September 2017          
   914.761.3456
Parent Connections
Top 3 Things To Know
#1 Does Your Care Giver Know Where Your Child Is At All Times?
Care givers go into the field of child care because they care about children. They understand that all children must be in a safe environment that provides freedom from harm and offers a sense of security in which to play, develop, and learn. They also recognize that it is their responsibility for planning and maintaining a safe environment. 
 
Ask your provider/caregiver to take a moment and review how well their staff is following safety procedures and to carry out this review on a regular basis to keep everyone on their toes. As a parent you have the right to ensure they are keeping your child safe at all times.
 
10 Elements of Competent Supervision - 
Be Aware of All of the Children in Care at All Times!
1. Maintain ratios at all times.
2. Count the children by name every 5-10 minutes using the attendance sheet.
3. See all of the children at all times.
4. Place yourself so that your back is not turned to the group.
5. Keep close to the children and be able to respond to them as needed.
6. Anticipate what children could do.
7.Be extra aware during transitions - arrivals, departures, going to or leaving the room or playground.
8. Communicate with other staff about what you can see and are doing.
9. Do not bunch up with other staff - spread around the room and outside.  
10. Do not use your phone to make calls, text, send emails, listen to music, or for any other purpose.


#2 Outstanding Nonprofit of 2017
We are so pleased to share the news that 914!Inc Magazine has named the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. an "Outstanding Nonprofit" for 2017. Our thanks to them for this honor and the wonderful story. Click here to read the story.


#3 Are You Ready? 

This September, National Preparedness Month (NPM) will focus on planning, with an overarching theme "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can."
We should all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes - where we live, work, and visit. The goal of NPM is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship.

Did You Know...
The Council is Here for You!
Resources & Referrals!
Financial Help!
After School Care too!
 
Call us at 
914-761-3456 ext 140,  
or
 
email us at  [email protected]
 
Our FREE Services are:
  • Consultation with a trained Counselor
  • 24/7 search for child care
  • Information to help pay for child care
  • Guidelines to choose a quality child care program
  • Resources to Camps
  • Checklist for your visits
And much, much more...
Parent Survey
Be Entered to Win $100 Gift Card

Be entered to Win a $100 Gift Card for completing this survey!
Parent Child Care Needs Survey
 

THANK YOU for taking the time to fill out the Child Care Council of Westchester's 2017 Parent Survey.
 
Please continue only if you are a Westchester resident who has a child aged 12 or under. 

The information we gather will be used to help the Council serve families better.
  
Responses are confidential.
All survey participants will be entered to win a $100 Amex gift card - limit one survey per family, please.
 



Health & Safety Corner

Child Care's Immunization Policies


The American Academy of Pediatrics, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all recommend that parents keep their children up-to-date with the recommended vaccination schedule.  Following the recommended vaccination schedule can reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable illnesses and even death.
 
Your child care provider plays an important role in ensuring that children are following the recommended immunization schedule. They are required to keep documentation of immunizations the children have received to date, in accordance with New York State Public Health Law.
 
As a parent you must:
  1. At the time of enrollment, submit a copy of your child's physical exam and immunization record. The medical statement form must be signed by a health care provider and state that the child is able to participate in child day care, and is free from contagious or communicable disease.
  2. If your child is not yet immunized or not up to date with the required immunization schedule, they may be admitted to child care provided that your child's immunizations are in process, in according with the requirements of the New York State Department of Health. You must provide your provider with specific appointment dates for subsequent immunizations.
Click here for:  NYS Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Click here for: 2017-2018 NYS Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance
 Click here for:2017 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth through 6 Years Old
Click here for: Immunizations and Developmental Milestones - Birth through 6 Years Old
Click here for:2017 Recommended Immunizations for Children from 7-18 Years Old
Click here for:2017 Catch-up Immunization Schedule
 
There are two acceptable exemptions regarding immunization requirements.
  1. If the child is not immunized because the parent has a genuine and sincere religious belief, the child may be admitted if the parent provides a written statement to this effect.
  2. Any child who is missing one or more of the required immunizations may be admitted if a physician licensed to practice medicine in NYS completes and provides the Immunization Requirements for School Attendance Medical Exemption Statement for Children 0 - 18 Years of Age Form stating that the immunization(s) may be detrimental to the child's health. Click here to view & print the Medical Exemption Form.



In This Issue
  • Hooray for us
  • Parent Education
  • Immunization
  • Fun family activities
What's happening at the Council
2018 Annual Awards Breakfast
Friday, May 18, 2018
8:00am-10:00am
Westchester Marriott
Tarrytown, New York
More details to follow in early 2018
 
Council Office Closing:
All Day
Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Things To Do
Screening Under the Stars

Movie: Sing
September 8th; entertainment starts at 5:00 movie starts at 7:30
Kensico Dam, Valhalla


Walk to Fight Youth Drug Use/Abuse/Addiction



Join our worldwide team to combat the youth epidemic of use/access to harmful drugs and substances during Red Ribbon Week. 
 
Event Information
When: October 14, 2017 10am
Where: Tibbetts Brook Park, 
Yonkers NY
 
For more information and to register, click here


 
Making Strides Walk
 
Together we can make strides to beat Breast Cancer. 
 
Join the Westchester community on Sunday October 15th at Manhattanville College.
Click here  for more information

Parent Education
Click below to see a full list of 
Yonkers Parent Skills Coaching
9/12 to 10/10
(914) 964-2063  

Peekskill Parent Skills Coaching
9/12 to 10/10
(914) 739-4725 

Parenting Styles: Because I said so that's why. 
9/16 10am;  John C. Hart Memorial Library
(914) 245-5262 x258  

Discipline in Schools and the Special Education Process
9/19 6:30pm; Westchester Community College
845-228-7457, x 1109

Entrenamiento  De Habilidades Para Padres, Peekskill
9/21 to 10/16 10:30pm;  Family Ties Resource Center
(914) 739-4725

Mount Vernon Parent Skills Coaching
9/23 to 10/7
(914) 739-4725 

The Homework Dilemma 
9/25 4pm; Mount Kisco Public Library
(914) 666-8041 


Let's Talk About the "F" Word BMS Tools to Get the School Year Started
9/28 12 pm;  Westchester & Putnam Independent Living Center's Parent Training Information Center
845-228-7457, x 1109
What's Cooking
Zucchini Tots
Getting kids to eat their veggies can often be difficult. Well, these kid-friendly zucchini tots are the perfect solution! They make a great side or breakfast or dinner!

INGREDIENTS
  • cooking spray
  • 1 packed cup grated zucchini
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 medium onion, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped basil
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Grate the zucchini into a clean dish towel until you have 1 packed cup. Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini, there will be a lot of water. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll into small ovals. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.
Makes 16.
 
Enjoy!