June 27, 2025 Trying Together Calls for Presentation Proposals for October UnConference Trying Together invites those interested in presenting at its October UnConference, “From Representation to Inclusion,” to submit proposals for presentation topics relating to working with families of other cultures in early learning settings. Learn More Trying Together’s UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format where a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme related to early childhood education. Speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands-on in the workshops. Trying Together’s upcoming event, UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion, will be held on Oct. 4 at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. Trying Together is seeking a focused range of topical presentations for the UnConference, which aims to be an introduction to working with families of other cultures in early learning settings. The audience for the UnConference will be early childhood educators – employees of child care and early learning programs – who may have limited experience working with children and families from cultures other than their own. To submit a proposal, download the submission form. Then, submit the proposal as an attachment to learning@tryingtogether.org with the subject line “October 2025 Unconference Proposal” by 11:59 p.m. on July 25. Choosing Topics Appropriate topic areas include, but are not limited to: Language access Early literacy in English learner populations Trauma-informed care for early learners Early intervention access for multicultural families Using the ASQ or other assessment tools with non-English speakers Considerations around social emotional learning/mental health Engaging with and showcasing the diversity in your child care program Important distinctions between immigrants and refugees Technology tools to support non-English speaking families Cross cultural parenting practices/family systems Engaging fathers from other cultures Culturally specific workshops – for example, working with Muslim or Latinx families (lived experience preferred) Community needs and resources to meet them Immigrant rights and advocacy School enrollment, adjustment, engagement, and involvement for immigrant children and their families, including kindergarten transition Understanding microaggressions in cross-cultural settings Proposals will be reviewed by the UnConference’s planning committee, which will review proposals based on: Extent to which the proposal targets and is relevant to the early learning child care workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania Experience/expertise of presenters Definition and focus of the topic Ability to engage participants in discussion and hands-on learning experiences Practical application of material and takeaways Timeliness and importance of topic Each workshop proposal should: Encourage active learning Present culturally sensitive ideas, practices, and/or relevant research aimed at positioning attendees as leaders at the early learning programs in which they work Offer strategies for effective implementation of information acquired Include presenters who have significant expertise in the topic area and who have spoken successfully in front of groups Cover a 90-minute block of time The proposal form will ask for a program description, learning objectives, and instructional methods. Those submitting proposals should provide enough detail, so the planning committee can understand how the session will be structured and which key issues will be covered. Stipends and Important Dates Trying Together will offer an honorarium of $250 to any organization or individual (if not affiliated with an organization) whose proposal is chosen to be presented at the UnConference. This opportunity is open to presenters located in Southwest Pennsylvania. Proposals will be due on July 25 and all applicants will be notified by Aug. 15 about the status of their proposal and the time of their workshop. Presentation slides and materials/overviews are due electronically by Sept. 19. The UnConference will take place on Oct. 4.
June 6, 2025 UnConference Focuses on Engaging in Out-of-School Time Programs Participants took part in sessions involving mindfulness techniques, behavior management, developing lasting relationships with students, and CPR and First Aid training at Trying Together’s UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs on June 5. Learn More The conference, held at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, was led by Trying Together, APOST, and the Allegheny Department of Human Services and featured sessions with WQED, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Brookline Teen Outreach, and other regional programs. The morning kicked off with three different tracks – a First Aid/CPR class and two other tracks that featured three sessions apiece on a variety of topics relating to caring for children. The afternoon’s activities included a tour of interactive activity stations in the Entertainment Technology Center and Everyday Mentoring Training provided by The Mentoring Partnership. Morning Sessions During the CPR/First Aid class, participants were shown how to properly apply gloves before assisting with CPR services and given the three steps as a responder – check the scene for safety and check the person, call 911, and then provide care. Participants then practiced responses on mannequins. In a Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy class, “Wellness Through Nature Chilling,” participants learned about practicing mindfulness through nature. They observed leaves and were asked by session leaders Patty Himes and Kathny Hunninen how the leaves felt and smelled. Later, they sat in chairs spread throughout a field behind the CMU building to observe what they saw in its natural surroundings. A session titled “PBS 101” featured WQED’s Cathy Cook and Gina Masciola talking about the station’s Family Corner Newsletter, summer safety, Pride Month and Juneteenth resources, and programming for families. “We expect that the resources we’re sharing are meant to support what you’re already doing,” Masciola said. “We always say that if WQED is doing its job correctly, you’ll turn us off and do something. It’s about inspiration and exploration.” During a session titled “Building Relationships Through Cultural Connections,” the Center of Life’s Sarah Crawshaw discussed how educators should not assume that students are comfortable with being given a nickname without them explicitly approving it – especially for students from other countries or cultures whose names might be challenging to pronounce. “It’s important for children to feel comfortable and confident in their names,” she said, adding that students should feel comfortable in correcting educators who mispronounce their names. Kierra Price, of Brookline Teen Outreach, discussed the difference between traditional and positive behavior management during another session. “Societally and culturally, we tend to lean into behavior management, which has caused more problems,” she said. “Traditional behavior management typically involves no conversation, but positive behavior management is about fostering an environment for conversation. If we can build a stronger relationship with a child, we can meet their needs much better and provide a better redirection for them.” In a session on mindfulness for co-regulation, Awaken Pittsburgh’s Shannon Jenkins explained the Autonomic Ladder, which argues that the nervous system produces three elementary states – ventral vagal (a feeling of safety), sympathetic (fight-or-flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown). She cited an example of a teacher mistaking children whispering after a test for cheating and ripping up their papers, which led to the students being in the dorsal vagal state. Participants discussed how their bodies react when they feel angry, happy, or nervous. They took part in an activity in which they rubbed their palms together vigorously, raised their arms, and breathed in and out. Attendees said they noticed a cool tingling and a sense of release. In the “Regulate & Recharge” session, Open Up’s Tessa Karel said that her organization’s mission is to find ways to remove barriers – whether financial or the ability to feel comfortable in a space – to help people improve wellness. The session focused on mindfulness techniques, including one in which participants stood in a circle and passed an invisible energy ball. Afternoon Sessions During the afternoon, UnConference attendees were able to tour four activity stations in the Entertainment Technology Center – The Cavern, The Cave, The Green Screen Room, and the CMU Brick Club, where participants learned about LEGO play methodology to help young people with social-emotional development. Elsewhere, the Mentoring Partnership led an Everyday Mentoring Training session that focused on such tenets as speaking and listening from the heart, honoring privacy and remaining present, speaking and listening with respect, and protecting one’s community in regard to early childhood education. They said that everyday mentoring focuses on expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power, and expanding possibilities. “Be mindful of how to respect young people,” said Sophia Duck, The Mentoring Partnership’s training and engagement manager. “The category of sharing power makes young people feel seen and heard – you’re saying, ‘I value you.’”
May 15, 2025 Trying Together to Host Professional Development Opportunities in May and June Trying Together will host everything from EI Toolkit training to courses on CPR and First Aid as part of its professional development offerings in May and June. Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities Early Intervention Toolkit Training Session: In the session, participants will discover how to navigate the EI Toolkit to access a variety of resources for both parents and educators. Participants’ real-world needs will be used to identify resources from the toolkit to apply in their classroom settings. The course, which costs $20, will be held on Wednesday, May 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, June 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. over Zoom. UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs: Trying Together will join APOST and the Allegheny Department of Human Services for from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. Participants will be able to attend expert-led sessions that focus on mindfulness techniques, opening the senses and immersing oneself in nature, behavior management, PBS programs that cover such topics as literacy and social and emotional wellness, and developing lasting relationships with students. Registration is open. Hybrid American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training: This PQAS-certified 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 course will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17. For future professional development opportunities, visit Trying Together’s events page.
April 25, 2025 Registration Open for UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs Registration is now open for UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs on Thursday, June 5 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. Trying Together, APOST, and the Allegheny Department of Human Services will host a day full of informative sessions and workshops. Participants will be able to attend expert-led sessions that focus on mindfulness techniques, opening the senses and immersing oneself in nature, behavior management, PBS programs that cover such topics as literacy and social and emotional wellness, and developing lasting relationships with students. Upon registering, attendees will be asked to select from Track A for First Aid/CPR, or Track B or C for three mini-sessions. Details Thursday, June 5 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center 700 Technology Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 A light breakfast and lunch will be served to participants. The UnConference will begin with a choice of First Aid/CPR or three mini-workshops. Attendees will select their preference during registration. The afternoon will include an interactive experiential tour of a few of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center’s newest projects and a workshop on Everyday Mentoring from the Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA. Tickets for UnConference: Engagement in Out-of-School Time are $25. Registration is open. Space is limited. Workshop sessions will have limited space. Workshops Morning Track A: Pediatric First Aid/CPR 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’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 in advance of the event. It is advised to complete the online coursework – which encompasses about three to four hours – at least 48 hours prior to the in-person course. You will need proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on a mobile device to participate in the in-person class. Track B: Mini Sessions Wellness Through Nature Chilling Presenters: Patty Himes and Kathryn Hunninen The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s workshop will focus on how slowing down, opening your senses, and immersing in nature has emotional, mental, and physical health benefits for you and the youth you serve. The workshop will include practicing some of these engaging activities and mindfulness techniques that can be done anywhere. These flexible activities can be used during transition times and as a part of your program. Mindfulness for Co-Regulation Presenters: Shannon Jenkins If we want to better understand our students, a good place to start is the autonomic nervous system. During this workshop hosted by Awaken Pittsburgh, participants will learn about the different human nervous system states, discuss some common triggers, and learn strategies to help us and our students feel more grounded, safe, and ready to learn. Positive Behavior Management: Facilitator Guide Presenters: Kierra Price This workshop by Brookline Teen Outreach focuses on understanding behavior management through a lens of positive connection instead of punishment. The workshop will break down key concepts of behavior management, learning how to identify and apply effective interventions based on individual needs, and engaging in scenario-based problem-solving to practice these skills. Track C: Mini Sessions Regulate & Recharge: Simple Tools for You and Your Community Presenters: Tessa Karel During this workshop by Open Up Pittsburgh, participants will be able to explore simple, engaging self-regulation tools through yoga, breathing exercises, thought strategies, and social games. These activities help youth navigate moments of dysregulation and can be used across all ages. By practicing together, you’ll support both individual well-being and community care in your program. PBS 101 Presenters: Cathy Cook and Gina Masciola This workshop will explore how PBS is a treasure trove of digital and nondigital resources for educators. WQED Education Department staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the most useful and well-liked PBS programs and media tools. Explore the variety of PBS materials on literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional wellness in this fast-paced session that integrates games with books, apps, and videos, while connecting home to school and back. You’ll be amazed and well-equipped to harvest every PBS tool! Speed Session: Building Relationships via Cultural Connections Presenter: Sarah Crenshaw This session, presented by the Center of Life, will provide tools to help develop lasting relationships with students and families, while maintaining cultural sensitivity and acknowledging individual, family, and community identities. Afternoon The Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA will hold a large workshop on “Everyday Mentoring” during the afternoon. Guides will also lead participants around to five interactive activity stations during a tour of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center. The stations will include the Cave Tomb, a green-screen room, sound studio, cavern, and a blocks activity. What Do I Receive? 7 PQAS/Act 48 credit hours Breakfast and lunch Networking with colleagues Hands-on, interactive workshops A swag bag Register now About UnConference The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands on in the workshops. The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues. Thank You To Our Sponsor and Partners A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and our workshop partners.
April 8, 2025 UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs Registration is now open for UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. Join Trying Together, APOST, and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services for a day full of informative sessions and workshops. Participants will be able to attend expert-led sessions that focus on mindfulness techniques, opening the senses and immersing oneself in nature, behavior management, PBS programs that cover such topics as literacy and social and emotional wellness, and developing lasting relationships with students. Upon registering, attendees will be asked to select from Track A for First Aid/CPR, or Track B or C for three mini-sessions. Register now. Please note: With the understanding that some programs wishing to attend the upcoming Unconference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time are still in the process of hiring summer staff, the registration form allows for registration without specifying the name of every attendee. The main registrant can put their own name in the place of attendee names. If it is known what morning sessions the attendees will need to attend, please select those as well. Our team will follow up a week prior to the event to get the names, email addresses, sessions, and any dietary needs of your attendees. Details Thursday, June 5 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center 700 Technology Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 A light breakfast and lunch will be served to participants. The UnConference will begin with a choice of First Aid/CPR or three mini-workshops. Attendees will select their preference during registration. The afternoon will include an interactive experiential tour of a few of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center’s newest projects and a workshop on Everyday Mentoring from the Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA. Tickets for UnConference: Engagement in Out-of-School Time are $25. Registration is open. Space is limited. Workshop sessions will have limited space. Workshops Morning Track A: Pediatric First Aid/CPR 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’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 in advance of the event. It is advised to complete the online coursework – which encompasses about three to four hours – at least 48 hours prior to the in-person course. You will need proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on a mobile device to participate in the in-person class. Track B: Mini Sessions Wellness Through Nature Chilling Presenters: Patty Himes and Kathryn Hunninen The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s workshop will focus on how slowing down, opening your senses, and immersing in nature has emotional, mental, and physical health benefits for you and the youth you serve. The workshop will include practicing some of these engaging activities and mindfulness techniques that can be done anywhere. These flexible activities can be used during transition times and as a part of your program. Mindfulness for Co-Regulation Presenters: Shannon Jenkins If we want to better understand our students, a good place to start is the autonomic nervous system. During this workshop hosted by Awaken Pittsburgh, participants will learn about the different human nervous system states, discuss some common triggers, and learn strategies to help us and our students feel more grounded, safe, and ready to learn. Positive Behavior Management: Facilitator Guide Presenters: Kierra Price This workshop by Brookline Teen Outreach focuses on understanding behavior management through a lens of positive connection instead of punishment. The workshop will break down key concepts of behavior management, learning how to identify and apply effective interventions based on individual needs, and engaging in scenario-based problem-solving to practice these skills. Track C: Mini Sessions Regulate & Recharge: Simple Tools for You and Your Community Presenters: Tessa Karel During this workshop by Open Up Pittsburgh, participants will be able to explore simple, engaging self-regulation tools through yoga, breathing exercises, thought strategies, and social games. These activities help youth navigate moments of dysregulation and can be used across all ages. By practicing together, you’ll support both individual well-being and community care in your program. PBS 101 Presenters: Cathy Cook and Gina Masciola This workshop will explore how PBS is a treasure trove of digital and nondigital resources for educators. WQED Education Department staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the most useful and well-liked PBS programs and media tools. Explore the variety of PBS materials on literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional wellness in this fast-paced session that integrates games with books, apps, and videos, while connecting home to school and back. You’ll be amazed and well-equipped to harvest every PBS tool! Building Relationships via Cultural Connections Presenter: Sarah Crawshaw This session, presented by the Center of Life, will provide tools to help develop lasting relationships with students and families, while maintaining cultural sensitivity and acknowledging individual, family, and community identities. Afternoon The Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA will hold a large workshop on “Everyday Mentoring” during the afternoon. Guides will also lead participants around to five interactive activity stations during a tour of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center. The stations will include the Cave Tomb, a green-screen room, sound studio, cavern, and a blocks activity. What Do I Receive? 7 PQAS/Act 48 credit hours Breakfast and lunch Networking with colleagues Hands-on, interactive workshops A swag bag Register now About UnConference The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands on in the workshops. The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues. Thank You To Our Sponsor and Partners A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and our workshop partners.
January 10, 2025 Trying Together to Host UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships in March Registration is open for Trying Together’s UnConference focusing on systemic challenges relating to access to early intervention services on March 8. Other topics will include the impacts of systemic racism, suspensions and expulsions, staffing shortages, and under-investments in early childhood education. Learn More UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships will include expert-led sessions, keynote speeches, a light breakfast with coffee and tea, and a buffet lunch. Opening remarks will provide an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together – including the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis. Participants will attend a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they will attend three 30-minute mini workshops. Keynotes and Workshops The morning’s keynote presentation will be state Rep. La’Tasha Mayes’ (D-24) “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” During her speech, she will inspire participants to see themselves as having an active role in early intervention advocacy and policy change that leads to a more inclusive early education system. The morning’s workshops include: “Exploring the Impact of Systemic Challenges on Access to Early Intervention Services: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Children in Early Childhood Settings,” led by Trying Together’s Emily Neff and Hailee B. Roye “Circle Time: Let’s Talk About EI,” a panel discussion featuring experts from Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, and Intensive Behavioral Health Services as well as a parent The afternoon’s mini workshops include: “Pyramid Model and Prevention Tips for Challenging Behaviors” “Early Intervention Toolkit: Tools and Resources for Early Care and Education Programs” “Early Intervention 101” “Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Children with Early Childhood Trauma” “Breaking the Stigma: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Families and Young Children” “Creating Calm: Interactive Sensory Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms” “Closing Session: From Awareness to Advocacy Action” The UnConference will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Kaufmann Center, located at 1825 Centre Avenue. Tickets cost $25. Space is limited. Registration is now open. Those who attend the conference will receive PQAS and Act 48 credit hours. Any questions about the UnConference should be emailed to Ben Filio at ben@tryingtogether.org. For more information about the event and session details, visit the UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships page on the Trying Together website.
January 7, 2025 UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships Trying Together hosted UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships on Saturday, March 8, at the Kaufmann Center. Participants attended expert-led sessions that focused on systemic challenges relating to access to early intervention services as well as the impacts of systemic racism, suspensions and expulsions, staffing shortages, and under-investments in early childhood education. Details Saturday, March 8 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kaufmann Center 1825 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Limited parking at the venue was available as well as street parking. A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a buffet lunch was provided to participants. Opening remarks at the event provided an overview of early intervention projects and partnerships developed by Trying Together. These included the expansion of the Rapid Response Team, development of the Early Intervention Toolkit, and Early Intervention Equity Analysis. Participants explored resource tables and attended a large group workshop and panel in the morning. After lunch, they attended three 30-minute workshops. Tickets for UnConference: Navigating Early Intervention Partnerships cost $25. Keynote Presentation State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-24) delivered the morning’s keynote speech, “Envisioning Change: The Power of Early Childhood Educator Voice in Early Intervention Advocacy.” The mini-keynote inspired participants to see themselves as having an active role in early intervention advocacy and policy change that leads to a more inclusive early childhood system. During the keynote, Rep. Mayes shared insight about why it’s important for policymakers to hear from early childhood experts and the role of educators’ voices in policy making and systemic change. Participants were encouraged to think about their individual roles in young children’s lives, how to envision a more inclusive system for all, and how to begin to explore steps for achieving the vision through advocating for early intervention – both in their daily practice and systemic policy change. Workshops There was one large group workshop in the morning followed by three 30-minute workshops in the afternoon. Morning Exploring the Impact of Systemic Challenges on Access to Early Intervention Services: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Children in Early Childhood Settings Instructors: Emily Neff and Hailee B. Roye, with support from The PEAL Center With support from The Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center, this session explored how systemic racism, under-investment in early childhood education (ECE), and staffing shortages impact access to early intervention services and suspensions and expulsions in early childhood settings. Participants examined these issues through multiple perspectives—ECE teachers, support services, and parents—using real-world data and case studies to identify systemic barriers. Through group activities and collaborative discussions, participants developed actionable strategies to reduce exclusionary practices and better support children. Circle Time: Let’s Talk About EI Moderator: Dr. De Voka Gordon, Ed.D This panel discussion featured experts from Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), Intensive Behavioral Health Services, and the parent perspective. Facilitated discussion topics included strategies for partnering with families, coaching and collaborating with ECE programs, determining when Intensive Behavioral Health Services are necessary, and envisioning ideal partnerships between ECE and EI. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in the discussion. Afternoon Pyramid Model and Prevention Tips for Challenging Behaviors Instructor: Deysi Keegan In this training, participants were introduced to the Pyramid Model, focusing on Tier 1 strategies to create supportive classroom environments and prevent behavior escalation. They reviewed a classroom checklist and explored how these supports can reduce triggers for children, along with alternative communication techniques from the “Words Matter” handout. The session also covered the Rapid Response Team (RRT) process and how to support teachers in working with children exhibiting a variety of behaviors. Early Intervention Toolkit: Tools and Resources for Early Care and Education Programs Instructor: Ashley Harland In this session, participants were provided with an overview of an Early Intervention Toolkit and interactive website, created by Trying Together in partnership with early care and education programs and early intervention providers across Allegheny County. The toolkit aims to increase mutual understanding early care and education programs, EI providers, and families with young children. Participants left the session knowing how to use the EI Toolkit to access support resources for both families and early educators. Early Intervention 101 Instructors: Jennifer Mason; Elizabeth Gamza, M.Ed; and Melissa Friend In this session, representatives from The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Allegheny Intermediate Unit Preschool Early Intervention, and Pittsburgh Public Preschool Early Intervention provided participants with tools to better understand early intervention services and how to access those services. Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Children with Early Childhood Trauma Instructor: Candace Shoenberger This course provided an exploration of trauma and its effects on learning. Participants learned how trauma influences learning, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Through interactive activities and case studies, educators gained practical strategies for creating trauma-informed classrooms that support all students. Breaking the Stigma: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Families and Young Children Instructors: Dominique R. Webster-Outten and parent Tifanee Moniqué Young Stigma still exists around disability, mental health, and seeking support services. In this session, speakers explored tools to support difficult conversations with families and, ultimately, help reduce stigma. Participants had a chance to consider how they talk to young children in a manner that can help promote inclusion, integration, and acceptance of classroom peers of all abilities. Creating Calm: Interactive Sensory Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms Instructors: Julia Kingera and Flo Angelo It can be challenging for young children to regulate their emotions and processing. This session focused on sensory strategies that can be used classroom-wide as a way to teach children to self-regulate. In this hands-on and interactive training, participants were coached on how to implement sensory strategies in the classroom setting. Closing Session: From Awareness to Advocacy Action Instructors: Emily Neff and Ashley Harland For the final workshop of the day, the full group reconvened for closing remarks. Participants had a chance to illustrate how they are collectively taking action towards creating equitable early childhood opportunities. For the final 15 minutes of this workshop, participants engaged in an advocacy action pledge to leave them with concrete and actionable next steps. What Do I Receive? PQAS and Act 48 credit hours Lunch Networking with colleagues Hands-on, interactive workshops About UnConference The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands on in the workshops. The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues. Thank You To Our Sponsor and Partners A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and our workshop partners.
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.
May 6, 2024 Registration Open for UnConference: Launching School Age Summer Programming Join Trying Together, Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST), and Allegheny County Department of Human Services for “UnConference: Launching School Age Summer Programming.” Registration is now open for the event, which will be held on Thursday, June 6 at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants will attend expert-led sessions that will equip them with skills needed to create safe and enriching summer experiences for school-aged children. Six PQAS and Act 48 credit hours will be available. Workshops The morning session is dedicated to American Red Cross Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED training. Participants will attend two afternoon sessions. Morning Session (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) Workshops include: Play Included: Building Friendships Through LEGO Play o Speaker: John Balash and Team from Carnegie Mellon University Maximizing the Mind-Body Connection in Summer Youth Programming Speaker: Danielle Thum, MS, RYT, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Family Care Connection Centers American Red Cross: First Aid/CPR/AED, Including Pediatric First Aid and CPR Playnotes Interactive Activity Afternoon Sessions (1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Following lunch, participants will attend two rounds of workshops. Sessions will focus on how to create welcoming and culturally inclusive environments; strategies to guide and mentor children; and using LEGO play to collaborate, communicate, and problem solve. Workshops include: The Culturally Inclusive Check-In o Speaker: Ja’Sonta Roberts from Assemble Everyday Mentoring o Speaker: Sophia Duck from Mentoring Pittsburgh Play Included: Building Friendships Through LEGO Play o Speaker: John Balash and Team from Carnegie Mellon University When Helping Hurts: Understanding the Impact of Compassion Fatigue o Speaker: Sharice Nance, LCSW, CCTP Amplifying Youth Voice and Choice Speaker: Katherine Spinney, PCC, MT, MSW Maximizing the Mind-Body Connection in Summer Youth Programming Speaker: Danielle Thum, MS, RYT, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Family Care Connection Centers Supporting Youth From English Language Learning Backgrounds Speakers: Meg Booth and Jenna Baron from Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education More session details will be available soon. More Details Registration is now open for the conference. Tickets for the UnConference cost $25 and free parking will be available for participants at the conservatory. Lunch, which will be catered by Phipps, is included with registration. Those interested in attending must register by May 27. Registrants will be asked to choose their preferred workshops at a later date. Group discounts are not available. If you have questions about the UnConference, visit the event webpage or contact Paige Kizior at paige@tryingtogether.org.
January 20, 2022 Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out Join Trying Together for the upcoming session: “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Necessary: Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out”. In this session, participants will learn why self-care is necessary, how to recognize when they need to be more intentional about self-care, and research informed strategies and activities to reduce stress and avoid burn-out. At the end of the session, participants will create a personalized self-care plan. UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care This session is a part of Trying Together’s upcoming UnConference. Between February 8-18, expert-led workshops will share content related to trauma-informed care. We begin the UnConference with keynote speaker Dr. Veirdre Jackson and dive into how we can create an environment of healing through equity and trust. Following the keynote, workshop sessions include how to identify family stressors, how to provide responsive care-giving for children experiencing trauma, and an overview of the recently launched Rapid Response Team from Trying Together. Individuals can learn more and register on Trying Together’s website.
