September 2018              
             914.761.3456

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 
#1 - Radon Testing
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil, but in some cases, well water may also be a source of radon. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that testing for radon in homes be conducted on the lowest lived-in level of the home. However, for licensing and renewal purposes, the Office of Children and Family Services will accept tests performed on the lowest level used for day care purposes (but not the kitchen or bathroom). If a provider living in a radon zone has already had his/her home tested for radon and can provide the test results, no re-test is required. Re-testing is not required every licensing period but it is required if a provider has major renovations or construction work completed in his/her home or property, as these actions may alter radon results.

#2 - Free ESL Courses 
Interested in improving your English?  Check out these programs which teach conversational English, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, writing and vocabulary.  To find a free course near you in Westchester County, click here: 

#3 - Your Vote Counts!
You can make your voice heard and register your opinion on how you think our government should operate. Your vote effects every aspect of our lives from roads to health care to homeland security and CHILD CARE.   

October 12th is the deadline in New York to register for the General National Election on November 6th.  Don't miss it!  For more info, click here:
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS 
 Advocacy

Why Does Child Care Cost So Much Yet Providers Make So Little? | Child Care Aware of America


Watch this new video from  Child Care Aware of America which explains why, even though parents in the U.S. pay large amounts for child care, very little is left from those payments to pay adequate provider salaries and benefits.

A big part of what we do at the Council is advocate for more public investment in child care.   Last year we helped increase Westchester County's child care funding by $1.6 million, leading to the first uptick in subsidy reimbursement rates in many, many years.   Advocacy works!

We're repeating our "Calls for Kids" Campaign again this year.   We'll come to your program to encourage parents to speak up for child care funding.   To sign up,  contact Kathy Halas, Executive Director at  [email protected].
 Professional Development Opportunities 
Don't miss our great fall  trainings.  To see what we have in store,  click 2018 Fall Training Calendar
 Share Your Experience  

Hope Pierce, Lil Explorers Day Care
Group Family Day Care, White Plains, NY 

If you are interested in recording a video to share your child care experience, please email Juanita Pope at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you too!

Camera shy?  No worries, just complete and submit the below form. 

Health Tip 
Child Health Policies & Immunizations
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 to reduce the incidence, as well as to protect and prevent vaccine preventable illnesses and even death.
Child care providers and programs play an important role in ensuring that children are following the recommended immunization schedule. Child care providers and programs must keep documentation of immunizations the children have received to date, in accordance with New York State Public Health Law.
Programs licensed/registered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services must follow Health and Infection Control regulations which includes following a health care plan that describes the program's policies and procedures regarding child health policies and immunizations.
Click here to read more!
Health Tip 
The Importance of MAT Certification
MAT Certification

Medication Administration Training is so important for anyone working with children - it could help save a life! If you're interested in becoming MAT Certified, please contact Elissa Guzzardi, Director of Health Care Consultant Services, at  [email protected] to learn how!
Save the Date!
Fall Infant Toddler Conference

When: Friday, November 16, 2018 (8:30am-1pm)
Where: Peas & Karrots Child Care Center, Ossining

Whether you're a teacher, assistant teacher, director, or educational coordinator, brand new or veteran, there's something for you at the 2018 Fall Infant Toddler Conference!

For more information, contact Idie Benjamin, Director of Professional Development, at  [email protected]
Regulatory Reminder: Free Environmental Hazards 417.15(c)(17)
A completed environmental hazards form provided by the Office stating that the residence and the surrounding neighborhood and environment are free from environmental hazards, as required in section 417.2(a)(13) and 417.2(d)(4) of this Part.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
We're Less than 2 Months Away!
Tickets are on Sale Now

We are STILL hard at work preparing an evening to remember, our 50th Anniversary Celebration! Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate the Council and our special honorees!

Dr. Marsha Gordon
Business Visionary Honoree

Clarfeld Financial Advisors
Give Local Leaders Honoree

Peter Edelman & Marian Wright Edelman
Child Advocacy Pioneer Honorees

Join us on October 18th, 2018 at Captain Lawrence Brewery.  Click here to register.

A special thank you to our Sponsors:
Clarfeld Financial Advisors; PwC; M&T; RXR Realty; Alliant Insurance Services, LSW Chauffered Transportation; Clayman and Rosenberg; Greater Hudson Bank; Inspiria Outdoor; Sharc Creative, and; White Plains City Center.

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Contact Dana Lawless, Director of Development, at  [email protected]
Out in the Community

We'll be at these upcoming events to celebrate the end of summer, and help Westchester parents find child care and after school that meets their needs.  We hope to see you there. Make sure to stop by our booth and say hi!

New Rochelle Street Fair
When: Sunday, September 9th from 11am to 5pm.
Where: Main Street, New Rochelle





Yonkers Riverfest
When: Saturday, September 15
Where: Downtown Yonkers - Buena Vista Avenue
 Welcome New & Renewed 
Child Care Programs!

New
Family Day Care Programs
Little Blessing Learning Academy

Renewed
Family Day Care Programs
Comfort Zone Family Daycare
Cozy Time Daycare, LLC
Gordons Garden
Soisette Truss

New
SACC Programs
The Play Place LLC
Family YMCA at Tarrytown

Renewed
SACC Programs
Berlow's Taekwondo Academy Inc
Family YMCA at Tarrytown
North Yonkers Preservation and Development Corp.
The Country Children's Center Inc.


 Welcome New CACFP Participants
Fior Zarzuela
Abby Figueroa
Stephanie Rodriguez
Congratulations to Our Latest  CDA Course Students Who Received the 
CDA Credential 

These early childhood professionals completed a Child Care Council CDA course and then went on to earn 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 these students in the Council's In-Person Infant Toddler Class:
    • Juana Ortiz
    • Tamara Williams
    • Berta Juarez
To find out more about the CDA credential or for information about the Council's CDA classes, please contact Idie Benjamin, Director of Professional Development at  [email protected]
Who Doesn't Love a Compliment?
 
A happy parent called recently referred to us as the "Google" of child care because we had so much great information to offer! We love the compliment - and the best part is that, unlike the Internet, everything we tell you is TRUE and reliable!
Director Health and Safety Training
 
Proud graduates of the 15 hour August Director Health and Safety Training (led by our illustrious Infant/Toddler Regional Coordinator Liz Rodano).

These directors are ready to bring best practices to their programs and provide high quality care for children! Our next director training will be held on September 8th and 22nd! If you're interested, please contact Liz at  [email protected]
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Bring Back Playdough


Playdough is fun. The soft, colored dough is a staple in most early childhood classrooms, but does it receive the attention it deserves as a valuable tool to prepare kids for school?

The malleable properties of playdough make it appealing for exploration and creativity while at the same time quietly building up vital motor strength. Developing the many small finger and hand muscles is an important prerequisite for writing. Due to a lack of play opportunities, too many kids are arriving at school without the fine motor dexterity needed to control a pencil. 

By itself, playdough can be squashed, rolled, flattened, poked, or creatively molded. Add another element to it, like buttons, and the list of possibilities expands exponentially! Each different action aids a different aspect of fine motor development, not to mention hand-eye coordination and concentration.

For more about the potential of playdough,  click here
Water Songs for Water Play

Playing in water - sprinklers, water tables, or bins on a table - is fun AND offers so many opportunities for learning. Now add songs and rhymes to the children as they play and you have created an easy and fun way to connect language with an activity. This combination is an enriched learning opportunity that increases children's vocabulary, their ability to rhyme, not to mention their FUN!  And water play is not just for summer!

Here are some of our favorites!
  • Old McDonald Had An Ocean
  • Row, Row, Row Your Boat
  • Rub-a-Dub Dub
  • Five Green and Speckled Frogs
  • Three Little Fishies
  • Ms. Lucy Had A Baby
  • It's Raining, It's Pouring
  • Five Little Fish
For full song lyrics,  click here
Story Walk
 
When : September 1st through September 23rd
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center
Cost: Free
For more information, click here
Hudson Valley Irish Festival

 
When : Sunday, September 29th  11am-7pm
Where: Peekskill Riverfront Green Park
Cost: Free
For more information, click here

IN THIS ISSUE
  • Upcoming Events
  • Voter Registration Info
  • Training Opportunities
  • Health and Regulation Tips
  • Health Tip: Immunizations
  • Free Paper & Books
  • 2018 Mid-Year Membership 
  • Council Advocacy
  • Share Your Experience
  • Children's Corner
  • Family Fun and more 
SAVE THE DATE 
50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, October 18, 2018
7:00pm-10:00pm
Captain Lawrence Brewery
Elmsford, New York
For more information  click here

Fall Infant Toddler Conference
Friday, November 16, 2018
8:30am-1:00pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center Ossining, NY

Council Office Closings 
All Day
Monday, September 3, 2018
Monday, October 8, 2018

Early Closing
Friday, August 30, 2018, 3pm
COUNCIL FACES
Welcome 
     Welcome back, Flor Tello! Flor recently returned to the Council to take over the Provider Services Data Administrator position, and we are so excited to have her back! You can reach her at ext. 110 or [email protected].
Our New Board Officers

Vice President: L. Danielle Cylich, Senior Executive at Epstein Becker Green is our new Vice President.  

Joyce Cadesca, Senior Manager, Wealth Management Finance at Morgan Stanley will serve as Board Secretary. 

We look forward to an exciting year with our very committed Council Board and its new leadership.  
Staff Testimonies
"Why do I love working at the Council? At the end of every day I feel as though I have made a contribution to improving the lives of children and their families." - Michael Goldman, Director of Finance.

"The Council is a wonderful place to work. All departments work together for the betterment of the children in the community." - Jami Flynn, Early Childhood Quality Specialist.
PROVIDER HIGHLIGHTS
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]  
Congrats 
Dr. Gloria M. Pope Ed.D


Gloria Pope, Center Director, West Cop Mt Vernon CAG Day Care Center

To better serve children, Ms. Pope has recently earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to early child care education. 

Share your story and accomplishments with us. 
Email Juanita Pope at [email protected] 
2018 MEMBERSHIP
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 



Share your membership experience with us by completing the below survey.


Call (914) 761-3456 or visit
to become a member today
RESOURCES 
Immigration Resources

There are many programs that offer immigration help. If you or someone you know could utilize youth programs, social assistance, and many other resources, please click the link below for a listing of services provided in Westchester. 

Click here to learn more.
Are You Hiring?

The Council encourages members to post job openings on our website. 

Click here  to post a job
Click here to view candidate profiles 

Earn a Free Council Training!

In appreciation for all the early care and education professionals that attend our trainings, we are now offering the "Council Loyalty Punch Card"!

Click here to learn more.
Free Books!

We still have books from our annual book drive for your program! Stop in at any time Monday through Friday (9am-5pm) to get your share!
Free Paper!
 
Look how excited this child is after drawing. Drawing helps develop manipulative skills that will assist children to write and it stimulates the creative. 

Give a child a piece of paper and let them explore their mind. 

We still have free paper to give to your program! Stop in at any time Monday through Friday (9am-5pm) and pick some up!
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.
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]
September 30th is 
World Deaf Day!

On World Deaf Day, work with your children on their Sign Language skills! Sign Language has been one of the primary means of communication for the deaf since the 1800's, and is now classified as a world language. Research has found that the use of signs and finger spelling will accommodate a wide range of learning styles: verbal linguistic, kinesthetic and interpersonal.

Babies as young as 6 to 7 months can remember a sign, and by 8 months they can begin to sign single words and imitate gestures. By 24 months, children can sign compound words and full sentences.

Here is a video teaching some great basics to teaching the children in your care:


What's Cooking?

Fresh Fruit Frozen Yogurt Pops

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup of yogurt
  • 1 cup either fresh or frozen fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or peaches
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
  • 1 set of 6 popsicle molds (if you do not have mold you can also use small paper cups, wooden sticks, and aluminum foil)
DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender or food processor, add the fresh or frozen fruit, honey or agave nectar, and yogurt, blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Fill each of the popsicle molds 3/4 of the way full then add the top. Place the mold in the freezer and freeze several hours or until solid. Remove the tops and enjoy.
3. If using paper cups, follow the same process making sure not to overfill the cups. Place the paper cups on a dinner plate and cover with aluminum foil. Make one small slit in the top of the foil over each cup and insert the wooden stick. Once frozen, simply peel the paper cup away and enjoy.

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]
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
Learn more: www.uwwp.org
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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