UnConference: Launching School Age Summer Programming

Trying Together joined Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST), and Allegheny County Department of Human Services for UnConference: Launching School Age Summer Programming on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants attended expert-led sessions equipped them with the fundamental skills needed to create safe and enriching summer experiences for school-aged children. Six PQAS and Act 48 credit hours were available.

Tickets for the UnConference cost $25. Free parking was available for participants at Phipps.

Workshops

UnConference participants attended three workshop sessions throughout the day. The morning session offered participants the opportunity to attend Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED training. After lunch, participants attended two afternoon sessions. 

Morning Session (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.):

Workshops for the morning session included:

Play Included: Building Friendships Through LEGO Play
SPEAKER: John Balash and Team from Carnegie Mellon University

Maximizing the Mind-Body Connection in Summer Youth Programming
SPEAKER: Danielle Thum, MS, RYT, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Family Care Connection Centers 

American Red Cross-First Aid/CPR/AED including Pediatric First Aid and CPR

This blended learning course consists of online coursework prior to the UnConference workshop. The session provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’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 was provided upon completion of registration. Allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete. We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to the in-person session. Certification will be issued upon successful completion and is valid for two years. 

Playnotes Interactive Activity

Afternoon Sessions (1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.):

Following lunch, which was catered by Phipps, participants attended two rounds of workshops. Sessions focused on how to create welcoming and culturally inclusive environments; strategies to guide and mentor children; and using LEGO ® play to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve.

Workshops included:

The Culturally Inclusive Check-In
SPEAKER: Ja’Sonta Roberts from Assemble

Everyday Mentoring
SPEAKER: Sophia Duck from Mentoring Pittsburgh

Play Included: Building Friendships Through LEGO Play
SPEAKER: John Balash and Team from Carnegie Mellon University

When Helping Hurts: Understanding the Impact of Compassion Fatigue
SPEAKER: Sharise Nance, LCSW, CCTP

Amplifying Youth Voice and Choice
SPEAKER: Katherine Spinney, PCC, MT, MSW 

Maximizing the Mind-Body Connection in Summer Youth Programming
SPEAKER: Danielle Thum, MS, RYT, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Family Care Connection Centers 

Supporting Youth from English Language Learning Backgrounds
SPEAKERS: Meg Booth and Jenna Baron from Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education (ARYSE) 

What do I receive?

  • Six PQAS and Act 48 credit hours
  • Lunch
  • Networking with colleagues
  • Hands-on, interactive workshop sessions

Questions?

For questions, please contact Paige Kizior at paige@tryingtogether.org.

 

About UnConference

The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format where 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 as well as share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues.

Thank You To Our Sponsors and Partners

A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great, sponsor Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, and our workshop partners.

PNC Grow Up Great logo

 

About Trying Together

Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. Trying Together works regionally (in Southwestern Pennsylvania) and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national audiences.