacher for its 4 Kids Early Learning Program. This educator would establish and create a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn and play. They would assist in designing weekly lesson plans that align with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. Those interested should visit HeritageServes.org/Careers. PRE-K COUNTS ASSISTANT TEACHER Heritage Community Initiatives is offering an exceptional opportunity for an education professional to utilize their talents and expertise at its highly-respected, Keystone STAR 4-accredited, NAEYC-affiliated program – Heritage 4 Kids Early Learning Center. The teacher would assist in designing weekly lesson plans that align with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. Two years of experience in an early childhood setting is mandatory. For more information, visit HeritageServes.org/Careers. TEMPORARY FULL-TIME TEACHER Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a temporary full-time teacher at its Keystone STAR 4-accredited, NAEYC-affiliated program – Heritage Out of School (HOST). Summer session educators will play a major role in the implementation of age-appropriate experiential learning initiatives for school-age students throughout the summer months. Educators will be a part of planning, facilitating, and engaging in a number of hands-on activities and experiences. Visit HeritageServes.org/Careers for more information. ASSISTANT TEACHER The University of Pittsburgh’s Child Development Center is seeking a part-time assistant teacher to work with children ranging in age from six weeks to five years. The assistant teacher is responsible for supporting daily activities and programming in the classroom, interacting with and supervising a group of children, and maintaining daily communication with families. Please submit a resume and cover letter for the position online. ASSOCIATE TEACHER The University of Pittsburgh’s University Child Development Center is looking to hire an associate teacher to support the Head Teacher in the planning and implementation of an early childhood program for a class of children. Associate teachers support the Head Teacher by maintaining the classroom, assessing and maintaining care, programming, and ensuring safety. Please submit a resume and cover letter for the position online. LEAD/ASSISTANT TEACHER London Bridges Child Development Center is seeking an early childhood lead or assistant teacher. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for young children. The teacher will develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, foster positive relationships with children and their families, and ensure compliance with regulations. Applicants should develop and implement lesson plans and activities that promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to londonbridgescdc@yahoo.com with the subject line: Assistant or Lead Teacher Application. Submit a Job Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form. All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included. For questions, contact Heidi Winkler at heidi@tryingtogether.org. Other Jobs in Early Childhood ECE HIRE Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. SUBMIT A JOB TO PACCA Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org. Receive Jobs in Your Inbox To receive the latest job opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.
July 3, 2024 Pennsylvania Early Childhood Summit Returns in Person This Fall The Pennsylvania Early Childhood Summit will return in person for the first time in four years this October. Learn More The summit is expected to draw hundreds of early learning educators. It has been held annually since 2008 but will be in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme is Celebrating Early Learning: Reconnecting, Reviewing, Revisioning. There will be more than 60 workshops and two keynote speakers as well as OCDEL updates, exhibitors, the Summit Marketplace, prizes, food, and numerous opportunities to build new professional connections. Attendees will be able to receive PQAS and Act 48 credits. The 2024 Summit will be held on October 28 and 29 at the Penn Stater Conference Center, located at 215 Innovation Blvd. in State College. Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors. Trying Together Presentations Trying Together will hold two presentations at the summit. The first, presented by Lindsey Victoria and Loni Gooden, is titled “Combating the Child Care Crisis: Empowering Early Educators Through Workforce Development.” This session will explore the pivotal role of workforce development initiatives in enhancing the capabilities and skills of early childhood educators. The presenters will examine how current, innovative work contributes to solving the childcare crisis. The second presentation, led by Allison Robinson and Shellie Grooms, is titled “Re-Envisioning Your Classroom: Curiosity Calms Chaos.” The presentation asks whether a re-envisioning of the classroom as child-centered spaces filled with curiosity and joy would calm daily chaos. The session will explore new strategies for classroom set-ups, routines, and management through the lens of curiosity.
American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide a hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to early childhood professionals. About the Course This PQAS-certified blended learning course consists of an in-person class and online coursework. The course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs. The online coursework must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself three to four 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. Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years. Session Details Tuesday, July 30 | 5 – 8 p.m. Location: Shaler North Hills Library 1822 Mount Royal Boulevard Glenshaw PA 15116 Learn More The cost for this course is $38. Registration is now open. Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations. Participants will conduct 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, 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. For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.
