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.

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.

Register now!

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
Registration

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)
Registration

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, MSW & Denise McGill-Delaney, LCSW, 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 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 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’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, 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.

News

August 27, 2025

UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion

Registration is open for Trying Together’s UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion, which will take place on Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Learn More

The UnConference will focus on immigrant children and their families, delving into the ways early childhood educators can foster supportive and inclusive learning environments. Participants will hear from a keynote speaker and caregivers before taking part in a large group activity.

Attendees will also attend workshops led by representatives from organizations that serve immigrant families in the region. These workshops will cover topics such as inclusive practices and building trust; trauma-informed communication; play and literacy; honoring identity; practical considerations for educators; and more.

The cost to attend is $25. Registration is now open.

News

August 18, 2025

Registration Open for UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion

Registration is now open for Trying Together’s UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Learn More

The UnConference will focus on immigrant children and their families, delving into the ways early childhood educators can foster supportive and inclusive learning environments. Attendees will hear from a keynote speaker and caregivers as well as take part in a large group activity.

Participants will attend workshops led by representatives from organizations that serve immigrant families in the region. These workshops will cover topics such as inclusive practices and building trust, trauma-informed communication, play and literacy, honoring identity, and practical considerations for educators.

More Details

The UnConference will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art, located at 4400 Forbes Ave. The fee to attend is $25. Registration is required and now open.

Parking will be available in the museum parking lot and on the street. A light breakfast with coffee and tea will be available and lunch will be provided as part of the registration fee.

The event will begin with keynote speaker Ivonne Smith-Tapia, director of refugee and immigrant services at Jewish Family & Community Services. Then, participants will take part in a large group workshop and panel.

After lunch, attendees will take part in two sessions – out of 10 options – they chose during registration. The day will end by 4:30 p.m.

A total of 6.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available for attendees.

Workshops

Participants will be able to select their first and second choices of preferred sessions for each of the afternoon session time slots. Workshops include:

Effective and Trauma-Informed Communication Pathways for English Learners and Their Families
Muslim Families in Learning Environments: Building Trust and Inclusion
Who Makes the Rules? Exploring Cross-Cultural Communication Through Play
Supporting Positive Identity Development Through Picture Books
Carnegie Museums of Art Extension Activity
What’s in a Name? Honoring Identity Through Cultural Learning
Not Just a Seat, But a Say: Inclusive Practices That Nourish
Refugee 101: Background and Practical Considerations for ECE Teachers
Positionality, Power & Poetry: A Reflection on Bias & Creating Inclusive Practices Within Multicultural Classrooms
Carnegie Museums Guided Art Tours

For descriptions of the workshops, visit the UnConference’s registration page.

About UnConference

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 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.