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#1 -Mandatory Training for New Directors
All new directors of day care centers or school age child care programs hired on or after October 1,2017 will be required to complete an OCFS 15-hour Health and Safety Classroom Training, either pre-service or within three months of their start date as director. Current directors who have not completed the Foundations in Health and Safety e-Learning Course by September 30, 2017 will also be required to complete the OCFS 15-hour Health and Safety Classroom Training. There is a cost associated with this training.
The goal for this training is to provide DCC and SACC directors with information on best practices that lead to high quality child care. For more information, contact Elizabeth Rodano at (914)761-3456 ext.219.
#2 -Spanish Foundations in Health and Safety Course
The Foundations in Health & Safety e-Learning Course is now available in Spanish. It is titled
Aprendizaje a Distancia Sobre Fundamentos de Salud y Seguridad.
A new federal regulation requires that all child care directors, teachers, caregivers, and volunteers with the potential for regular and substantial contact with children in care must complete an OCFS online Foundations in Health and Safety training by September 30, 2017, (or within three months of starting such position, if later)
#3 -
Child Abuse Training Not Covered by Foundations in Health and Safety Course
A new
federal law requires that all child care directors, teachers, caregivers, and volunteers with the potential for regular and substantial contact with children in care to complete an OCFS online Foundations in Health and Safety training by September 30, 2017, (or within three months of starting such position, if later).
This training does cover some of the topic areas of a Mandated Reporter training BUT IT DOES NOT COVER TOPIC AREA #8 -
Statutes and regulations pertaining to child abuse and maltreatment.
ALL STAFF WILL STILL NEED TO TAKE A MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING
in the program's current two year training period.
This training must include OCFS training topic areas:
- Child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention
- Statutes and regulations pertaining to child abuse and maltreatment
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Participating in CACFP just got easier! The Council is
proud to announce that beginning in August we will be offering our CACFP participants access to Minute Menu/KidKare. Minute Menu is used by about 30,000 family child care providers across the US to record menus and attendance, manage child information, prepare their taxes, invoice parents, prepare lesson plans, and more! It is the premier child care management software for home-based family child care businesses. If you operate a family child care business, Minute Menu has been built to make your life easier.
For more information contact Lindsay Tiernan at 914 - 761-3456 ext. 115 or [email protected]
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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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Are you ever curious about the wages and benefits offered in Westchester child care programs? Well, here's the latest info via our new reports.... Click Here
Key Findings
- Wages & benefits for child care workers: Westchester County's child care professionals earn an average of $18.50 an hour, ranging from a high of $21 per hour for head teachers at child care centers to $7 for on-site providers working in family child care homes.
- A majority of our child care professionals fall within the definition of an ALICE household (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed):
- When ALICE households cannot make ends meet, they are forced to make difficult choices such as forgoing health care, regulated child care, healthy food, or car insurance. These "savings" threaten their health, safety, and future - and they reduce productivity and raise insurance premiums and taxes for everyone. The costs are high for both ALICE families and the wider community.
- Most of our child care professionals do not earn enough to meet their basic household needs.
- Turnover of child care workers: A desire for higher wages is the main reason for staff turnover, particularly in child care centers.
- Educational levels of child care workers: Educational levels vary widely. Child care centers tend to have staff with higher educational degrees, usually a Bachelor's, compared to home based programs.
READ MORE...
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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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LEAD SAFETY AND PREVENTION
There have been recent reports of elevated lead levels found in certain schools' drinking water. According to the CDC, today at least 4 million households have children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead. In the United States, there are approximately half a million children ages 1 - 5 with blood lead above 5 micro-grams, which is the level the CDC recommends public health actions to begin.
Children are exposed to lead from different sources, such as paint, gasoline, solder, consumer products and through different pathways, such as air, food, water, dust, and soil. Although there are several exposure sources, lead-based paint is the most widespread and dangerous high-dose source of lead exposure for young children.
Lead hazards in a child's environment must be identified and controlled or removed safely. Lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell.
Children under the age of 6 years old are especially at risk for lead poisoning because they are developing so rapidly and tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths, which may be contaminated with lead dust.
Child care providers need to work with parents to inform them of the requirements and recommendations for lead screening. As per NYS law, a blood lead test is required at 1 and 2 years of age and whenever risk of lead poisoning is likely. Child care providers need to check their Child in Care Medical Statements to ensure that the children enrolled have been screened for blood lead levels. If lead screening levels are not noted, the child care providers need to provide the parents with information on lead poisoning and prevention.
To read what child care providers need to know about lead, click here
To share with parents, Lead Poisoning is a Danger for every baby and child - Here's what you should know, click here
If you think a child has been in contact with lead, have the parents contact the child's health care provider or department of health. He or she can help decide whether to test the child's blood. A blood lead test is the only way to find out if the child has a high lead level. Most children with high levels of lead in their blood have no symptoms.
To read Know the Facts: Fact sheet with general lead poisoning prevention information, click here
To read Keeping Your Family Safe from Lead Follow: Tips to reduce children's exposure to Lead (English & Spanish), click here
The following link is to the Westchester County Government site, it has several resources on lead, prevention, learning about recent recalls, etc.
Feel free to call Elissa Guzzardi if you have any questions at 914-761-3456 ext. 154.
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Regulation Reminder: 417.14(a)(2)
All providers who completed Health and Safety training prior to August 1, 2016 must complete the OCFS 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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Screenings Under The Stars
Westchester County Parks and Sharc Events present Entergy Screening Under The Stars. The Child Care Council of Westchester is a sponsor for this event, and we would love to see you there!
Stop by our booth to say hello, receive a treat, and have your child's face painted.
Friday, August 18, 2017
6:00pm entertainment, movie starts at dusk
Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla NY
This is a FREE event and no registration is required.
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There Are No CDA Announcements
This Month
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Welcome New & Renewed
Child Care Programs!
Family Day Care:
Mi Casa Child Day Care
Imagination Station
Alina's Day Care
School Aged Child Care:
City of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau @ Columbus Elementary
City of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau @ Benjamin Turner Middle School
Welcome To CACFP!
Norma Fuentes
Ana Rodriguez
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August is Family Fun Month
August is Family Fun Month. It is a wonderful opportunity to have a fun family event at your program. Children thrive when families are connected with the people who care for their children. Spending time with parents and caregivers in relaxed, fun ways can build those connections in natural ways. Inviting parents to have a fun time with their children and other families says that families are welcome in your program. Families meet each other and feel less isolated.
You can also encourage families to celebrate Family Fun Month with their own activities and then share what they did with you.
Your "event" does not have to be elaborate or cost you very much. It is summer. It is time to relax and have some fun. Consider these ideas or explore others on the resources below.
Invite parents to your program for a picnic, a potluck, or a pizza night. Then let the fun begin with-
- a karaoke night
- a talent show with the parents sharing their talents
- a nature scavenger hunt
- running through the sprinklers and other water play (no pools of course!)
- a dance party
- games
- messy outdoor art
- blow bubbles using your kitchen spatulas and large spoons, colanders, and any kitchen gadgets with holes
For assistance in planning your Family Fun program, contact
Idie Benjamin at 914-761-3456 or [email protected]
Resources:
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Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program is serving free, healthy meals for kids and teens at favorite summertime places near here. Anyone ages 18 and under can drop by when breakfast, lunch, or snacks are served - bring a friend too!
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Popular children's musician Graham Clarke entertains children with fun songs and silly humor in this summer series of library performances. Arrive early to find parking since there is no admittance 10 minutes before the show begins.
Where:
Rye Free Reading Room
1061 Boston Post Road Rye, NY
When:
Fridays, 10am until Friday August 18.
How much:
FREE
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- Upcoming Events
- Training and Salary Surveys
- Parent Child Care Survey
- Reduced Membership Rates
- Lead Screening Prevention
- Free Books and Items for your program
- Fall Training Calendar
- Family Fun
- and more
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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
Saturday, October 21, 2017
8:00am-1:05pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center
Ossining, 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, September 4, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Early Closings (closes at 3pm)
Friday, September 1, 2017
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The Council welcomes
Mabelyn Portorreal, our new Bi-Lingual Registrar/Legally Exempt Enroller. Mabelyn will support the Provider Services Department at the Council.
Call her at 914-761-3456 ext. 172.
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The Council would like to congratulate our intern Andrew Molina for completing all of his internship hours this summer.
Andrew has helped us with our Administration Department tasks, and graphic design.
He has been a great addition to the Council family, and we are happy to share that he will be staying with the Council as a volunteer!
Thank you Andrew, and we look forward to continuing to work with you!
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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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Together we can make strides to beat Breast Cancer.
Join the Westchester community on Thursday, August 10 at the Westchester Marriott, and Sunday October 15th at Manhattanville College.
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Free Books For Your Program
Our 9th Annual Children's Book Drive brought in THOUSANDS of new and "gently used"
infant/toddler, preschool, and school-age books available to give to Westchester programs.
If you are a licensed/registered child care program or a legally exempt provider s
imply contact Elizabeth Rodano at (914) 761-3456, ext. 219 or
Happy reading!
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The Council has a limited number of items to distribute to programs.
This includes Flat Screen Monitors, Keyboards and a Television Cart.
Just call Michelle at (914)761-3456 ext. 152 to arrange for pick up.
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Purchase or donate gently used item at Once Upon a Child, 455 Central Park Ave, Scardale, NY 10583.
Each Once Upon A Child location is individually owned and operated. Whether you're buying or selling the staff are eager to assist you.
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The Calvary Baptist Church of White Plains will distribute free school supplies on August 27th.
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Youth Programs
Let's help keep our youth busy. The Westchester-Putnam One Stop has resources for our youths. The workforce board offers a workforce development academy for your youth for free.
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Westchester Library System
The Westchester Library System offers many free resources for families in our Westchester community.
Do you know someone looking for a job? Visit the link below to learn about available job opportunities thru the Westchester Library System.
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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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Musical Yoga Day
Saturday, August 26, 2017 is National Musical Yoga Day.
Some of the benefits of Yoga for Kids are
- Enhances physical flexibility
- Refines balance and coordination
- Develops focus and concentration
- Boosts self-esteem and confidence
- Strengthens the mind-body connection
Put on some of your favorite soothing tunes, and enjoy some yoga moves with your little ones!
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What's Cooking?
Zucchini Rollatini
Zucchini Rollatini is a delicious, cheesy, veggie-loaded dish! Made with strips of grilled zucchini stuffed with a basil-cheese filling, then rolled and topped with marinara, mozzarella, and baked in the oven until the cheese is hot and melted.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large (14oz each) zucchini, cut lengthwise into 12 (1/4inch thick) slices
- 1/2 Teaspoon kosher salt
- fresh black pepper to taste
- 1 cup quick marinara sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup part skim ricotta cheese (I like Polly-O)
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3/4 cup (3oz) shredded mozzarella (I like Polly-O)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking dish.
2. Cut the zucchini lengthwise, into 1/4inch thick slices until you have a total of 12 slices about the same size. The easiest way to do this is with a mandolin. My mandolin is from
OXO.
3. Season both sides of the zucchini with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper, then grill on a grill pan over high heat to help dry out the zucchini until pliable and grill marks form, but not fully cooked. (About 2 minutes on each side.)
4. In a medium bowl, beat the egg then mix together ricotta, Pecorino Romano, basil, garlic, 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
5. Spread the ricotta mixture (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) evenly onto each zucchini slice, spreading to cover.
6. Roll up slices and arrange them each seam side down in the prepared dish. Top each with 1tbsp marinara sauce and 1tbsp mozzarella cheese. Lightly cover with foil.
7. Bake 20 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and melted.
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
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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