September 2016           
             914.761.3456
Parent Connections
Top 3 Things To Know
#1 Increase Federal Funding for Child Care
Safe, reliable, quality child care is not a "nice to have".  
It's essential.  
Without it, parents cannot support their families, jobs go unfilled, children arrive at kindergarten unprepared.

Only 22% of NYS children potentially eligible for child care subsidies actually receive them.
  
Let our federal elected officials know that a big increase is needed in child care to make it safer, higher quality and more affordable.  Send your letters today to the White House and Congress:

  
#2 Is your child care as great as your child? 
Children need caregivers who:
  • Are warm, welcoming, and pay attention to every child
  • Use positive guidance techniques and do NOT yell, spank or use other negative punishment
  • Read to them every day and do not use TV
  • Offer children freedom to explore
  • Continue their child care training
 
Remember the Council has trained child care counselors who can provide you with:
  • Free assistance to locate child care that meets your individual needs
  • A link to look up for your program's violation history
  • Information about resources to help pay for child care, including public subsidies, tax credits and scholarships  

 


 

#3   Ready, Set, Boo...
Is Dressing Up for Halloween Different than Pretend Play?

The Council is Here for You... Resources & Referrals!
Financial Help!
After School Care too!
 

Call us at 

914-761-3456 ext 140,  

visit www.childcarewestchester.org  

or

 

email us at [email protected]


Our FREE Services are:

  • Consultation with a trained Counselor
  • Online child care search
  • Information to help pay for child care
  • Guidelines to choose a quality child care program
  • Checklist for your visits
  • And much, much more...
Children's Corner
Going on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
 

 
There is always something interesting to find outside in a yard, on a playground, or in the neighborhood. Go on a hunt to find treasures. Children of all ages can go on a nature scavenger hunt that is designed just for their age. Scavenger hunts give children opportunities to increase their language skills, to practice their ability to focus on their environment, and to use problem solving and creative thinking skills. 
 
Be safe: Don't include berries on your list and supervise children so that there is no tasting while they are hunting.  Read More Here 

Health & Safety Corner
The FDA has announced a change to the labeling for EpiPen and other Epinephrine Auto-Ingectors.
 
This update results in changes in the way an EpiPen is to be administrated.
Unfortunately, the EpiPen website has not yet been updated to reflect these changes so here is the info that you need to review:  
1.     EpiPen Instructions for Use                              
2.     FDA Announcement
  • Your program should have a Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan for every child that has been identified as having an allergy that may require the administration of an EpiPen
  • Outlines recommended treatment in case of an allergic reaction
  • It also covers detailed information re: mild & severe symptoms of an allergic reaction
  • Here is the direct link to the Food Allergy Research & Education Website - has many useful resources https://www.foodallergy.org/
Here is a summary of the changes:
The FDA has announced a change to the labeling for EpiPen and Other Epinephrine Auto-Injectors.  
 
For all epinephrine auto-injectors:
  • Hold the patient's leg and keep the leg steady while you inject the epinephrine
    This will help prevent the needles from cutting the thigh or becoming stuck in the skin. A study published last year found that in most cases involving cuts or stuck needles, a child kicked his or her leg while getting epinephrine. The risk of injury is minimized when the leg is held steady.
  • See a doctor for infection signs or symptoms at the injection site, such as:
    • persistent redness
    • warmth
    • swelling
    • tenderness
The FDA notes the rare possibility of getting serious infections at the injection site. These infections are linked to getting epinephrine in the buttock rather than the outer thigh.
 
For   EpiPen A ® and EpiPen Jr® auto-injectors only:
  • When you inject, hold theEpiPen firmly in place for 3 seconds.
    The labeling change that says three seconds is enough time to keep the auto-injector in the outer thigh. Previous instructions said to hold the EpiPen in place for ten seconds.
There will be other updates/revisions as a result of the FDA update - Allergy Action Plan & EpiPen Website
 
If you have any questions about how your child care program should handle your child's EpiPen or Epinephrine Auto- Injectors, feel free to call Elissa Guzzardi at 914-761-3456 ext. 154. 

In This Issue
  • Never leave a child alone in a car/Heat Stroke Prevention
  • Win a $50 gift card
  • Child Care Assistance
  • Fun with Nature
Resources
Westchester Library System
 
The Westchester Library System offers many free resources for families in our Westchester community.  

Do you know someone looking for a job?  Visit the link below to learn about available job opportunities thru the Westchester Library System. 

Common Sense Media
 
Confused about how to deal with technology for your child(ren) and family? Looking for info and guidelines?
 
Kids spend over 50 hours of screen time every week.   Media has a huge impact on their development and how they view the world.
 
Their moto:  they believe in sanity, not censorship.
 
Check out their website for the latest in info, research and resources:
 
Once Upon a Child
 
Purchase or donate gently used items at Once Upon a Child, 455 Central Park Ave, Scardale, NY 10583.
 
Each Once Upon A Child location is individually owned and operated.  Whether you're buying or selling the staff is eager to assist you.  
 
Click here to visit their website
 
Family Fun
Family Tech Day 
Sunday, October 16, 2016
2:00pm-4:00pm
The Digital Arts Experience
White Plains, NY
 
 
 
Parent Education
In September- October you can find:
  • Parent Skills Training in Yonkers & Mount Vernon
  • CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training, Valhalla
  • Executive Functioning and Assistive Tech, Valhalla 
  • Family Empowerment Series for Parents of Children with Special Needs, Beacon  
 Go to
for a full list of trainings available. 



What's Cooking
Ham and Cheese Quesadillas
 
INGREDIENTS
4 10-inch flour tortillas
1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
1 cantaloupe, cut into small wedges
 
DIRECTIONS

Heat broiler. On half of each tortilla, layer the mozzarella and ham.  Fold the other tortilla half over to cover.  Place on broiler proof sheet pan.  Broil until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. 
 
Cut into wedges and serve with cantaloupe. 
 
Enjoy!