#1 - Sign Up for Infant Toddler CDA Class
Apply Now for our In-Person Infant Toddler & Family Child Care CDA Credential Course. This 120 hour course is the first step to becoming a CDA- Child Development Associate. Funded by the Westchester County Office for Women. To learn more
click here
#2 - Field Trip Supervision
Now that summer is here you want to make sure that you and your staff follow the supervision g
uidelines for field trips. Make eye-to-eye contact with children at all times. Make sure you have your attendance records/
roster and take attendance when you reach your destination and before you leave. While on the field trip take name-to-face every 5
minutes
if you are
mingling with the public. We suggest you have the children wear a shirt with a certain color/design on the day of the field trip. Never let children enter public restrooms alone; make sure you enter the restroom with the children so try to have male and female staff or caregivers if possible. Children age 3 and older should be instructed on the use of the "buddy system". In the end, no child should be unsupervised at any time.
Recently a child was left unsupervised in a vehicle which led to a fatal accident. View the story here and learn more about protecting children in vehicles on the below website.
#3 - Lead Poisoning Prevention
Barbara Simone and Sara Caldwell from the Westchester County Department of Health just did a great training for our staff on Lead Prevention. We look forward to working with them further on getting the word out about the dangers of lead poisoning and key steps for keeping children safe. Check out these resources to keep your program "Lead Safe".
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Advocating for Child Care is Year Round!
Last year's "Calls for Kids" Campaign was very successful, leading to the additional $1.6 million in the child care budget for 2018. Our "2019 Calls for Kids" Campaign will get underway in the fall, and we are hoping to recruit new programs! We are particularly eager to come to any special parent/family events you may have to hear from your parents about child care costs and to let them know how they can help advocate for more affordable child care.
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NYS Suspension and Expulsion Survey
The New York State Pyramid Model Leadership Partnership team is supporting the Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) initiative entitled "Healthy Child Care, Healthy Communities". This initiative aims to strengthen child care by developing NYS-specific tools and materials that promote behavioral health in child care.
All early learning programs (FCC, GFCC, PreK, Head Start, Child Care) are being asked to participate in the survey and respond by August 1, 2018. This brief survey will help us all better understand and respond to the needs of providers supporting young children who exhibit challenging behaviors.
Survey responses are confidential and results will be summarized by the national organization, Child Care Aware to help improve practices that focus on behavioral healthy. Compiled results will be shared by ECLC and the Pyramid Model State Leadership Team. No individual responses will be shared.
Please complete this survey by August 1, 2018.
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Professional Development Opportunities
Summer Highlight
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Are You Using Safe Sunscreens?
Not all sunscreens are safe, even the ones that are sold specifically for children.
Many sunscreens contain harmful ingredients that are health hazards. These harmful ingredients may result in hormone disruption, skin irritations, allergies, lung irritation and skin penetration, just to name a few.
This info is from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The attached is EWG's Guide to Safer Sunscreens. It contains which ingredients & products to look for and which to avoid.
EWG rates the safety of sunscreens. The best score is 1 and the worst score is 10.
Here
is the link for best scoring sunscreens.
Here are quick tips for choosing sunscreens:
- No Spray Sunscreens
- No Super-High SPFs (not greater than 50)
- No Oxybenzone and other Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
- No Retinyl Palmitate
- No Combined Sunscreen/Bug Repellents
- No Sunscreen towelettes or powders
- No Tanning Oils
Here is more valuable information and resources from EWG. You can also search for information regarding the sunscreen you currently use.
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Do you have vacancies for afterschool care?
Call us to update your profile to be sure you're receiving parent referrals from us.
(914)761-3456 x140 or x117
If you prefer, you may also update your profile on our website. Simply
Click here.
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Regulatory Reminder: Supervision of Children 417.8 (a)
Children cannot be left without competent supervision at any time. Competent supervision includes awareness of and responsibility for the ongoing activity of each child. It requires that all children be within a caregiver's range of vision except as provided in section 417.8(b) of this Part and that the caregiver be near enough to respond when redirection or intervention strategies are needed. Competent supervision must take into account the child's age, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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We're Less than 3 Months Away!
Tickets are on Sale Now
We are hard at work preparing an evening to remember, our 50th Anniversary Celebration. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate the Council and our special honorees!
Dr. Marsha Gordon
Business Visionary Honoree
Clarfeld Financial Advisors
Give Local Leaders Honoree
Peter Edelman & Marian Wright Edelman
Child Advocacy Pioneer Honorees
Join us on October 18th, 2018 at Captain Lawrence Brewery.
Click here to register.
View Our 50th Anniversary Announcement!
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Encourage and Inspire
Students to Volunteer
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Thank you Isaiah for your help with the Council's Book Drive
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Volunteering is more than spending one's time participating in selfless acts or activities that benefit other people. Volunteering has a great impact on society as a whole and students enhance their skills, knowledge, and experience. Volunteers provide critical help to community organizations like the Council. Let's encourage more students to take advantage of volunteer opportunities.
If you or someone you know cares about children and would like to lend us a hand, contact Juanita Pope at (914) 761-3456
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Our New Shirts Are Here!
Our new Council shirts are here! We are excited to sport our #GetSmartChildCare shirts as we are out and about at community events. Don't forget to come see how cool we look and to find out how we can help you.
Join Us in the Community!
Screening Under the Stars
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, New York
New Rochelle Street Fair
Saturday, September 9, 2018
515 North Street
New Rochelle, New York
Yonkers Riverfest
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Downtown Yonkers, New York
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Wow! Going through files and we found the best #TBT! This picture is from 1988, and on the left is our very own Director of Provider Services, Dorothy Jenkins. Dorothy (DJ) has been with the Council since 1986! How time flies when you're having fun!
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Welcome New & Renewed
Child Care Programs!
New
Family Day Care Programs
My Little World
Welcome New CACFP Participants
Juan Moreno
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Congratulations to Our Latest
CDA Course Student Who Received the
CDA Credential
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.
Congratulations to these students in--
- The Council's In-Person Infant Toddler Class
- The Council's online CDA cours
To find out more about the CDA credential or for information about the Council's CDA classes, please contact Idie Benjamin, Director of Professional Development at
[email protected]
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It is summer, and nothing says summer fun like playing in water. And children are not just splashing, they are learning so much! Water play is open ended - there are no right answers, just explorations and investigations.
Remember- Safety First At All Times! Children must be supervised closely at all times. A young child can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Infants and toddlers can safely play in small amounts of water only if an adult is with them at all times.
What are children learning when they play in water?
- Fine Motor Skills - Water play encourages the development of eye/hand coordination through pouring, squeezing, stirring, painting, scrubbing, and squirting.
- Concepts - Children begin to understand and experiment with concepts such as more/less, same/different, many/few, empty/full, before/after, greater than/less than, and counting.
- Social and Emotional Development- Water is relaxing and soothing. Children become less tense when they release their emotions with pouring, pounding, and swooshing. They practice playing cooperatively, negotiating and sharing.
- Language Development- Children learn new words - sieve, funnel, eggbeater, splash, pour, bubbly - and have conversations with adults and other children.
- Creativity- Children use their imaginations as they cook, create mud castles, or wash cars.
Click here for more information on water play, and some great suggestions!
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Screenings Under the Stars
When
: Friday, August 10, 2018
Where: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla NY
Cost: Free
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Story Time and Workshops with the Hudson River Museum
When
: Wednesday, August 1 & August 8 at 6:30
Where: Cross County Shopping Center, Yonkers NY
Cost: Free
For more information click here
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- Upcoming Events
- Training Opportunities
- Health and Regulation Tips
- Safe Sunscreen
- Free Paper
- 2018 Mid-Year Membership
- Council Advocacy
- Children's Corner
- Family Fun and more
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50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, October 18, 2018
7:00pm-10:00pm
Captain Lawrence Brewery
Elmsford, New York
Fall Infant Toddler Conference
Friday, November 16, 2018
8:30am-1:00pm
Peas & Karrots Child Care Center Ossining, NY
Council Office Closings
All Day
Monday, September 3, 2018
Early Closing
Friday, August 30, 2018, 3pm
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Welcome Sarah Merrifield, our new Resource and Referral Counselor. Sarah is available to
educate parents about child care, provide appropriate referrals, and maintain our database of programs and providers. Call her at (914)761-3456 x122 to learn how she can help you.
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"What I like best about working at the Council is knowing the work we do helps to improve the lives of children and families in our community." - Lindsay Tiernan, Assistant Director of Provider Services
"Overall, the Council is an amazing place to work with supportive staff and a mission that touches the lives of so many people in Westchester. However, the most touching moments I have experienced here have been because of their flexibility and support when it comes to their staff's personal lives. This sets them apart from any other place I've worked." - Michelle Guena, Communications Associate
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Council Staff
Summer Outing
We enjoyed some time out of the office with our Annual Summer outing at the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park with sun, games, laughter and a great barbecue!
A very special thank you to Jason Thomas, Legally Exempt Enroller aka our Grill Master. Not even the 90+ degrees weather kept him from working hard.
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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 protected]
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Become a Council Member Today!
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
- Early announcements of special programs and opportunities
- Free Notary Public Services
- Free member only networking meetings
- 7.5% off Lakeshore Orders
- Complimentary Council 2018 Calendar
- Participation in our membership referral program
- Exclusive member only annual events
Call (914) 761-3456 or visit
to become a member today
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The Parent Helpline can help you find programs and services in your community that can help. 1-800-CHILDREN is a multi-lingual information and referral service for anyone who has questions or concerns about a child or family.
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The Council encourages members to post job openings on our website.
Click here
to post a job
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Earn a Free Council Training!
In appreciation for all the early care and education professionals that attend our trainings, we are now offering the "Council Loyalty Punch Card"!
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We still have free paper to give to your program! Stop in at any time Monday through Friday (9am-5pm) and pick some up!
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Opportunities to Connect With Colleagues!
Regular meetings at the Council for family providers, early childhood directors, and school age directors provide opportunities for you to learn, share resources and support one another. These meetings are also an avenue to increase your knowledge. Each one includes a training that provides a certificate accepted by OCFS.
Providers Network:
This group for registered family and licensed group family providers meets 4 times a year. Elizabeth Knowles of Little House Day Care is the coordinator and can be contacted at 914-967-2707 or
[email protected]
Westchester Early Childhood Directors Association:
The Association meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1:00- 3:00pm. Contact Howard Milbert at Ossining Children's Center at (914) 941-0230 or Dawn Meyerski at Mt. Kisco Child Care Center at (914) 241-2135 or
[email protected] for details.
School Age Directors Network:
The Network meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm. Contact Joanne Saporta at Chappaqua Childrens Workshop at
[email protected] or Lynn Lutomski at Irvington Children's Center at
[email protected] for more details.
Please note the networking groups do not meet in July and August.
The Council is pleased to host these groups. We encourage you to attend their meetings.
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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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August 11th is
National Play in the
Sand Day!
Enjoy playing in the sand on August 11th or any day for that matter. Sand play helps develop fine motor skills, a sense of textures, and many other skills. Don't have a beach to visit? Bring some sand into your sensory table and let your children explore!
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What's Cooking?
Broccoli and Cheese
Mini Egg Omelets
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 whole large eggs
- 1 cup egg whites
- 1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 1 tsp olive oil
- salt and fresh pepper
- cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
1.
Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Steam broccoli with a little water for about 6-7 minutes.
3. When broccoli is cooked, crumble into smaller pieces and add olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spray a standard size non-stick cupcake tin with cooking spray and spoon broccoli mixture evenly into 9 tins.
5. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites, eggs, grated cheese, salt and pepper.
6. Pour into the greased tins over broccoli until a little more than 3/4 full.
7. Top with grated cheddar and bake in the oven until cooked. About 20 minutes. Serve immediately.
8. Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator to enjoy during the week.
Enjoy!
For more information on receiving reimbursements for meals and snacks contact Lindsay Tiernan at (914)-761-3456 x115 or email Lindsay at
[email protected]
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Community Resource
United Way's 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral helpline open 365 days a year, 9am-7pm.
United Way's 2-1-1 call specialists can give you information about things such as:
- Food Assistance
- Housing assistance and shelters
- Abuse prevention
- Elder care
- Mental health services
- Recycling regulations
- Services for people with disabilities
- How to become a foster parent
- Where to get medical help and more
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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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