December 2018              
             914.761.3456
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 
#1 - Car Seat Safety
According to a study that looked at the hazards of children two years old and younger in "sitting and carrying devices," 48 percent of car seat deaths from 2004 to 2008 were from positional asphyxia. "The most important consideration for parents and caregivers is that the car seats are developed, designed, and tested for specific uses, with instructions and labels that define how to use them. Always remember children may not sleep or nap in car seats, baby swings, strollers, infant seats or bouncy seats. Should a child fall asleep in one of these devices, he or she must be moved to a crib/cot or other approved sleeping surface."

#2 - New York Labor Law Change
Effective October 9, 2018, every employer in New York State is required to provide employees with a sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis. This training is designed to teach employees how to identify, respond to, and report all forms of workplace harassment or discrimination.

The training is now available at the Council.  The next class will be held on January 10th, 6:30pm-8:00pm. For more information, please contact Juanita Pope at (914)761-3456 ext. 106. 

#3 - News from the Department of Social Services
We've been asked to share these DSS announcements with you, and we thank DSS for their efforts to strengthen communication and services:
 1. L onger Hours!!!  Effective October 15, 2018, DSS began an extended work day schedule with the new hours of 7AM to 6PM. A small team of Eligibility Examiners are now available between 7AM and 9AM and again between 5PM and 6PM - in addition to the previous 9AM to 5PM schedule.  DSS instituted this change to accommodate parents and providers unable to reach them during traditional business hours. Eligibility Examiners can receive documents and provide general info. Note that your assigned Eligibility Examiner will not change. Any questions? Call 914-995-6521.

2. Child Care Subsidy Liaison!!!  Meet Tanagra Bledman,  Child Care Subsidy Liaison, a new position at the Child Care Subsidy Unit, to help streamline communication and improve service delivery.   
 
Ms. Bledman handles inquiries and complaints. She will regularly visit the Subsidy Unit reception area to monitor response times and ensure that customers' inquiries are addressed.   She will serve as an intermediary with the Eligibility Examiners and customers if needed.
 
Ms. Bledman's background includes working in policy and constituent service areas roles at both the city and state level in New York.  You can reach her at 914-995-9324.
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS 
Good News for Child Care in the 
2019 County Budget

County Executive Geor ge Latimer has proposed an increase of more than $1 million - which we hope will go to another needed raise in the child care reimbursement rate as well as some new Title XX slots.

If you believe that child care needs more funding, then you can help:

#1 Send a letter to the County Executive and your County legislator!  Just Click here!

#2 Come to the next County budget hearing:  
December 5th
Board of Legislators Chambers
148 Martine Ave - 8th Floor
White Plains
7 pm.

#3 Ask the Council to do a "Calls for Kids" at your site now through November 30th.   Council staff and Board members will be there at your pick-up time to ask parents to sign a post card in support of child care.

Despite the very tough budget this year, our elected officials are trying to help child care, so help them help you and your parents!

For more info, email Kathy Halas, Executive Director at [email protected].

 Professional Development Opportunities 
Don't miss our great fall  trainings.  To see what we have in store,  click 2019 Winter Training Calendar
Health Tip 
Measles
What You Need to Know
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that may have serious and at times fatal consequences.
How It Spreads: It spreads easily by contact with respiratory discharges from the nose or mouth and from saliva. It is transmitted by coughing, sneezing, sharing eating utensils, and mouthed toys. It is also transmitted by hands and other surfaces contaminated by the virus. The virus remains active and contagious on infected surfaces for up to two hours.
Symptoms: Once a child is exposed to and infected with the measles virus, the first symptoms will not appear for 8 to 12 days (incubation period). Infected children tend to be contagious for 1-2 days before symptoms appear and 3 to 5 days before the rash breaks out. The contagious period continues for 4 days after the rash appears.
For more information about the measles, and how to limit the spread of measles,  click here
Regulatory Reminder: 417.7(J)
Children may not sleep or nap in car seats, baby swings, strollers, infant seats or bouncy seats. Should a child fall asleep in one of these devices, he or she must removed to a crib/cot or other approved sleeping device.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
Thank You for supporting #GivingTuesday 2018


We believe opportunity should be a right for all children - not a privilege afforded to only a lucky few. If you didn't have a chance to give on #GivingTuesday (on November 27), you still have a chance to support a very special project - our Key to the Future Fund, which will provide child care scholarships to Westchester working families. Together, we can help Westchester's youngest learners access the quality early child care that will prepare them for school, work and life, and make a lifelong difference.  

Any donation can make a huge impact. Listen to this mother's story, and consider donating today so that more families like hers may receive our scholarship.



Shake Shack Gives Back
 
Shake Shack recently opened a new location in Hartsdale, and we're excited to announce that the Council has been chosen as their Charitable Partner! We received the profits from their soft opening - $12,000 - the most EVER raised during a Shake Shack soft opening! And, we will continue to receive 5% of the sales from the delicious Pie Oh My Concrete Desert. We hope you'll visit Shake Shack and thank them for being great neighbors!



We would like to help children acquire the habit of charity.  Join us to help parents encourage their children to donate a toy to children who are less fortunate.  Drop off the toy on December 7th at the Hartsdale Shake Shack!

December 7th, 5pm-7pm
Hartsdale Shake Shack
379 North Central Avenue
Hartsdale, NY 10530

For more information about this event please contact Juanita Pope at  [email protected]

 Member Appreciation Event

We would like to extend a special thank you to our 2018 members. Your continued support enables the Council to assist parents in locating child care, to support training for caregivers and to be a voice for children and families.  



Thank you for joining us on this special evening.
 Welcome New & Renewed 
Child Care Programs!

Renewed
Family Day Care Programs
Landscape Happy Kids Inc
Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare
Play & Learn Daycare 

Renewed
SACC Programs
Great Opportunities for Activities and Leadership
Healthy Kids Extended Day Program
Village of Rye Brook
YMCA of New Rochelle, Inc.
YMCA of Rye, Inc. 

 Welcome New CACFP Participants
Dominga De Jesus
Julissa Garcia 
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Having a Joyful 
Holiday Season With Children


Holiday time provides the "stuff" of childhood memories. Parents want their children to look back at holiday celebrations and remember them as a time of wonder, joy, and fun.

Children require a balance between being involved in the excitement of the holiday season while also having a break from the often hectic schedule.  

Here are things to keep in mind:
  • Be mindful that all of your families may not celebrate the same holiday. Ask families what holidays they celebrate. How do they celebrate? Ask them to come to the program and share with the children a special book, song, or recipe.
  • Help families to understand that children can be stressed by all the activities of the holiday season. Children do better when they have a regular schedule and enough sleep. Remind families that there will be many years of celebrating to come, and they don't have to do everything, everywhere this year.
  • Remember that the holidays are not necessarily times of joy for everyone. 
For more information,  click here
For suggestions on celebrating holidays in your program,  click here
How to Finger Knit
 
If you're wondering why a 4-year-old can't sit still, just remember that they have over 600 muscles that need daily exercise! While active, full body play is essential for big muscles, don't forget fine motor activities to give their small muscles a workout too!

Finger knitting is a fantastic, and addictive activity for preschoolers. It builds dexterity and strength in those small muscles which control the hand, fingers, and thumb - all critical for later writing skills. Finger knitting also encourages eye-hand coordination, concentration, and perseverance - all equally important for children's development!

Learn how to finger knit  here
Cocoa and Carols with Ms. Claus
 
When : December 2nd, 2018 11AM
Where: Cross County Shopping Center
Cost: Free
For more information, click here

Menorah Lighting
 
When : December 3rd, 2018 6PM
Where: Cross County Shopping Center
Cost: Free
For more information, click here

IN THIS ISSUE
  • #GivingTuesday 2018
  • Shake Shack Gives Back
  • Health Tip: Measles
  • 2019 Membership is Open
  • Calls for Kids Campaign
  • Annual Toy Drive
  • Share Your Experience
  • Children's Corner
  • Family Fun and more 
SAVE THE DATE 
Council Office Closings 
All Day
Monday, December 24, 2018
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Monday, December 31, 2018 
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Friday, January 18, 2019

Early Closing
(office closes at 12:30pm)
Friday, December 7, 2018
COUNCIL FACES
We Are Grateful for Our Colleagues


Photo of Council staff enjoying lunch together at our annual Harvest Brunch.  
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]  
2019 MEMBERSHIP
Join our 2019 Membership!

Benefits Include:
  • Discounted calendar trainings and on-site training 
  • Listing on our website, including a link to your website
  • Free gift for becoming a Council Member
  • Free postings on the Council's job bank
  • Membership certificate to post at your site
  • Free Members Only networking events and exclusive Members Only annual events
  • Refer a friend and receive a voucher for a free training
  • Council Member only Lakeshore Learning coupon and discount
  • Council Member only Once Upon A Child coupon
  • Printed Council Training Calendar



Share your membership experience with us by completing the below survey.


Call (914) 761-3456 or visit
to become a member today
RESOURCES 
2019 Provider Event

We are looking for suggestions for our 2019 child care provider event. 

Please take a moment to complete the below short survey. 

Keeping Toys Safe

December is safe toys and gifts month. During the holiday season and beyond, don't forget about keeping 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:

Need Food?

Hunger and food insecurity are common in Westchester County. If you, your family, or someone you know is in need of food assistance there are resources in Westchester County to 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  

For more information about Feeding Westchester visit their website www.feedingwestchester.org
2019 Child Care Council Public Policy Agenda

OUR VISION:

All parents have access to affordable, quality early care and education options that enable them to work and advance in their careers and launch their children for success in school and life, so that Westchester has a skilled and productive workforce today and tomorrow.  

Child care programs reach and sustain high quality levels, able to retain and keep motivated, skilled and fairly compensated professionals and enhance the development and lives of our children. 

Click here, to learn more!
Are You Hiring?

The Council encourages members to post job openings on our website. 

Click here  to post a job
Click here to view candidate profiles 

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"!

Click here to learn more.
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.  For information about the network, contact Elizabeth Rodano, CCCW Infant Toddler Regional Coordinator at [email protected] or 914-761-3456 ext. 219.

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.
Join the network today!

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.
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]
2018 Holiday Toy Drive

Join us by donating a new, unwrapped toy for children 12 years old and under. 

When:  Nov 1- Dec 17
Drop Off Location:  Child Care Council, 9am- 5pm

Gift Suggestions:  Dolls, Teas Sets, Cars Puzzles, Board Games and Building Toys

No time to shop?
Visit our online wish list on Amazon!
Child Care Council Wish Lists

For more information, contact Juanita Pope at [email protected] or call her at (914)761-3456 ext. 106

What's Cooking?

English Muffin 
 Egg Pizzas


INGREDIENTS
  • 4 English Muffins
  • olive oil
  • tomato slices
  • 2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
  • grated mozzarella
  • oregano
  • kosher salt
DIRECTIONS

1.  Make hard-cooked eggs.
2. Toast 8 English-muffin halves and place on a cookie sheet.
3. Drizzle each with olive oil, then layer on tomato slices, hard-cooked egg slices (1/2 an egg each), and a little grated mozzarella. Sprinkle with oregano and kosher salt. Broil for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
 
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]
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
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.
***

Support the Council while you shop!

Shop Amazonsmile and select the Child Care Council of Westchester as your charity, we will receive 5% of the cost of your purchases.   So get started on your holiday shopping today and thank you!


Sign up at: SMILE.AMAZON.COM