News

July 24, 2026

UnConference: Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections

Trying Together will hold its UnConference: Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 12.

Start your day with a keynote presentation by Dr. Junlei Li, creator of the Simple Interactions approach and co-chair of Harvard’s Graduate Human Development and Education Department, which will be followed by dynamic and diverse morning and afternoon sessions. A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a boxed lunch will be provided as a part of the registration fee. Registration is required. Please register by September 28.
Please note: 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours are available.

Upon registering, select your first and second choices of preferred sessions for each of the session time slots.

Please review the session descriptions linked here.

FAQ’sHow Do I Register?Registration is now open and session names, descriptions, and times are included. The cost is $25 for the UnConference. Please register by September 28, 2026. Each session will have limited space, so we will try our best to accommodate your session requests. We encourage large groups to split between sessions.Registration checkout will time out after ten minutes; please have the following information ready before registering for you / your group:

Name/email
PD Registry Number and/or PPID, if applicable
Dietary needs
Accessibility requests
Session preferences

How Do I Receive Credit?If you have a PD Registry account, please include your PD Registry ID Number during registration.

To receive credits, participants must attend the UnConference and complete the post-event survey. Once completed, Trying Together will process your credits. Credits may take up to 8-10 weeks to show up in your account.

If you require ACT 48 credit, you will be asked for your PPID Number in the survey at the end. Credit will be processed and be viewable in your PERMS account 8-10 weeks after the UnConference. ACT 48 credit is specific to those who currently hold a Pennsylvania Teacher Certificate. For any questions regarding credits, please contact Amanda Murphy at amanda@tryingtogether.org

News

July 10, 2026

UnConference: Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections

Trying Together, in partnership with Hosanna House, will host UnConference: Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections on Monday, October 12 at Hosanna House.

The foundation of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions that we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the very foundation of learning and connection for young children and adults alike.

This UnConference is designed to support educators in cultivating classrooms where every child—and every adult—feels seen, heard, and valued. The event will include a keynote presentation by Dr. Junlei Li, Saul Zaentz Chair in Early Childhood Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education and creator of the Simple Interactions Tool. Dynamic morning and afternoon sessions will follow (see below for workshop descriptions). A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a boxed lunch will be provided.

A total of 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours are available. Those interested in attending should register by September 28.

Register now

Details

UnConference: Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections

Monday, October 12
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Hosanna House (807 Wallace Avenue)
$25
Register

Sessions

Building Rapport & Play Skills with Early Learners with Autism
Presented by: Katie Hirsh, Better View Counseling
In this session, attendees will learn about practical strategies to effectively engage with young children who present with minimal expressive communication and toy use. Topics within this session are informed by child development milestones, Autism research, pivotal response training, and applied behavioral analysis.

Seen, Heard, and Valued: Building Educator Resilience to Create More Connected Classrooms
Presented by: Alichia Parker, A PAR EDU
Meaningful connections begin with educators who feel supported, valued, and grounded in their own identity. This interactive workshop explores how educator well-being, self-awareness, and resilience shape daily interactions with children and families. Drawing from qualitative research and nearly two decades of facilitation experience, participants will reflect on personal experiences, examine how organizational culture influences classroom relationships, and develop practical strategies for creating environments where both adults and children feel seen, heard, and valued.

Reducing Hidden Effort: Building Classrooms Where Diverse Learners Can Thrive
Presented by: Dana Pettygrove, System 1-2-3
Many children expend significant energy navigating the complex demands of classrooms, in ways that may be invisible to the adults around them. What children experience internally may look different from what they communicate through behavior. Rather than focusing on identifying which children are neurodivergent, this interactive workshop explores how educators can reduce hidden effort by creating classroom environments that foster belonging and accessible participation. Through reflection, case examples, and practical, sustainable strategies, participants will learn how everyday interactions and environmental supports can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and help diverse learners thrive without requiring a diagnosis to benefit from these supports.

Read-Alouds as a Bridge to Inclusion and Belonging: A Disability Case Example
Presented by: Jennifer Briggs and Caitlin Spear, University of Pittsburgh School of Education Office of Child Development
In this session, we will explore culturally informed read-alouds as a tool for creating meaningful connections that promote inclusion and belonging in practice. We will share data from a recent study exploring read aloud practices, honing in on how teachers can use read-alouds to co-construct learning experiences and build strong relationships. We will then work with one anchor text, Tiffany Hammonds’ “A Day with No Words”, to co-create a read-aloud that (a) aligns with culturally responsive early literacy approaches, (b) strengthens relationships and dialogue, and (c) model ways to support inclusion and belonging around disability.

Creating Classrooms Where Everyone Belongs: Fostering Connection, Inclusion, and Student Growth
Presented by: Khari Hicks, Hosanna House
This engaging, hands-on session emphasizes the importance of building inclusive learning communities where all voices are heard, students feel accepted, and every learner has the opportunity to participate and thrive. In addition to strengthening students’ social, emotional, and academic growth, this session offers educators opportunities to grow their own skills in creating meaningful connections, cultivating belonging, and reflecting on practices that positively impact classroom culture. Participants will leave with an Individual Success Plan, renewed confidence, and practical ideas for creating safe, welcoming classrooms where every student experiences a genuine sense of value and belonging.

Building Relationships Through Fred Rogers’ Six Fundamentals of Learning and Growing
Presented by: Annie White, Fred Rogers Institute
Fred Rogers reminded us that the “deep and simple is far more essential than the shallow and complex.” In this session, we will explore how Fred Rogers’ six fundamentals of learning and growing (self-worth, trust, curiosity, looking and listening carefully, play, and solitude) can support relationships in our practice. Participants will engage with artifacts from the Fred Rogers Archive and watch videos of real practice highlighting these six fundamentals. We will facilitate activities for participants to develop their own practical takeaways integrating these six into their work to support relationships with children, colleagues, and families.

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 Sponsors and Partners

A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and partner Hosanna House.

News

June 1, 2026

Trying Together Calls for Proposals for October UnConference

Trying Together invites those interested in presenting at its October 12 UnConference, “Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections,” to submit proposals relating to that topic by Monday, June 29.

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 will host its October UnConference at the Hosanna House, located at 807 Wallace Avenue, on Monday, October 12.

Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections

The foundation of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions that we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the foundation of learning and connection for young children and adults alike.

Focusing on the belief that meaningful learning happens within everyday moments, this UnConference highlights how connection, reciprocity, inclusion, and opportunities for growth emerge through adult-child interactions. Participants will experience interactive presentations that offer practical strategies for fostering inclusive environments, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for mutual growth.

The UnConference is designed to support educators in cultivating classrooms where every child and adult feel seen, heard, and valued.

Proposal topics can address – but are not limited to – the following topics:

Connection and attunement
Reciprocity in practice
Inclusion and belonging
Opportunities for growth

Trying Together will offer an honorarium of $250 to any organization or individual not affiliated with an organization whose proposal is chosen to be presented. Additionally, those who are engaging the audience through interactive workshops and learning experiences are invited to participate in the rest of the day at no cost.

Those interested in leading a workshop at the UnConference should submit a proposal by June 29.

News

April 1, 2026

UnConference: Out-of-School Time

Trying Together, in partnership with APOST and Allegheny County DHS, will host UnConference: Out-of-School Time on Thursday, June 11 at the Boys & Girls Club of Western PA’s Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse.

This UnConference is intended to be a collaborative, interactive approach to high-quality summer programming for school-age children. The audience will be educators, staff, and administrators working with children in summer programs; engaged parents and caregivers; and early childhood education and out-of-school-time advocates.

The UnConference will begin with a keynote presentation by Twanda Clark-Edgal, a learning strategist for LIGHT Social Change Agents LLC, and will be followed by morning and afternoon sessions. A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a boxed lunch will be provided as part of the registration fee.

There will also be an add-on option for those interested in taking part in a First Aid/CPR training on June 10 (with an additional fee).

A total of 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours are available for attendees.

Free parking will be available in the Teamster’s temple parking lot across the street from the Boys & Girls Club and metered parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details

UnConference: Out-of-School Time

Thursday, June 11
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse
$25

UnConference: Out-of-School Time + First Aid/CPR Training Add-on

First Aid/CPR Training: Wednesday, June 10 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
UnConference: Thursday, June 11 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse
$60 (bundled with UnConference ticket)

Sessions

MORNING SESSIONS (10-11:30 a.m.)

Play on Purpose: Theatre Games for Youth and the Adults Who Support Them
Presenter: Katie Trupiano, City Theatre

This highly interactive workshop invites participants to experience the power of theatre games as tools for building stronger, more joyful summer learning environments for both children and staff. Through movement, storytelling, improvisation, and collaborative play, attendees will explore how theatre-based activities support social-emotional learning, positive behavior management, and staff well-being. Participants will rotate through hands-on games, practice facilitation techniques, and reflect on how play can be intentionally woven into daily routines in out-of-school time settings. The session emphasizes inclusive approaches that honor student voice, choice and creativity. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of games, adaptations, and implementation strategies for summer programming.

Beyond Behavior: Trauma-Informed Practices to Support Every Child in OST Programs
Presenter: Tameka Anderson, Cultivate Potential Strategies

This interactive session equips OST educators and caregivers with trauma-informed strategies to support children’s social-emotional well-being. Participants will learn to recognize signs of trauma, understand how unaddressed ruptures impact behavior, and practice practical repair techniques to help children self-regulate. Through real-life scenarios, role-play, and hands-on tools, attendees will leave with actionable methods to foster safer, more supportive out-of-school environments, strengthen relationships, and manage challenging behaviors with confidence. Ideal for summer program staff, after-school educators, and caregivers, this session emphasizes actionable skills that transform understanding into daily practice.

Before the Program: How Emotional Regulation, Caregiver Well-Being, and Leadership Presence Shape Out-of-School Time Environments
Presenter: Toye Penny, Love You More International

Before programs, policies, and behavior strategies take hold, leadership presence sets the tone. This 90-minute interactive session explores how emotional regulation and caregiver well-being directly shape safety, behavior, and connection in out-of-school time environments. Participants will examine how stress, trauma, and depletion show up in leadership and staff dynamics, and how grounding practices can interrupt reactive cycles before burnout or breakdown occurs. Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical application, attendees will leave with trauma-informed strategies to strengthen leadership capacity, support mental health, and cultivate stable, sustainable OST spaces where both caregivers and children can thrive.

Supporting Youth Mental Health in Summer & OST Programs: Practical Tools for Educators, Families, and Youth Leaders
Presenter: Dr. Britnee Weatherspoon, Erika’s Lighthouse

Youth mental health challenges often emerge or intensify during out-of-school time, including summer programming. This interactive session equips educators, OST professionals, and caregivers with practical strategies to promote depression awareness, social-emotional well-being, and help-seeking among school-age youth. Participants will explore adaptable activities, family engagement approaches, and culturally responsive practices that support inclusive environments. Drawing from public health, education, and youth mental health programming experience, this session emphasizes actionable tools that are free and can be immediately applied in summer camps, afterschool programs, and community youth settings.

Regulate & Recharge: Simple Tools for You and Your Community
Presenter: Tessa Karel, Open Up

This interactive 90-minute session explores simple, engaging self-regulation tools that support calm, focus, and connection in out-of-school time settings. Participants will experience adaptable practices including gentle yoga, breathing exercises, thought strategies, and social games that help youth navigate moments of dysregulation. Activities are designed to be inclusive, trauma-aware, and accessible across ages and abilities. By practicing together, participants will leave with concrete tools they can use immediately to support individual well-being and strengthen a culture of community care in their programs.

AFTERNOON SESSIONS (12:45-2:15 p.m.)

Stop Making it Easy
Presenter: Cristina Ramirez, DashStrom

In an era of screen passivity, AI, and helicopter parenting, children aren’t developing the social-emotional connections they need to thrive. One key aspect of SEL is learning through struggle. This hands-on session reveals how children rise to their innate potential through challenge, not ease. Attendees experience a modified DashStrom game and feel the internal shift when facing something hard and pushing through. We then unpack the psychology behind that transformative moment, leaving participants more empowered to handle their own challenges while equipping them with practical strategies and coaching language to help children overcome theirs in OST programs.

Power in Partnership: Practical Strategies for Youth-Adult Collaboration in Summer and Out-of-School Time Programs
Presenter: Saher Mahmood, Community. Leadership. Action. Youth. LLC (C.L.A.Y LLC)

Many programs value youth voice but struggle to translate that value into structures where young people meaningfully influence decisions. This interactive session explores how authentic youth–adult partnership can strengthen engagement, leadership development, and program culture within summer and out-of-school time settings. Participants will examine real examples from youth leadership initiatives, reflect on how decision-making currently functions within their own programs, and participate in collaborative activities to design youth leadership structures that fit their setting. Attendees will leave with practical tools, including leadership structure templates, meeting guides, and youth engagement strategies, that can be implemented immediately to strengthen youth participation and shared leadership.

Trauma at the Center: Strengthening Pathways to Resilience

Presenters: Ingrid Fulton-Edwards, LCSW & Denise McGill-Delaney, MSW, Gwen’s Girls Inc.

Trauma at the Center: Strengthening Pathways to Resilience explores how trauma shapes behavior, relationships, and decision-making across the lifespan and how it can impact child and youth engagement in OST programming. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical, trauma-informed strategies to recognize trauma responses, respond with empathy, and build environments that promote healing and growth. Grounded in resilience research and relational practices, the session highlights protective factors such as safe relationships, emotional regulation, and community support. Participants will leave with tools to shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What happened?”—strengthening pathways that help individuals, families, and communities move from surviving to thriving.

Bring an Umbrella: Preparing for the Unexpected in Summer Camp
Presenters: Nicole Fratich, Amanda Peretin, and Heather Buchmann, The Learning Lamp

Don’t get caught in the rain of unpredictability without an umbrella! Session participants will add strategies and resources to their teaching toolkit to prepare for material and curriculum challenges that arise, whether that be making the most of a restrictive budget or keeping all children engaged. Participants will develop a personalized reference guide of strategies to help them develop quick learner modifications for different age groups and abilities, as well as complete a challenge that will have them racing the clock to develop an activity using materials they already have on hand.

Supervision For Super Summer
Presenter: Betsy Saatman, PA Key

This session equips staff of summer programs with practical strategies to supervise youth effectively, ensure participant safety, and create high-quality, engaging experiences. Participants will explore core supervisory skills for the dynamic nature of summer programming. Together we will review different types of supervision needed, how to plan a program with supervision as the priority and how to effectively communicate to ensure that the program runs smoothly, participants are safe and engaged.

About UnConference

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 Sponsors and Partners

A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and workshop partners APOST and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

News

March 11, 2026

UnConference: Out-of-School Time

Trying Together, in partnership with APOST and Allegheny County DHS, will host UnConference: Out of School Time on Thursday, June 11 at the Boys & Girls Club of Western PA’s Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse.

There will also be an add-on option for those interested in taking part in a First Aid/CPR training on June 10 (with an additional fee).

A total of 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours are available for attendees.

Free parking will be available in the Teamster’s temple parking lot across the street from the Boys & Girls Club and metered parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration must be completed by June 1. Please have the following information ready before registering you or your group: name/email, dietary needs, accessibility requests, and session preferences.

Registration is now open for the UnConference. See more details and workshop information.

Details

UnConference: Out of School Time

Thursday, June 11
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Western PA’s Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse
$25

Add-On: First Aid/CPR Training + UnConference: Out of School Time

First Aid/CPR Training: Wednesday, June 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
UnConference: Thursday, June 11 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Western PA
$60

News

January 30, 2026

Trying Together Calls for Presentation Proposals for June UnConference

Trying Together invites those interested in presenting at its June 11 UnConference, “Out-of-School Time,” to submit proposals for presentations relating to that topic by Friday, March 6.

Learn More

Trying Together, in partnership with APOST and Allegheny County DHS, will host UnConference: Out-of-School-Time, on Thursday, June 11. More details will follow on the location and time. PQAS and Act 48 credits will be available for attendees.

Presentation Topics

Trying Together is seeking a focused range of topical presentations for the UnConference, which will focus on the topic of out-of-school-time. The audience for the UnConference will be educators, staff, and administrators working with children in summer programs, engaged parents and caregivers, and early childhood education and out-of-school time advocates.

Those submitting proposals should design them to fit a 90-minute session. Appropriate topics include – but are not limited to:

Mental health and social-emotional well-being
Poverty responses
Trauma-informed practices for OST programs
Positive behavior management
Game-based learning strategies
Project-based learning for after school and summer programs
Managing interpersonal conflict among staff
Parent and family engagement for OST programs
The importance of play

Proposals will be selected based on a variety of criteria, including the extent to which the proposal targets and is relevant to the ECE workforce, experience or 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, and timeliness and importance of the topic.

Each workshop proposal should encourage active learning; present culturally inclusive 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 cover a 90-minute block of time.

Submitting a Proposal

Trying Together will offer a stipend of $250 for any organization or individual whose proposal is chosen to be presented at the UnConference. Proposals will be due on March 6 and, on March 16, applicants will be notified about the status of their proposal. Presentation slides and materials as well as an overview of the presentation will be due on May 28.

To submit a proposal, applicants should download the submission form and save it to their desktop. Then, submit the proposal as an attachment to learning@tryingtogether.org with the subject line “June 2026 UnConference Proposal” no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 6.

For more information on submitting proposals for Trying Together’s UnConference, check out this flyer.

Trying Together recognizes that summer programs may not have hired their summer staff yet. If you know how many staff you plan to send to the UnConference, we strongly encourage you to reserve their spots now. We will follow up later to get staff contact information. To reserve spots for your staff, email Gabby Lisella at gabby@tryingtogether.org.

News

December 5, 2025

UnConference: Kindergarten Transition

Trying Together, in partnership with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, United Way of SWPA, and Hi5!, will host UnConference: Kindergarten Transition on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (475 E Waterfront Dr, Homestead, PA 15120).

UnConference: Kindergarten Transition will highlight multiple aspects of preparing early learners for Kindergarten, from early intervention practices and engaging parents to play-based learning and emotional regulation.

Register

Details

Monday, February 16, 2026
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit (475 E Waterfront Dr, Homestead, PA 15120)
$25 (Registration is required)

Free parking will be available in the AIU parking lot, and overflow parking is available across the street.

A light breakfast with coffee and tea will be available and lunch will be provided as a part of the registration fee.

The UnConference will begin with a keynote presentation by Swati Adarkar (Former Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Policy and Early Learning, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Department of Education under the Biden administration), followed by an insightful panel of experts aimed at supporting and improving on-time Kindergarten registration and Kindergarten readiness. Participants will attend two sessions led by local and national early childhood organizations- one in the morning and one after lunch. The day will end by 2:30 p.m.

Please note: 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available.

Workshops

During registration, participants will be asked to make selections for two workshop time slots. Participants will select their first and second choices of preferred sessions for each of the afternoon session time slots. Download workshop descriptions..

Workshop Session Options

How Community Partnerships Strengthen Kindergarten Readiness Efforts
Amber Humbert, Kinder Care

The transition to Kindergarten is so much more than moving from preschool to “big school.” It’s an event that involves families, schools, and local organizations working together to support a child’s academic, emotional, and social readiness. During this session, we will explore how partnerships between early childhood programs, elementary schools, and community organizations can bridge gaps and improve
kindergarten readiness outcomes.

A K.I.N.D. Framework for Engaging Parents
Katelyn Collins, Educational Consultant and Facilitator
Brooke Klaus, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Mental Health Coach

In this session, participants will explore a four-part approach to engaging families throughout the pre-Kindergarten year. K.I.N.D. stands for Kindness, Information, Navigation, and Decision-Making, four essential elements for building strong partnerships with parents. Together, we’ll unpack each component, equipping educators and professionals with practical strategies to support families and navigate challenges with confidence and connection as they move through the Kindergarten transition year.

Preparing for Kindergarten with Fred Rogers Productions
Mallory Mbalia, Fred Rogers Productions

Join Fred Rogers Productions for a session featuring its current television series and the strategies and skills that they model. In the “Neighborhood of Make Believe,” Daniel Tiger and his friends practice strategies for emotional regulation, navigating new situations, working, playing with friends, and more. In “Someplace Else,” Donkey Hodie and her pals’ resilience, persistence, and problem solving are featured. Alma’s Way models how to think things through and make responsible decisions. Participants will walk away with free resources and activities they can use right away to help young learners get ready for kindergarten!

Strengthening My Early Learner: A Parent’s Journey
Nancy Villarreal and Maria Rosales, Parent Organization Network

Parent Organization Network (PON) developed the 4ELS (For The Success Of English Learners), considering the needs, concerns, problems, and interests of their parents, to train and strengthen their commitment, empowerment, and roles as parents, leaders, and advocates for their children. PON strives to support families with young children who have not yet entered the school system. In this session, we
will share how to provide parents with information to make informed decisions about language development milestones, the importance of multilingualism, school readiness, the identification and reclassification process for English learners, and their options for ELD (English Language Development) and academic progress monitoring. This early knowledge empowers families to seek high-quality preschool programs, engage in enriching language activities at home, and build strong collaborations with educators. PON emphasizes early intervention to ensure English learners have a strong foundation for long-term academic success and equal access to opportunities.

The Power of Play
Ann Brandt, Supporting Kids in Play (SKIP)

Increasing academic demands have significantly diminished play opportunities in early childhood education, yet play remains essential for children’s development. This session examines the current landscape of play in early childhood and explores its critical role in supporting physical, social-
emotional, cognitive, and creative growth. Participants will analyze contemporary barriers limiting play while reviewing research demonstrating that play serves as a vital vehicle for learning and whole child development. The session presents an actionable case study showcasing successful integration of increased play opportunities in an early childhood setting, equipping attendees with practical implementation strategies and advocacy tools to champion play-based practices in their educational contexts.

About UnConference

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 Sponsors and Partners

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

News

Registration Open for UnConference: Kindergarten Transition

Registration is now open for Trying Together’s UnConference: Kindergarten Transition scheduled for Monday, February 16 at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Learn More

The UnConference will highlight multiple aspects of preparing children for kindergarten, from early intervention practices and engaging parents to play-based learning and emotional regulation.

Attendees will hear from a keynote speaker as well as a panel of experts on kindergarten registration and readiness. Participants will also attend sessions in the morning and afternoon that are led by local and national early childhood organizations.

More Details

The UnConference will run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, located at 475 E. Waterfront Drive in Homestead. The fee to attend is $25. Registration is required and now open.

Free parking will be available in the AIU parking lot, and overflow parking is available across 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 Swati Adarkar, the former deputy assistant secretary for policy and early learning at the U.S. Department of Education. Then, participants will listen to a panel of experts who will discuss how early intervention plays a critical role in supporting kindergarten transitions and how to support and improve on-time kindergarten registration and readiness.

A total of 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available for attendees. Trying Together will host the event in partnership with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, United Way of SWPA, and Hi5!.

Workshops

Attendees will take part in two sessions – one in the morning and another in the afternoon – led by local and national early childhood organizations. During registration, participants will be asked to make selections for the two workshop time slots.

Workshops include:

How Community Partnerships Strengthen Kindergarten Readiness Efforts
A K.I.N.D. Framework for Engaging Parents
Preparing for Kindergarten with Fred Rogers Productions
Strengthening My Early Learner: A Parent’s Journey
The Power of Play

About UnConference

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.

News

October 9, 2025

Educators Explore Ways to Care for Immigrant Children and Families at October UnConference

Early care and education professionals gathered at the Carnegie Museum of Art on October 4 to learn how to foster supportive and inclusive learning environments for immigrant children.

Learn More

UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion kicked off with keynote speaker Ivonne Smith-Tapia, director of refugee and immigrant services at Jewish Family & Community Services. During her presentation to the over 90 early childhood educators in attendance, Smith-Tapia explained the significant challenges immigrant families face when navigating unfamiliar environments and practices.

“Immigrant parents have to adjust in many different ways when they migrate,” she explained. “For many, the adjustment is not only about language differences. It’s also about understanding the cultural nuances. The spoken rules of society can become overwhelming and create stress in parents’ daily lives. Experiences can be particularly challenging when parents lack a community to guide and support them.”

Smith-Tapia also noted the crucial role that early care and education professionals play in supporting immigrant families. “Every time a child educator takes an extra moment to learn about a family’s cultural practices, they’re creating the structure, function, and quality of social connection that transforms isolation into belonging,” she said.

Parent Panel

Five parents participated in a panel discussion to share their own unique experiences as immigrants with children enrolled in child care. They drew comparisons between child care in their home country vs. the United States, noting that access, cost, and enrollment requirements can vastly differ.

The panelists also shared personal anecdotes, detailing both difficulties and joys. They offered practical tips and advice for educators, encouraging them to listen and ask questions so the immigrant families in their care feel welcome, safe, and included.

The panel included Ana Guerrero, Sol Moure Peña, Jing Zhang, Januka Regmi, and Ricardo Solis Moreno.

The Cultural Iceberg

Casey Rich, director of professional learning for Trying Together, explained to the group the concept of the “cultural iceberg.” This visual representation demonstrates that culture is comprised of both visible and invisible components, with much of what makes up a culture living beneath the surface.

“By understanding that these layers of culture exist,” Rich explained, “you can have a better understanding of why people act the way they do, and appreciate them for those differences instead of always seeing those differences as sources of conflict.”

With this concept in mind, participants engaged in a creative self-reflective art activity that encouraged them to examine their own cultural traditions, both visible and below the surface.

Workshops

After lunch, representatives from organizations that serve immigrant families in the region led hands-on workshops focused on inclusion in early childhood classrooms.

The first round of afternoon sessions included discussions on trauma-informed communication pathways for English learners and their families, building trust and inclusion with Muslim families in learning environments, exploring cross-cultural communication through play, and supporting positive identity development through picture books.

The second round of sessions focused on honoring identity through cultural learning, inclusive practices that nourish, background and practical considerations for early childhood education teachers, and a reflection on bias and creating inclusivity within multicultural classrooms.

Takeaways

Participants gained a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of immigrant children and families and left with new resources to better equip them to care for immigrant families in their classroom. Additionally, participants were offered translated versions of Trying Together’s Developmentally Appropriate Parenting series – now available in seven different languages thanks to the generous support of Duolingo.

News

October 7, 2025

Trying Together Calls for Presentation Proposals for February UnConference

Trying Together invites those interested in presenting at its February 16 UnConference, “Kindergarten Transition,” to submit proposals for presentation topics relating to that topic by Friday, October 31.

Learn More

Trying Together’s upcoming event, UnConference: Kindergarten Transition, will be held on Monday, February 16 at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, located at 475 E. Waterfront Drive in Homestead. PQAS and Act 48 credits will be available for attendees.

Trying Together is seeking a focused range of topical presentations for the UnConference, which will focus on the topic of the transition to kindergarten. The audience for the UnConference will be early childhood educators, including employees of child care and early learning programs.

Those submitting proposals should design them to fit a 90-minute session.

To submit a proposal, download the submission form. Then, fill it out and submit to learning@tryingtogether.org with the subject line “February 2026 UnConference Proposal” no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 31.