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
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
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
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
