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#1 -Do You Or Anyone You Know Need Health Insurance?
The New York State of Health Marketplace is a one stop shop for New Yorkers for affordable, low-cost health insurance. There are health exchange navigators available to help you for free.
Click here to locate a navigator in your area.
#2 - Take Attendance Throughout the Day
Name-to-face attendance should be taken at regular intervals throughout the day, at every transition, and when leaving one area and arriving at another. Name-to-face attendance means using the attendance sheet to read the child's name aloud and then looking at the child's face. Simply counting heads can result in a mistake, as the same child may easily be counted twice. Regular attendance taking accounts for the children presently in care and alerts the caregiver when a child is missing. If a child is missing, the sooner the child is found, the better! Programs may use a reminder tone, or musical clock that sounds at timed intervals to remind staff to take attendance consistently throughout the day.
#3 - CDA Renewal Amnesty Program
Has your CDA expired?
The Council for Professional Recognition's Renewal Amnesty Program allows anyone with a CDA credential expiration date as far back as January 1, 2007 to apply for renewal online. This amnesty opportunity provides a waiver of the CDA holder's expiration deadline.
Learn more
here
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Connecting Employers to Child Care: Our New Business Advisory Council
With the help of the talented and generous individuals on our Business Advisory Council, established earlier this year, we've created new materials and made exciting new contacts in the business community.
We want every business owner, manager, and HR professional in the county to know how the Child Care Council's free resource and referral services help working parents find quality, reliable child care so they can be more present and productive.
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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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We need your help....
T
o effectively fight for child care funding and resources, the Council needs to hear from families. A great way to help parents express their needs and concerns is to have them complete our parent survey. We have used the results of these surveys every year to fight for more subsidy funding - last year, $1 million was added. More is needed!
- You can provide families in your program with the link to complete the survey online: More Info
- You can print hard copies on the survey in English or Spanish to distribute to families: English copy; Spanish copy
- You can contact Nicole, [email protected] or 914-761-3456 x139 to have her deliver surveys for you to distribute.
All families will be entered in to win a $100 AMEX gift card.
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It's That Time of Year -
Is your Program Prepared?
Influenza 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 even lead to death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year an average of more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications. Severe complications are most common in children younger than 2 years old.
There are recommended procedures that you can implement in order to protect the health and safety of children, as well as staff in your program.
Learn more about how you can protect your program here.
For more resources to manage infectious disease in early care and education programs, click here.
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Regulation: Competent Supervision
414.8(a) - 416.8(a) - 417.8(a) - 418.8(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 caregiver's range of vision except as provided in section 416.8(b) of this Part and that the caregiver 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.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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2017 Holiday Toy Drive
The Child Care Council is happy to partner with Toy for Tots again this year to bring joy to the holiday season. Join us by donating a new, unwrapped toy for children 12 years old and under.
When: Nov 1 - Dec 19
Drop Off Location: Child Care Council of Westchester 313 Central Park Avenue Scarsdale, NY 10583
Gift Suggestions:
Dolls and Tea Sets
Cars
Puzzles
Family Board Games
Bracelets and Hair Items
Building Toys
There are many ways you may help:
Donate an unwrapped toy.
Encourage your friends, co-workers and other contacts to donate.
Help us sort toys with the Toys for Tots volunteers.
Share the above flyer with friends, family, etc.
No Time to Shop?
Visit our online wish list on amazon!
For more information contact Juanita Pope at [email protected] or call her at (914)761-3456 ext. 106.
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We're An "Outstanding Nonprofit"!
We were so honored to be named an "Outstanding Nonprofit" by 914Inc Magazine, and had a wonderful time celebrating at the Small Business Awards. Congratulations to the other honorees - it was a thrill to be recognized among a great group of successful, community-minded businesses.
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"Calls for Kids" Campaign
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We're taking our advocacy on the road! Child Care Council staff, Board members, and volunteers will visit more than 20 Westchester programs this November to inspire and help parents to call their elected leaders and ask for their support for child care and after school programs -
right then and there.
Phone calls work!
If enough parents speak up for child care,
elected officials will listen.
We are also taking a leadership role in
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
VOTE ON TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
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Smart Child Care Campaign
Our critical message to parents - that QUALITY of child care matters more than cost and location - is saturating the county. We distributed about 3,000 Smart Child Care cards through events and direct outreach this summer, and reached parents on several radio stations and via print ads thanks to our generous sponsors, Examiner Media and WHUD, The Peak, Real Country and Sharc Creative!
Can you help us get the word out?
Contact Nicole Masucci at
(914) 761-3456 x139
to get print print or digital material to distribute.
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2017 Infant Toddler Conference
Celebrating Infants and Toddler with Respect
Receive 3.5 hours of training including a keynote presentation by Lorri Sullivan of the Center for Autism & Early Childhood Mental Health at Montclair State University,
Breakfast included in registration fee.
To register online, go to our
website
For any questions please contact Sandra Arasim at [email protected] or 914-761-3456 Ext. 134
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#GivingTuesday Funds at Work
We used the funds raised on Giving Tuesday 2016 to buy materials critical for promoting early brain growth: books, math manipulatives, building blocks, art supplies, instruments, science tools, dress-up clothes, and more - which were assembled into "Brain Building" Kits.
Kits have been distributed to 50 child care providers who received special training to maximize the impact of these materials.
The result? Your donations from just one day have changed the lifelong trajectory for more than 500 children!
Click here for our full #GivingTuesday 2016 Report
Save the Date and Stay Tuned for
#GivingTuesday 2017
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Congratulations to Our CDA Course Students Who Received the CDA Credential!!
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 strengthen 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:
- In-person - Preschool CDA Class
- Michelle Romaniszyn
- Yolanda Fitoria
- Teresa Goldstein
- Tanneek Rattery
- Selma Walker
- In-person - Infant Toddler CDA Class
To find out more about the CDA Credential or for more information about the Council's CDA classes, please contact Idie Benjamin, Director, Professional Development, at [email protected]
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Welcome New & Renewed
Child Care Programs!
New
Family Day Care:
Jenniger Bowen
My Sister's Daycare INC.
Esperanza Hidalgo
School Aged Child Care:
Kids First Enrichment Program, Inc.
Welcome To CACFP!
Nancy Rosa
Jeanne Lowden
Vicky Cruz
Patricia Spence
Linda Nicolai
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How to Talk to Children About Diversity, Tolerance, and Events in the News
"We all want children to grow up in a world free from bias and discrimination, to reach their dreams and feel that whatever they want to accomplish in life is possible. We want them to feel loved and included, and never to experience the pain of rejection or exclusion. But the reality is that we do live in a world in which racism and other forms of bias continue to affect us. Discrimination hurts and leaves scars that can last a lifetime, affecting goals, ambitions, life choices, and feelings of self-worth. How can we best prepare children to meet the challenges and reap the benefits of the increasingly diverse world they will inherit? We can raise children to celebrate and value diversity, and to be proud of themselves and their family traditions. We can teach children to respect and value people, regardless of the color of their skin, their physical abilities, or the language they speak."
-"Teaching Diversity: A Place to Begin," Janet Gonzalez-Mena and Dora Pulido-Tobiassen, Scholastic.com
The issues of tolerance and diversity have been in the news all summer and fall. Many children are aware of what is happening. Difficult conversations are not to be avoided, and can lead to growth and understanding. However, we do not have to wait for an incident to create programs where all are welcome. Toddlers and preschool age children can learn to share and work together. Older children can learn to "mix-it up," sit with people they don't know, and make new friends. Care givers must model in their behavior what we want children to do.
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FIESTA! With Flor
When: November 4, 2017
Where: The Field Library, Peekskill
Cost: Free
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Music at Asbury presents Quintette 7 of West Point
When: November 12, 2017
Where: Asbury United Methodist Church, Tuckahoe
Cost: Free
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- Upcoming Events
- CDA & CACFP Changes
- 2018 Holiday Toy Drive
- Health Tip- Influenza
- Calling for Kids Advocacy Campaign
- Parent Child Care Survey
- 2018 Membership is open
- Support the Council with Giving Tuesday
- Infant Toddler Conference
- Family Fun and more
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Infant Toddler Conference
Friday, November 17, 2017
8:30am-1:15pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center
Ossining, NY
2018 Annual Awards Breakfast
Friday, May 18, 2018
8:00am-10:00am
Westchester Marriott
Tarrytown, New York
More details to follow in early 2018
Council Office Closings
All Day
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Monday,December 25, 2017
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Office closes at 3:00pm
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Friday, December 22, 2017
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We are excited to welcome L. Danielle Cylich to our board. Danielle is eager to make a positive difference for working parents and their children.
Talk to us about joining the Child Care Council of Westchester Board of Directors.
Safe, reliable quality early care and education not only changes the trajectory of children's lives, it increases workforce participation and productivity, reduces costly public expenditures, and builds a more skilled workforce for tomorrow.
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| Photo features Council Staff Member Lindsay Tiernan and M&T Bank Staff Kristina and Chastity |
The efforts of the Council and other local businesses continue to help Puerto Rico recover and rebuild. We have been amazed at the generous response to our collection, but more is needed. Please do what you can, we are still accepting donations.
Suggested donations:
Bottled water, b
aby wipes, h
and sanitizer, d
iapers,
baby formula,c
anned non-perishable foods, d
ry foods, f
irst-aid kits, l
aundry detergents, tarps
, c
ots, o
ral rehydration salts,t
oothbrushes, t
oothpaste,s
tuffed animals, t
oys,b
ooks, b
lankets, c
anned and dry pet food, c
anned milk,d
ish soap, e
xtension cords,g
arbage bags, g
round fault protectors, p
ain relief medicine,p
illows, r
opes, s
afety glasses, s
tomach relief medicine,t
owels, w
ork gloves
Child Care Council of Westchester
313 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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The Council's
All Staff Retreat
On October 24, the Council staff enjoyed some time away from the office to team build, have fun, and brainstorm ideas for the coming year at Bailey's Farm in Ossining NY.
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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 at
[email protected]
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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
- % 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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OCFS
Dear Provider Letter
OCFS has sent this to all providers! If you have not received it by mail or email, please contact your licensor or registrar.
Dear Provider:
In recent months, the number of child care programs being cited for failure to provide competent supervision has risen dramatically. OCFS is deeply concerned, as providing competent supervision to children is the most critical role of any caregiver or teacher. Many instances have been reported where a young child wandered out of a program, or was left behind on a bus, a playground, or in a classroom unsupervised. Thankfully, the children were located and returned to their parent/program; however, each of these children was placed at imminent risk and it is imperative that we seize the opportunity to examine and improve supervision practices. Supervision is key to keeping children safe and facilitating their development. In an effort to protect the children, here are some strategies and reminders to all staff and caregivers on this important topic.
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For Your Parents
We know that quality child care is far from your only challenge or responsibility. The Child Care Council is here to help connect Westchester parents with whatever education, support, and resources they need.
Learn about a wide range of topics related to raising children through free or low-cost training, and benefit from support sessions offered in your area.
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Earn a Free
Council Training!
In appreciation for all the early care and education professionals who have attended our trainings, we are now offering the "Council Loyalty Punch Card".
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World Kindness Day
Monday, November 13, 2017 is World Kindness Day.
World Kindness Day encourages us to be kind to others, helping to create a nicer, better world.
Here are some ways your children can learn to be kind to others
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What's Cooking?
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies
INGREDIENTS
- 1 organic pie pumpkin, about 28oz or 15oz can organic pumpkin puree
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 16oz cauliflower florets cut into 1in pieces
- 16oz quartered Brussel Sprouts
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 12oz gluten-free or wheat rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 tbsp of butter
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 tbsp all purpose or gluten-free flour
- 1 1/2 cups fat free milk
- 2/3 cup reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 5oz fresh grated Sharp Light Cheddar
- 4oz fresh grated Gouda
- 2tbsp fresh grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line
2 large baking sheets with aluminum foil, and coat with olive oil spray.
2. Toss cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts with olive oil, and season with salt. Spread in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. If you are roasting the pumpkin yourself, cut the top of the pumpkin as you would if you were carving a jack-o-lantern. Then cut it in quarters. Scoop out the seeds. Place the pumpkin on the prepared sheet pan and roast with other veggies in the oven at 400F for 35-37 minutes, stirring the vegetables and rotating pans halfway throughout cooking time, until vegetables are soft and have begun to brown.
4. Remove the vegetables and pumpkin from oven, and when cool, remove the pumpkin from the skin. Discard the skin and place pumpkin in good processor. Puree until smooth, adding water by the tbsp if needed.
5. While vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting fat and salt. Drain and set aside.
6. Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook over low heat for about 2 minutes. Add flour, and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and combined. Add milk and broth, and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes. Season with 3/4 tsp salt, nutmeg, and pepper.
7. Once it begins to thicken, stir in pumpkin and cook until heated through (2mins). Remove from heat, add cheeses and mix until melted. Add the cooked macaroni and mix well. Fold in the roasted vegetables.
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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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
[email protected]
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For more up to date info on what's happening at the Council and in the world of early care and education, LIKE us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter at @CCCWNY.
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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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