News

October 28, 2024

OCDEL Offers Scholarship Through Pitt’s Infant Mental Health Certificate

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is offering a scholarship for professionals serving children and families in prenatal, infant, toddler, and preschool programs.

Learn More

The scholarship enables participants to take part at no cost in a pilot program through the University of Pittsburgh’s Infant Mental Health Professional Development certificate. It is aimed at the state’s licensed child care providers, Head Start/Early Head Start and PA Pre-K Counts programs. 

Traditionally, the course has been provided to Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, OCDEL-funded home visitors, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, and Rapid Response team members. 

The course is being extended to providers as a result of ongoing discussions and evaluation of requests for professional development from the field. Its extension is due to the challenges faced by providers across the state who support the mental health and well-being of young children and families. 

The scholarship seeks to enable early learning professionals to partner with others and better support families in Pennsylvania.

Those interested can apply through The Pennsylvania Key on behalf of OCDEL’s Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development. The application for the 2025 Infant Mental Health (IMH) Certificate & Learning Circle – Scholarship closes on Nov. 15.

Information on applicant criteria, the approval and evaluation process for candidates, course consideration, registration information, the course structure, and FAQs can be found on The Pennsylvania Key’s website.

News

August 12, 2024

Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient

The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health is hosting a three-part online course on trauma in August and September.

Learn More

The three-part virtual training series on Trauma Proficient Practiced is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically; each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three.

Teri Pentz, MS, LPC, NCC, Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical), will lead all three courses.

Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses.

Becoming Trauma Aware

The first course 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. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then, they will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior.

Becoming Trauma Aware will be held on:

  • Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • 1 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: 370793
  • Register

Becoming Trauma Informed

With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this second session 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 when trauma is present.

Becoming Trauma Informed will be held on:

  • Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits 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 #153309
  • Event ID: 370795
  • Register

Toward Trauma Proficiency

This 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.

Toward Trauma Proficiency will be held on:

  • Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; 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: 370796
  • Register

News

Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient

The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health is hosting a three-part online course on trauma in August and September.

Learn More

The three-part virtual training series on Trauma Proficient Practiced is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically; each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three.

Teri Pentz, MS, LPC, NCC, Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical), will lead all three courses.

Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses.

Becoming Trauma Aware

The first course 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. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then, they will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior.

Becoming Trauma Aware will be held on:

  • Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • 1 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: 370793
  • Register

Becoming Trauma Informed

With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this second session 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 when trauma is present.

Becoming Trauma Informed will be held on:

  • Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits 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 #153309
  • Event ID: 370795
  • Register

Toward Trauma Proficiency

This 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.

Toward Trauma Proficiency will be held on:

  • Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; 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: 370796
  • Register

News

Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient

The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health is hosting a three-part online course on trauma in August and September.

Learn More

The three-part virtual training series on Trauma Proficient Practiced is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically; each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three.

Teri Pentz, MS, LPC, NCC, Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical), will lead all three courses.

Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses.

Becoming Trauma Aware

The first course 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. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then, they will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior.

Becoming Trauma Aware will be held on:

  • Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • 1 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: 370793
  • Register

Becoming Trauma Informed

With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this second session 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 when trauma is present.

Becoming Trauma Informed will be held on:

  • Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits 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 #153309
  • Event ID: 370795
  • Register

Toward Trauma Proficiency

This 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.

Toward Trauma Proficiency will be held on:

  • Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; 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: 370796
  • Register

News

April 7, 2023

Freedom and Justice Gathering

The University of Pittsburgh School of Education‘s annual Freedom and Justice Gathering brings together educators, families, students, and community members who are committed to equity and justice in education.

This year’s free, virtual gathering will feature:

  • keynote lecture with Ujju Aggarwal, an assistant professor of anthropology and experiential learning at The New School
  • DJ and MC Justis Lopez
  • workshops facilitated by local community organizations, including the Latino Community Center, the Forum for Western Pennsylvania School Superintendents, and the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project
  • poetry reading by Pitt student group Addverse+poesia

Event Details

Wednesday, April 19 | 4 – 7 p.m.

Virtual

Register

Learn More

The event is co-sponsored by the Pitt School of Education Dean’s Office; the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading; the Center for Urban Education; the Forum for Western Pennsylvania School Superintendents; and the Kinloch Commons For Critical Pedagogy and Leadership.

To learn more, visit the University of Pittsburgh website.

News

February 9, 2022

Office Hours with CEC Workforce Development Career Counselor

Meet with Mr. Roland Woods, CEC Workforce Development Career Counselor, at the Homewood CEC to get support exploring employment opportunities at the University of Pittsburgh.

Office hours are available each Tuesday and Thursday from 12 – 4 p.m.

Location

Homewood CEC
622 N. Homewood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment, contact ROW74@pitt.edu or call 412.290.2285

News

December 7, 2021

Research Opportunity for Parents of Toddlers and Preschoolers

Are you the parent of a two- to five-year old child? You may be able to participate in an online research study to help develop a new questionnaire for measuring emotion management in children.

About

Many toddlers and preschoolers experience strong emotions, but currently available questionnaires are not always reliable when used to assess emotions in very young children. The purpose of this University of Pittsburgh study is to create a new questionnaire for measuring emotion management in toddlers and preschoolers. Researchers hope their findings lead to better ways to support healthy emotional development in young children in the future.

Participation involves one online session during which parents will complete online questionnaires for about 30 minutes to one hour. Participants will be compensated $50.

For more information, visit the study’s website.

News

December 18, 2020

Families Invited to Complete Online COVID-19 Survey

Do you have an elementary-age child (five to 12 years old) who goes to a public school? If yes, you are invited to participate in an online survey to share your experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

About

The purpose of the Children, COVID-19, and its Consequences (the “Triple C”) Project is to analyze how COVID-19 is affecting familial economic and child well-being. Triple C is the first study to provide a comprehensive portrait of the well-being of families and children across multiple cities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families who complete the survey will receive a $25 electronic Amazon gift card. Researchers may contact survey participants to complete follow-up surveys three months and nine months after the completion of the first survey.

Sign Up To Participate

To sign up, please visit the Triple C study page.

More Information

This research is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh in collaboration with Duke University, University of Washington, and Rutgers University. For questions, text 240.449.9898 or email evotruba@pitt.edu.

For more information, visit the Triple C Project website. Share this flyer with your network.

News

July 2, 2020

Transform for Tomorrow – Virtual Series for School Leaders

Are you interested in connecting with school leaders to discuss strategies for integrating justice and anti-racist systems into your school? Attend “Transform for Tomorrow,” a three-part virtual series for school leaders that explores how educational organizations can make plans for what comes next.

About

As a Superintendent or school leader, you are already preparing for what will be a very different 2020-21 school year. You are adjusting to new ways of preparing your teachers, educating your students, and supporting your parents. Have you also integrated matters of justice? Are you constructing anti-racist systems?

This three-part virtual series presents opportunities to share and learn from one another about how our schools might, together, make plans for what comes next, no matter what tomorrow brings.

Webinar Dates

    • Justice: Learning and Leading
      July 14, 2020 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Register
    • Justice: Teaching in STEM
      July 16, 2020 | 1 – 2 p.m. | Register
    • Justice: Learning and Strategizing
      July 21, 2020 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Register

Registration

To register, visit the event webpage.

News

September 26, 2019

SEL: The Importance of Strategy and Practice

Join Remake Learning, educators, researchers, and leaders across the Pittsburgh region in discussing the research, application, and benefits behind SEL in the classroom, out of school, and at home.

About

The event will feature keynote speakers Felicia Savage Friedman of YogaRoots on Location and Kevin McNair and his team from 1 Nation Mentoring (PGH). Attendees will choose two breakout sessions (one morning and one afternoon) to attend during registration. Each session has a maximum of 30 attendees. If the session you choose is full, you may be placed in another.

Breakfast and lunch provided.

Session Topics

Registration

To register, visit the Eventbrite page.

Accessibility

The bottom and top floors of the Education Partnership are not ADA approved. Please email allie@remakelearning.org if you have any questions, requests, or concerns regarding building access, general accessibility, or assistive devices and resources.

More Information

For more information, contact Remake Learning at allie@remakelearning.org.

*Information provided by Remake Learning