January 2017             
             914.761.3456
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 
#1 - 2017 Program Review
As 2017 approaches this is a great time to evaluate your program needs.  Please review all forms and ask parents to update any expired information.

In  addition check and restock your  emergency   bags, fir st aid kits and shelter in place sup plies. This is also the time to make su re that all smoke and carbon monoxide detec tors are in working condition. 

 

Let's start 2017 healthy and safe! 

#2 - Outdoor Play for Everyday
Children need to play outside each day even in the winter. Outside play allows children to run, jump, shout and wiggle, using their large muscles and working off extra energy. Programs must offer daily supervised outdoor play, except during inclement or extreme weather or unless otherwise prohibited by a health care provider. Post and use the below weather watch as a guide to ensure children are safe when in outdoor weather. 

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS 
$1 MILLION More for Westchester Child Care   

Advocacy for child care is never done.   Every year, we need to let our elected leaders know that funding for child care is a "must have" that enables parents to work and children to be readied for lifelong success.

The Westchester Board of Legislators boosted child care subsidy funding by $1 million for 2017, despite the tightest budget in recent years - evidence of the impact of advocacy and the legislators' commitment to child care.



Thanks to Greyston Learning Center families and staff (above) who testified at the Dec 7th budget hearing and everyone else who spoke up for child care - you made a difference!
 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:
Health Tip 


Asthma
 
Asthma is a serious and growing health problem. In the past 20 years, asthma has increased all over the world. According to the New York State Department of Health, asthma caused an average of 358 deaths per year from 1998 - 2000.  There were 12 deaths in children 0-14 years of age. One in 10 preschool children is diagnosed with asthma and it is the number one reason for school absenteeism.  
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day in America:  
  • 30,000 people have an asthma attack
  • 5,000 people visit the emergency room due to asthma
  • 1,000 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma
  • 11 people die from asthma
  • 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 
Click here to read more

The Child Care Council partnered with the American Lung Association of New York to develop a pilot to create a safer environment for children with asthma.  Read the below literature to learn more or contact the Health Care Consultant Services Department about becoming an Asthma Family Endorsed Child Care Program.  Contact Director  Elissa Guzzardi, 914-761-3456 ext. 154.



Regulation Reminder: 417.5(j)
As the weather gets colder please remember a temperature of at least 68° degrees Fahrenheit must be maintained in all rooms to be occupied by children. In addition the use of space heaters in rooms used for child care is prohibited.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
SOLD OUT Infant Toddler Conference 

The theme of the 2016 Fall Infant Toddler Conference was "The Children Are The Curriculum."  The conference, held at the St. Gregory the Great Early Childhood Development Program in Harrison on November 18 was attended by 150 early childhood educators from every corner of Westchester County.  
 
Keynote speaker Fern Fisher presented a comprehensive program entitled, "What is Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers?". Additional breakout sessions addressed Early Literacy, Appropriate Social-Emotional Curriculum, Developing Responsive Curriculum, Music in Early Childhood Settings and Early Intervention Services.  The participants were enthusiastic and participated in a variety of hands-on and group activities during the sessions.  The conference was an enjoyable day of learning and a dynamic exchange of ideas.
Thank YOU for helping spread the joy!

True holiday spirit is about giving to those in need.  It is giving that comes from the heart.  Thank you to the Westchester County Community for continued support of our annual Holiday Toy Drive.  Once again the Council partnered with Toys for Tots to help bring joy to children during the holiday season.  We would like to extend an extra special thank you to the Bronxville Montessori School (staff and parents) for donating many boxes of toys.  Best wishes for a happy holiday season and our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year.
#GivingTuesday

In one day, the Council raised more than $22,000 to help 1,200 children! All funds will be used to purchase "brain-building" kits for child care providers who serve children from low income families. The kits are filled with items that are critical for early brain growth; books, math manipulatives, building blocks, art supplies, instruments, science tools, dress-up items, and more. Kids who have access to these materials are more likely to enter kindergarten ready to learn, move grade to grade on time, avoid risky behavior, graduate high school, earn good wages, and be healthy as adults.
THANK YOU to everyone who supported our campaign this year. Together, we are making a tremendous difference for Westchester's children, not just today, but for a lifetime.
Welcome 
New and Renewed Child Care Programs:

New

School Aged Child Care:
Great Opportunities for Activities and Leadership (GOAL)

Re-newed

Family Day Care
Carshella-DayCare. LLC
   
Congratulations to Our CDA Course Students!!

 
Congratulations to these students who earned the CDA Credential in November and December 2016!!
 
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 Preschool CDA class
    • LusDelia Oquendo
    • Warlin Martinez
  • The Council's online eCDA course
    • Laura Welbourn
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 idieb@cccwny.org.
CHILDREN'S CORNER
We believe  -
  • Children develop and grow when they have time to play, make choices, explore, problem solve, imagine, and have fun.
  • Children need materials to explore, manipulate, and think about.
  • The best materials are open-ended with many ways to use them.
  • Not all appropriate play materials are expensive and come in a fancy box.  
 
After a few weeks of receiving shiny things in fancy boxes, let children explore everyday materials in their play. What makes them excellent play materials is that they are open-ended and allow for endless possibilities.
 
A piece of recycled cardboard is an open-ended material. Open-ended materials have an infinite number of uses, limited only by your child's imagination. By giving your child recycled, open-ended materials to play with, not only are you fostering her creativity and problem-solving skills, but you are saving money, as well.    

From Toni Sturdivant, "Play with Free Stuff: No Batteries Required!"

Here are our 8 favorite everyday object play materials!
 
1.  Toilet paper and paper towel rolls
Roll them, make bowling pins and knock them down.  Paint with them and make binoculars for walks outside. They can be wands or scepters.  Put in beads and duct tape the ends to make instruments.
 
2.  Boxes -
Yes, the box is more fun than the toy that came in it.  Play in them, pile them to build and make forts, or make a crib for a baby doll.
 
3.  Egg cartons -  
Egg cartons are the perfect place to sort pebbles or buttons. Put in the block area. Use them for paint pallets. 
 
4.  Plastic bottles -
Put beads, small tones, bells, and other objects inside, glue on the tops, and shake, shake. Add oil and water or corn starch and glitter or metallic confetti, and they are sensory bottles. They're bowling pins and baseball bats, too. 
 
5.  Plastic cups -
Cups are great for sand and water play. Use them to pour, scoop, and stack. Put paint in them and mud.
 
6.  Colanders -
When children are not wearing them as hats, colanders are great in the sand or water tables. Children can develop fine motor skills by pushing pipe cleaners, coffee stirrers, feathers, and thin sticks through the holes. 
   
7.  Blankets -
A blanket thrown over a table makes a fort or a cave. Children can tuck in a baby doll or wear a superhero cape. Hang a blanket and you have a puppet theater.
 
8.  Empty Wipes Containers and Tissue Boxes -
Children can push many different objects through the opening. Fill them with fabric scraps and let children pull them out!

Resources

 

Play with Free Stuff

 

12 Household Objects that make fantastic toys

 

12 Household Items that Double as Toys for Babies

 

10 Common Household Products that kids can safely play with for hours

Free Arts & Crafts 


 
Come create art, meet the instructors and try your hand at drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, jewelry making and more. Experiment with art and enjoy light refreshments. 

Saturday, January 7, 2017
From: 1:00-3:00 PM. 
Registration not needed. 

The Katonah Art Center
65 Old Bedford Road
Goldens Bridge
914-232-4843
Visit their website for more information
IN THIS ISSUE
  • Upcoming Events
  • New Winter/Spring Training Calendar
  • Nominate great child care/after school staff 
  • New child care programs in Westchester
  • 2017 Membership is Open
  • Asthma Info
  • Giving Tuesday Success
  • Financial Advice
  • and more 
SAVE THE DATE 
2017 Annual Awards Breakfast 
Friday, May 19, 2017
8:00am-10:00am
Westchester Marriott
Tarrytown, NY 

Council Office Closings 
All day
Monday, January 2, 2017
Monday, January 16, 2017

Early closings (at 3pm)
Friday, December 30, 2016
COUNCIL FACES
 
Welcome, Jamie Hamlin

Jamie is our new Administrative Assistant.  Jamie is here to help with administrative support, fundraising and memberships.  
Call Jamie at (914)761-3456 ext. 152 with your questions.   

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 juanitap@cccwny.org  
2017 MEMBERSHIP
IS OPEN!
Take Advantage of the Early Bird Membership Perks!!!

Become a 2017 member by November 30th and receive a training voucher. 

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

RESOURCES 
Nominate Great Child Care/School Age Staff

Recognize a child care provider by nominating him or her for a "Joey Award" via the Council's nomination form below:


Above photo of our 2014 Joey Award Winner, Susan Matos, Imagination Family Day Care shown here with John Sterbenz, Council Board of Directors, former Joey winner Rosalie Woo and Master of Ceremonies Tara Rosenblum of News 12 Westchester
Need Food?

If you, your family or someone you know is in need of food assistance there are various resources in Westchester County to help.  



NYS SNAP Application (to apply for assistance)
20 17 Child Care Council Public Policy Agenda

OUR VISION:
Affordable, quality early care and education options that promote children's success in school and life, enable parents to work and advance in their careers, and provide a ready workforce for business growth.

Click here to read more. 
Financial Advice 

Tom Copeland, the Nation's Leading Expert on the Business of Family Child Care, shares financial  advice for family and group family providers. 

Taking Care of Business- see the below articles:




News & Views

Stay tuned with what is happening at the Council and in the child care community. 

Special Days in January

National Bird Day is celebrated on January 5th.  Children and adults love watching birds - for some people it has become a treasured hobby.  Take the children on a nature walk and let them count how many birds they see.  
Help Us Win!

Please click the link below to visit Westchester  Toyota's 21st Give Back Campaign Facebook page and vote for the Council as your favorite charity. Spread the word and have your friends and family vote too! 

Your votes will help us win up to $1,500 that will support our efforts to make sure children in Westchester have access to quality early care.

What's Cooking?

Asian Chicken Noodle Salad



This Pasta Salad is chock full of crunchy vegetables, chicken and noodles to slurp. It's quick to make and fun for the kids.

Ingredients
  • 4 oz. cooked whole-wheat linguine or spaghetti and rinsed in cold water
  • 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 carrot, peeled and sliced into long matchsticks
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and core removed, sliced into thin matchsticks
  • 1/2 cup sliced sugar snap peas
  • 1/4 cup bottled sesame ginger salad dressing
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a large bowl, tossing well to combine. Service with fruit and milk to complete the meal.

Makes 2-4 servings, depending on age and appetite.

Extras: Try soba or udon noodles in place of the whole-wheat pasta. Add sliced green onions, minced cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for adventurous eaters.

Kids can: Measure the ingredients, toss the salad
 
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 .

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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