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#1 - CACFP and KidKare
If you are currently participating in the Child Adult Care Food Program or would like to participate please consider using KidKare, our online claiming system. KidKare will help you record daily meals, plan menus in advance, maintain compliance with CACFP requirements and submit your claim online. Providers submitting claims online will receive their reimbursements faster.
#2 - What the New Tax Law Means for Family Child Care
The new tax law passed by Congress contains many changes that will affect most taxpayers. If you are a family provider, you can expect some major changes in your taxes starting in 2018. Good idea to start getting prepared.
Join us on Saturday, June 16th for a special webinar by Tom Copeland delivered right to the Child Care Council. Learn more here.
#3 - Keeping Track of Children in Your Care
We continue to hear about children walking out of classrooms and family/group family programs.
OCFS Regulations are clear -
1.8 (a) Children cannot be left without
competent supervision at any time. Competent supervision includes awareness of and responsibility for the ongoing activity of each child. It requires that all children be within a teacher's range of vision and that the teacher be near enough to respond when redirection or intervention strategies are needed. Competent supervision must take into account the child's age, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
The adults caring for children must have their eyes on all of the children at all times and be aware of all exits from the space. We want to pass on a suggestion from an OCFS licensor - purchase door hangers with loud bells on them. Anytime your doors are touched, you will know it. Do a search for "sleigh bells door hanger." They are not expensive.
We want to stress that this is
NOT an alternative to visual supervision of the children at all times. It is an added layer of safety.
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Professional Development Opportunities
Summer Highlights
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EpiPen Shortage Information
Due to the shortage of epinephrine auto-injectors declared on May 9, 2018 by the Federal Drug Administration, OCFS encourages child care programs to work with families and take the following actions:
- Check expiration dates for epinephrine auto-injectors for children in care. If the injectors are due to expire in the next month or so, notify families so they can get a refill or find an alternative in time. Families having difficulty obtaining the EpiPen product can call Mylan Customer relations at 800-796-9526 for assistance.
- Reach out to your local health care consultant for help.
- If an alternative is found, you must receive training on its use by the parent or health care provider or a health care consultant per OCFS regulations.
- If all the above have been explored, parents could choose to give written permission to you to use expired epinephrine auto injector in an emergency if it is not discolored or cloudy (rather than clear), and doesn't contain solid particles. You should maintain a copy of the permission on file in the program. The permission is only in effect during the shortage the FDA declared on May 9, 2018.
Here is the link to the OCFS website for all the info above.
Alternative Option:
The Auvi-Q epinephrine injection would be one of the alternatives.
Click here for the Auvi-Q Direct Delivery Service Patient Enrollment Form. Once completed, the company will supply two Auvi-Q's & a trainer free of charge.
Here is their website that contains valuable information and resources regarding allergies, anaphylaxis, etc.
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New York's Statewide 2018 Early Care Management Trainings
Available at NO COST for Directors and Management Staff of Child Care Centers and School Age Programs!
Directing a center is a complex and demanding job. Directors must have an in-depth understanding of how to provide children with high quality, developmentally appropriate early care and learning experiences. At the same time, they must master an array of skills needed to operate their centers efficiently. Supported by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), the Early Care & Learning Council's Management Training workshops provide training and technical assistance to help center directors meet these challenges. These programs are offered to all center directors and CCR&R staff members at no cost.
Click here for the Management Trainings Brochure
Click here to register
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Summer Schedule Changes and DSS
Summer is just around the corner!
All families receiving the Child Care Subsidy who are changing their schedule or changing their provider
need to submit paperwork. No need to wait for the end of the school year! The Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Child Care Subsidy Unit are ready to accept summer care paperwork.
To help parents make this transition with their child care arrangements, the following is needed w
hen changing from a part time care schedule to a full time care schedule for the summer:
*Submit a new Provider Form with "2018 Summer Camp" written on top of form and envelope. Be sure to
include the exact start and end date for care.
*If a parent is switching from a current program/provider to a another program/provider or camp they also need to submit a Parent Share Form from their current provider showing their fees are all paid up.
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Regulatory Reminder:
Keeping Your Furnace Room Safe 417.4 (i)
Trash, garbage and combustible materials must not be stored in the furnace room, or in rooms or outdoor areas adjacent to the home that are ordinarily occupied by or accessible to children. If there is not a separate, enclosed furnace room, trash, garbage and combustible materials must not be stored within four feet of the furnace.
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Proper Hand Washing in Your Program
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Click here for hand washing posters to post at your program or share with parents.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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We Threw a Great Party for Child Care and After School!
We welcomed nearly 300 guests at our Annual Awards Breakfast on Friday, May 18th, presented by Polaris Properties and Clarfeld Financial Advisors.
In addition to being inspired by the accomplishments of our Champions for Children and Joey Award winners, highlights included Tara Rosenblum returning as our emcee for the fifth year, youth guest speakers Talia Ruoff and Kinston Simister, our online silent auction, remarks by County Executive George Latimer and Board of Legislators Chair Ben Boykin and a live broadcast by
Westchester Talk Radio!
A tremendous thank you to all of the attendees, sponsors, award winners and supporters who helped make the event so special - for recognizing the importance of creating a better future for Westchester's children through quality early care and education.
To view more photos, check out our
Facebook page!
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Quality Child Care Grows Our Next Generation of Leaders!
On May 11, 2018 we planted seeds in our garden in honor of Provider Appreciation Day and the Council's 50th Anniversary. We will continue to plant seeds for quality child care!
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How We're Making Our Vision a Reality, With Your Support:
Help parents understand the standard of quality child care, find and evaluate child care options, and explore financial resources
Empower child care providers to increase quality through workshops and training, staff credential programs, improvement grants, and more
Work with employers to create parent-friendly benefits and offer resources for employees to find reliable quality care or resolve child care issues or challenges
Advocate at every level of government to educate our elected officials about the importance of quality early care and education so they will restore/increase funding and make child care more affordable and accessible
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Free Books for your Program
Our 10th Annual Children's Book drive brought in hundreds of new and "gently used" books for all ages. We would love to get them into our children's hands.
If you are a licensed/registered child care or 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
Slate Family Care, LLC
School Aged Child Care Programs
Reach Empowerment Inc.
Gateway at Palisade Prep.
Welcome New CACFP Participants
Anabel Gutierrez
Yenifer Ramos
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Infant Toddler In-Person CDA Class Graduates
Congratulations to the graduates of the 2017-2018 Infant Toddler In-Person CDA Class! Pictured with their instructor Lynda Merchant, these students began the class on September 19, 2017 and graduated May 1, 2018. We commend them for their commitment to improving their knowledge and skills for working with young children. They will now apply to the Council for Professional Recognition for the Child Development Associate credential.
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Graduates pictured here: Cheryl Benton, Elfa Doris Calderon Lopez, Lucia Chacha, Estephany Ducasse Matos, Kayla Esterine-Reid, Jaronia Fields, Berta Juarez, Monika Mercedes, Carla Morgan, Juana Ortiz, Andrea Paredes, Princess Patterson, Aura Rosario, Andrea Saldana, Gohar Stepanyan, Stephanie Valdez, Tamara Williams
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Healthy Shaving Cream & Slime Recipes
The shaving cream that comes in a can cannot be used in a child care program. The product is labeled "keep out of reach of children" because the ingredients are not safe. Slime recipes often contain borax which is not as safe for young children as once thought.
But shaving cream and slime are so much fun and give children so many learning opportunities!!
Don't worry - there are alternatives. With only a little work your children will be up to their elbows in safe shaving cream and using their hands to explore slime.
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Story Time and Workshops with
Hudson River Museum
When
: Thursday, June 7th at 10:00am
Where: Cross County Shopping Center
Cost: Free
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African American Heritage Festival
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Cost: Free
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- Upcoming Events
- New Summer Calendar
- EpiPen Shortage
- Successful Annual Awards Breakfast
- Need Free Books?
- 2018 Membership
- 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
More information coming soon!
Council Office Closings
All Day
Monday, May 28, 2018
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Monday, September 3, 2018
Early Closing
Friday,
May 25, 2018, 3pm
Tuesday, July 3, 2018, 3pm
Friday, August 30, 2018, 3pm
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Join us in the community!
Tarrytown Craft,
Food & Street Fair
10:00am-5:00pm
Main Steet
Tarrytown, New York
For more information
African American
Heritage Festival
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, New York
For more information
Screening Under the Stars
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, New York
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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Luz Lopez has joined the Council as our Client Relations Intern. She will be assisting with various projects to help build strong and new existing business relationships.
Learning doesn't just take place in the classroom, participating in internships provide students with hands on exposure in a professional environment. The Council offers a variety of internships to fulfill high school and college students needs.
Contact Juanita Pope at (914)761-3456 x106 for more information.
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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
[email protected]
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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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Professional Development at Sarah Lawrence
Starting in April and continuing through to August, Sarah Lawrence College will be offering wonderful Professional Development Programs. To learn more, click here
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The Child Care Council will celebrate CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 1-7, by offering free CPR/AED courses to 6 child care providers. Simply complete the form below to be entered in a raffle for a spot:
Are you interested in training your entire staff at your facility? Great, we will come to you.
For more information about CPR/AED/First Aid trainings at your program contact Dana Doyle at (914)761-3456 x113 or via email at
[email protected]
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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.
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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June 29th is
International Mud Day!
International Mud Day is a day for children and early childhood professionals - and anyone else - all over the world to celebrate nature, outdoors, and mess by getting really, really muddy!
Join children and adults across the globe on this day of celebration to grow awareness and honor the goodness of life experienced when children connect with full body sensory play.
And then get muddy EVERY DAY!!
Mud play is not only fun - it has as much potential for learning as sand play, water play, and playing with playdough.
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What's Cooking?
Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Egg Bake
INGREDIENTS
- 7 oz (2 links) sweet Italian chicken sausage, removed from skin
- Olive oil spray
- 1 3/4 cups part skim mozzarella, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup chopped shallots
- 5 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers (from a 12 oz jar)
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 8 large whole eggs
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup fat free milk
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1.
Preheat the oven to 375F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with oil. Place half of cheese into the baking dish.
2. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray, cook the sausage over medium heat breaking up as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Add the oil to the skillet with the shallots and mushrooms and saute until vegetables are tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the roasted peppers, broccoli and return the sausage. Cook 1 minute; mix well and remove from heat. Spread evenly over the cheese mixture.
4. In a large bowl combine the eggs, egg whites, milk, parmesan, salt and pepper and whisk well. Slowly pour over the vegetables in the baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, 32 to 35 minutes. Let stand 8 to 10 minutes before cutting into 8 pieces.
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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