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#1 -The Council for Professional Recognition Announces Amnesty for New CDA Renewal
Anyone with a CDA credential expiration date as far back as January 1, 2007 will be allowed to apply for renewal online. This amnesty opportunity provides a waiver of the CDA holder's expiration deadline. To learn more, click here.
#2 - CACFP Meal Pattern Changes
USDA recently revised the CACFP meal patterns to ensure children and adults have access to healthy, balanced meals throughout the day. Under the updated child and adult meal patterns, meals served will include a greater variety of vegetables and fruit, more whole grains, and less added sugar and saturated fat. The changes made to the meal patterns are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, scientific recommendations from the National Academy of Medicine, and stakeholder input. CACFP centers and day care homes must comply with the updated meal patterns by October 1, 2017. Please contact your CACFP sponsor for details on the meal pattern changes.
#3 -Nominate Outstanding Child Care and After School Professionals
Each year we celebrate Westchester's early care and education community at our Annual Awards Breakfast. Women and men working in our field who have made a difference in the lives of children deserve our thanks. Please help us recognize them by nominating them for a "Joey Award"! Simply complete and submit the below form.
2018 Nomination Form
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Raising Voices for
Child Care
New "Calling for Kids" Campaign
In Westchester.....
*Child care is just about the most expensive in the U.S.
*The 27% co-pay is too high
*Title XX closed to new families in summer '16
*Programs face rising staff costs with the new minimum wage but flat subsidy reimbursements
More funding is needed and parents have the power to make this happen!
Because you and your parents are busy, Council staff, board members and volunteers will come to you -
at pick-up time, during a parent meeting, or during a regularly scheduled program/event. Whatever is easiest for you! We will speak to parents and encourage them to make calls to elected officials in support of child care.
Elected officials do listen! Let's make sure they hear about child care and after school.
To sign up or for more info, contact Kathy Halas, Executive Director at 914-761-3456 ext. 102.
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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 below:
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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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Recently a Westchester Child Care Provider Saved the Life of a 3 Year Old Girl
Would you know what to do?
A 3-year-old girl enters her child care program in the morning. Shortly after arriving, she complains of having ear pain. A few minutes later, she complains about some itching under her arms. She then begins to have repetitive vomiting, immediately followed by swelling of her hands and legs. The provider was able to recognize that this is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Would you know what to do?
Click here to learn what you should do in this situation.
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Regulation Reminder: 417.14(1) Mandatory Training
All providers who completed health and safety training prior to August 1, 2016 must complete the Office-approved training that complies with the federal minimum health and safety pre-service training requirements by September 30, 2017.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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Our Brunch Event Was A SUCCESS!
Sunday September 24, 2017
On Sunday September 24, we had a great brunch event to thank the providers of Westchester County. It was fantastic to get together with all of these great providers to thank them for all that they do.
Providers who attended enjoyed live music, brunch items donated from Westchester restaurants, networking with peers, and different vendors from around the county. They received resources for their programs, giveaways, and engaging workshop sessions - all FREE!
Thank you to all who attended for an amazing Sunday!
To view more pictures, visit our website.
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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.
To register online, go to our website
For any questions please contact Idie Benjamin at [email protected] or 914-761-3456 Ext. 108
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Dining For Scholarship Dollars
At Sam's of Gedney Way
Wednesday October 25, 2017
Join us for a Dining for Dollars event at Sam's of Gedney Way in White Plains. Thanks to restaurant owners Peter and Karen Herraro, 10% of any order from 5pm to 10pm will be donated to the Council's Child Care Scholarship Fund. We are hoping to raise enough money in one night to grant a scholarship to a Westchester child in need.
Help us meet our goal!
Call Sam's of Gedney Way
to make your dinner reservation.
(914) 949-0978
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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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Congratulations to Our CDA Course Student Who Received the CDA Credential!!
This early childhood professional 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. She has worked hard to improve her skills and knowledge of working with young children. The children in her care, their parents, and their programs are very fortunate to have such a dedicated professional working with them.
Congratulations to:
- Anna Lafaro, from the Council's eCDA course
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:
The Sunrise to Sunset Daycare
Renewed
Family Day Care:
Rosa DiSanto
School Aged Child Care:
Imani Cultural Academy, Inc.
Welcome To CACFP!
Rose Koomson
Kathleen Rosado
Tasha Brown
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Do You Know Where the Children Are? Ten Elements of Competent Supervision
Caring starts with supervising children so that they are safe at all times. In the last few months, several Westchester children were lost while attending regulated child care. Note - the children were ultimately found.
Here are 10 elements of competent supervision:
- Maintain ratios at all times
- Count the children by name every 5-10 minutes
- See all of the children at all times
- Place yourself so that your back is not turned to the group
- Keep close to the children and be able to respond as needed
- Anticipate what children could do both inside and outside
- Be extra aware during transitions
- Communicate with other staff
- Do not bunch up with other staff
- Do not use your phone
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Free Kid's Workshops on Saturdays
When: Every Saturday until December 16
Where: The Blue Door Art Center
Cost: Free
For full listing of workshops and more information
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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 info
click here
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- Upcoming Events
- CDA & CACFP Changes
- Nominate Great
Child Care & After School Professionals
- Calling for Kids Advocacy Campaign
- Parent Child Care Survey
- Reduced Membership Rates
- Child Safety - Supervision & Health
- Fall Conferences and Trainings
- Family Fun
- and more
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Saturday, October 21, 2017
8:00am-1:05pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center
Ossining, NY
Dining for Dollars at Sam's
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Sam's of Gedney Way
White Plains, NY
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
Monday, October 9, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Office closes at 3:00pm
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
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COUNCIL FACES
IN THE COMMUNITY
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The Council has been very busy in Westchester County as of recent. We have enjoyed taking a step away from our desks and into the community to help parents learn more about our free resources.
Our Resource and Referral department has been working very hard to schedule vendor spots at events throughout Westchester, and we are so lucky that all of the Staff at the Council jump at opportunities to speak to the members of our community.
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Screenings Under the Stars
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Screenings Under the Stars
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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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REDUCED
2017 MID-YEAR MEMBERSHIP
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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
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
J
oin the fight to end breast cancer by raising fund for and walking with the American Cancer Society Making Strides of Westchester
Sunday, October 15, 2017
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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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National Pumpkin Day
Thursday, October 26, 2017 is National Pumpkin Day.
What a great way to celebrate the fall season with the kids! There are so many things you can do with pumpkins, and pumpkin seeds, to expose children to a new food, new textures, and fun!
Here are a few ideas on how to use pumpkins with your kids:
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What's Cooking?
Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup raw sugar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tbsp virgin coconut oil (or canola)
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- baking spray
- 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray liners with oil for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt with a wire whisk. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix pumpkin puree, oil, egg whites, and vanilla; beat at medium speed until thick. Scrape down sides of bowl.
4. Add flour mixture to wet mixture, then blend at low speed until combined; do not over mix. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared muffin tin and bake on the center rack for 22 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let them cool at leas 15 minutes before serving.
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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