ELRC Region 5

09/02/2026

This week's Provider Tip of the Week is all about how to make healthy habits, such as handwashing, fun!

As children settle into a new school year in September, consistent routines will help them to feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Now is a great time for caregivers to establish healthy habits - such as handwashing - that will last all year long, said Dominique R. Webster-Outten, ELRC Region 5’s health and safety coach.

Read more and find additional resources on the ELRC Region 5 website: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/news/tip-of-the-week-make-healthy-habits-such-as-handwashing-fun

September is a great time for caregivers to establish healthy habits - such as handwashing - for children that will last all year long, said Dominique R. Webster-Outten, ELRC Region 5’s health and safety coach.

09/02/2026

📌 Please note: all ELRC Region 5 offices will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, and remain closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

09/01/2026

The ELRC Region 5 weekly newsletter for early learning providers is delivered to subscribers every Friday afternoon. Each weekly issue contains useful news updates, resources, and tips for providers.

Here is last week's newsletter from 8/28: https://mailchi.mp/alleghenycounty/elrc-providers-08282026

Looking to subscribe and receive each newsletter straight to your inbox? Sign up on our website: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/enewsletter-sign-up

08/27/2026

Don't miss this important PA Health Alert Network update!

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that its Pennsylvania Health Alert Network (PA-HAN) is moving to a new platform on Tuesday, September 8. As a result of this migration and to prevent users from missing health alerts, the department is asking PA-HAN users to register with the new platform by tomorrow - Friday, August 28.

Find out all the details and register for the new platform: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/news/pa-health-alert-network-users-should-register-for-new-platform-by-august-28

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that its Pennsylvania Health Alert Network (PA-HAN) is moving to a new platform on Tuesday, September 8.

08/25/2026

The ELRC Region 5 weekly newsletter for early learning providers is delivered to subscribers every Friday afternoon. Each weekly issue contains useful news updates, resources, and tips for providers.

Here is last week's newsletter from 8/21: https://mailchi.mp/alleghenycounty/elrc-providers-08212026

Looking to subscribe and receive each newsletter straight to your inbox? Sign up on our website: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/enewsletter-sign-up

08/21/2026

Do you have a pre-kindergartener making the transition to kindergarten this fall? This article is for you!

Valerie Williams, kindergarten transition program director for ELRC Region 5's quality partner Trying Together, said that a caregiver’s view of this transition profoundly shapes the child’s experience.

“We know sometimes caregivers feel nervous, but it’s also an exciting transition, so approaching it with an excited and curious mindset is important,” she said. “Sometimes, caregivers think it’s all on the school district, but we want them to think of themselves as partners.”

Read the full article for more tips on leading with joy and curiosity as your child's kindergarten journey begins: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/news/lead-with-joy-and-curiosity-for-children-transitioning-from-pre-k-to-kindergarten

As children transition from pre-k to kindergarten this fall, caregivers should approach the milestone with an excited and curious mindset. But they should also emphasize practicing the skills needed for the transition, rather than prioritizing academic abilities.

08/20/2026

For some children, a new school year simply means a different teacher and a new classroom, but for others, it could be a whole new school and higher expectations than the year before. To help caregivers and educators alike prepare students for the school year ahead of them, the Child Mind Institute has collected a set of resources and strategies to support a successful return to school.

Access the full list of resources on the ELRC Region 5 website: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/news/child-mind-institute-provides-back-to-school-tips-for-students-at-varying-levels

The Child Mind Institute has put together some resources and suggested some strategies for a successful return to school.

08/20/2026

Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide a hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. Please note: online Red Cross work must be completed prior to the in person, hands-on learning.

📅 Thursday, September 3
⏰ 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
📍 Monroeville Public Library (4000 Gateway Campus Boulevard)

This course for early childhood educators will teach participants the skills to save a life and aligns with OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs. Certification is issued upon successful completion and is valid for two years.

Learn more and reserve your spot:
https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/events/american-red-cross-first-aid-pediatric-first-aid-cpr-and-aed-training-1

This course aligns with OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

08/19/2026

This week's Provider Tip of the Week is all about preparing for a new school year.

As the summer begins to wind down, this is a valuable time to shift focus toward preparing for a strong start to the new school year, said Dominique R. Webster-Outten, the health and safety coach and a quality coach for ELRC Region 5.

The transition between seasons offers a natural opportunity to pause, reflect, and make sure your program is aligned, organized, and ready for what’s ahead. Read more and find additional resources on the ELRC Region 5 website: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/news/tip-of-the-week-preparing-for-the-new-school-year

08/17/2026

The ELRC Region 5 weekly newsletter for early learning providers is delivered to subscribers every Friday afternoon. Each weekly issue contains useful news updates, resources, and tips for providers.

Here is last week's newsletter from 8/14: https://mailchi.mp/alleghenycounty/elrc-providers-08142026

Looking to subscribe and receive each newsletter straight to your inbox? Sign up on our website: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/enewsletter-sign-up