#1 - Blue Cards
(Day Care Enrollment Form)
OCFS has updated the Blue Card (OCFS-LDSS-0792 Day Care Registration) to make it more user friendly. Existing information has been reformatted and new categories have been added to capture important child-specific details.
Click below for a printable version
#2 - Children Need to be Immunized
I
t is the Council's belief, as well as that of the Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and the Department of Health, that all children should be vaccinated and remain current with their vaccinations by following the current recommended immunization schedule.
While a recent potential case in Westchester turned out not to be measles, there has been a measles outbreak in nearby Rockland County and in NYC. Measles is very contagious and can be dangerous for anyone who is not vaccinated. We urge you to take steps now: check with your doctor about your own and your children's vaccine status and make sure that immunizations are up-to-date for all children and staff in your program.
Call Elissa Guzzardi, Director of Health Care Consultant Services at 914-761-3456 ext. 154 for more info.
#3 - New In-Person CDA Classes
Starting in March 2019, the Child Care Council of Westchester will be holding two new in-person CDA Credential classes:
- In-Person Preschool CDA Credential Class
- In-Person Spanish CDA Credential Class
Taking a 120-hour CDA course is the first step to becoming a CDA- Child Development Associate.
Information, dates, costs, and the application will be available in early January 2019. For more information about the Council CDA credential and class, please contact us at
[email protected]
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Child Care in the
2019 County Budget
In the most challenging of budgets, the County Executive and the Board of Legislators helped both child care programs and parents by adding funding to increase subsidy reimbursement rates and open up some Title XX slots to hard-working families.
We thank not only County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester County Board of Legislators for their support of child care in a tough budget, but also the hundreds of parents who participated in our "Calls for Kids" County Budget initiative funded by the Westchester Community Foundation. We were able to visit 14 programs throughout Westchester to engage parents in advocating for increased child care funding, and clearly their message got through!
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Professional Development Opportunities
The winter/spring calendar is all about play. Our inspiration comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics in August coming out with a very strong policy statement on how vital play is for children. The media called it a "Prescription for Play."
American Academy of Pediatrics Message
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On an annual basis, every employer in New York State is required to provide its employees with a sexual harassment prevention training. The purpose of this training is to teach employees how to identify, respond to, and report all forms or workplace harassment or discrimination.
This training is now being offered at the Council. It will also include information about the NYS website that explains the new policy requirements as well as sample documents. Below you will find the upcoming classes.
Thursday, January 10th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Saturday, March 9th, 9:30am - 11:00am
View our complete training calendar.
For additional questions please contact Juanita Pope at (914) 761-3456 ext. 106 or email her at
[email protected]
To schedule an on-site training contact Dana Doyle at (914) 761-3456 est. 113 or email her at
[email protected]
For more information about the above law changes please visit the
New York State website
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Health Tip
Measles Nearby in Rockland County
and NYC
Please read the full Health Alert here.
Measles can be dangerous to babies and young children.
Measles is a serious respiratory disease that  causes a rash and fever. It is very contagious. You can catch it just by being in a room where someone with measles coughed or sneezed.
What happens if a child with measles is in child care?
- The child diagnosed with measles must stay home until cleared by the local department of health or their health care provider.
- Program/provider must report case to:
- local health department
- licensor or registrar
- Program/provider must notify all parents/guardians and program staff.
- Parents and staff need to monitor children for any symptoms
- Ensure immunizations are up-to-date for all children and staff. ALERT
- Consult health department for children who have not received the measles vaccine. The children may not be allowed to attend care.
- The department of health may require the program to close until proper cleaning and follow other requirements.
More Information
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Regulatory Reminder: 417.15(C)(3) Blue Cards/Emergency Contact Info
The name, address, gender and date of birth of each child and each child's parent's names addresses, telephone numbers and place(s) at which parents or other persons responsible for the child can be reached in case of emergency.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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Thank You!
Words cannot express how overwhelmed and overjoyed we are thanks to our community's support of our Annual Toy Drive.
We worked with many different groups, including Archbishop Stepinac High School, Bronxville Montessori School, Shake Shake Hartsdale, Collin Allen Day Care, Ivy Rehab Clinic, and New York Life.
We could not have collected this abundance of toys without our community becoming involved, and because of their involvement, more children will be able to enjoy the Holidays with new toys that they otherwise would not have been able to enjoy.
The Council wants to thank Juanita Pope who coordinated this most successful toy drive yet!
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We are so proud of our staff!
In November, our S.T.A.R. Committee (Special Team for Action and Recognition Committee) decided to create a Staff Food Drive in honor of the holiday season. We wanted to give back to our community, and asked each staff member to donate a nonperishable food item. We were able to fill two whole boxes with food to be donated to those in need in Westchester through Feeding Westchester.
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Congratulations to Our Latest CDA Course Students Who Earned 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/Family Child Care CDA Class
- Aura Rosario
- Princess Patterson
- The Council's In-Person Preschool CDA Class
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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Welcome New & Renewed
Child Care Programs!
Renewed
Family Day Care Programs
JLH Family Daycare Inc.
Renewed
SACC Programs
Gym Care Inc.
The Kids Play Center After School Program
Welcome New CACFP Participants
Arielis Beato Guzman
Victoria Jimenez
Tierra Wiggins
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We raised over $55,000 for Child Care Scholarships in 2018!
100% of these donations will fund child care scholarships. Thank you for contributing to this campaign with your #GivingTuesday gift!
Every milestone these children meet now, and every accomplishment they achieve later in life, will have its roots in your generosity.
Didn't have the opportunity to give in 2018 and would like to contribute?
Click
here to support the Council's Key to the Future Fund!
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Picture Books and Board Books that Celebrate Our Differences
"The world is a diverse place. It's packed full of people living dramatically different lives even within the same neighborhood or classroom. In order to raise kids in this world we need to teach them about people outside of their immediate family. On the other hand, some kids grow up not seeing themselves, or their family, represented in any of the books they read or the TV shows and movies they watch" -Danika Ellis
... research "shoes that children who grow up with people who don't look like them develop a rich curiosity about diversity that remains with them throughout life... Perhaps rather than an Achievement Gap we should be thinking about a Diversity Gap since as the world becomes more diverse it will be increasingly important for children to find a way to feel comfortable with new experiences." Jane Timmons-Mitchell Ph.D.
Books open up the world to children. Beautiful stories help them to understand the world around them and the people in it. They can see themselves and feel a part of their community.
Here are wonderful books that celebrate our differences and how we are the same.
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Kids Workshop: Easel with Whiteboard
When
: Saturday, Jan. 5, 9am-12pm
Where: Home Depot
Cost: Free
For more information, click here
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Toddlers' Tuesday Morning Storytime
When
: Tuesdays 11am (Jan 1 to Jan 29)
Where: Barnes and Noble
Cost: Free
For more information, click here
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- Upcoming Events
- Health Tip: Measles Alert
- 2019 Membership is Open
- Calls for Kids Campaign
- Annual Toy Drive
- Share Your Experience
- Children's Corner
- Family Fun and more
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Annual Wine Tasting
Vino 100
171 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
April 11, 2019
Friday, January 18, 2019
Monday, January 21, 2019
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Council staff celebrated a wonderful season and year at our end of the year luncheon. We are so lucky to have a staff that appreciates and respects each other, and works together to support the mission of the Council.
We thank our amazing supporters and our fabulous Board of Directors for helping us have such a great year!
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A round of applause for our Board
2018 was a great year for us as we expanded our nutrition program, delivered more technical assistance services, celebrated our 50th Anniversary, awarded an increased number of child care scholarships, helped secure more child care funding to raise reimbursement rates for programs/providers and create more subsidized slots, and more.
A huge thanks from the staff at the Council to our Board of Directors for such outstanding talent, energy, selflessness, caring and leadership. On to 2019!
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It was a great fall season with our Mercy College and College of Westchester interns. Throughout the year students make a pilgrimage to our office to learn what it's like to be a part of a team and make an impact.
Internships and volunteer experiences are great exposure for our students.
Refer a high school or college student to intern at the Council.
For more information, email Juanita Pope at [email protected]
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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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FREE Training Hours
The Council is excited to announce that we will offer over 10 free training hours for our 2019 members.
Be sure to join our membership and receive the free training schedule for the upcoming year. The schedule will be released in early January.
1st training is scheduled for January 10th, 6pm at the Council.
Don't miss out, join our Membership Today!
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
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2019 Provider Recognition Event
We want to honor and celebrate Westchester child care and after school professionals. We are looking for suggestions for our 2019 child care provider event.
Please take a moment to complete the below short survey.
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View our website for more news.
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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.
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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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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.
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What's Cooking?
Crunchy Breakfast Tacos
INGREDIENTS
- 8 hard corn taco shells
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning with salt or chili powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
- 3 or 4 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup salsa or taco sauce
- 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- Sliced black olives and sour cream for serving
DIRECTIONS
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Warm the taco shells on a baking sheet, about 5 mins.
2. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add taco seasoning and whisk well. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium/high heat. Melt the butter in skillet, add eggs and reduce heat to low. Cook the eggs, stirring regularly to break them up until set, 3 to 4 mins.
3.
Line the center of each taco shell with 2 tablespoons of the scrambled eggs. Top with some cheese, scallions, lettuce, and a spoonful of salsa. Garnish with tomatoes and olives, and sour cream on the side.
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 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
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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!
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!
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