#1 - Resources Distribution
We are continuing to obtain resources for programs. Due to high demand, distribution quantities are subject to availability. As of right now we are serving programs that are currently open. We have hand sanitizer, diapers and wipes and are expecting to receive more in the near future. To request supplies we have in stock
Click here
We just received notice from OCFS of new funding to order and provide programs with additional resources. Watch for announcements!
#2 - OCFS Now Accepting New Applications
While OCFS is accepting applications for new programs at this time, applicants should be mindful that there are currently challenges in completing some of the required activities (external inspections, fingerprints, etc.). OCFS will do its best to work with applicants and intends to process applications on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions or concerns please contact
Lindsay Tiernan at
[email protected].
#3 - FREE Online Zoom Trainings
Join us in May for free online training!
Click here, to learn more and to register.
Coming soon our schedule of in-person June trainings!
We are hoping that in June we will be able to resume in-person training at the Council on what children, families, and you are experiencing due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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New Child Care Help for Essential Workers at the Council
Westchester's first responders and essential workers should not be over-burdened by child care costs while they serve and protect others during this emergency. Now there are 2 new child care scholarship programs to help: NYS CARES and the CCCW First Responders/Essential Workers Fund.
We are very grateful to Governor Cuomo and his administration for sending these resources to Westchester! And to our very good friends at the Westchester Community Foundation, thank you for your immediate recognition of the importance of access to child care during these difficult times!
To learn more about the CCCW First Responders/Essential Workers Fund, click here
For more information, email Nicole Masucci, Director of Family and Employer Services at [email protected]
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Continuously Serving Westchester
Great to see so many CCCW Board members in communication via Zoom! Special shout out and thanks to all of our Board members who continue to passionately serve and support the Council in many ways. We appreciate you.
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Online Training from the Child Care Council and Smart Horizons!
Choose from a large selection of low cost OCFS approved trainings!
Purchase the hours you need - 2 to 20 hour packages.
Also available 45 hour training packets for:
- CDA Renewal - Infant/Toddler, Preschool, and Family Child Care
- CDA Renewal in Spanish - Infant/Toddler, Preschool, andFamily Child Care
REGISTER TODAY!
All trainings are eligible for EIP Scholarships!
(Decide what you want to take, apply to EIP, & then register for the trainings.)
For information about online CDA courses,
Click here
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Face Coverings & Children in Child Care
Children
DO NOT
need to wear face coverings when they are in a child care program. In addition, the outdoor space that belongs exclusively to the child care program is not considered a public place so children do not need to wear face coverings there either.
OCFS requires that adults working with children in child care must wear face coverings.
Click here
to read -
Children May Be Afraid of Face Masks - Here is What You Can Do to Help.
IN ADDITION -
Click here to read: Dear Provider letter - Essential Business
Learn How to Make Your Own Face Covering:
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Regulations Reminder:
417.11(i)(21), 414.11(i)(6), 416.11(i)(21), 418.11(i)(6)
DISINFECTING
All rooms, equipment, surfaces, supplies and furnishings accessible to children must be cleaned and then sanitized or disinfected, using an EPA registered product, as needed to protect the health of children, and in a manner consistent with the program's health care plan approved by the licensing Office.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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Supporting our Community
Thank you United Way for the donations of baby food! 
914Cares and The Diaper Bank regularly provide supplies of diapers and wipes to distribute to child care programs and parents in need. We appreciate you both! Our community is experiencing unexpected challenges during the outbreak of the coronavirus. We will continue to collaborate with our community partners as we are all in this together.
Visit our website to find other valuable resources available for programs and parents.
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Child Care Professionals are Heroes Too!
K.T. Korngold, our 2019 Early Education Hall of Hero Honoree is featured in the above photo with her team. During these challenging times child care professionals, our front line heroes are providing full services for other essential workers.
Nominate an exceptional child care or after school professional for our 2020 Hall of Heroes event!
Have a hero in mind?
Click here
to nominate a child care professional by May 12!
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Physical Distancing When
Caring for Children
Physical distancing means that staff are careful about how they have physical contact with children in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maintaining physical distancing does not mean being socially distant. Caring for children must be about relationships and emotional support. So while we must be careful about physical contact with the children, we cannot be socially distant from them. Caring for children means staying close enough to supervise them and keep them safe. In these stressful times, we must create a warm, calm, and loving environment. Children need extra nurturing now.
Click here for more suggestions on what you can do to care for children at this time.
Please remember that now all adults - not children - must wear a face covering while at work at a child care program.
Click here to read Children May Be Afraid of Face Masks - Here is What You Can Do to Help, an article that will help you understand how children may react to adults wearing face coverings and what we can do to make it easier for them.
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Outdoor play
enables children to enjoy the natural environment and learn to seek out exercise, fresh air, and activity. There is something fundamentally healthy about using the
outdoors
.
Click below for some fun outdoor activities.
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- Resources Available for Your Program
- New Child Care Scholarship Funds
- Covid-19 Resources
- Early Education Hall of Heroes - New Date
- Children's Corner
- What's Cooking
- Family Fun and more
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Early Education Hall of Heroes
Mercy College
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY
August 7, 2020
Registration will open in June
Office Closings
Monday, May 26, 2020
Friday, July 3, 2020
Early Office Closings:
(office closes at 3:00pm)
Friday, May 23, 2020
Thursday, July 2, 2020
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REDUCED MEMBERSHIP RATES!!!!!
We are understand that our community is experiencing financial hardships, therefore we decided to drastically reduce our membership rates.
Benefits Include:
- Membership Certificate to post at your site
- Discounted calendar trainings and on-site trainings
- Listing on your website with a link to yours
- Free postings on the Council's job bank
- Free Members Only networking events
- Lakeshore Learning coupon and discount
- Printed Council Training Calendars
- Free promotional gift
- Refer a friend and receive voucher for a free training
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COVID-19 Resources
Weekly Q&A Zoom Call
Ask questions and receive helpful information on health and infection control, regulations, distancing with young children, subsidies, and the current situation. To learn more and submit question in advance, email
[email protected]
Distribution of Diapers & Hand Sanitizers
Diapers and hand sanitizer are in high demand, and we are working to procure these products for child care programs. If you are in need, please
click here to submit a request
.
Federal Programs to Help Child Care Businesses
View the webinar presented by Michael Goldman, Director of Administration and Finance, to find information about new federal grants and loans that may apply to your child care business. (Since every provider's needs and circumstances are different, we hope that the webinar will give you enough information to bring to your accountant or financial advisor.) If you have any questions, please email Mike at [email protected].
Food Distribution
For families in need, Feeding Westchester
offers a map tool to help you find a food pantry/hot meal program/emergency food delivery service closest to you, operates mobile food pantries, and establishes temporary food distribution centers in various locations. Visit
feedingwestchester.org/find-help
to find out where you can find food aid near you, now and in the future.
Child Care Scholarships for First Responders and Essential Workers
Are you caring for essential worker's children? They may be eligible for child care scholarships.
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Opportunities to Connect with Colleagues!
Regular meetings at the Council for family providers, early childhood directors have been suspended due to the COVID-19 emergency. We are hoping to schedule some video meetings in the near future. Stay tuned.
Providers Network:
This group for registered family and licensed group family providers meets 4 times a year. For information about the network, contact Sarah Merrifield, CCCW Infant Toddler Specialist at
[email protected] or (914)-761-3456 ext. 107.
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:
Join the network today!
Please note the networking groups do not meet in August.
The Council is pleased to host these groups. We encourage you to attend their meetings.
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May 8th is Provider Appreciation Day
Thank you for providers, teachers and educators for all that you do for our children.
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Welcome New and Renewed Child Care Programs:
Renewed Family Day Care Programs:
White House Family Day Care
Phyllis Fletcher
New SACC Programs:
Yorktown Before & After Corp (859605)
Renewed SACC Programs:
Lakeland Children Center (22034)
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Deadline Extended to Renew Your Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
We can tell you everything you need to do AND review your training certificates to tell you if you have met the requirements.
We can also help you to apply for an EIP award to pay the renewal fee.
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What's Cooking?
BAKED HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN
Doesn't this look delicious?
To learn how you may receive reimbursements for meals and snacks, contact Latoya Ramsey, Provider Services Supervisor at (914)-761-3456 x 118 or email her 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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