February 2018              
             914.761.3456

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 
#1 -Tipping Hazards
Falling objects are another common cause of injury to children. Young children are often tempted to reach above their heads and pull objects down from shelves or bookcases. Televisions that are not secured, hot pots, plants, and other heavy objects can injure children. Placing heavy objects on lower shelves or securing them in position prevents these objects from falling on top of small children. Any items not intended for children should be inaccessible or placed in a room where children do not have access. Supervising children closely prevents many injuries.  

#2 - Apply NOW for the In-Person Preschool CDA Credential  Course 
The Child Care Council of Westchester is starting it's CDA Credential Course March 2018. This 120-hour course is the first step to becoming a CDA- Child Development Associate. The Application Deadline is February 15, 2018.
Click here to learn more!

#3 - Kaplan Early Learning Company
Kaplan Early Learning Company is now an authorized dealer and the only dealer in the United States for LEGO Education Preschool products.  Click here for their new online catalog to see their DUPLO and LEGO products as well as links to teacher guides and other resources.
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS 
 Professional Development Opportunities 

 
Don't miss our great trainings scheduled for you this fall. To see what we have in store,  click the training calendar link:  
Health Tip 
2017-2018 Flu Season

Flu widespread throughout the nation, 30 children dead
 
This year's flu season ranks among the most severe in recent years. The flu is now widespread in 49 states according to the weekly flu report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The flu is a contagious disease that easily spreads every winter, usually between October and May. It can cause mild to severe illness that may result in hospitalizations and at times can lead to death. Each year an average of more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications. The Department of Health recommends that everyone six months of age or older receive flu vaccinations. Since the flu can spread through coughing or sneezing, it is also important that family members, and child care providers who regularly come into contact with children get vaccinated. 

It's not too late to get the flu vaccine. The CDC recommends flu vaccinations for anyone that has not been vaccinated. 

To learn how the flu spreads, click here
To learn more about Influenza symptoms and complications, click here

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. For the current guidelines,  click here

Take the following steps NOW to protect the health and safety of your children and staff:  
  • Encourage all staff, children, and parents to get the flu vaccine
  • Encourage children, parents, and staff to take the following everyday preventative actions
  • Examine and revise your program's written plan for seasonal flu. Click here to review information that should be part of your written plan
  • Plan to distribute a customized letter to parents about influenza prevention and control practices in your program. To read a sample letter, click here
  • Update family contact information and child records so parents can be reached quickly if they need to pick up their child.
All child care programs and schools are required to post flu educational material where it can be easily viewed within the program. For options on posting flu educational material for parents,  click here

Read below for additional resources in Spanish:

Regulatory Reminder:  Materials & Equipment 417.5(n)(1)
Materials and play equipment used by the children must be sturdy and free from rough edges and sharp corners. 
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
"Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader"
The Council's Reading Marathon Has Begun!  

In January we kicked off our Reading Marathon, sending staff out to Westchester programs to read to children, and donate bags of books and developmentally appropriate toys! We are hoping to give back to our Westchester community by stepping away from our computer desks and enjoying time in your programs.

Thank you Endicotts Kids Zone, LLC. in Elmsford for being the first program to participate in our Reading Marathon! If you would like to register for our Reading Marathon please contact Juanita Pope at JuanitaP@cccwny.org
Welcome 2018 Members!
The Council would like to extend a warm welcome to those Centers, Group Family and Family Providers, Individuals, and Organizations that have joined our membership, or renewed a previous membership! We are happy to have all of your support!

Our membership is still open.  If you're interested in receiving many benefits for the 2018 year, please join us! For more information contact Juanita Pope at JuanitaP@cccwny.org.

Visit our website to see a full list of our current 2018 members. 

Member Only Upcoming Events



 Welcome New & Renewed 
Child Care Programs!
 
New
Family Child Care Programs:
Sunshine Family Daycare

School Aged Child Care Programs:
Peekskill Christian Center
City of Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau @ Amani Public Charter School

Renewed 
Family Child Care Programs:
Imagination Family Daycare
La Creche, Inc.
Precious Little Heaven Daycare

School Aged Child Care Programs: 
Country Children's Center, Inc.

 Welcome New CACFP Participants
  Jesi Peni Taveras
 Congratulations to Our CDA Course Students
Who Received the CDA Credential in the last few months!!
 
These early childhood professionals completed a Child Care Council CDA course and then went on to receive the Child Development Associate credential from the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC. They have worked hard to improve their skills and knowledge of working with young children. The children in their care, their parents, and their programs are very fortunate to have such dedicated professionals working with them.

Congratulations to 
  • The Council's In-Person Preschool CDA Class
    • Teresa DiRosa
    • Crystal Cruz
    • Cynthia LaSalle
    • Onja Overby
    • Micah Overgy
To find out more about the CDA credential or for information about the Council's CDA classes, please contact Idie Benjamin, Director, Professional Development, at idieb@cccwny.org.
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Why Children Need to Go Outside - 
Even in the Winter


We are in the middle of a cold and snowy winter. There are winter days that children should not play outside, but not all winter days! Let us explore the benefits of children going outside during colder months. Children who are dressed properly won't get cold. Adults who are dressed properly are more likely to go outside with children. In Minnesota, it is state law that all programs and schools - public and private - must take the children outdoors it it's at least 15 degrees. You can do it!

When is it took cold? Use the Weather Watch! It will tell you which age children can go outside at what temperatures.

It is an OCFS Regulation.
416.8(k) - 417/418.8(h) - Daily supervised outdoor play is required for all children in care, except during inclement or extreme weather or unless otherwise ordered by a health care provider.

Children who go outside in the winter are healthier.
Fresh air is healthier. We do not get sick from the cold. We can get sick from increased exposure to indoor environments where bacteria and viruses live. Adults and children who spend long periods of time in heated and poorly ventilated rooms without exposure to fresh air can easily pass germs to each other. 

Playing outside in the winter gives new challenges and problem solving opportunities.
Children need to develop their gross motor skills all year long. Children use their bodies differently outside and when playing in snow. Children learn from encountering different challenges which the always changing winter weather offers them.

Playing outside increases cognitive development.
Children who spend time outside improve their critical thinking skills. Studies link physical fitness and academic achievement. Outside, children increase their observation skills. Just taking a walk outside can increase creativity. Inside environments tend to be the same for long periods of time. Outside environments change daily and stimulate the imagination.

Baby Lap Time  

 
When: Monday, February 26th 11:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Katonah Village Library
Cost: Free
For more information  click here
Babyccino with Bobby Doowah
 
When: Friday, February 9th, February 16th, February 23rd at 10:30am
Where: Chabad of the Rivertowns, Dobbs Ferry NY
Cost: Free
For more information click here
IN THIS ISSUE
  • Upcoming Events
  • Member Only Invite
  • Tax Time Info
  • Health Tip-Flu Season
  • Bingo Night Out
  • 2018 Membership is Open
  • Reading Marathon
  • Family Fun and more 
SAVE THE DATE 
Member Only Free Seminar
Saturday, January 27, 2018
9:30am
Child Care Council of Westchester
For more details contact Juanita Pope at juanitap@cccwny.org

Member Only Bingo Night
Saturday, March 10, 2018
6:00pm
Holy Name Church
New Rochelle, New York
For more details contact Juanita Pope at 914-761-3456

2018 Spring Infant Toddler Conference
Saturday, April 28, 2018
8:30am-1:15pm
Peas and Karrots
Ossining, NY
For more information  click here

2018 Annual Awards Breakfast
Friday, May 18, 2018
8:00am-10:00am
Westchester Marriott
Tarrytown, New York
More details to follow in early 2018

50th Anniversary Party
Thursday, October 18, 2018
6:30pm-9:30pm
Captain Lawrence Brewery
Elmsford, New York
More details to follow in early 2018

Council Office Closings 
All Day
Monday, February 19, 2018
COUNCIL FACES
Welcome, Jami Flynn
         
   
We welcome Jami to our team as the new Early Childhood Quality Specialist. Jami will provide a range of training, technical assistance and support services to regulated child care centers and family child care programs. 
Call her at (914)761-3456 ext. 136.
Welcome, 
       Eric Pasinkoff         
   
Eric Michael Pasinkoff, Attorney, Law Offices of Eric Michael Pasinkoff, ESQ. has joined the Council Board of Directors to help make a positive difference for working parents and their children.   
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    juanitap@cccwny.org  
2018 MEMBERSHIP
Our 2018 Membership is Open!

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
RESOURCES 
Tax Time

Don't forget to complete a W-10 form for parents.  

Do you qualify for the earned income tax credit?  Click the link below to learn more. 

Tom Copeland, the nation's leading expert on family child care business, has shared a list of frequently asked questions.
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 Elizabeth@littlehousedc.com

Westchester Early Childhood Directors Association
:
The Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 9:00am-11:00am. 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 dmeyerski@mkccc.org for details.

School Age Directors Network
:
The Network meets the third Tuesday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm. Contact Joanne Saporta at Chappaqua Childrens Workshop at general@ccwkids.org or Lynn Lutomski at Irvington Children's Center at iccchildcare@aol.com for more details.

The Council is pleased to host these groups. We encourage you to attend their meetings.
News & Views
 
Stay tuned with what is happening at the Council and in the child care community.


View our website for more news. 
2018 Child Care Council Public Policy Agenda

OUR VISION:
Affordable, quality early care and education options that promote children's success in school and life, enable parents to work and advance in their careers, and provide a ready workforce for business growth.

Click here to learn more!
February 26th is
Tell a Fairy Tale Day

On February 26, spend time teaching your children about fairy tales. You can do this by reading them a classic fairy tale, using puppets to act one out, or by helping them create their own fairy tale!

Here are some great fairy tales:
  • Goldilocks and the Three Bears
  • The Three Little Pigs
  • The Frog Prince
  • Jack and the Beanstalk
  • Thumbelina
  • The Princess and the Pea
  • Rapunzel
  • The Tortoise and the Hare
  • Lion and the Mouse
What's Cooking?

Baked 
Spaghetti Squash & Cheese

INGREDIENTS
  • 5 1/2 cups cooked spaghetti squash (from about 2 small) See directions below
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1 cup fat free chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups (8 oz) Sargento 2% reduced fat mild cheddar
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/8 cup grated parmesan
  • 4 cups (about 4 oz) baby spinach
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375F
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. place squash on baking sheet cut side down. Bake until tender, about 1 hour.
3. Separate the strands of squash with a fork and place in a medium bowl: discard shells. Squeeze out any excess liquid from squash if watery.
4. Maintain the oven temperature.
5. Heat butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook about 2 minutes.
6. Stir in flour. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continually 3-4 minutes.
7. Add milk and chicken broth and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick, about 2 minutes stirring; season with salt and pepper.
8. Once it becomes thick, remove from heat, add cheddar cheese and mix well until cheese is melted.
9. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked spaghetti squash and baby spinach, pour into a baking dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Bake until bubbly and golden 25 to 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

For more information on receiving reimbursements for meals and snacks contact Lindsay Tiernan at 914-761-3456 ext. 115 or email Lindsay at lindsayt@cccwy.org
Share Your News and Ideas

What's happening in your program? We want to know! You are invited to send submissions to our monthly provider newsletter, including articles, ideas, events, family friendly activities, nutritious recipes etc.

If you would like to contribute contact Juanita Pope at 914-761-3456 ext. 106 or email her at  juanitap@cccwny.org .
Support the Council

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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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