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#1 - Acting Director Regulations Key
Please be aware that if the director of a Day Care Center or School Aged Child Care program is no longer employed by the program you have 1 business day to notify your licensor or registrar and name an acting director. In the absence of an approved director, it is critical that an acting director be assigned to provide guidance and direction until a new director is approved. Failure to name an acting director will result in an inspection of your facility and a possible serious citation. Once an acting director is named your program will have 90 days to submit all information needed to approve the new director of your program.
#2 - Make Sure You're Getting Child Care Referrals
We talk to thousands of parents every year looking for child care and after school options for their children. Make sure we have your up-to-date info so we can share a complete referral profile of your program with our callers. You may not be connected to parents if your information is not updated annually and if it is not accurate. Once you submit this form your information will be entered within 2 business days.
Our R&R Administrator will be able to update your information immediately on the phone.
This service is available Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
Call R&R at 914.761.3456 ext. 140
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Governor's Budget Has NO New Child Care Subsidy Funding - Child Care Slots Could Be Cut
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 fully 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 today. Just click here:
Fund Child Care 2017
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Free CPR/AED Course Available
Let's save more lives. The Child Care Council will celebrate CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 1st to June 7th, by offering free CPR/AED courses to 6 child care providers. Simply complete the form below to enter in a raffle for a spot at our free CPR Course.
Are you interested in training your entire staff at your facility? No worries, we will come to you! For more information about CPR/AED/First Aid trainings at your program contact Dana Doyle at 914-761-3456 ext. 113 or email Dana at [email protected]
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2017 Training Needs Survey
DIRECTORS, OWNERS, STAFF -
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRAINING NEEDS - from topics to times!
USE THE LINKS BELOW!
Every year, the Child Care Council of Westchester surveys the training needs of the child care community. Your answers will help us to offer trainings that fit your professional development needs.
THANK YOU
for taking a few minutes to complete this short survey. We appreciate your assistance. The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
WIN A $50 VISA GIFT CARD!
2 people from each modality will win! Fill out the survey to be eligible.
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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!
Save the date,
Spring Infant-Toddler Conference
To find great training's, go to:
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Health Tip
What program change can you make to increase your marketability?
Become approved to administer medication
Why administer medications?
● Increase your marketability
● The Council's Resource & Referral Department reports that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of parents requesting child care programs that are approved to administer medications.
● The Office of Children & Family Services provides a brochure, As You Think About Child Care, to parents looking for child care. This brochure informs parents what questions to ask & what to look for when seeking quality child care. One of the questions is whether the child care provider / program is approved to administer medications.
● Have the ability and knowledge to accommodate children with special health care needs that may require an Epi-pen for a severe allergy or medication for asthma. Programs may opt to only administer Epi-Pens or asthma medications when needed.
● Several programs that are approved to administer medications state that since the medication regulations went into effect, parents are not requesting medication administration during child care hours as frequently. The need to actually administer medications has decreased drastically.
● Health Care Consultant Services are still available at the Council to assist & guide you in the process of becoming approved to administer medications.
In order to become approved to administer
medications you must:
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Successfully complete the OCFS approved Medication Administration Training (MAT) Course
- MAT courses are available at the Council
- Call 761-3456 ext. 154 for further information, specific course dates & to register
- The MAT Course counts towards 8 hours of training in the following topic areas: 2 hours in statutes and regulations pertaining to child day care, 5 hours in nutrition and health needs of children and one hour in safety and security procedures, including communication between parents and staff
- Incentive: MAT Rebate
- MAT Rebates are available to assist in covering the cost
- Fee for MAT course is $150. The rebate will cover $100 per person that passes the MAT Course
- End result MAT Course fee is $50 for a 3 year certificate & 8 hours of training
- Rebate Applications & instructions are provided during the MAT Course
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Have & maintain a valid CPR and First Aid certifications
- Certification must cover the age group(s) to whom you will administer medication
- CPR & First Aid Classes are offered at the Council
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Complete / Update your program's Health Care Plan
- Health Care Consultant Services & Technical Assistance are available at the Council to assist with completing a Health Care Plan
- Health Care Plans must include your program's policy for administering medication
- Health Care Plan forms are supplied by OCFS, you can download from the OCFS website or request one from your licensor/registrar
● Find a Health Care Consultant
- The Council has a Health Care Consultant Services Program to assist with these requirements. The program is all-inclusive and must be renewed every two years
- Call 761-3456 ext. 154 for further information & to sign-up for the Health Care Consultant Services Program
- The Health Care Consultant must review and approve your Health Care Plan and other documents related to your program's health and infection control regulations, as well as your medication administration policy
- The Health Care Consultant must have a valid New York State license as a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse
● Submit your Health Care Plan to your Licensor / Registrar for final Approval
- Once the health care plan is approved, you will receive your new license / registration which states you have been approved to administer medications
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Regulation Reminder: Acting Director 418(b)(23) & 414.15(b)(23)
Upon termination or resignation of the director, an acting director must be immediately named by the registrant. The appointment of the acting director must be shared with the Office by the next day of business. A permanent director must be on-site within ninety days.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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Raise a Glass for Kids:
A Wine Tasting That Changes Lives
Attend our wine tasting on March 30th to sample delicious wines AND shape the future of a Westchester child. Your $25 suggested donation to attend, and up to 15% of all wines sales, goes directly into the Council's Early Opportunity Scholarship Fund.
Can't attend? Please consider a donation directly to our scholarship fund.
Click the register link below and scroll down to "make a one time donation."
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Make Magic Happen
Check out one of our 2017 Joey Award winners, Barbara Powell.
Barbara joined the child care community years ago and has "made magic" for so many young children by providing learning and support that will impact them forever.
Our Westchester child care community "Makes Magic Happen" for thousands of our children each day. If you had a magic wand, what would you do differently for our children? Join us at our Annual Awards Breakfast on Friday, May 19, 2017 as we recognize honorees for the Joey and the Champion for Children awards.
Visit our website for further details.
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"Building Brains "
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Jeff Samuelson
The Brain-Building Initiative", which also includes training and technical assistance, is funded by our 2016 Giving Tuesday donors and the St. Faith's House Foundation. We thank everyone for this support, and we extend a great big thank you to our board for always being supportive of the work we do! |
Our dedicated board members, Jeff Samuelson and Rob Kissner, are helping launch our new "Brain Building Initiative" by assembling the individual kits going out to child care providers and programs all over the County. The kits contain many "brain-growing goodies" such as pegboards, stacking cups, baby dolls, puzzles, scales, books, blocks and more - everything needed to help get young children off to a great start.
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Welcome New
Child Care Programs:
New
Family Day Care
Children First Childcare Service
School Aged Child Care
Healthy Kids Extended Day Program
Welcome New CACFP Participants:
Clara Leonardo: Happy Klubhouse Child Care
Kia Mack
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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 Spanish CDA Class:
- The Council's In-person Preschool CDA Class:
- 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 [email protected].
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April is National Poetry Month
Poetry with children? Poetry with very young children?
YES! Songs are poems. Nursery rhymes are poems. Dr. Seuss books and many others are poems. Chants and finger plays are poems. The cleanup song is a poem.
Learning to rhyme is a critical skill on the path to reading. So celebrate rhymes and poems in April and every day.
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Free Fun Activities
Family Saturdays @ The Lab
Drop by on Saturday, April 1, for a series of "analog" media activities, including film strip coloring and light painting, and enter for a chance to win tickets for the whole family to a JBFC Kids screening!
Saturday, April 1, 2017
from 1:00-3
:00p
m
Free for all ages and adults.
Jacob Burns Film Center
364 Manville Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Free Arts Day & Open House
Lets create art, meet the instructors, and try our hand at drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, jewelry & more. A model will be available to draw or paint. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 1:00-3:00pm
Free for all ages.
Katonah Art Center
65 Old Bedford Road
Goldens Bridge, NY 10526
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- Upcoming Events
- Winter/Spring Training Calendar
- Board Highlights
- New child care programs in Westchester
- 2017 Membership
- Free CPR Course
- MAT Certification
- Mini Grants Available
- Free Family Events
- and more
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"Raise a Glass for Kids" Wine Tasting
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Vino 100
171 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY
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
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Makenzie Soto, Student Volunteer
Makenzie is a middle-school student who has a passion with working with children. We are happy that she has decided to volunteer at the Council to further her interest in children and child care.
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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 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
[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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Celebrating the Caregivers
It's Time to Say "Thank You"
In May, there are 2 special days to celebrate the wonderful, skilled individuals who educate and care for young children - occasions to say a special thank you to family and group family child care providers, teachers and directors in child care centers, and school age staff for the passion they bring to their jobs every day. Children thrive under their care and teaching.
May 9, 2017 National Teacher Appreciation Day
May 12, 2017 National Provider Appreciation Day
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The ChildCareExchange.com is committed to supporting early childhood professionals worldwide in their efforts to craft early childhood environments where adults and children thrive - environments that foster friendship, curiosity, self-esteem, joy and respect; where the talents of all are fully challenged and justly rewarded. Visit the Exchange for the latest in articles, research, resources and materials.
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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.
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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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Special Days in April
April 27 is tell a story day! People of all ages are encouraged to share all kinds of stories. Whether it is from a book or the imagination. Create a story with the children at your program and share with us. We would love to share your story on our next newsletter and our Facebook page.
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What's Cooking?
Zucchini Lasagna
Total Time:
70 minutes
By replacing the lasagna noodles with thin sliced zucchini you can create a delicious, lower carb (gluten-free) lasagna that's loaded with vegetables, and you won't miss the pasta!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz can) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- black pepper, to taste
- 3 medium (8 ounces each) zucchini, sliced 1/8" thick
- 1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 large egg
- 16 oz (4 cups) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- In a medium sauce pan, brown meat and season with salt. When cooked drain in colander to remove any fat.
- Add olive oil to the pan and sauté garlic and onions about 2 minutes. Return the meat to the pan, add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for at least 30-40minutes, covered. Do not add extra water, the sauce should be thick.
- Meanwhile, slice zucchini into 1/8" thick slices, add lightly salt and set aside or 10 minutes. Zucchini has a lot of water when cooked, salting it takes out a lot of moisture. After 10 minutes, blot excess moisture with a paper towel.
- Preheat a gas grill to medium high, and grill 2 to 3 minutes per side, until slightly browned. Place on paper towels to soak any excess moisture.
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and egg. Stir well.
- In a 9x12 casserole spread 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom and layer the zucchini to cover. Spread 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and repeat the process until all your ingredients are used up. The last layer top with remaining zucchini and sauce, cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover the foil and bake 20 minutes (to dry up the sauce) then place the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and bake until melted, 10 minutes.
- Let stand about 5 - 10 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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Healthy Kids
Join the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester to help promote healthy kids. Join them and others at the Camp Combe 5k Race. See the below flyer for more details.
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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