June 2019
914.761.3456
Parent Connections
Top 3 Things To Know
#1 Seven Reasons We're Seeing More Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Settings
Why is challenging behavior more of an issue these days? I think much of it results from changes to early childhood education. From the emphasis on academics and accountability, and the attempt to accelerate child development. Following are seven reasons I believe are behind the increase in disruptive behavior.

Children have almost no time to play - something that early childhood researcher and professor Nancy Carlsson-Paige calls "nature's plan" and "a biological drive." Experts around the globe agree with this statement. Can you imagine if we insisted that kittens and puppies stay still? If we prevented them from frolicking and playing? The idea is ludicrous - and it should be just as ludicrous when we're discussing children.
We are demanding that children accomplish things for which they are in no way developmentally equipped. We insist that three-year-olds sit still, learn to grasp a pencil properly, or memorize the meaning of words like hypothesis, which have absolutely no relevance to their lives - because they have to "get ready to be four." We expect them to read by the end of kindergarten, ready or not. This puts enormous pressure on young children because they're so anxious to please the adults in their lives. When they continually are unable to comply with adult demands - because the natural course of child development doesn't allow them to - they become frustrated and unhappy.


#2  Immunization Requirements Removing Non-Medical Exemptions
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation removing non-medical exemptions from vaccination requirements for children. 
 
As of June 13, 2019, there is no longer a religious exemption to the requirement that children be vaccinated in order to attend:
  • Public, private or parochial school (for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade), or
  • Child day care settings
For those children who had a religious exemption to vaccination:
  • Children must now receive the first age appropriate dose in each immunization series by June 28, 2019 to attend or remain in school or child day care.  
  • By July 14, 2019 parents/guardians must show that they have made appointments for all required follow-up doses. The deadlines for follow-up doses depend on the vaccine, follow Table 2 of the Catch-Up Immunization Schedule: Click Here
What you need to know:
  • Children who receive special education services are included in this law.
  • ONLY children who have valid medical exemptions are not affected.   Click Here for More Information
  • There is no appeal process for parents if their children are attending child care programs. Child care programs/providers must be in compliance with all applicable laws.
  Click here for:

#3 Reading With Toddlers Reduces Harsh Parenting, Enhances Child Behavior, Rutgers-Led Study Finds
"For parents, the simple routine of reading with your child on a daily basis provides not just academic but emotional benefits that can help bolster the child's success in school and beyond," 

P eople who regularly read with their toddlers are less likely to engage in harsh parenting and the children are less likely to be hyperactive or disruptive, a Rutgers-led study finds.

Previous studies have shown that frequent shared reading prepares children for school by building language, literacy and emotional skills, but the study by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School researchers may be the first to focus on how shared reading affects parenting.
 
The  study , published along with a  video abstract  in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, suggests additional benefits from shared reading -- a stronger parent-child bond and less hyperactivity and attention problems in children.


Quality Corner
Check your child care's regulatory history today!


It's not uncommon for child care programs/provider to have some regulatory violations. 

However, you should stop and consider the care being provided if there are multiple, serious, uncorrected, or recurring violations. 

Did you know that your child care program MUST immediately post their most recent inspection report in a prominent place visible to parents. 

 
NEED HELP?
HAVE QUESTIONS
Contact the Council at
914-761-3456 x 140
Children's Corner
Keeping Cook in the Summer

   The temperature is rising, and there are fun ways to get and keep cool.
  1. ICE -Freeze water in different sized containers from ice cube trays to large mixing bowls or even a bundt pan. Put the ice into a water table or pin that is on a table and watch the fun.
  2. ICE-POP CHALK -Mix together equal parts of cornstarch and water. Add washable paint (just enough to have a bright color. Freeze in ice-pop molds. Let the children paint outside on a sidewalk or fence (that you don't mind gets painted - the paint may wash off the children but not easily off a surface.).
  3. Make Ice Cream in a Plastic Bag - (This really works!) (CLICK HERE FOR RECEIPT)
  4. Paint with Water -  Give children a bucket of water and different sized paintbrushes and paint rollers - wide "grown-up" ones are so much fun. Let them "paint" everything!! No stains and no mess and even infants who can sit up can join the fun.
  5. Have a "Car" Wash -  Wash the toy cars, wash the bikes, and wash the wagons. Give children large sponges and let them wash all of your vehicles.
  6. Play in the sprinkler -  You don't need a pool to get wet and have a great time.
Advocacy
The BCW - A Great Friend to Child Care 
 


The Council and the entire county are fortunate to have the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) in our midst, supporting a vibrant business community and a growing workforce. 
 
The BCW, under the leadership of Dr. Marsha Gordon, Pres/CEO and John Ravitz, EVP/COO and BCW Education Foundation Chair Maria Bronzi, understands that child care is a serious business issue.   On May 29th, we were delighted to present a program on child care resources and practical solutions, hosted by the BCW Education Foundation, to BCW members and guests.
 

 
To close the program, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul delivered personal and inspiring remarks about the child care struggles families experience and the new opportunities we have to eliminate those barriers.
 
There is unprecedented recognition in NYS of the importance of accessible, quality child care not only to individual families, but to our entire state's economic future.   We are so grateful to the BCW for
leading on this issue.   

Did You Know...
The Council is Here for You!
  Resources & Referr a l s!
Financial Help!
Summer Care!

Call us at 
(914)761-3456 x140 
visit 
or
  email us at  [email protected]
 
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
  • Checklist for your visits
And much, much more...
In This Issue
  • Non-medical exemptions no more
  • Things to Do
  • Fun in the Sun
Win a $100 Amex or Visa Gift Card
10 minutes to complete!
What's happening at the Council
Dream Big!
The Whitby Castle
330 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY 10580
October 3, 2019
Council Office Closings 

Early Closing (3pm)
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019
Friday, August 30th, 2019
 
Early Closing (12:30pm)
Friday, July 12th, 2019 
 
All Day
Thursday, July 4th, 2019
Friday, July 5th, 2019
Monday, September 2nd, 2019

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
Things To Do
Community Fun!

Stop by our table at any of the below community events.
 
African American Heritage Festival
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, NY 

Screening Under the Stars
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, NY
July 12th, 2019
August 2nd, 2019
Click here, to learn more

Hispanic Heritage Festival
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, NY
July 14th, 2019
Click here, to learn more

Yonkers Riverfest
Downtown Yonkers, NY
September 14th, 2019
Click here, to learn more

Westchester
 Library System-
DayByDayNY Family Literacy Calendar
 
 
 
 
Check out this great resource for caregivers and parents. The Family Literacy Calendar is available in English and Spanish. 
 

Parent Education
Click below to see a full list of 
Community Resources
 
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
Learn more:  www.uwwp.org

 
Sometimes a little help can go along way. 

If you struggle with having enough to eat, there is help. 

Feeding Westchester sources and distributes food all throughout Westchester. 
 
Agency Locator , helps you find the closest feeding program to meet your needs. 
 
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule , helps you find mobile food deliveries in your area
 
 Network Feeding List, is a list of feeding partners throughout Westchester  
 
Learn more: 

What's Cooking
Grilled Chicken Flatbread Pizza

 
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 pieces of flatbread
  • 4 Tbsp Alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup pre-cooked grilled chicken
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, and sliced Spinach
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, shredded

  •  
DIRECTIONS
 
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees    
  2. Lay out your flatbread pieces
  3. Spread 2 Tbsp. Alfredo sauce on each piece of flatbread.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the Alfredo sauce.
  5. Add chicken, spinach, and sweet peppers. Top with a bit more mozzarella. (You can have other toppings as well. Just remember healthy toppings for children).
  6. Bake on a foil lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 
Slice, Serve and Enjoy!


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