August 2021
914.761.3456
"A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others."

~Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
CHILD CARE PROFESSIONALS: HELP IS ON THE WAY!
COVID UPDATES & RESOURCES


NYS COVID-19: Vaccine Information
Special Two Part: Child Development Curriculum Institute

Part 1
Thursday, August 5, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Child Development 101: Where It ALL Begins! We will examine the stages of child development and the changing needs of children from birth to five-years-old and focus on designing a program that supports each unique stage of development.

Part 2: Option 1
Thursday. August 12, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Designing curriculum that promotes warm, loving learning experiences for infants and toddlers.

Part 2: Option 2
Thursday, August 19, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Re-thinking curriculum themes - Designing emergent curriculum for preschoolers
Looking for other trainings? View our current calendar here.
4 Things to Know About Social-Emotional Development in Young Children
Research shows that a strong social and emotional foundation in early childhood powerfully impacts children's later attitudes and behaviors, academic performance, career path, and adult health outcomes. Parents and caregivers can help their little ones develop social-emotional skills-the capacity for strong relationships, emotional awareness, and the ability to recognize, understand, express, and respond to feelings in socially appropriate ways-from the moment they are born.

Click here to learn 4 key elements you should know.
Regulations Reminder: Fingerprint
 
416.15(b)(11)(ii)(c), 417.15(b)(11)(ii)(c), and 418-1.15(b)(11)(c)
Fingerprint images necessary for the Office to conduct a criminal history review

414.15(b)(11)(ii)(c)
In hiring a director subsequent to issuance of a registration, a program: must submit to the Office within 15 days of the written notification of the change in director the name of any new director and the supporting documentation needed to complete the approval process including: fingerprint images necessary for the Office to conduct a criminal history review
As you know, CCDBG requires all operators, directors, employees, volunteers, and household members living in a family or group family daycare home, age 18 years or older, who were existing prior to the new regulations and cleared under the prior process, to complete the comprehensive background clearance requirements listed above in accordance with a schedule set forth by OCFS. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals were required to schedule their fingerprint imaging appointment within seven days (before or after) their birthday. For example, if your birthday was on May 15th, your fingerprint imaging appointment was to occur between May 8th and May 22nd.

For individuals who have yet to complete the comprehensive background check process, need to make an appointment and/or find out where to submit documentation, click here.
 
ADVOCACY UPDATE
Are You Getting YOUR Child Tax Credit?

As of July 15th, most families started to receive $250 or $300 per child without taking any action thanks to a new Child Tax Credit program that is part of the American Rescue Plan. Even if you didn't file income tax, you may be eligible for these payments.

For more info, please go to Child Tax Credit Info.

There are efforts to make the Child Tax Credit permanent. Do you agree? Then click here to let your federal representatives know they should Make Child Tax Credit Program permanent!
SUPPORTING BREASTFED BABIES IN CHILD CARE
According to the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1-2 years or longer.

Though mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their children for at least 1 year, please keep in mind that those moms who choose not to or can't need the same encouragement and support as those who do.

There are many ways a child care program can make mothers comfortable during the breastfeeding stages, from providing private spaces to nurse to ensuring the breastmilk is handled with care. For more resources, click the button to the right.
WHAT'S COOKING WITH CACFP?

The Child and Adult Care Food Program known as CACFP contributes to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children and adults in the United States. This program helps child care programs serve well-balanced, nutritious meals and encourage healthy food habits. Child care programs that provide these nutritious meals are eligible for reimbursements. Many Westchester in-home programs receive monthly reimbursements of over $1,000!

Interested in learning more about the CACFP? Contact Latoya Carney-Ramsey at 914-761-3456 ex. 118 or by email [email protected].
Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Headspace offers a variety of guided meditations including sleep and movement exercises to help relieve stress and reset your mind, body, and soul. The ultimate goal is to improve the health and happiness of the world. There are many different packages and theme-focused meditations to choose from. To learn more and/or begin today, click here.
CHILDREN'S CORNER
ICE SENSORY FOR INFANTS/TODDLERS

Cool off with this open-ended activity. Place ice cubes in a bowl and provide items to fill and dump. The children will explore as the ice cubes melt.

You will need:

  • a bowl
  • ice cubes
  • ladles
  • scoops
  • measuring cups
  • imagination/creativity
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
SAVE THE DATE:

  • Westchester Advocacy Day, October 28, 2021
  • Early Childhood Fall Conference, October 2021
  • Park & Play at CCCW
For more events, click the button below.
The Child Care Council of Westchester’s Board of Directors are dedicated Westchester professionals who understand the vital importance of quality early care and education, and volunteer their time and resources to support our mission. We are always looking for new members to lend their voice for the children and child care professionals by bringing innovative ideas, through advocacy work, and more. If you are interested in becoming a board member, we would love to talk with you. Click the link below to find out how you can help.
If you are passionate about child care and making a positive impact, looking for a great career opportunity, or simply want to volunteer, we would love to work with you. Learn more about open positions, and how to apply, below!
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT THE COUNCIL
The Child Care Council of Westchester has been the Charitable Partner for Shake Shack in Hartsdale for quite some time. We receive 5% of the sales from the delicious "Pie Oh My Concrete Dessert." We hope that you'll stop by soon to enjoy this treat, and help raise funds for the Council. We want to thank Shake Shack Hartsdale for being such great neighbors! You can find them at 379 North Central Park Avenue, Hartsdale, NY 10530.
When you support quality early care and education, your donation lasts a lifetime. If you wish to donate monetarily or any other way, you can find out how to do so by clicking the link below.
914.761.3456
313 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583