December 22, 2025 Pitt Seeking Caregivers of Young Children for Behavior and Sleep Difficulty Study The University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt + Me is calling for caregivers of children between the ages of 3 and 5 to take part in a study on behavior and sleep difficulties. Learn More The Optimizing Attention and Sleep Intervention Study (OASIS) is an eight-month study during which caregivers with children between ages 3 and 5 will take part in four to six behavior sessions that each run about an hour. The study will examine the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for preschool-aged children. Compensation will be provided. Locations for the study will be either at home or at a pediatrician’s office of choice. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of treatments for preschool-aged children with behavioral or sleep difficulties. All participating families will receive a parent behavioral intervention, with evidence-based strategies for improving disruptive behavior, from a licensed behavioral health clinician. The child will also continue to receive routine care provided by the pediatrician while participating in the study. After enrolling in the study, families will be assigned at random to receive one of two behavioral treatments. The behavioral health therapist will work with participants to identify areas of concern regarding a child’s behavior and teach strategies or skills to address the behavior. Participants will be asked to complete homework assignments between sessions as well as three questionnaires – before and after treatment and four months later – that cover family demographics, psychological factors such as depression or anxiety, and sleep. At various times, children will be asked to wear an actigraphy watch to monitor their sleep and caregivers will receive texts twice daily that ask about the child’s behavior and sleep. Eligibility To be eligible for the study, caregivers must: Be at least 18 years old Have children between ages 3-5 with behavioral or sleep difficulties Have children receiving care at one of the following CCP practices: Bass Wolfson Squirrel Hill, GIL East Liberty, GIL Murrysville, CCP Shenango, Bass Wolfson Cranberry, or CCP Neshannock Have children who have not had delays in their milestones or been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism or Down’s syndrome For more information on the study, visit the Pitt + Me website.
November 18, 2025 OCDEL Announces Scholarships for Infant Mental Health Professional Development Course Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will again offer the opportunity for early childhood education professionals in the state to participate in the University of Pittsburgh’s Infant Mental Health professional development certificate for free. Learn More OCDEL will enable licensed child care providers, Head Start/Early Head Start and PA Pre-K Counts programs to take part in the certificate with no-cost scholarships to professionals serving children and families in prenatal, infant, toddler, and preschool programs. Traditionally, the certificate has been provided to infant/toddler early intervention, OCDEL-funded home visitors, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, and Rapid Response team members. The extension of the course to providers is a result of ongoing discussions and evaluation of requests for professional development from the field. In an announcement, OCDEL said it recognized the challenges faced by state providers in supporting the mental health and well-being of children and families in their early years. The organization believes that the early childhood system is most effective when collaborative work is relationship-based, culturally sensitive, grounded in an understanding of developmental theory, research, and supported by reflective practice. The extension of the course to providers aims to continue building the capacity of early learning professionals to partner with others and better support families in Pennsylvania. Those interested in taking the course should apply for sponsorship through The Pennsylvania Key. The application for the 2026 Infant Mental Health (IMH) Certificate and Learning Circle Scholarship will be open through Tuesday, November 25. Criteria and Other Considerations Criteria for applicants includes: Demonstrate, at minimum, one year of experience working with young children and their families. Have the ability to complete the IMH Foundations course within the timeframe of January through December 2026. Participate in virtual Learning Circles; applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Introduction to IMH Course Webinar on January 21 and attend a minimum of two additional Learning Circles, which occur monthly for 1.5 hours at two different times with a cohort of fellow professionals to discuss course content. During the candidate approval and evaluation process, these other considerations will be taken into account: Provider type and area of service Number of children served by the provider Number of children with IFSPs and IEPs served by the provider Number of children who are dual-language learners served by the provider The applicant’s experience, education, and role The applicant’s ability to provide services in a culturally and linguistically responsive manner Supervisor approval and support for completion of the course For more information, visit The Pennsylvania Key’s website.
July 28, 2025 Kidsburgh Article Encourages Caregivers to Talk to Children About Race A new Kidsburgh article posits that not only is it beneficial to talk to young children about issues revolving around race – but it can be harmful not to do so. Learn More The article, Kidsburgh Guide: Talking with Your Kids About Race, notes that caregivers “teach children how to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ to look both ways before crossing the street, and to be kind to their classmates.” But many parents find themselves unsure of what to say if a child asks them about another child’s skin color. Medina Jackson, director of the University of Pittsburgh’s P.R.I.D.E. Program (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education, told Kidsburgh that she helps families and educators to build the tools to answer such questions. Jackson noted that children are not colorblind and that waiting to discuss race with them can be harmful. “Children are already having racialized experiences, receiving messages about race, and assigning meaning to those messages and experiences,” she told Kidsburgh. Jackson said she defines positive racial identity as a child’s ability to feel good about themselves regarding their race and the collective racial family to which they belong. She added that for older children, a strong sense of racial and ethnic identity has been tied to higher self-esteem, better academic performance, and greater resilience. In the article, Jackson makes suggestions for caregivers on how to talk to children about race and shares some resources for further reading. She broke down the method for approaching the topic with children into three strategies: Be proactive Be responsive Be reflective To learn more about Jackson’s strategy, check out Kidsburgh’s article.
May 21, 2025 Theiss Training Center to Hold Three-Part Online Course on Childhood Trauma The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health will host a three-part online course revolving around trauma in August and September. Learn More Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient is a virtual training series that is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The courses in the series can act as standalone classes or participants can attend all three. Teri Pentz, LCP, IMH-E® Mentor (Clinical), will lead the three courses on Microsoft Teams. Links for the courses will be shared with participants after they register. Becoming Trauma Aware The first course, Becoming Trauma Aware, will discuss the path to becoming trauma proficient and begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what children’s reaction to trauma can look like in the context of play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and reactions to it. They will also explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior. The class will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 21. Other details include: One hour of PQAS or Act 48 credit will be available. There is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course: 153308 Event ID: 379298 Register Becoming Trauma Informed With a basic awareness of what trauma looks like in children, this second session will take a look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will discuss how babies’ brains develop in tandem with close relationship building, how trauma disrupts relationships and the building of “brain architecture” during this stage, and how strong relationships can build resilience when trauma is present. The session will run from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 4. Other details include: Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits. There is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course: 153309 Event ID: 379301 Register Toward Trauma Proficiency The third training applies information presented in the second session. Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child’s current psychological functioning. It will then assess behaviors presented to identify classroom strengths that support children whose needs are met and understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services. The class will run from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Other details include: Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits. There is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. All can attend but prior completion of “Becoming Trauma Informed” is required to receive PQAS or Act 48 credits. PD Registry Course: 153312 Event ID: 379303 Register
May 7, 2025 APOST-Pitt Focus Group for Out-of-School Time Professionals The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) will host focus groups with regional out-of-school time professionals on the design phase for an upcoming project. Learn More Pitt Education and APOST are working to increase the capacity of out-of-school time staff and organizations in program evaluation. The two organizations will host focus groups with local out-of-school time providers to gather insights, identify challenges, and shape the design for a cohort of organizations to receive training and tools to strengthen their program evaluation. The input from the project will inform the creation of an evaluation toolkit that will be publicly available in summer 2026. Focus groups will be held on the following dates: May 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., CoLab18 at Nova Place (includes dinner at 6 p.m.) Those interested in taking part in the Program Evaluation Cohort Focus Group should fill out an application.
April 29, 2025 OST Professionals Invited to Take Part in APOST-Pitt Focus Group Regional out-of-school time professionals who are currently evaluating programs for the upcoming year are invited to participate in focus groups on the design phase for an upcoming APOST and Pitt Education project. Learn More The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) are working to increase the capacity of out-of-school time staff and organizations in program evaluation. The two organizations will host focus groups in May with local out-of-school time providers to gather insights, identify challenges, and shape the design for a cohort of organizations to receive training and tools to strengthen their program evaluation. The input from the project will inform the creation of an evaluation toolkit that will be publicly available in summer 2026. Focus groups will be held on the following dates: May 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon, virtual May 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., CoLab18 at Nova Place (includes dinner at 6 p.m.) Those interested in taking part in the Program Evaluation Cohort Focus Group should fill out an application.
April 24, 2025 Supporting the Work of Youth Workers to Positively Impact Out-of-School Time APOST and The Oasis Project will host an event in Homewood to discuss how to support and empower youth workers. Learn More The Oasis Project’s Youth Worker Academy will share findings, key insights, and strategies from a year-long study on professional development in local urban out-of-school time programs. Lunch will be provided. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Monday, May 5 for space and catering purposes. The event will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center in Homewood, located at 622 N. Homewood Avenue. More event details can be found on the event’s registration page.
March 18, 2025 Spring Job Fair with JFCS Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) will hold a spring job fair at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in April. Learn More Attendees will be able to connect with employers and explore job opportunities in a variety of industries. The event is intended for adults seeking full- or part-time work or career advancement opportunities. Participants will be able to meet with employers and resource organizations. JFCS Career Services will offer free headshots during the job fair. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 4. Employers in attendance will include: Alcosan Carnegie Museums Bender Consulting University of Pittsburgh Achieva Goodwill Coldwell Banker UPMC Pittsburgh Regional Transit Abarta Coca Cola PNC Bank Macy’s Rivers Casino Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh Allied Universal Resource organizations will include Not Forgotten Home & Community Services, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, and Bidwell Training Center. No registration is required. For more information, visit the event’s website.
January 6, 2025 Survey Aims to Address Pittsburgh Black Community Concerns, Improve Retention The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) is conducting a survey among Black Pittsburgh residents regarding their satisfaction with the city. Learn More The Black Pittsburgh Satisfaction and Retention Survey is aimed at those 18 years of age and above who self-identify as Black or African-American and live in the Pittsburgh region. The survey was launched by B-PEP in December and is being conducted by the Center on Race and Social Problems at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. Its organizers said of the survey, “We are trying to capture the different experiences of what it means to be Black and live in this city, and what are the strengths that would make people want to live here long term as well as the challenges that might be contributing to the loss of Black residents.” More Details The survey launched on December 2 and will accept responses until March 31. The results of the survey will be shared later in the year. Data compiled by the survey will be used to make resorts and recommendations on how to improve conditions for the Black community and reverse its population loss. The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey and enter their email address will have the chance to win a $10 gift card, while supplies last. The survey can be found online.
December 19, 2024 Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed and Proficient The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center will host a series titled Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient from January to March and from May to June. Learn More The center’s online course on trauma is designed for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically and each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three. Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses. The Courses Becoming Trauma Aware discusses how the path to becoming trauma proficient begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what young children’s reaction to trauma can look like in the context of their play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself. Becoming Trauma Informed will take a step back to look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will share how babies’ brains develop in tandem with close relationship building, how trauma disrupts relationships and the building of brain architecture during this stage, and how strong relationships can build resilience. Toward Trauma Proficiency applies information presented in the second session. Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child’s current psychological functioning. It will then assess behaviors presented to identify classroom strengths that support children whose needs are met and understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services. Schedule and Registration The three courses will be presented from January to March and again from May to June. The course listings include: Becoming Trauma Aware First session: Wednesday, January 15 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.; Register online Second session: Thursday, May 8 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Register online Becoming Trauma Informed First session: Wednesday, January 29 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Register online Second session: Thursday, May 22 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Register online Toward Trauma Proficiency First session: Wednesday, February 12 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Register online Second session: Thursday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Register online
