News

Registration is now open for UnConference: Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs on Thursday, June 5 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. Trying Together, APOST, and the Allegheny Department of Human Services will host a day full of informative sessions and workshops.

Participants will be able to attend expert-led sessions that focus on mindfulness techniques, opening the senses and immersing oneself in nature, behavior management, PBS programs that cover such topics as literacy and social and emotional wellness, and developing lasting relationships with students.

Upon registering, attendees will be asked to select from Track A for First Aid/CPR, or Track B or C for three mini-sessions.

Details

• Thursday, June 5
• 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Carnegie Mellon University
  Entertainment Technology Center
  700 Technology Drive
  Pittsburgh, PA 15219

A light breakfast and lunch will be served to participants. The UnConference will begin with a choice of First Aid/CPR or three mini-workshops. Attendees will select their preference during registration.

The afternoon will include an interactive experiential tour of a few of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center’s newest projects and a workshop on Everyday Mentoring from the Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA.

Tickets for UnConference: Engagement in Out-of-School Time are $25. Registration is open. Space is limited. Workshop sessions will have limited space.

Workshops

Morning

Track A: Pediatric First Aid/CPR

This PQAS-certified blended learning course consists of an in-person class and online coursework. The course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs. The online coursework must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email in advance of the event. It is advised to complete the online coursework – which encompasses about three to four hours – at least 48 hours prior to the in-person course. You will need proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on a mobile device to participate in the in-person class.

Track B: Mini Sessions

Wellness Through Nature Chilling
Presenters: Patty Himes and Kathryn Hunninen

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s workshop will focus on how slowing down, opening your senses, and immersing in nature has emotional, mental, and physical health benefits for you and the youth you serve. The workshop will include practicing some of these engaging activities and mindfulness techniques that can be done anywhere. These flexible activities can be used during transition times and as a part of your program.

Mindfulness for Co-Regulation
Presenters: Shannon Jenkins

If we want to better understand our students, a good place to start is the autonomic nervous system. During this workshop hosted by Awaken Pittsburgh, participants will learn about the different human nervous system states, discuss some common triggers, and learn strategies to help us and our students feel more grounded, safe, and ready to learn.

Positive Behavior Management: Facilitator Guide
Presenters: Kierra Price

This workshop by Brookline Teen Outreach focuses on understanding behavior management through a lens of positive connection instead of punishment. The workshop will break down key concepts of behavior management, learning how to identify and apply effective interventions based on individual needs, and engaging in scenario-based problem-solving to practice these skills.

Track C: Mini Sessions

Regulate & Recharge: Simple Tools for You and Your Community
Presenters: Tessa Karel

During this workshop by Open Up Pittsburgh, participants will be able to explore simple, engaging self-regulation tools through yoga, breathing exercises, thought strategies, and social games. These activities help youth navigate moments of dysregulation and can be used across all ages. By practicing together, you’ll support both individual well-being and community care in your program.

PBS 101
Presenters: Cathy Cook and Gina Masciola

This workshop will explore how PBS is a treasure trove of digital and nondigital resources for educators. WQED Education Department staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the most useful and well-liked PBS programs and media tools. Explore the variety of PBS materials on literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional wellness in this fast-paced session that integrates games with books, apps, and videos, while connecting home to school and back. You’ll be amazed and well-equipped to harvest every PBS tool!

Speed Session: Building Relationships via Cultural Connections
Presenter: Sarah Crenshaw

This session, presented by the Center of Life, will provide tools to help develop lasting relationships with students and families, while maintaining cultural sensitivity and acknowledging individual, family, and community identities.

Afternoon

The Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA will hold a large workshop on “Everyday Mentoring” during the afternoon. Guides will also lead participants around to five interactive activity stations during a tour of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center. The stations will include the Cave Tomb, a green-screen room, sound studio, cavern, and a blocks activity.

What Do I Receive?

• 7 PQAS/Act 48 credit hours
• Breakfast and lunch
• Networking with colleagues
• Hands-on, interactive workshops
• A swag bag

Register now

---

About UnConference

The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands on in the workshops.

The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues.

---

Thank You To Our Sponsor and Partners

A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and our workshop partners.