September 2017              
             914.761.3456
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 
#1 -Important Changes to Program Compliance History
On May 17, 2017, OCFS began expanding the posting period of compliance histories for licensed and registered programs on its website. What was once a two-year posting period will eventually increase to six years.  This change will provide more information to parents seeking child care and promote greater governmental transparency. The change is not being applied retroactively. However, histories that are already posted on the OCFS website will now remain there for six years from the date of the inspection.

#2 - How Centers Can Offer a Group Training for the 5-Hour Foundations in Health and Safety Training
By September 30, 2017, all staff must complete this OCFS Health and Safety e-learning. Directors of day care centers, or school age child care programs may hold group training sessions for their staff using the Foundations in Health and Safety e-learning. 

For more information,  click here

#3 - CDA Renewal Amnesty Program
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 the renewal online. 

For more information,  click here
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS 
Outstanding Nonprofit for 2017

   
We are so pleased to share the news that 914!Inc Magazine has named the Child Care Council an "Outstanding Nonprofit" for 2017. Our thanks to them for this honor and the wonderful story.  Click here to read the story.

And, our special thanks to YOU! We're very proud to be recognized for the importance and impact of our services. The work we do would not be possible without your generous support.
 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 below:  
Parent Child Care Survey


 
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, nicolem@cccwny.org 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. 

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.  Following the recommended vaccination schedule can reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable illnesses and even death.

As child care providers and programs, you play an important role in ensuring that children are following the recommended immunization schedule. You 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 and must have a health care plan that describes your policies and procedures regarding child health policies and immunizations. 

In order to be in compliance with health and infection control regulations, programs and providers must adhere to the following:
  1. At the time of enrollment, parents must submit a copy of the child's physical exam and immunization record. The medical statement form received must be signed by a health care provider and state that the child is able to participate in child day care, and is free from contagious or communicable disease. The child's immunization record should be compared with the most current Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule released by the New York State Department of Health & the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  2. The program must keep documentation of immunizations the child has recieved to date, in accordance with with New York State Public Health Law.
  3. Any child not yet immunized or not up to date with the required immunization schedule for age may be admitted provided the child's immunizations are in process, in according with the requirements of the New York State Department of Health. The parent must provide the center/program with specific appointment dates for subsequent immunications. The center/program will follow the Catch-up Immunization Schedule for any child that is not up to date; the minimum intervals between doses will be monitored. The program will request updated immunization information at the appropriate intervals. 

Click here for:  NYS Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Click here for: 2017-2018 NYS Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendancee
Click here for: 2017 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old
Click here for: Immunizations and Developmental Milestones - Birth through 6 Years Old
Click here for: 2017 Recommended Immunizations for Children from 7-18 Years Old
Click here for: 2017 Catch-up Immunization Schedule

There are two acceptable exemptions regarding immunization requirements.
  1. If the child is not immunized because the parent has a genuine and sincere religious belief, the child may be admitted if the parent provides a written statment to this effect.
  2. Any child who is missing one or more of the required immunizations may be admitted if a physician licensed to practice medicine in NYS completes and provides the Immunization Requirements for School Attendance Medical Exemption Statement for Children 0 - 18 Years of Age Form stating that the immunization(s) may be detrimental to the child's health. Click here to view & print the Medical Exemption Form. 
Feel free to call Elissa Guzzardi if you have any questions at 914-761-3456 ext. 154. 
Regulation Reminder: 416.8(I) Pending Caregivers

Please be aware whenever a person pending approval as a caregiver is being counted in ratio for the program, the provider must be at the program and supervising this person. The pending caregiver may not be left alone with assistants or substitutes in the absence of the provider.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL

Back To Child Care Brunch

Sunday September 24, 2017
Members, you're invited to the Back to Child Care Brunch at the Council! We will be providing you with a Sunday brunch, non-alcoholic beverages, music, free trainings, and giveaways! 

Come join the fun!

2017 Westchester School Age Conference

Saturday October 21, 2017


Full STE(A)M Ahead: Bringing STE(A)M to School Age Programs

Receive 4 Hours of Training including a Keynote Presentation by Rob Kissner of the Digital Arts Experience, and a choice of 2 workshops.

For more information, click here
To register online, go to our website

For any questions please contact Idie Benjamin at idieb@cccwny.org or 914-761-3456 Ext. 108

2017 Infant Toddler Conference

Friday November 17, 2017



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.

For more information, click here
To register online, go to our  website

For any questions please contact Sandra Arasim at sandraa@cccwny.org or 914-761-3456 Ext. 134
 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 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 Spanish CDA Class
    • Lilliam Frias
    • Carmen Youngs
  • The Council's In-person Infant Toddler CDA Course
    • Diani Robert
    • Melissa Salvagio
    • Shaniee Bardley
    • Josefina Garido Gonzalez
    • Tiffany Manswell
  • The Council's In-person Preschool CDA Course
    • Michele Long
    • Marie Mariani
    • Grace Russo
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 idieb@cccwny.org
 Welcome New & Renewed 
Child Care Programs!

 
New

Family Day Care:
My Little Sunshine
 

Renewed Programs

Family Day Care:
Acorn Daycare and Preparatory School

School Aged Child Care:
Enrichment Center of Yorktown, Inc.    

Welcome To CACFP!
Linda Nicolai
CHILDREN'S CORNER
     What Is School Readiness?
     
Although for young children care is a year round experience, we all naturally think of September as the start of the school year. When children transition to a new class, often parents and teachers worry about children being ready for Kindergarten, even it it is years away.

Readiness can be seen in three areas:

  • Social and Emotional Development
  • Physical and Motor Development
  • Cognitive and Language Development
For more information on school readiness, please read the following document.

Untermyer Performing Art Council's Summer Concert
When: September 2, 2017 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Untermyer Park 
Cost: Free

For more information,  click here
River Explorers Nature-Themed Programs for Curious Kids


The Center for the Urban River at Beczak holds a weekly free program for children ages 5-12 every Saturday until October 28th. Registration required.

For more information click here
IN THIS ISSUE
  • Upcoming Events
  • Earn Your CDA 
  • Parent Child Care Survey
  • Reduced Membership Rates
  • Child Health Policies and Immunizations
  • New Council Faces
  • Fall Training Calendar
  • Family Fun
  • and more 
SAVE THE DATE 
Member Appreciation Brunch
Sunday, September 24, 2017
11:00am-2:00pm
Child Care Council Office
Scarsdale, NY 
For more information, contact Juanita Pope at (914)761-3456 ext. 106

School Age Conference
Saturday, October 21, 2017
8:00am-1:05pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center
Ossining, NY
Click here for more information

Infant Toddler Conference 
Friday, November 17, 2017
8:30am-1:15pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center
Ossining, NY 
Click here for more information

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
Monday, September 4, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Early Closings (closes at 3pm)
Friday, September 1, 2017
COUNCIL FACES
     
The Council welcomes Chakula Corry, our new Resource & Referral Database Administrator. Keep your provider profile current in our referral database.  Call Chakula at 914-761-3456 ext. 117 to learn more.  
NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Michelle Thornton, CEO,  LSW Chauffeured Transportation Service has joined the Council Board of Directors to help make a positive difference for working parents and their children.  

The Council welcomes its new board member, Joyce Cadesca.  Joyce, Associate Vice President of Morgan Stanley joins the board to help build a stronger child care community for Westchester. 

Welcome Stephanie Ashmeade to the Council board.  Stephanie, Director of Finance and Administration at Escholar LLC is eager to share new ideas and advocate for early child care education. 

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 juanitap@cccwny.org  
REDUCED
2017 MID-YEAR MEMBERSHIP
Become a Council Member today and pay the half priced membership rate!

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 2017 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

RESOURCES 
Walk to Fight Youth Drug Use/Abuse/Addiction

Join our worldwide team to combat the youth epidemic of use/access to harmful drugs and substances during Red Ribbon Week. 

Event Information
When: October 14, 2017 10am
Where: Tibbetts Brook Park, 
Yonkers NY

For more information and to register,  click here


Making Strides Walk

Together we can make strides to beat Breast Cancer. 

Join the Westchester community on Sunday October 15th at Manhattanville College.

Click here  for more information
Postpartum Resource Center of New York

Are you or do you know anyone suffering from pregnancy and postpartum?  Before, during and after having a baby, parents may feel sad, alone or anxious.   Call the Resource Center Helpline at 1-855-631-001 or at 1-631-422-2255 or visit their website at postpartumny.org
Youth Programs

Let's help keep our youth busy. The Westchester-Putnam One Stop has resources for our youth. The Workforce Board offers a workforce development academy for your youth for free.

For more information click here!
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".

Click here to learn more!
Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day



Wednesday, September 13, 2017 is National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day.

This may sound like a mess, but children working in the kitchen can help them learn many things, like language, science, and social emotional skills.

Here are a few simple, healthy, things to have your child try in the kitchen:
Enjoy, and don't forget to compliment the chef!

What's Cooking?

Zucchini Tots

Getting kids to eat their veggies can often be difficult. Well, these kid-friendly zucchini tots are the perfect solution! They make a great side or breakfast or dinner!


INGREDIENTS
  • cooking spray
  • 1 packed cup grated zucchini
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 medium onion, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped basil
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Grate the zucchini into a clean dish towel until you have 1 packed cup. Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini, there will be a lot of water. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll into small ovals. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.
Makes 16.

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 .
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.
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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