March 17, 2025 April is the Month of the Young Child April has been designated as the Month of the Young Child. Trying Together is taking part in and hosting events and opportunities to tout the importance of early child care and celebrate organizations that provide vital services. History The Week of the Young Child was first established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Its aim was to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize early childhood programs and services that are centered around those needs. Over time, increased interest led Trying Together to designate the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). We celebrate MOYC to elevate the important work of families and early care and education professionals, who strive to meet the needs of the young children in their care. Events There are a number of great events to celebrate the Month of the Young Child. These include: Week of the Young Child Events at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center – The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will have special programming to celebrate young children and their caregivers the week of April 7. Learn more. 2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner – Trying Together will join early care and education colleagues from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 at Acrisure Stadium for dinner, a photo booth, and prizes. There is currently a wait-list for this event. Annual Early Childhood Education Affiliate Dinner – On Tuesday, April 8, this event at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will feature a dinner and lecture with Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, a leading authority on educational organization and leadership. The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at the university’s gymnasium in Chambers Hall and the lecture will follow at 6:45 p.m. More details are available online. Working Families and the Need for Childcare Workshop – During this workshop – which runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16 – participants will learn how to search for and find child care options near their home and work. The workshop will also cover public funding options to pay for child care, resources to share with employees so they can easily find and navigate child care, the state of child care, and the impact on the workforce. Emily Neff, Trying Together’s director of public policy, will present during the workshop, which will be held at PAACC’s office at 850 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. Register online or by calling 412-264-6270. NAEYC Week of the Young Child – The NAEYC will celebrate daily themes as part of its Week of the Young Child from April 5 to 11. Visit the NAEYC’s website for more information on the daily themes and activity resources.
February 28, 2025 Annual Early Childhood Education Affiliate Dinner Registration is open for the Annual Early Childhood Education Affiliate Dinner at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in April. Learn More The theme of the dinner is “The Kaleidoscope Classroom: Changing Perspectives, Infinite Possibilities.” The event, held by the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg’s Education Department, will feature Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher as the keynote speaker. The dinner will be held in the gymnasium at Chambers Hall on Tuesday, April 8. Registration and raffle baskets will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by diversity stations from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and a dinner at 5:30 p.m. The speaker will begin at 6:45 p.m. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Friday, March 21. Registration is now open.
