#1 - Recalled Products
We all strive to ensure that the children attending child care programs are in the safest environment possible. As part of that effort it is crucial that child care providers frequently visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website,
http://www.cpsc.gov/
to stay current with information regarding the latest recalls on toys, equipment and other products used in your child care program.
#2 - It's Tax Time Again
Westechester County offers free tax preparation every year. Click the below link for more information
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.
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Governor's Budget on Child Care Disappoints
Governor Cuomo's new Enhanced Middle Class Child Care Tax Credit is great news for NY families earning between $60,000 and $150,000, who need help paying for child care.
But right now, 83% of lower-income families that are eligible for a child care subsidy can't get one.
But the Governor's proposed budget does not include any new child care funding, which
means eligible children will continue to wait AND needed federal health and safety child care regulations will be further delayed.
Though we advocate for more Westchester County child care funding, most of the funds are state and federal. This failure to significantly increase child care in the state budget is going to make life hard for low-wage earning families in Westchester and all over the state.
We'll be working here in Westchester and in Albany to get more child care funding. To let the Governor and your state legislators know that child care is important to you, send a letter. Just click here:
Fund Child Care 2017
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Professional Development Opportunities
The 2017 Winter-Spring Training Calendar is Here!
Our newest professional development calendar is here! In it, you'll find can't-miss sessions for director/owners and topics related to every modality and age group, including dual language learners, special needs, health and wellness and SO MUCH MORE!
To find great training's, go to:
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Health Tip
Measles
There has been an increase in cases of measles and outbreaks in several locations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year 70 people from 16 states were reported to have measles. The states involved included New York, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
Measles virus is a highly contagious viral disease that may have serious and at times fatal consequences.
Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the
rash appears.
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Regulation Reminder: 417.4(h)(4)
The New York State Regulations require that all paths of egress on the interior and exterior of the home, including corridors, aisles and approaches must be kept free of obstructions, impediments and debris at all times. This includes snow and ice, so please ensure that all pathways leading to your primary and secondary exit are kept clear at all times.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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Our 2017 Book Drive
This year our book drive will kick off on March 15th and run through April 28th.
Each year we collect thousands of new and gently used books for children that are distributed to programs throughout the county.
Look out for more info on how you can participate.
"The more you read the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
-Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
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2017 Annual Awards Breakfast
May 19th, 8:00am-10:00am
SAVE THE DATE
Don't Miss Westchester's Biggest Child Care Celebration!
We are pleased to announce this year's honorees:
Champions for Children
Ossining School District, Ray Sanchez, Superintendent
Cecilia Mckenney, Frontier Communications
Dr. Jennifer Canter, Westchester Institute for Human Development
Joey Award Winners
Barbara Powell, Effective Childcare Services
Henry Wilson, Youth Community Action Program
Ronnie Weinberger, Oak Lane Child Care Center
Krystal Hill, Early Einstein Learning Center
More event details to follow in early February.
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Welcome
Renewed Child Care Programs:
Family Day Care
Colorful Hands Daycare, Inc.
School Aged Child Care
Family Services of Westchester Inc.
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Congratulations to Our CDA Course Students!!
Congratulations to these students who earned the CDA Credential in January 2017!!
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.
- The Council's In-person Infant Toddler/Family Child Care Babies Step Foward CDA Class:
- Cynthia Lares
- Alicia Chong
- Genesis Flores
- Yahaira Perez
- The Council's In-person Infant Toddler Class:
- Rosweny Flores Hidalgo
- Ashley Lyles
- Felicia Johnson
- Ayana Rivera
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 [email protected].
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Snow Fun!!
Snow on the ground. What a wonderful opportunity for learning for all children inside and outside.
Snow inside -
If it's too cold or windy to go outside, fill your water table or tubs (large and small) with snow and play inside.
- Put gloves and mittens on the children and let them explore the snow. Dig with shovels, scoops, spoons and a variety of small containers and buckets.
- Add construction trucks and move the snow.
- Put food coloring in small cups of water and give the children eyedroppers. The children will be developing sequencing the steps involved in using an eyedropper, and eye-hand coordination while they decorate the snow.
- Have a scavenger hunt with colored ice cubes: Put food coloring in water and freeze it in ice cube trays. Hide the ice cubes in the snow for the children to find.
- Watch the snow melt. How long does it take? Is there more or less water than there was snow?
- Put the melted snow outside or in the freezer or both. What happens?
- Make birdfeeders and talk about how animals can't find food when snow covers the ground.
Snow outside -
Yes, it is a lot of work to get children into snowsuits, boots, hats, and mittens and get them outside, but it is worth every minute to do this.
Why you should suit up and go outside -
- It is so much fun to play in the snow.
- Fresh air is healthy.
- There is a great deal of learning for children in putting on snowsuits and boots. Even two's can lay down on top of their suits and wiggle in their arms and legs and then pull on their boots. The adults don't have to do all the work and you will get outside much quicker.
Once you are outside -
- A snow playground or yard is an enormous "sand box." Get out the sand toys and let the children dig and explore.
- Create a construction site with dump trucks, bull dozers, front end loaders, etc. and have the children transport the snow on the site.
- Shovel! Give the children child sized snow shovels.
- Make snow people and snow animals.
- Fill a spray bottle with colored water. The children can "paint" the snow using the spray bottle.
- Have a scavenger hunt with colored ice cubs. Put food coloring in water and freeze it in ice cube trays. Hide the ice cubes in the snow for the children to find.
- Bubbles - when the temperature drops below 32 degrees, blow bubbles and watch them freeze on the wand.
- Bring out the baking pans especially ones with shapes. Make snow cakes and decorate with bits of nature that can be found.
- Throw snowballs at a target - a hula hoop or a circle drawn with colored water.
- Build a fort. Use sand buckets, loaf pans, and cut up empty milk cartons to make a cool snow castle.
- Create a maze. Put on your hiking boots and stamp out a path for your kids to follow.
- Make footprints. Are everyone's the same pattern and size? Look for animal footprints in the snow.
Resources:
- The Council's Professional Development Department Staff
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Free Fun Activities
Children's Yoga
Come introduce your little ones to the benefits of Yoga at the Croton Free Library. A certified Yoga instructor will teach and lead your child in acting out their favorite stories through yoga, music, movement, breath and sound.
Every Wednesday,
10:30-11:00 am, for infants and toddlers.
Croton Free Library
171 Cleveland Drive
Croton on Hudson, NY 10520
Kids's Pilates
A fun weekly pilates class for both kids and parents.
Monday, February 6, 2017
From: 10:45-11:15 am
Mount Vernon Public Library
25 South First Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
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- Upcoming Events
- Winter/Spring Training Calendar
- 2017 Champion and Joey Award Winners
- New child care programs in Westchester
- 2017 Membership is Open
- Measels Info
- Free Tax Preparation
- and more
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March 2017, more details coming soon
2017 Spring/Family Group Family Conference
2017 Annual Awards Breakfast
"Make Magic Happen"
Friday, May 19, 2017
8:00am-10:00am
Westchester Marriott
Tarrytown, NY
Council Office Closings
All day
Monday, February 20, 201
7
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Welcome back, Aniberca Rosario
Aniberca is temporarily helping with quality improvement in family and group family programs.
Call Aniberca at (914)761-3456 ext. 142 with your questions.
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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 opening:
For more information contact Juanita Pope at 914-761-3456 ext. 106 or email at
[email protected]
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We would love to have you on Board!
The Child Care Council is seeking individuals with experience in child care to sit on our Board of Directors.
If you would like to talk further about the Council's Board of Directors and/or Business Advisory Group, please contact Kathy Halas, Executive director at
[email protected] or 914.761.3456 ext. 102.
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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
- Free access to the Council's Children's Resource Corner
- Early announcements of special programs and opportunities
- Free Notary Public Services
- Invitation to attend free member only networking meetings
- Complimentary Council 2016 Calendar
- Participation in our membership referral program
- Invitation to attend exclusive member only annual events
Call (914) 761-3456 or visit
to become a member today
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Do you want to become an approved OCFS on demand trainer?
The Office of Children and Family Services is offering a new innovative training for directors to use to train their staff members. Click the link below to learn how you can become a trainer.
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Discovery Education is accepting applications for Smart from the Start Awards. The program is designed to encourage preschool teachers to create practical, long-term improvements in nutrition and physical activity at their preschool.
The winning preschool will be awarded $20,000 and ten runners-up will each receive $2,500. All winners receive a prize pack of books. Early childhood education centers and schools with a Pre-K program are eligible to apply.
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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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FREE Assistance from Council Specialists
Council specialists are available to work directy with child care centers as well as family/group programs and your staff on every aspect of caring for children.
Please contact Idie Benjamin, Director, Professional Development, at
[email protected] or 914.761.3456 ext. 108 for more information.
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Special Days in February
National Feed the Bird Day is always celebrated on February 3rd. Help the birds in your neighborhood survive the long, cold winter by feeding them. Make a creative bird feeder with children in your program and place it outside so they may can view the very happy birds.
Check out this bird feeder idea:
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What's Cooking?
Mini Breakfast Burritos
- 4 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peppers
- Eight 4-inch whole wheat tortillas
Instructions
In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the eggs with butter, stirring constantly, until the eggs are slightly runny, about 3 minutes. Take them off the heat and season them with salt and pepper. The residual heat will cook them through. Fold in half of the cheese and chopped peppers.
To build the burritos microwave the tortillas to soften. Divide the mixture among the center of the tortillas and top with the remaining cheese. Fold up the bottom third of the tortillas, fold the ends in towards the center and continue rolling to a small cylinder shape. Serve immediately.
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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Support the Council
There are so 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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