Serving Region 3: Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana & Lawrence Counties
Parent Updates • December 2023 Newsletter
The December releases of family-friendly newsletters for families and providers of children, ages birth to Kindergarten are now available. The newsletters feature fun early learning activities that align with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, resources and information to help families as their child's first and most important teacher.
Take a look and share with families and friends, then subscribe to get the next release directly into your inbox.
Parent Positive Guidence Strategies
Raising children can be one of the most challenging parts of life’s journey. As a parent, you know that it can be difficult to provide the guidance your child needs. It is essential to find the right balance between providing support and exerting too much control. Learn more about positive guidance strategies that parents can use as they guide their children toward becoming happy and successful adults.
Praise, Encouragement and Rewards. Praise works best when it describes the behavior you like. Encouragement is praise for effort – for example, when children are trying hard. Children of any age, including teenagers, are likely to respond well to praise and encouragement. Rewards can reinforce positive behavior, but it's best not to overuse them.
How Positive Attention Can Reduce Behavior Problems. Daily doses of positive attention can reduce behavior problems.
Are Time-Outs Helpful or Harmful to Young Children? A short break from interaction can help them cool down. In the context of a loving, strong parent-child relationship, giving children (and parents) this space to calm themselves can be helpful, not harmful.
Family-Friendly Newsletters - Fall 2023
The September releases of family-friendly newsletters for families and providers of children, ages birth to Kindergarten are now available. The newsletters feature fun early learning activities that align with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, resources and information to help families as their child's first and most important teacher.
Take a look and share with families and friends, then subscribe to get the next release directly into your inbox.
Now Open: 2022-23 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Season
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2022-23 season. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program administered by DHS that provides assistance for home heating bills so those Pennsylvanians meeting eligibility and income guidelines can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for renters and homeowners.
The LIHEAP application period for both cash and crisis grants opened on November 1, 2022, and will remain open until April 28, 2023. Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs online at www.compass.state.pa.us or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties.
For additional information, please visit the PA Department of Human Services website.
American Academy of Pediatrics Urges Families to Get Children Vaccinated for Influenza
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza this fall, as vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe illness and keep kids in classrooms.
In a policy statement, Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2022–2023, the AAP observes that vaccination coverage lagged last season and that, historically, the flu has taken a disproportionate toll on families who are Black, Hispanic or American Indian or Alaska Native.
The AAP urges families to catch up with all vaccinations for their children and to ask their pediatrician for the flu vaccine as soon as it is available this season. During the 2021-22 flu season, only 55% of children were vaccinated to protect against influenza, and coverage levels were 8.1 percentage points lower for Black children compared with white children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The overall rates of influenza infection dipped last year, likely due to safety precautions in place to prevent COVID. But as children return to school and pre-pandemic activities, the flu and other respiratory viruses are expected to rise. Historically, they have caused disproportionate harm to some ethnic and racial communities.
ELRC Beaver Office moving locations
ELRC 3 Beaver Satellite Site
New Address location listed below, but the same phone and fax numbers
303 Beaver Valley Mall Rt. 18
Monaca, PA 15061
Phone: (724) 847-0145
Toll-Free: (800) 322-8504
Fax: (724) 847-1593
COVID Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older are NOW AVAILABLE
COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children 6 months through 5 years of age. The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is safe, and it is highly effective at protecting children against COVID-19-related illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccinating children against COVID-19 is the best way to help keep families and communities healthy and schools safer this fall. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech).
View the entire message from the Department of Human Services.
Family Friendly Newsletters for February
The February editions of family-friendly early learning newsletters have info and resources for families and early childhood education partners.
Learning is Everywhere: Click to read
Kindergarten, Here I Come: Click to read
Kindergarten, Here I Am: Click to read
Click here to subscribe.
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Family Support News Brief
The February 2022 of the Family Support News Brief is now available. This issue has info on preschoolers and screen time, celebrating 30 years of PA Parents as Teachers, Black History Month, and more. Read this issue.
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CCW Family copayments lowering in Jan. 2022
Lower maximum copayments for families eligible for CCW: $121.9 million will be used to reduce the maximum family copayment for families participating in subsidized child care through CCW. Current copayments range from 3-11 percent of a family’s overall income. This change will lower the copayment to 3-7 percent, in line with federal recommendations for family obligations for subsidized child care. No family will see an increased copay through the adjustment, and providers will still receive the difference as a part of the CCW base rate.
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Mental Health Services
It's Okay to Not Be Okay.
Your Mental Health Matters. 
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT. Recent news coverage regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of the Delta variant, as well as growing tensions in Afghanistan and the devastation in Haiti, may trigger difficult emotions. If you are struggling right now, someone is available to talk.
Please know that you are not alone.
As we strive for better physical wellness, we can take steps to improve our mental health. This looks different for everyone. Perhaps you’d like to talk to someone, focus more on self care, consider medication, and/or seek other treatments. No matter your challenges, there are options to help you.
Use this guide to find the support that works for you and your loved ones. Resources are available 24/7. CRISIS HELPIf you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for help.Call 911: If there is an immediate risk of endangering oneself or others, contact 911. Inform the operator that you are calling about a mental health crisis.
Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741 to start the conversation 24/7.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
If you or someone you care about is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the Lifeline. (Español: 888-628-9454)
PA Crisis Hotlines: Find a crisis line in your county.
MENTAL HEALTH PA Support & Referral Hotline: 1-855-284-2494 (TTY:724-631-5600)
The Department of Human Services' mental health support and referral helpline is available 24/7 and is a free resource staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions.
Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746
If you are experiencing emotional distress due to COVID-19, the Disaster Distress Helpline can connect you with a trained crisis counselor.
Get Connected to Help Pennsylvania Medicaid participants: Find an in-network providerCall 2-1-1: The United Way of Pennsylvania can connect you to help in your area; Search crisis services, hotlines, and warmlines near you.Psychology Today’s search engine SAMHSA’s search tool
Office of Advocacy and Reform (OAR)
www.governor.pa.gov/about/office-of-advocacy-and-reform/
A group of volunteers focused exclusively on setting guidelines and benchmarks for trauma-informed care across the commonwealth.
SERVICE MEMBERS/VETERANS Are you a veteran in crisis or are you concerned about a veteran in crisis? Here’s how to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line:Call the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, then press 1 Send a text to 83825Chat with someone onlineConnect with the Veterans Crisis Line online
SUBSTANCE USE Get Help Now Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
A toll-free helpline maintained through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) that connects callers looking for treatment options for themselves or a loved one to resources in their community. Calls are anonymous and available 24/7.
Find Treatment Near You: DDAP Treatment Search
The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' (DDAP) search engine allows you to search by ZIP code, county, or statewide for programs that could help you.
Naloxone Standing Order — www.pa.gov/opioids
Naloxone is still available to all Pennsylvanians through a standing order signed by Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson. Carrying naloxone on-hand at all times can be a life-saving action.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Find resources and/or meeting that works for you.
Cocaine Anonymous
Find a video or email meeting.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous offers multi-lingual and multicultural support. Use the website to find meetings and resources.
SMART Recovery
There’s life beyond substance use disorder. Find meetings that are free and open to everyone.
Treating Heroin and Opioid Use Disorder
Pennsylvania’s online guide of resources for those battling opioids
VIOLENCE SURVIVORS Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline
1-888-772-7227 or https://pcar.org/help-in-pa
National Domestic Violence Helpline
1-800-799-7233 or www.PCADV.org
OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS SOLO: Strengthening Older Lives Online — View in English or Spanish
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Council on Aging (PCoA) released an interactive guide with information and resources to help older adults cultivate a healthy mind, body and spirit amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic
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Parent Updates • 2023
Now Open: 2022-23 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Season
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2022-23 season. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program administered by DHS that provides assistance for home heating bills so those Pennsylvanians meeting eligibility and income guidelines can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for renters and homeowners.
The LIHEAP application period for both cash and crisis grants opened on November 1, 2022, and will remain open until April 28, 2023. Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs online at www.compass.state.pa.us or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties.
For additional information, please visit the PA Department of Human Services website.
American Academy of Pediatrics Urges Families to Get Children Vaccinated for Influenza
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza this fall, as vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe illness and keep kids in classrooms.
In a policy statement, Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2022–2023, the AAP observes that vaccination coverage lagged last season and that, historically, the flu has taken a disproportionate toll on families who are Black, Hispanic or American Indian or Alaska Native.
The AAP urges families to catch up with all vaccinations for their children and to ask their pediatrician for the flu vaccine as soon as it is available this season. During the 2021-22 flu season, only 55% of children were vaccinated to protect against influenza, and coverage levels were 8.1 percentage points lower for Black children compared with white children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The overall rates of influenza infection dipped last year, likely due to safety precautions in place to prevent COVID. But as children return to school and pre-pandemic activities, the flu and other respiratory viruses are expected to rise. Historically, they have caused disproportionate harm to some ethnic and racial communities.
ELRC Beaver Office moving locations
ELRC 3 Beaver Satellite Site
New Address location listed below, but the same phone and fax numbers
303 Beaver Valley Mall Rt. 18
Monaca, PA 15061
Phone: (724) 847-0145
Toll-Free: (800) 322-8504
Fax: (724) 847-1593
COVID Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older are NOW AVAILABLE
COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children 6 months through 5 years of age. The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is safe, and it is highly effective at protecting children against COVID-19-related illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccinating children against COVID-19 is the best way to help keep families and communities healthy and schools safer this fall. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech).
View the entire message from the Department of Human Services.
Family Friendly Newsletters for February
The February editions of family-friendly early learning newsletters have info and resources for families and early childhood education partners.
Learning is Everywhere: Click to read
Kindergarten, Here I Come: Click to read
Kindergarten, Here I Am: Click to read
Click here to subscribe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Support News Brief
The February 2022 of the Family Support News Brief is now available. This issue has info on preschoolers and screen time, celebrating 30 years of PA Parents as Teachers, Black History Month, and more. Read this issue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCW Family copayments lowering in Jan. 2022
Lower maximum copayments for families eligible for CCW: $121.9 million will be used to reduce the maximum family copayment for families participating in subsidized child care through CCW. Current copayments range from 3-11 percent of a family’s overall income. This change will lower the copayment to 3-7 percent, in line with federal recommendations for family obligations for subsidized child care. No family will see an increased copay through the adjustment, and providers will still receive the difference as a part of the CCW base rate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mental Health Services
It's Okay to Not Be Okay.
Your Mental Health Matters.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT. Recent news coverage regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of the Delta variant, as well as growing tensions in Afghanistan and the devastation in Haiti, may trigger difficult emotions. If you are struggling right now, someone is available to talk.
Please know that you are not alone.
As we strive for better physical wellness, we can take steps to improve our mental health. This looks different for everyone. Perhaps you’d like to talk to someone, focus more on self care, consider medication, and/or seek other treatments. No matter your challenges, there are options to help you.
Use this guide to find the support that works for you and your loved ones. Resources are available 24/7. CRISIS HELPIf you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for help.Call 911: If there is an immediate risk of endangering oneself or others, contact 911. Inform the operator that you are calling about a mental health crisis.
Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741 to start the conversation 24/7.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
If you or someone you care about is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the Lifeline. (Español: 888-628-9454)
PA Crisis Hotlines: Find a crisis line in your county.
MENTAL HEALTH PA Support & Referral Hotline: 1-855-284-2494 (TTY:724-631-5600)
The Department of Human Services' mental health support and referral helpline is available 24/7 and is a free resource staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions.
Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746
If you are experiencing emotional distress due to COVID-19, the Disaster Distress Helpline can connect you with a trained crisis counselor.
Get Connected to Help Pennsylvania Medicaid participants: Find an in-network providerCall 2-1-1: The United Way of Pennsylvania can connect you to help in your area; Search crisis services, hotlines, and warmlines near you.Psychology Today’s search engine SAMHSA’s search tool
Office of Advocacy and Reform (OAR)
www.governor.pa.gov/about/office-of-advocacy-and-reform/
A group of volunteers focused exclusively on setting guidelines and benchmarks for trauma-informed care across the commonwealth.
SERVICE MEMBERS/VETERANS Are you a veteran in crisis or are you concerned about a veteran in crisis? Here’s how to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line:Call the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, then press 1 Send a text to 83825Chat with someone onlineConnect with the Veterans Crisis Line online
SUBSTANCE USE Get Help Now Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
A toll-free helpline maintained through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) that connects callers looking for treatment options for themselves or a loved one to resources in their community. Calls are anonymous and available 24/7.
Find Treatment Near You: DDAP Treatment Search
The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' (DDAP) search engine allows you to search by ZIP code, county, or statewide for programs that could help you.
Naloxone Standing Order — www.pa.gov/opioids
Naloxone is still available to all Pennsylvanians through a standing order signed by Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson. Carrying naloxone on-hand at all times can be a life-saving action.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Find resources and/or meeting that works for you.
Cocaine Anonymous
Find a video or email meeting.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous offers multi-lingual and multicultural support. Use the website to find meetings and resources.
SMART Recovery
There’s life beyond substance use disorder. Find meetings that are free and open to everyone.
Treating Heroin and Opioid Use Disorder
Pennsylvania’s online guide of resources for those battling opioids
VIOLENCE SURVIVORS Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline
1-888-772-7227 or https://pcar.org/help-in-pa
National Domestic Violence Helpline
1-800-799-7233 or www.PCADV.org
OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS SOLO: Strengthening Older Lives Online — View in English or Spanish
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Council on Aging (PCoA) released an interactive guide with information and resources to help older adults cultivate a healthy mind, body and spirit amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Resources and Links
Family Newsletters for August
Early learning newsletters with info and links for families and ECE partners.
· Learning is Everywhere: Click to read
· Kindergarten, Here I Come: Click to read
· Kindergarten, Here I Am: Click to read
Files coming soon.