December 9, 2020 COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Caregivers If you are a parent, caregiver, or family member living in Pennsylvania, it’s important to remain calm, prepare, and take precautionary measures to maintain the health and wellbeing of yourself, your family, and the community. Continue reading below for a brief overview of COVID-19 and a list of family and caregiver resources. PA 2.1.1 Southwest If you require assistance and would like to access an extensive list of family and caregiver resources, please call 2.1.1 or text your zip code to 898.211 to receive text alerts. For more information or to receive support, visit the 2.1.1 website. PA 2.1.1 Southwest seeks to provide an easy-to-remember phone number and web resource for finding health and human services for everyday needs and in crisis situations, serving the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland. An Overview of COVID-19 COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus not previously seen in humans. Because the virus impacts the respiratory system, common symptoms of infection include fever, dry cough, tiredness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. However, WHO states that some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. After being infected with COVID-19, individuals generally display mild symptoms that begin gradually, but some people who become infected may not develop any symptoms at all and may feel healthy. To learn more about COVID-19 and the steps you can take to reduce your family’s risk of infection, read our recent news post. This post also includes information about what to do after infection, information on how it spreads, and links to several other organizations and entities that can provide more information. Guidance for Pennsylvanians As of May 31, COVID mitigation orders are lifted in Pennsylvania. The order requiring universal face coverings was lifted statewide on June 28, 2021. The Pennsylvania Department of Health still urges Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance on wearing masks where required by law, rules, and regulations, including healthcare, local businesses, and workplace guidance. Search for Child Care If your family is in need of child care, visit the Allegheny Child Care website to search for programs in Allegheny County or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website to search for programs throughout Pennsylvania. Meals for Children The Summer Food Service Program distributes free Grab ‘n Go Meals to children at 13 CitiPark and 34 partner locations in Pittsburgh. Meals are available to children up to the age of 18, and to individuals with disabilities up to 21 years old. This program runs from June 11 through August 13, 2021 (dates vary by location). To learn more, visit the program webpage or call 412.571.3291. Resources Information about COVID-19 Daily Updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, PAcast How COVID-19 Spreads, CDC Coronavirus, Social Distancing, and Self-Quarantine, Johns Hopkins Medicine Information for Pregnant Women and Children, CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding: A Message for Patients, ACOG Informational Videos about COVID-19, CDC Why are people wearing masks? Why are people covering their faces?, ZERO TO THREE CDC Report: Coronavirus Strikes All Ages, AARP How to Spot Fake News (and Teach Kids to Be Media-Savvy), Common Sense Media People who are at a higher risk of severe illness, CDC American Sign Language (ASL) COVID-19 Resources, CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), AAP COVID-19 and Children: FAQ, CDC Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): What Parents Should Know, Unicef Information on COVID-19 and Pregnant Woman and Children, CDC A Message on COVID-19 From the Children’s Bureau, Children’s Bureau For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19, CDC Guide to Coronavirus for Cancer Patients, Asbestos.com Breastfeeding & COVID-19: FAQs, infantCPR Community Resources, PA Unites Against Covid COVID-19 Parent Information, CDC Talking with Children Early Learning Resources During COVID-19, ELRC Region 5 Talking with Children About Coronavirus, Fred Rogers Center Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis, Healthy Children, AAP Tips for Families: Coronavirus, Zero to Three Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19, NCTSN Are your kids anxious about Coronavirus? Dr. G is here to help, Kidsburgh How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, PBS KIDS for Parents Talking with Your Children about COVID-19, CDC Online Interactive Game that Teaches Children about Germs and Handwashing, Luma One A guide to keeping your child safe and reassured as coronavirus spreads, CNN Health Washing Your Hands, CDC Hand Washing for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties Kick Germs to The Curb While Singing This Daniel Tiger Song!, Fred Rogers Productions How to Wash Hands, Sesame Street A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child, KidsHealth “REMEMBER”: Surviving the Pandemic with your Children!, IACAPAP Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus, Child Mind Institute How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, PBS Are Your Kids Anxious About Coronavirus? Dr. G is Here to Help, Kidsburgh Helping Kids Who Are Worried About Coronavirus, Counselor Keri Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times, UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Autism Team Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies, CDC How to Talk to Younger Kids About Changes at School During COVID-19, Connecticut Childen’s Vaccines for Children and Adolescents: Lessons and Activities, Baylor University Prevention COVID-19 Self-Checker, CDC Plan Ahead Checklist: Get Your Home Ready, CDC Preparing Your Home: FAQs for Individuals and Families, CDC Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide, Ready PA Parents: Get Your Children Ready for COVID-19, CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Environment, CDC Tips for Keeping Children Healthy While School’s Out, CDC Three ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, MIT Medical Hand Washings for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties When Vaccine is Limited, Who Gets Vaccinated First?, CDC 8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program, CDC Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination, CDC Answers to Your Questions About Covid Vaccines and Kids, The New York Times After Infection What to do if you are sick or suspect that you’re sick with COVID-19, CDC Recommended precautions for household members, intimate partners, and caregivers, CDC What You Should Do If Caring for Someone with Coronavirus, American Red Cross Employee Rights, United States Department of Labor How to Protect Your Family After Being Discharged From the Hospital With COVID, Safety.com Impacts on Child Care, School, and Work How to Find, Choose, and Pay for High-Quality Child Care: A Guide for Families Family Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Early Learning Provider During COVID-19 Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19, Office of Unemployment Compensation Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave, Single Mom Defined Create a Backup Child Care Plan, Child Care Aware of North Dakota Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Coronavirus Information for Education: Pre-K, K-12 Schools, and Higher Education, PA Department of Health Ensuring Students with Disabilities Continue to Receive Services, U.S. Department of Education To Close or Not? How Superintendents Decide to Shut Down Schools, Education Week Updates from the Port Authority Unemployed and quarantined Pittsburghers can receive unemployment money faster, with fewer requirements, Public Source The Parents’ Guide to Google Classroom Map: Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Governor Wolf Extends School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year, Governor Wolf Considerations for Schools, CDC Checklist: Planning for Virtual or At-Home Learning, CDC Checklist: Planning for In-Person Classes, CDC How Is the Pandemic Changing Perinatal Health Care?, Georgetown University Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Labor Force, Annuity.org At-Home Activities The Play at Home Playbook, Playworks Senator John Heinz History Center Online Exhibits, Senator John Heinz History Center 30 Days of Good Things for Young Children (English) (Spanish) Play With Me!, Zero to Three Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Pittsburgh Youtube Channel How to Keep Kids Learning When They’re Stuck at Home, Common Sense Media The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities, We Are Teachers Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home, Common Sense Media The Ultimate Guide for Working from Home with Kids, School Closures Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures, Scholastic Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home, Medium Over 30 Virtual Field Trips with Links Storyline Online Free, Easy Science for Remote Learning, Mystery Science Audible Is Offering Free Audiobooks for Kids During School Closures, We Are Teachers Our Favorite Virtual P.E. Resources to Keep Kids Moving at Home, We Are Teachers Resources for Kids During Social Distancing Virtual Classes, Allysa Axelband Hassid 161 Science Documentaries You Can Watch Right Now (No Membership Required), PBS SOCAL 121 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies for Student Engagement, Albert Bringing the Zoo to You, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home, Medium Free Distance Learning Plans for K–2 Students and Their Families, Common Sense Media Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems!, The Kennedy Center Keeping Children Active during the Coronavirus Pandemic (English) (Spanish), American College of Sports Medicine Newest Play Ideas, Learning 4 Kids History at Home, Senator John Heinz History Center Healthy at Home (Toolkit), Ready Rosie, The Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies Time to talk, play, and create: Supporting children’s learning at home, Brookings At Home Activity Guide, Zero to Three The Best Kids Yoga Videos, Preschool Inspirations How You and Your Kids Can De-stress During Coronavirus, PBS Learning 4 Kids – Play Ideas, Camille Catllet Tech Balance, Common Sense Media RIF Pittsburgh Youtube, Reading Is FundamentalnPittsburgh Coronavirus: A Book for Children, Nosy Crow Engaging Kids During Stay at Home, Tickets for Kids PNC Grow Up Great, PNC Creative Connections, Trust Arts Education Online Learning: Education During Isolation, Digital Trends Wonderschool Learn-at-Home Ideas, Wonderschool Discover The Fun Of Backyard Geology, Porch Home Learning Support, Twinkl How Coding Provides Skills That Can Help Children Cope With Distress, Columbia Engineering Fact Sheets and Guides What You Need to Know about COVID-19 (English) (Spanish) (Simplified Chinese), CDC Fact Sheet from the Allegheny County Health Department Fact Sheet from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Internet Safety Guide For Seniors, VPN Smash A Parent’s Guide to Discussing Financial Hardship With Your Children, Fiscal Tiger The Complete Guide to Financial Help for Single Moms, Coupon Chief Blog Informational Flyers Stop the Spread of Germs, Allegheny County Department of Health Keeping Your Home, School, and Workplace Safe, CDC Helping Children and Families Cope, NCPMI Recorded Webinars Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street in Communities and Brazelton Touchpoints Center Updates for Families – Learning at Home, PEAL Center Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) while Learning from Home, PEAL Center Helping Parents Manage Stress During COVID-19, National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (NCECHW) Mental Health Toll-Free 24-Hour Emotional Support Help Line (866.342.6892), Optum National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255) NAMI National HelpLine Warmline Directory, NAMI Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, CDC Seven Ways to Cope With Anxiety During the Coronavirus Outbreak, AARP SEL and Mental Health Resources for COVID-19, SEL4US How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Are We There Yet?, Center for Parent Information & Resources Boxed In: COVID-19 and Your Mental Health, Everyday Health How Seniors Can Stay Virtually Connected with Loved Ones, Senior Lifestyle Holidays During the Pandemic, Child Mind Institute Stress and Coping, CDC Tips on Celebrating the Holidays While Social Distancing, My Move Receiving Support Food Assistance Programs Available in Pennsylvania, Trying Together CHIP Will Maintain Enrollment During COVID-19 Crisis, Trying Together How to get help during the coronavirus pandemic in Pittsburgh, The Incline Find a Food Pantry, Partner Agency, or Program Near You, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Apply for Unemployment, Office of Unemployment Compensation Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, and More, COMPASS Request a Library Card to Access E-Books & More, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Comcast’s Internet Essentials (offering two free months to new customers) PWSA Extends, Expands Shut Off Moratorium in Response to COVID-19, Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Neighbors Support – COVID-19 Resources, Representative Sara Innamorato Pittsburgh Mutual Aid: Resource Library Many Homeowners Eligible for Temporary Relief From Mortgage Payments, AARP Coronavirus: Response & Resources, The Autism Society of America COVID-19 & Family Resources, Family Centers Network Tech Balance, Common Sense Media Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave, Single Mom Defined Child Care Centers, DHS Allegheny County Family Centers – News, University of Pittsburgh The Social Care Network, Auntbertha Community Delivery Hotline for Allegheny County, Allegheny Delivery Crisis Planning and Counseling for Parents with Shared Custody, Online Counseling Programs Free Microsoft Courseware to Upskill During COVID-19, GreyCampus Guide to Financial Help for Single Parents Raising Kids in 2021, Possible Finance Multilingual Resources Guía de ayuda para padres y cuidadores para ayudar a las familias a enfrentar la enfermedad Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), Child Traumatic Stress Network Translated Materials and Resources (English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Russian, Swahili, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Amharic, Nepali, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Somali, Tigryna), Pennsylvania Department of Health Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, French, Vietnamese, Bhasa, Urdu), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Chinese), NCTSN A Round-Up of Multilingual Resources on COVID-19, Switchboard AA and NHP In-Language Resources for COVID-19 (Google Sheet) COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions, UPMC CDC Prevention Flyer, RCUSA Additional Resources in Spanish Curated Lists COVID-19 Resource List, Homewood Children’s Village COVID-19 Resource Page, PEAL Center COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, NAMI Coping with COVID-19, NAEYC Supporting Families During COVID-19, Child Mind Institute Resources for Families in Pennsylvania on COVID-19, Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Coronavirus Resources, Center for Parent Information and Resources A support guide for parents raising babies and toddlers through the coronavirus crisis, Quartz COVID-19 Resources, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Resources for Early Childhood Policymakers on Preventing and Preparing for COVID-19, NIEER Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19, PIE Network Home Together Resources, PA Parent and Family Alliance COVID-19 Resources From Every Hour Counts, Every Hour Counts Online COVID-19 Resources for Kids, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Contacts and Information Commonwealth of Pennsylvania www.pa.gov Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.pa.gov 1.877.72.432584 | 1.877.PA.HEALTH Allegheny County Health Department www.alleghenycouty.us/ 412.687.2243 Allegheny County Alerts (COVID-19 Alerts) www.alleghenycounty.us/alerts United Way www.pa211sw.org Dial 2.1.1 | Text Your Zip Code to 898-211 (Text Alerts) United States Department of Education www.ed.gov/coronavirus Email: covid-19@ed.gov Optum (Free Emotional Support Helpline) 866.342.6892 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline suicidepreventionlifeline.org 1.800.273.8255 (English) | 1.888.628.9454 (Spanish) | 1.800.799.4889 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline 1.800.985.5990 | Text (English): TalkWithUs to 66746 | Text (Spanish): Hablanos to 66746 More Information For more information about COVID-19, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
November 17, 2020 Child Care Programs: Submit Your Experience The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is conducting a survey to gather information from the early childhood field to inform federal and state actions on child care. This survey is intended for early learning professionals. About Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAEYC has been collecting survey responses from early learning professionals to convey the challenges child care programs are facing across states and settings. Data collected through this survey will be shared with policymakers to build a deeper understanding of the ongoing urgency of the challenges programs are facing. Early childhood educators can answer the questions regardless of whether their child care program is open, closed, or somewhere in between, and regardless of what kind of child care program they work in, or what role they have there. Take The Survey To submit your experience, complete the online survey by November 22, 2020. NAEYC will select 10 respondents at random to receive a $50 gift card. Winners will be notified on December 18, 2020. Child Care Survey (English) Child Care Survey (Spanish) More Information For more information, contact advocacy@naeyc.org.
September 18, 2020 What We Can Learn from Children About Mindfulness Are you interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how to practice mindfulness together with young children? Join Gryphon House on October 14 for their webinar, “What We Can Learn from Children About Mindfulness to Transform Our Learning Environments.” About During this webinar, Dr. Elizabeth Joy Erwin, Professor of Education at Montclair State University, will discuss why we have so much to learn from children, especially the youngest ones; how to develop and maintain a culture of mindfulness; and simple mindfulness practices to engage in starting now. By discovering how to integrate simple ideas and practical strategies to calm the body and quiet the mind, educators can select the exact tools they want to ensure all children learn and thrive. This webinar is best suited for PreK-5 teachers, librarians, therapists, and school and district leaders. Time for questions will be provided. Registration To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.
Teaching Preschool with an Equity Lens Are you interested in learning how to promote equity in your preschool classroom? Join the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in October and November for their facilitated online mini-course, “Each & Every Child: Teaching Preschool with an Equity Lens.” About This online course will focus on what equity can look like for teachers working with children ages three to five years old on a day-to-day basis in the classroom. Participants will learn strategies and tips on how to support the learning and development of each child in their classroom through intentional play opportunities and guided instructional supports. Course Timeline This course includes four hours of self-paced learning and three hours of face-to-face video meetings with a facilitator over the course of four weeks: October 5, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. October 19, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. November 2, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Registration To register for this facilitated course, visit the NAEYC website. All registrations must be submitted by October 1, 2020. Space is limited.
August 4, 2020 Supporting Children’s Emotional Wellness with Digital Technologies More than ever before, early childhood practitioners play a critical role in supporting children’s social and emotional wellness. When used intentionally, digital technologies can serve as tools to help children navigate emotions and express thoughts and feelings. Join Trying Together on September 2 for a conversation on promoting children’s communication skills and emotional development through the use of technology and media. Participants will engage in discussion and reflection on their current practice and the impact of COVID-19. About Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org. Session Details Session Date: Wednesday, September 2 | 6 – 7 p.m. Instructor: Katie Gullone CKC: K1.4 C2 Registrations must be submitted by Monday, August 31. Space is limited. Sessions will be offered biweekly and will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be offered. Learning Objectives Identify strategies to address children’s social and emotional development through the use of technology and media. Reflect on current practice and the role of technology tools in early childhood environments. Registration To register for this session, complete our online registration form. Session Rules and Guidelines These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants. Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively. Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic. Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression. Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session. Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator. Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share. To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number. Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations! More Information For questions or more information, please contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.
July 22, 2020 Examining the Complexity of Multiracial Identity Did you know that roughly one in seven infants in the United States is multiracial or multiethnic? Join EmbraceRace on July 23 for “Raising Multiracial Children, Part 1: Examining the Complexity of Multiracial Identity” as they explore what it means to be multiracial and how caregivers can support the positive development of their child’s multiracial identity. About During this first webinar of a two-part series on raising multiracial kids, presenters will break down some of the complexities of identifying with more than one race, including the pivotal role caregivers and families play in shaping how multiracial children come to understand themselves and the world around them. Speakers will describe the challenges and strengths of identifying with more than one racial group, highlighting examples from recent research and drawing from their own personal experiences as multiracial individuals and parents of multiracial children. Comments and questions are welcome. Registration To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.
June 29, 2020 Connections and Conversations: The Power of Self-Compassion Are you interested in learning about the important role authentic relationships play in the early learning and development of young children? Join Trying Together on August 5 at 6 p.m. for our online session, “Connections and Conversations: The Power of Self-Compassion.” About Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. This session will highlight how children benefit greatly from authentic relationships with the adults in their lives. It will explore how the critical messages we learned from our childhood affect our interactions and relationships with children in our care. We will utilize self-reflection as a tool to develop self-compassion to build our intentional use of compassion in early learning environments. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org or Sarah Grubb at sarah.elrc5@alleghenycounty.us. Session Details Session Date: Wednesday, August 5 | 6 – 7 p.m Instructors: Mimi Loughead CKC: K6.4 C2 CDA Subject Area: Supporting children’s social and emotional development. Registrations must be submitted by Monday, August 3. Space is limited. Sessions will be offered biweekly and will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be offered. Registration To register and learn more, visit the course webpage. Session Rules and Guidelines These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants. Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively. Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic. Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression. Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session. Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator. Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share. To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number. Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations! More Information For questions or more information, please contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.
June 22, 2020 Drive-Up Diaper Distribution Join Global Links and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) on June 25 for their public drive-up diaper distribution event outside of PPG Paints Arena (rain or shine). To ensure participant safety, this event cannot accommodate walk-up participants. About Global Links and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) have partnered to host a public drive-up diaper distribution event outside PPG Paints Arena (rain or shine), thanks to support from the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. The distribution will be equipped to serve up to 1,000 cars. What’s Included? Families and caregivers of young children who are experiencing financial hardship are invited to line up by car outside PPG Paints Arena to receive the following items (at no cost to families): One case (four packages) of diapers per car. One package of wipes per car. An informational sheet listing neighborhood resource centers that can provide further diaper assistance. Safe sleep information provided by Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative. Please note that two families CANNOT be represented in one car. Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing one or two different sizes of diapers. Traffic Details All vehicles attending the diaper distribution will enter the distribution area by turning onto Logan Street from Centre Avenue. Once on Logan Street, personnel on-site will direct vehicles from the lots to the location at which the diapers will be distributed. To exit, all traffic will be routed to Fullerton Street and will exit via Centre Avenue. Bedford Avenue between Washington Place and Crawford Street will be closed to traffic from downtown going uphill. Traffic from downtown can turn right onto Washington Place to access Centre Avenue or stay left on Bigelow Boulevard. Wylie Avenue will be closed between Crawford Street and Logan Street. More Information To learn more, visit the Drive-Up Diaper Distribution event page or the Global Links website.
June 4, 2020 “I [STILL] can’t breathe”: Supporting kids of color amid racialized violence Join EmbraceRace on June 5 for their webinar, “‘I [STILL] can’t breathe’: Supporting kids of color amid racialized violence.” About Black, Brown, Native, and low-income individuals talk with children about how to interact with police. They file formal complaints against abusive officers, take cellphone videos that go viral, share their stories with media outlets, file lawsuits, and protest with allies at their side. With COVID-19 as a backdrop, some predict a “long, hot summer.” Others see a promising new determination by many white individuals to become a vigorous part of the solution. In this complicated context, what conversations about policing, violence, safety, justice, and race should parents and caregivers be having with their children of color? Join EmbraceRace on June 5 for that discussion. Questions and insights are encouraged. Registration To register, visit the event webpage. More Information Please note that this event is high in demand. Those who are unable to get onto Zoom will be direct to the live broadcast on EmbraceRace’s Facebook page. A recording of the event will be available at a later date for those who are unable to attend. For questions, please contact EmbraceRace through their contact form or on Facebook.
June 1, 2020 Summer Camp and Recreation Guidance During COVID-19 On May 22, the Wolf Administration issued frequently asked questions to provide guidance to parents, caregivers, summer camp operators, public bath places, part-day school-age programs, and other entities that provide necessary child care and enrichment and recreational activities for children and youth during the summer. About Summer programs that provide child care and enrichment and recreational activities for children and youth are permitted to operate without a waiver in counties in the yellow and green phases of the Governor’s phased-in reopening plan so long as they follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for Youth and Summer Camps and the CDC Supplemental Guidance for Child Care That Remain Open. Summer programs include child care facilities regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the following part-day school-age programs: a part-day school-age program that operates for less than 90 consecutive days per calendar year from the date the program opens to the date the program closes; a part-day school-age program that operates 2 hours or less per day for 3 or fewer days per week; a part-day school-age program that has a single purpose for the children’s attendance and that purpose is the only focus of the program (e.g., soccer or art class); and a drop-in program where a child or youth may come and go at will. To view the guidance, visit the FAQ document. This guidance does not apply to public school-operated summer programs or extended school year services. Guidance related to reopening public schools will be released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education at a later date. Summer Programs in Pittsburgh On May 15, the City of Pittsburgh announced how summer activities will be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While many activities will be allowed, others will be cancelled or postponed. Decisions on closures and activities may be revisited as pandemic circumstances and federal and state guidelines change. To view lists of permitted and non-permitted activities, read our news post. More Information For more information, view the full press release.
