December 2017          
   914.761.3456
Parent Connections
From the Council's family to yours, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!

Celebrate the holidays in our community, See what's happening in Westchester through Westchester Family
Top 3 Things To Know
#1.    Help Support Children in Child Care and After School Care
Every year Westchester County government adopts a budget with critical funding for child care. Without this funding,
many children would not get the great educational start they need and their parents would not be able to work.   
 
Last year the budget included a $1 million add for child care. We were very appreciative. But we don't ever take funding for granted.  Ever.
 
So we ask you to come out once again and support child care at the Westchester County budget hearings:
 
Wednesday, December 6th
Board of Legislators Chambers
148 Martine Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601 
Please bring picture ID
 
Hearings start at 7 pm.  If you wish to speak, you can sign up after 6 pm.   Wear comfortable clothes. Bring your children. Bring a sign. Stay for as long as you can. Think of your attendance as a holiday gift to the children and parents you care about. But please come!
 
For the 2018 County Budget as part of a Thriving Westchester, we are asking for:
  • An increase in the DSS reimbursement rate for contracted providers to OCFS Market Rates
  • A reduction in the parent share/co-pay by 5% to 22%
  • An opportunity to improve the nutritional well-being of children in Legally Exempt care by requiring LE providers providing 30 hours of care or more to enroll in the Child and Adult Care Food Progam at the Council (CACFP)
#2 Food Allergies Can Be Fatal
A 3 year old boy died after having an allergic reaction at his Manhattan preschool, his family reported. Elijiah Silvera was allergic to dairy and had been given a grilled cheese sandwich.

Is your child care program prepared to ensure the health and safety of children identified as having food allergies? Do they have clear written policies and procedures for children with special health care needs?
Do they know how to:
  • Avoid the identified food allergies from coming into contact with the children involved
  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of food allergy reaction
  • Care for a child if an allergic reaction occurs
  • Properly use an epinephrine auto-injector
Do they:
  • Communicate with all staff (this also includes substitutes and volunteers) the necessary information for all children with allergies
  • Ensure that they have all of the necessary forms, medications, and training for the children with allergies:
    • Completed Written Medication Consent Forms for all medication that may be needed
    • Obtain medications that may be required
    • Individual Health Care Plan for a Child With Special Health Care Needs
    • Allergy Action Plans
    • Specific instruction (following regulations) on how to administer the medication
    • Review each child's Individual Health Care Plan for a Child With Special Health Care Needs & Allergy Action Plans with all staff involved with the children's care
    • Have safety plans in place before a reaction occurs
Be proactive, give the proper forms and information to your program:
Education, Planning, Communication and Cooperation are the keys to managing food allergies at your child's program. 
#3 
Keeping Toys Safe
December is safe toys and gifts month. During the holiday season and beyond don't forget about keeping our children safe.  


Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season: 


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can keep you current on all types of recalls. They provide free safety alerts, posters, brochures and other materials which you can use to educate staff and parents.  Join their mailing list to get their updates:
Nominate an outstanding caregiver...
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
2017 Holiday Toy Drive
The Child Care Council is happy to partner with Toy for Tots again this year to bring joy to the holiday season. Join us by donating a new, unwrapped toy for children 12 years old and under.
 
When: Nov 1 - Dec 19
 
Drop Off Location: Child Care Council of Westchester 313 Central Park Avenue Scarsdale, NY 10583
 
Gift Suggestions:
Dolls and Tea Sets
Cars
Puzzles
Family Board Games
Bracelets and Hair Items
Building Toys
 
There are many ways you may help:
Donate an unwrapped toy. 
Encourage your friends, co-workers and other contacts to donate.
Help us sort toys with the Toys for Tots volunteers.
Share the above flyer with friends, family, etc. 
 
No Time to Shop? 
Visit our online wish list on amazon!
 
For more information contact Juanita Pope at juanitap@cccwny.org or call her at (914)761-3456 ext. 106.
Did You Know...
The Council is Here for You!
Resources & Referrals!
Financial Help!
After School Care too!
 
Call us at 
914-761-3456 ext 140,  
or
 
email us at  referrals@cccwny.org
 
Our FREE Services are:
  • Consultation with a trained Counselor
  • 24/7 search for child care
  • Information to help pay for child care
  • Guidelines to choose a quality child care program
  • Resources to Camps
  • Checklist for your visits
And much, much more...
In This Issue
  • Food allergies can be fatal
  • Nominate your caregiver
  • Advocate for children
  • Things to Do
What's happening at the Council
2018 Annual Awards Breakfast
Friday, May 18, 2018
8:00am-10:00am
Westchester Marriott
Tarrytown, New York
More details to follow in early 2018
 
50th Anniversary Party 
Thursday, October 18, 2018
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Captain Lawrence Brewery Elmsford, NY
More details to follow in early 2018


Council Office Closings 
All Day
Monday, December 25th
Tuesday, December 26th
Monday, January 1, 2018
 
Office closes at 3:00pm
Friday, December 22nd
Friday, December 29th 
Support the Council while you shop!

Puerto Rico Relief

CCCW Office Manager Juanita Pope with DSS staff at drop off site for Puerto Rico Relief

Our community pulled together enough supplies to fill 5 cars to the brim for Puerto Rico! Council staff spent the morning packing cars, and dropping all of these great donations from Westchester community members off so they can reach those in need in Puerto Rico!
We're Looking for a Few Good Women and 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 juanitap@cccwny.org 
Parent Education
Click below to see a full list of 

Born Learning/Brain Research 
December 9th 11am
Bedford Hills Free Libarary
(914) 666-6472 

PARENT SKILLS
White Plains Parent Skills Coaching (Spanish)
9/26 to 12/12
(914) 358-4396  

Resources
In need of food? 

If you, your family, or someone you know is in need of food assistance there are various resources in Westchester County to help:



(to apply for assistance)

Things To Do

Itty Bitty Babies
When : Thursday, December 7, 11:30am
Thursday, December 14, 11:30am
Thursday, December 21, 11:30am
Where : Larchmont Library, Larchmont
Cost : Free
For more information click here


Holiday Decorating Party
 
When : December 9, 2017 11:00
Where : The Field Library, Peekskill
Cost : Free
For more information click here


What's Cooking
Quick Beef Chili Recipe


INGREDIENTS
  • 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) mild diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • black pepper, to taste
  • Optional Toppings:
    • chopped red onions
    • cilantro leaves
    • lime wedges
    • sour cream
    • cheddar
    • avocado

     
DIRECTIONS
Stove Top
1. Heat a large pot on medium high heat, brown the beef and season with salt. Cook breaking beef into 3/4 inch crumbles and stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, broth and spices.
3. Cover and cook low heat 30 minutes to blend the flavors, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with toppings, as desired.
 
Enjoy!