March 2017             
             914.761.3456
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 
#1 - Help Children Get Off to the Best Start - Early Intervention Program
In New York State, the lead agency for the Early Intervention Program (EIP) is the Department of Health (NYSDOH). Child care programs are in the perfect position to identify children who might benefit from Early Intervention services to help them develop.   EIP provides evaluation services including vision and hearing screening, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, child development groups, family counseling and more.   Services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to families.  

If you have a question about a child in your program or you would like to have more information available for the families you serve, please call Westchester County Department of Health Early Intervention Program at 914-813-5094.   You can also visit their website at

#2 - Tax Free Reimbursements
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 or Sydney Jenkins-Hall at ext. 167. 
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS 
Governor's Budget Has NO New Child Care Subsidy Funding - Service Cuts Could Be on the Way 

Only 17% of NYS lower-income families that are eligible for a child care subsidy receive one.   

Contracted Westchester child care and after school programs haven't had a rate increase in years.

New federal regulations that make child care safer and higher quality are not being implemented in NYS.

It's time for NYS to make child care funding a priority.  

We have been meeting with the Westchester State Delegation 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

 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 


Influenza (Flu) Season

 Cases of Seasonal Flu Have Reached Epidemic Levels

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of the seasonal flu have reached epidemic levels across the United States. The most recent Weekly Surveillance Report reported nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths.
 
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 can lead to death. Each year an average of more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications. The Department of Health recommends that everyone six months of age or older receive flu vaccination. Since the flu can spread through coughing or sneezing, it is also important that family members, and child care providers who regularly come into contact with children to get vaccinated.
 
It's not too late to get the flu vaccine. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for anyone that has not been vaccinated.   

To learn how the flu spreads, click here,

To learn more about Influenza symptoms and complications, click here,

Click Here for additional information.

Please see below for additional information in Spanish:
Regulation Reminder: Daily Outdoor Play 417.7(h)
Programs must offer daily supervised outdoor play, except during inclement or extreme weather or unless otherwise prohibited by a health care provider. Parents may request and programs may permit children to remain indoors during outdoor play time so long as such children will be supervised by an approved caregiver.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
Let's Work Together to put books in the hands of our Westchester Children

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.   

We ask you to 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:
 
If your program needs books, please let us know.  Call Juliana Leshi for more information at 914-761-3456 ext. 111. 
BOARD SPOTLIGHT
Honoring Cecilia McKenney

 

Thank you, Cecilia!

At the Council's last Board of Directors meeting, we thanked Cecilia McKenney for her 12 years of outstanding board service. In particular, as Chair of the Board's Fundraising Committee, Cecilia oversaw and led the Council's fundraising efforts--achieving significant growth--while being an incredibly generous supporter herself.

While no longer on the board, Cecilia will remain a very close friend of the Council, and we will be honoring her at the 2017 Awards Breakfast this spring! Here's what Cecilia had to say: 

"As a working mother and as a corporate executive, I know the critical importance of high-quality, affordable child care. For many families, a two-income household is the norm, and missing work due to a lack of child care coverage can be disruptive for all concerned. The mission of the Council is to give everyone - children, parents, and employers - the best possible child care resources and support. I am proud to be a part of an organization that offers solutions that allow children to thrive.  Every parent knows that if our children are safe, healthy, happy and learning, anything and everything else in our day is manageable."

The Board and Council staff are tremendously grateful for Cecilia's extraordinary service, and we thank her wholeheartedly on behalf of all of the Westchester families she has supported for all of these years.
#GivingTuesday

Can you guess what Board members Korey Kross and Jeff Samuelson are holding? They're not footballs or aliens - they're stuffed brains, the mascots of our "brain-building" project that delivers kits full of brain-growing goodies to child care providers who serve children from low-income families. 

Korey and Jeff had the honor of taking the first photo with our new friends as their "reward" for raising the most funds on  #GivingTuesday  to support this initiative. 

By the way, we're thankful our Board is not only supportive, but fun-loving!
Time to Celebrate!


CCCW Board President Craig Ruoff, Board members Rob
Kissner, Jeff Samuelson and Korey Kross, Executive Director
Kathy Halas, and TD Bank representatives Steve Moroney,
Chris Galayda and Adam Kintish.

In December, TD Bank hosted a fun, free event celebrating the Council's 2016 Giving Tuesday campaign where we raised more than $22,000 in just one day. A special thanks to our Board of Directors and TD Bank for making this year's #GivingTuesday campaign such a success!
Welcome New and
 Renewed Child Care Programs:

New
Family Day Care
Children On The Rise Daycare, LLC
Dilcia Garcia Castro

School Aged Child Care
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle

Renewed
Family Day Care
Shari Montanez

School Aged Child Care
Gentle Hands, Young Hearts Children's Program Inc.
Smiley Faces DayCare Center INC.

   
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 Spanish CDA Class:
    • Yasnia Perez
  • The Council's In-person Preschool CDA Class:
    • Kristen McMichael
  • The Council's Online eCDA Course:
    • Samantha Funicello
    • Carmen Ramos Figueroa
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
Children's Books that Empower Girls 
(and Boys)

Children learn so much from books. Wonderful children's books take children to new worlds and introduce important ideas even to the youngest. In honor of Women's History Month, below you will find a list of terrific books to inspire  children's futures.


school-group.jpg

Free Fun Activities 


Saturday Specials at the Chappaqua Library
This weekend program gives special needs children and their families an hour of low-stress fun and bonding. Stories, songs, sensory activities and schmoozing make for a fun family experience.

Saturday, March 19, 2017, 1:30-2:30pm. 
Free for all ages, however registration is required.

Chappaqua Library
195 South Greeley Avenue
Chappaqua, NY 10504
 
Teaching Trails
Teaching Trails is a guided trail experience through the woodland forest. "Trail Ninjas" provide information on trees, plants, wildlife and seasonal changes. Lets see what's going on in the winter woods! Free for all ages and reservations are not required.

Dates: March 5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 
Time: 11:30am

Greenburgh Nature Center
99 Dromore Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914)723-3470
IN THIS ISSUE
  • Upcoming Events
  • Winter/Spring Training Calendar
  • Board Highlights
  • New child care programs in Westchester
  • 2017 Membership is Open
  • Influenza Info
  • Mini Grants Available
  • Free Family Events
  • and more 
SAVE THE DATE 
Wine Tasting
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Vino 100 
171 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY
Click here to register

2017 Spring/Family Group Family Conference
Saturday, April 22, 2017
St. Ann's Peas & Carrots
Ossining, NY

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, May 29, 2017
COUNCIL FACES
 
We are here to help you!

Come visit us or simply call 914.761.3456 ext. 0 and ask about the many free services available to you. 

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  

We would love to have you on Board!

The Child Care Council is seeking individuals with experience in child care or after school programs to join 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 kathyh@cccwny.org or 914.761.3456 ext. 102.
2017 MEMBERSHIP
IS OPEN!

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 
Caregiver Appreciation Day

March 3rd is Caregiver Appreciation Day.  Take the time out to honor your hard working staff. Recognition activities could include a special lunch, snack, cake, or small gifts. 
Jobs for our Youth

It is important that our youth understand how critical it is to work.  Let's work together to keep our youth busy and help them build a variety of skills to make them successful.  County Executive Rob Astorino urges our youth to apply for Park Ranger positions that are available throughout the County. 
  
Click here to learn more.



The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers, NY is offering LEGO education workshops.  What a great field trip for children to learn about engineering, design mathematics, science, speaking, listening and language arts.  


To learn more or to book your field trip, call 1-866-243-0770 or visit their website. 

Did you file your taxes yet?

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.  
Free Diapers

The average child will use more than 2,700 diapers in the first year alone, which can add up to more than $550!   Westchester County provides diapers for families in need for FREE. 

Click here to learn more
Mini Grants Available 

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.


Click here to learn more.
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 juanitap@cccwny.org
Special Days in March

March 12th is plant a flower day. It is okay for children to get a little dirt in their fingers. Gardening is a great opportunity for fun and a hands on learning experience for children.   
What's Cooking?

Broccoli Chicken Brown Rice Salad



With orange juice in the dressing and dried cranberries, this salad pairs child-friendly flavors with parent-pleasing broccoli and brown rice. Hearty and full of textures, you'll want to pack some for your lunch, too!

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup small broccoli florets, cooked tender crisp
  • 1 cooked chicken breasts cut into small chunks
  • 1/4 cub dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 2 Tbsp orange juice
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, toss together the rice, broccoli, chicken and cranberries. Pour the canola oil and orange juice in, season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve with unsweetened applesauce and milk. Makes enough for 4-6 servings, depending on age and appetite.

Extras: Use a brown rice and wild rice blend for extra texture. Use 2 Tbsp. raisins for the same amount of dried cranberries for a sweet-tart mix. You can also substitute 1/4 cup of bottled dressing instead of making your own.

Kids can: Measure the ingredients, stir 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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