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#1 - CACFP
Effective July 1, 2018: A Legally-Exempt family child care provider caring for a subsidized child an average of 30 or more hours a week will be required to participate in the Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) as a condition of enrollment to provide child care subsidized by the Westchester County Department of Social Services. For more information, please contact Lindsay Tiernan at (914) 761-3456 ext. 115.
#2 - We're Open Late!
Since June, our Resource and Referral team has extended their hours on Tuesdays until 7pm to allow those in need of assistance more time to call and get important information about area programs, help with child care payment, and more. Know someone that has questions, or have questions yourself? Give us a call. We will be answering phones from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, and 9am to 7pm on Tuesdays.
#3 - Training Academy Online Training
In partnership with Smart Horizons, the Child Care Council offers online training, designed specifically for early childhood professionals in all NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) categories. You can create your own training package, get OCFS training hours and earn the hours needed for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential renewal. All courses are self-paced and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For a complete list of available courses,
click here
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Rally for Immigrant Children
As a member of the Westchester Women's Agenda, we helped organize a White Plains rally on Friday, June 22nd to call attention to the trauma inflicted on young children being separated from their parents and to call for the immediate reunification of these children with their families. Elected officials who spoke in support included Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Sen. Shelley Mayer, Assemblymember David Buchwald, County Executive George Latimer, BOL Chair Ben Boykin, Legislators Mary Jane Shimsky, Catherine Parker and Virginia Perez and Mayor Tom Roach. Religious leaders and nonprofits spoke to the crowd of over 125 as well.
Shown above is Jirandy Martinez of the Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck.
For a copy of the statement made by Council executive director Kathy Halas Click here
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Council Making Some Advocacy Noise
this Summer
Our Advocacy Committee will be talking to parents at community events throughout the summer to encourage them to register and vote. We'll also be asking them to sign a new post card calling for Governor Cuomo to make child care funding a priority in New York State.
The Council has joined Nonprofit Westchester's #914NonprofitsVote Campaign. We urge you to join too.
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Professional Development Opportunities
Summer Highlights
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Lead: Is It In Your Child Care Program?
Lead comes with a lifetime guarantee; it will do damage for generations. Do you want to be responsible for the potentially irreversible damage to the children in your care?
Recently, the Department of Health (DOH) found unacceptable levels of lead in a Westchester child care program, both inside and out.
How was it discovered? A child in the program had been tested for lead and the results revealed an elevated lead level. After the DOH ruled out the child's home as the source, they inspected the child care program. The program had unacceptable lead levels in several areas within the program that were accessible to the children in their care.
What are the health effects of lead? Even low levels of lead can result in:
- Behavioral Issues
- Learning disabilities
- Lower IQ and hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Anemia
- In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma, and even death
How do children get lead poisoning?
- Homes built before 1978 that have:
- paint that is peeling, chipping, or cracks (inside & outside)
- worn windows, doors, edges of stairs and rails
- dust
- soil
- Imported pottery, toys, jewelry, and keys
- Water in lead pipes and dishware
- Paint/hobby materials
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Regulatory Reminder:
Animals & Pets 416.5 (I)
Any pet or animal kept indoors or outdoors at the group family day care home or a family day care home must present no evidence of disease or parasite and pose no threat. In addition, the license and record of vaccines must be available to the Office when requested.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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Council Membership can save you money and help your program be successful. Take advantage of our Mid-Year prices, and save hundreds of dollars on our professional development activities. Other benefits include:
- Listing on our website, including a link to yours
- Free postings on the Council's job bank
- Membership certificate for your site
- Printed Council Training Calendar
- Early Announcements of special programs and opportunities
- Free Notary Public services
- Invitation to free member-only networking meetings
- Complimentary Council 2018 Calendar
- Participation in our membership referral program
- Invitation to attend exclusive member only annual events
- Special discount on Lakeshore orders
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We Have So Many Reasons to Smile!
The Council has been working hard to ensure quality early childhood education in Westchester county for 50 years! Check out our 2017
Annual Report to see what we have accomplished in this past year alone with your help!
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Free Books for your Program
Board Member Jeff Samuelson
and Council staff member Jami Flynn
Board Members Jeff Samuelson and Korey Kross stopped by to help us sort books from our
10th Annual Children's Book drive.
We have hundreds of new and "gently used" books for all ages. We would love to get them into children's hands.
If you are a licensed/registered child care family child care program, child care center, after school program, or a legally exempt provider, simply contact Jami Flynn at (914)761-3456 x136 or
[email protected]
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Welcome New & Renewed
Child Care Programs!
New
Family Day Care Programs
Nicole Simm-Hugh
Welcome New CACFP Participants
Barbara Lazaar-Gilchrist
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Congratulations to Our Latest
CDA Course Student Who Received the
CDA Credential
Congratulations to Kim DeFonce who took the Council's online eCDA Course!
She completed a Child Care Council CDA course and then earned the Child Development Associate credential from the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC. The course work's goal is to improve the skills and knowledge of working with young children. The children in her care, their parents, and their programs are very fortunate to have such a dedicated professional working with them.
To find out more about the CDA credential, or for more information about the Council's CDA classes, please contact Idie Benjamin, Director, Professional Development at
[email protected]
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Renewing your CDA
Here is What You Need to Know!
You worked hard to receive your CDA credential, don't let it lapse!
What is my renewal date? Some CDA certificates have the renewal date on them. If yours does not, the renewal date is three years from the date you received the credential.
Will the Council for Professional Recognition contact me? Some people will receive an email six months before their renewal date, but some people say they are not receiving the notice. Call the Council for Professional Recognition to make sure they have your correct email address. It is your responsibility to be aware of your renewal date!
What happens if my credential lapsed? Call the Council for Professional Recognition at 800-424-4310 and ask for an extension. Depending on your situation and how long ago it lapsed, you may not be able to get one. You may have to reapply! The Child Care Council can help you!
What do I need to do?
Here is the link to the renewal information from the Council for Professional Recognition. It will tell you everything you need to do to renew.
The most important thing is that since the day after the date on your CDA certificate to the day you renew, you must have received 45 hours of training.
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Summer is here and children will be spending more time outdoors. While we are planning fun activities, safety must always be on our minds.
Thank you to Child Care Aware of America and the American Academy of Pediatrics for this important information.
Sun Safety
Regardless of a child's age, sun protection is always important. Make certain the child will be protected from the sun while enjoying the outdoors.
Heat Stress
Before outdoor physical activities, children should drink freely and not feel thirsty, During activities less than one hour, water alone is fine. Kids should always have a water break every 20 minutes while active in the heat.
Bug Safety
Along with all of the fun that accompanies summer come those pesky little bugs. Bugs of all kinds.
Playing Outdoors
Children from toddlers to school age are always excited to get out and play. To help make this playtime enjoyable, make sure the equipment your child is playing on is safe.
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Screening Under the Stars
The Council will be there, come say hi!
When
: Friday, July 6, 2018
Where: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla NY
Cost: Free
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White Plains Neighborhood Nights
Outdoors is the perfect place in the summer for picnics, fun and music, children's programs and movies. Enjoy your neighborhood park, friends and family!
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- Upcoming Events
- Training Opportunities
- Lead Poisoning
- Free Books & Paper
- 2018 Mid-Year Membership
- Council Advocacy
- Children's Corner
- Family Fun and more
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50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, October 18, 2018
7:00pm-10:00pm
Captain Lawrence Brewery
Elmsford, New York
Fall Infant Toddler Conference
Friday, November 16, 2018
8:30am-1:00pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center Ossining, NY
Council Office Closings
All Day
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Monday, September 3, 2018
Early Closing
Tuesday, July 3, 2018, 3pm
Friday, July 13, 2018, 12pm
Friday, August 30, 2018, 3pm
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Join Us in the Community!
Screening Under the Stars
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, New York
For more information
Pleasantville Music Festival
Parkway Field
Pleasantville, New York
For more information
New Rochelle Street Fair
Saturday, September 9, 2018
515 North Street
New Rochelle, New York
For more information
Yonkers Riverfest
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Downtown Yonkers, New York
For more information
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Welcome Kelsey Bobrow,
Blumenthal Intern
We welcome Kelsey Bobrow as our 2018 summer Blumenthal Intern. The Blumenthal Internship program places Cornell students in non-profit social service agencies in Westchester County for a 10 week internship. We are excited Kelsey is joining us this summer.
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We're Looking for a Few Good Women & Men
Come to work at the Child Care Council and make a difference in the life of a child. We currently have the following openings:
For more information contact Juanita Pope at 914-761-3456 ext. 106 or
[email protected]
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50% off
Become a Council Member Today!
Benefits Include:
- Valuable discounts on workshops, on-site training and conferences
- Listing on our website, including a link to your website
- Free postings on the Council's job bank
- Membership certificate for your site
- Printed Council Training Calendar
- Early announcements of special programs and opportunities
- Free Notary Public Services
- Free member only networking meetings
- 7.5% off Lakeshore Orders
- Complimentary Council 2018 Calendar
- Participation in our membership referral program
- Exclusive member only annual events
Call (914) 761-3456 or visit
to become a member today
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The Council encourages members to post job openings on our website.
Click here
to post a job
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Immigration Legal Services
Many people are concerned and anxious about their immigration status and do not know where to turn for information or help. The Westchester County Families Task Force has compiled a listing of immigration legal services available locally. Public education programs are also available.
We urge you to print out this information and make it available to staff and parents.
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We still have free paper to give to your program! Stop in at any time Monday through Friday (9am-5pm) and pick some up!
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Opportunities to Connect With Colleagues!
Regular meetings at the Council for family providers, early childhood directors, and school age directors provide opportunities for you to learn, share resources and support one another. These meetings are also an avenue to increase your knowledge. Each one includes a training that provides a certificate accepted by OCFS.
Providers Network:
This group for registered family and licensed group family providers meets 4 times a year. Elizabeth Knowles of Little House Day Care is the coordinator and can be contacted at 914-967-2707 or
[email protected]
Westchester Early Childhood Directors Association:
The Association meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1:00- 3:00pm. Contact Howard Milbert at Ossining Children's Center at (914) 941-0230 or Dawn Meyerski at Mt. Kisco Child Care Center at (914) 241-2135 or
[email protected] for details.
School Age Directors Network:
The Network meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm. Contact Joanne Saporta at Chappaqua Childrens Workshop at
[email protected] or Lynn Lutomski at Irvington Children's Center at
[email protected] for more details.
Please note the networking groups do not meet in July and August.
The Council is pleased to host these groups. We encourage you to attend their meetings.
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Promote Your Business Here
Many child care providers run alternate businesses. Do you provide another service or sell a product? We would love to hear about it and share with others in the child care community. Let's help build successful businesses together. To share, email Juanita Pope at [email protected]
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July 30th is
International
Day of Friendship!
International Day of Friendship is Monday, July 30th. Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate:
- That's Me! - Have one child stand up and say something about themselves (like their favorite color). Who ever shares that same quality must stand up and say "That's Me!"
- Enjoy an activity in the kitchen where everyone plays a role - like making friendship bread!
- Read a book about friendship, like "Just My Friend and Me" by Mercer Mayer.
- Sing friendship songs while dancing. One of our favorites is "The More We Get Together". It's even fun to learn it in Sign Language
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What's Cooking?
Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 16 oz package frozen Green Giant Broccoli and Cheese Veggie Tots
DIRECTIONS
1.
Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Heat a large oven safe or cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, celery, carrots and parsley cooking until onions are translucent. Add minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir. Pout in the broth and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add the chicken, broccoli, 3/4 tsp salt, pepper, thyme and cook medium heat. Bring to a boil then cook until broccoli is tender-crisp (2 to 3 minutes.) Top with Green Giant Veggie Tots and place in the preheated oven 16 minutes, until veggie tots are crisp and hot.
Enjoy!
For more information on receiving reimbursements for meals and snacks contact Lindsay Tiernan at (914)-761-3456 x115 or email Lindsay at
[email protected]
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Community Resource
United Way's 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral helpline open 365 days a year, 9am-7pm.
United Way's 2-1-1 call specialists can give you information about things such as:
- Food Assistance
- Housing assistance and shelters
- Abuse prevention
- Elder care
- Mental health services
- Recycling regulations
- Services for people with disabilities
- How to become a foster parent
- Where to get medical help and more
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Support the Council
Many easy ways to help!
Did you know TD Bank has an Affinity Program?
TD will make an annual contribution to the Council based on the activity of all participating members' TD accounts. If you are already a customer, or wish to open an account, visit any of their locations and ask to be included in the Affinity Program to benefit the Council.
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Support the Council while you shop!
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