Trying Together

Did you know? One of Trying Together's resources for early childhood educators is its ECE Lending Library, which offers providers a variety of materials to borrow that can help to inspire children to take greater interest in what they are learning.

The library, located at 5604 Solway Street, was created to be a community space for child care providers in Allegheny County. Materials in the library support and recognize learning abilities, promote cultural diversity, and cover everything from health to safety. The library offers:

• Books for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
• Infant social-emotional support kits
• Toddler dress up trunks
• Puppet sets
• STEM and coding kits
..and so much more!

Teachers can borrow materials for 30 days on the first Saturday of the month or on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Visit our website to access the ECE Lending Library portal, which has details about how to visit the library, how to check out items, and to view a full list of available items: https://tryingtogether.org/trying-togethers-lending-library-offers-materials-to-providers-to-inspire-love-of-learning/

Every third Wednesday of the month, Trying Together hosts "Growing Together," a free virtual professional development session that is focused on topics that are relevant to early childhood educators. The schedule of 2026-27 topics has just been announced, and the first session of the new cycle will take place on July 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Topics featured in the 2026-27 schedule include:

• Trauma Informed Care
• Introduction to Neurodivergence
• Sensory Activities through STEAM
• Separation Anxiety
..and many more!

For more information, including the full list of sessions, visit Trying Together's website: https://tryingtogether.org/trying-together-announces-2026-27-schedule-for-growing-together-pd-series/

Today, we welcome a new month! In June, we mark several major observances such as National Men’s Health Week, Pride Month, Father’s Day, Juneteenth, and more.

Find resources for observing June’s special days and themes in your home or classroom: https://tryingtogether.org/resources-for-june-observances-4/

We've got big news for early childhood educators in Southwestern PA! Trying Together is expanding its professional development offerings to provide learning opportunities to three new regions:

• Westmoreland, Fayette, and Greene Counties
• Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties
• Washington County

Over the next year, several of our foundational PD courses will be available for in-person sessions. We're excited to bring these learning opportunities to new regions and support even more educators throughout Southwestern PA!

See our website for the complete schedule of courses offered outside of Allegheny County: https://tryingtogether.org/professional-development-southwestern-pa/

Thank you to the teams who walked on behalf of Trying Together this morning at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community!

It’s a beautiful day here at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community!

There’s still time to stop by our table - but you can also support us from home. Donate now at https://secure.walkforahealthycommunity.org/p2p/donate/393902/participant/5562918/en-CA

Will you be at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community this morning? If so - stop by the Trying Together table to say hello and spin for a chance to win a prize!

You can still support our work by donating to Trying Together at https://secure.walkforahealthycommunity.org/p2p/fundraising/393902/participant/5562918/en-CA

Trying Together has named Donna Shriver, the owner of SmartKids Child Care & Learning Center-Washington, as its May advocate of the month.

Shriver, a long-time advocate for early childhood education, celebrated 30 years of providing high-quality child care in April. This past year, she partnered with Early Learning PA and state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46th) for an event at SmartKids and worked with Washington County commissioners on the Washington County Proclamation on Child Care.

“I didn’t become an advocate for children by accident,” she said. “I became one because I saw what was at stake. Early on, I realized that child care isn’t just about supervision – it’s about shaping lives. It is where confidence begins, where curiosity is nurtured, and where a child feels safe, valued, and cared for.”

Congratulations, Donna! Read more on our website: https://tryingtogether.org/trying-together-names-smartkids-child-care-learning-center-owner-as-advocate-of-the-month/

There’s still time to support Trying Together at the 2026 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on Saturday, May 30. Whether you’re walking with us at the Point or are cheering on our walk team from afar, donations will be accepted through the end of June!

Funds raised through the Highmark Walk enable Trying Together to provide advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for early childhood educators, which allows more young children have access to high-quality care and education in the years when it matters most.

Your support is invaluable. Will you make a donation to Trying Together this spring? https://secure.walkforahealthycommunity.org/p2p/location/394069/en-CA

🎟️ Do you have your Pittsburgh Pirates tickets yet? We hope you'll join us at PNC Park on Sunday, June 14, to watch the Pirates take on the Miami Marlins at 12:15 p.m. Trying Together will be recognized as the Nonprofit of the Game!

Don't forget: all tickets include a $5 credit toward tasty snacks and beverages, and a portion of each ticket sale goes toward Trying Together's mission. As an added bonus – all children will have the opportunity to run the bases after the game!

Tickets cost $44.66 – $51.86 (prices include fees) and can be purchased online. Get yours ASAP - they're only available until June 7! ⚾ https://www.gofevo.com/event/Tryingtogether0614