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#1 -Transportation 
Children may never be left unattended in any motor vehicle or other form of transportation. The program must develop and follow procedures that guarantee a child will not be left alone on a bus, including a protocol to ensure that all children have departed the vehicle. Children often fall asleep in motor vehicles and will not be aware that they've reached their destination. Every seat and hiding space must be checked before leaving the vehicle- every day, every time. Each year, hundreds of children are left unattended in motor vehicles. About 75% of child deaths in parked cars are due to adults leaving children unattended, either intentionally or unintentionally. Many caring and responsible adults are not aware of, or underestimate the risks involved when leaving their child alone in a vehicle. These dangers include: heatstroke (hyperthermia), body heat loss (hypothermia), setting a vehicle in motion, getting trapped in a car or trunk, and abduction.
#2 - OCFS New Directors Health & Safety Training
This course is required for all new directors. It will help directors look at the policies and procedures that reinforce high-quality health and safety practices. Directors are responsible for hiring, training, and maintaining staff who provide healthy and safe environments for children. Click here for the schedule of all required courses.
#3 - Spring 2018 Directors Leadership Series
In this two-session program, you will learn how to regain the feeling that you can make a powerful and satisfying impact on those around you. There are tools you can develop and techniques you can use to restore the sense of creativity and fun that makes doing this work so fulfilling.
Click here for more information.
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Advocating for Child Care Works!
Westchester County added $1.6 million of new funding to the 2018 budget of which $1 million will be used to raise reimbursement rates for contracted providers.
Now the Council is working to increase child care funding in the NYS budget. We traveled to Albany on February 6th for Early Childhood Advocacy Day, speaking with Assemblymembers Amy Paulin and David Buchwald. We also met with staff in Assemblymembers Mayer, Abinanti and Senator Stewart-Cousins offices.
Our "Advocacy on the Go" campaign is back on the road. Through the end of March we're visiting 20 plus programs to encourage parents to call Governor Cuomo and their state representatives in support of increased child care funding.
Senator Carlucci recently told us that he never hears from parents about child care. Let's change that this year. Sign us up to visit your program at pick-up time or during a parent/family event. Email Kathy Halas at [email protected].
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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:
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Asthma - Friendly Endorsed Child Care Programs
Congratulations to the following child care programs which are now endorsed as Asthma - Friendly Child Care Programs:
- Memorial Methodist Early Childhood Center
- Montrose Child Care Center
- Mount Kisco Child Care Center
Alarming Statistical Information of Asthma
Asthma is a serious and growing health problem. In the past 20 years, asthma has increased worldwide. According to the NYS Department of Health, asthma caused an average of 358 deaths per year from 1998 - 2000. One in ten preschool children is diagnosed with asthma and it is the
Number 1 reason for school absenteeism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control,
every day in America:
- 30,000 people have an asthma attack
- 11 people die from asthma (3 children die from asthma every day)
- Nearly half (44%) of all asthma hospitalizations are for children
- The death rate for children under 19 years old has increased by 80% since 1980
Managing Asthma in a Child Care Setting
Children with asthma need proper support in child-care settings to keep their asthma under control and to be fully active. Uncontrolled asthma can interfere with a child's attendance, participation, and progress in child care and in school.
Child care staff, health professionals, and parents need to work together to remove obstacles and promote children's health and development.
That's why we encourage all of you to become an Asthma-Friendly Endorsed Child Care Program. It could make the difference in a child's health and safety.
Please contact our Health Services Department to learn more -
[email protected] or 914-761-3456 ext.154.
Click here for Asthma Friendly Child Care Endorsement Informational Sheet
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Be entered to win a $100 Gift Card for completing this survey!
Click here to complete the 2018 NYS Child Care Parent Survey
Thank you for taking the time to fill out the 2018 NYS Child Care Parent Survey.
Please continue only if you are a Westchester resident who has a child aged 12 or under.
The information we gather will be used to help the NYS child care community serve families better.
Responses are confidential. All survey participants will be entered to win a $100 Visa/Amex gift card- limit on survey per family, please.
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Regulatory Reminder:
417.6(f) & 417.6(d)
All children must be secured in child safety seats properly installed per manufacturers recommendations, or with safety belts, as appropriate for the age of the child in accordance with requirements of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, before any child may be transported in a motor vehicle where such transportation is provided or arranged for by the registrant. In addition, a child must never be left unattended in any motor vehicle or other form of transportation.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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We Threw a 50th Anniversary Party!
Council staff worked together to brighten up our office space, as we gear up to celebrate our 50th Anniversary ALL YEAR LONG! Make sure to check your emails to see how we will celebrate 50 years of investing in child care! And you're invited!
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Click the photo to learn more and register
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Welcome New & Renewed
Child Care Programs!
New
Family Child Care Programs:
Renewed
Family Child Care Programs:
JSK Loving Arms Day Care
Fabia Andrea Rodriguez De Rodriguez
School Aged Child Care Programs:
Childrenspace, Inc.
Welcome New CACFP Participants
Barbara Powell
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Our book drive will kick off on March 14th and run through April 30th.
Each year we collect thousands of new and gently used books for children that are distributed to programs throughout the county.
Help us this year by:
- Donating books
- Helping sort and organize books for delivery
- Reading books to children at a center or after school program
- Publicize the book drive by posting this flyer 2018 Book Drive
- If you would like to be a collection site, contact Jami Flynn at [email protected] or 914-761-3456 ext. 136 or to receive a customized flyer.
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Join us for a Special Storytime
The Council has been visiting programs and libraries through out Westchester to enjoy story time during our Reading Marathon. The Field Library in Peekskill was kind enough to allow the Council to hold a special story time, and we would love to see some familiar faces there! No registration required, just come and enjoy stories and entertainment provided by our staff!
March 15th at 11am
The Field Library
4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, NY 10566
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Talking About the Weather
is Not Just For Circle Time
We experience weather every day. It affects what we can do outside, what we wear, what we eat and drink. Far too often, in many programs, the weather is a brief topic at circle time. Every day, the same discussion, the same pictures. But weather is so much more interesting than this. Let's focus instead on children experiencing weather and coming to have a real understanding of the importance of weather in their lives while having fun.
Let's talk about the weather using positive terms. Even rainy days are beautiful, and we couldn't survive without them. Snow is not an inconvenience, but beautiful and so a different way to play outside.
"Learning about the seasons helps children understand the passage of time and teaches them about change. While some seasonal changes are more obvious (like changes in the weather), there are many important subtle differences related to each season, like changes in the type of food that is available. For example, in some parts of the world, winter means shorter days, cooler temperatures, and little or no plant growth. In contrast, spring is full of new life with flowers budding and gardens beginning to grow."
What is the climate where we live? What if we lived somewhere else. Hint: there are no snowmen or snow-women in the deserts of Arizona.
Weather is interesting because it is always changing. "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute." Weather can be observed and measured.
As children come to fully understand what they mean, their vocabularies will grow as will their understanding of the world.
For more suggestions on how to talk about the weather with your children,
click here!
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First Notes/Primeras Notas
When: Saturday, March 3 1:00pm & 1:45pm
Saturday, March 17 1:00pm & 1:45pm
Saturday, March 24 1:00pm & 1:45pm
Where: Greenburgh Public Library
Cost: Free
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Rabbit Day
When: Sunday, March 25 12:00pm-3:00pm
Where: Muscoot Farm, Katonah
Cost: Free
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- Upcoming Events
- Tax Time Info
- Health Tip-Asthma
- Wine Tasting
- 2018 Membership
- Annual Book Drive
- Family Fun and more
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Wine Tasting
Thursday, April 12, 2018
6:00pm-8:00pm
Vino 100
White Plains, New York
2018 Spring Infant Toddler Conference
Saturday, April 28, 2018
8:30am-1:15pm
Peas and Karrots
Ossining, NY
2018 Annual Awards Breakfast
Friday, May 18, 2018
8:00am-10:00am
Westchester Marriott
Tarrytown, New York
Thursday, October 18, 2018
6:30pm-9:30pm
Captain Lawrence Brewery
Elmsford, New York
Council Office Closings
All Day
Monday, May 28, 2018
Early Closing
Friday, May 25, 2018 at 3pm
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Wayne Gosnell,
Partner, Clayman & Rosenberg LLP
has joined the Council Board of Directors to help make a positive difference for working parents and their children.
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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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Gabriela Cabrera, Family Day Care Provider
50 Ways the Council Rocks!
"LaToya Ramsey is the best registrar you could ever have!"- Graciela Cabrera
"I heard this before; it is incredible how many things this office does to help mothers like me."- Rosie
"Where would I be if it had not been for you guys- you rock! Thanks LaToya for all your support! Love you all." -Barbara Powell, Effective Child Care Services, Inc.
Share your testimony on our facebook page or email it to [email protected] we'd love to hear from you too!
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Would you like to earn up to 12% of your income tax free? By enrolling in the Child Adult Food Care Program you can receive tax free reimbursements for the healthy meals you are serving the children in your care. If you are interested in becoming part of CACFP please contact Lindsay Tiernan at ext. 115.
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.
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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 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
[email protected] 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
[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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This statewide organization works to get toxic chemicals out of daily life, by changing laws, shifting the market-place, and helping people make change in their homes, businesses, and child care settings. They also see child care and after school programs as key partners in their mission to free children of harmful chemicals.
Check out their website for resources and training. Simply
Click here!
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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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March 31st is
National Crayola Crayon Day
On March 31st spend time creating art with your kids using Crayola Crayons!
Other special days in March:
March 6th is dentist day
March 12th is plant a flower day
March 14th is learn about butterflies day
March 23rd is National Puppy Day
March 30th is National Doctor's Day
Be creative and see the many ways you can include these special days in your program.
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What's Cooking?
Bagel Balls
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup (5 oz) unbleached all purpose flour, whole wheat or gluten-free mix
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (make sure it's not expired or it won't rise)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if using table salt)
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (not regular yogurt, it will be too sticky)
- 4 tablespoons (4 ounces or half package) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, cut into 8 cubes.
- 1 egg white, beaten (whole egg works fine too)
- optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes.
DIRECTIONS
oven method
1. Preheat oven to 375F. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Spray with oil to avoid sticking.
2. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk well.
3. Add the yogurt and mix with a fork or spatula until well combined, it will look like small crumbles.
4. Lightly dust flour on a work surface and remove the dough from the bowl. Knead the dough a few times until dough is tacky, but not sticky, about 15 turns.
5. Divide dough into 8 equal balls. Flatten each ball into circles, then place 1/2 tablespoon cream cheese on each. Cover the dough well and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
6. Top with egg wash and sprinkle with seasoning of your choice if desired.
7. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 25 minutes. Let cool at least 10 mins before cutting.
Air fryer method
1. Spray the basket to avoid sticking.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 325F and set for 11 to 12 minutes. Transfer in batches without overcrowding and bake 11 to 12 mins or until golden.
3. No need to turn. Let cool at least 10 mins before cutting.
Enjoy!
For more information on receiving reimbursements for meals and snacks contact Lindsay Tiernan at 914-761-3456 ext. 115 or email Lindsay at
[email protected]
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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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