"A truly special teacher is very wise, and sees tomorrow in every child's eyes."
~Unknown
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On October 29, 2021, the FDA authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age is administered as a two-dose primary series, 3 weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms). The FDA added these key points:
- Effectiveness: Immune responses of children 5 through 11 years of age were comparable to those of individuals 16 through 25 years of age. In addition, the vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children 5 through 11.
- Safety: The vaccine's safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children age 5 through 11 who received the vaccine and no serious side effects have been detected in the ongoing study.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all eligible children age 5 and older, and adults, should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can. A child is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. The AAP offers these FAQs regarding the COVID-19 vaccines for children.
For more information and resources on the vaccine, click here.
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT TRAININGS! |
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Be Informed! Your Role in Providing Competent Supervision of Children |
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
6:30 - 8:30pm
In the blink of an eye, a child in your program could become injured or lost. Keeping children safe is your most important responsibility! Come learn ways to provide children with the level of supervision essential to a safe child care environment.
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My and My World - Social Studies for Preschoolers |
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
6:30-8:30pm
Preschoolers are naturally curious about the world around them - from birth! At each stage of their development, young children look around and try to make sense of their environment. They gradually learn more about their community and come to see themselves as citizens of a much larger world. Learn how to actively support this process, and help children to become active members of the 21st century and a much larger world.
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To register for the above or other trainings, click here.
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Regulations Reminder: Face Cover
414.11(i)(19)(i), 416.11(i)(33)(i), and 417.11(i)(33)(i), 418-1.11(i)(20)(i)
Any individual two years of age or older, who is able to medically tolerate a face covering, must wear a face covering when indoors, subject to applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards and recommended exceptions.
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LET'S MAKE WEARING MASKS FUN! |
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Aside from keeping themselves and their families safe as the coronavirus pandemic continues in the U.S., many parents have the added challenge of getting their kids comfortable wearing facial coverings.
“They can be the family monitors, reminding their parents not to forget their face coverings when they leave the house, nudging them to pull up face coverings that slide down off their noses, sitting in disapproving judgment on naked-faced runners or puffing smokers who come too close."
While the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend cloth face coverings for anyone under the age of 2, we offer a few tips for parents to help make mask wearing a more enjoyable experience — for both kids and their moms and dads.
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Here are some tips below:
1. Remind them that some of their favorite characters — and real-life people wear masks.
2. Purchase (or make!) various face masks in fun prints that kids can pick out as part of their outfit for the day.
3. Get children used to wearing a mask around the house.
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Say YES to Child Care in the 2022 Westchester County Budget |
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Help for Parents with High Cost of Child Care Coming to Westchester!
County Executive George Latimer's proposed budget will deliver child care financial assistance to many of Westchester's hard-working parents who were previously over-income! Let's thank the County Executive and his team for putting safe, quality child care within reach of many more families.
Child Care and After School Programs Need Help Too!
Child care and after school programs also need a hand; their current reimbursement rates keep salaries so low that it is almost impossible for them to hire the staff they need. Some programs have delayed enrolling children because they can't find staff.
We respectfully ask the Board of Legislators to build on the County Executive's investment by adding funding to raise reimbursement rates so our programs can hire and keep professional staff to care for and educate our youngest children.
Please take 2 minutes and send your letter of support right now
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Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below. |
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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 careprograms serve well-balanced, nutritious meals and encourage healthy food habits. Child care programs that provide these nutritious meals are eligible forreimbursements. 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].
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The Neighbors Link mission is to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. They aim to fill the service gap for new immigrant families, by offering education and empowerment programs, volunteer opportunities, and partnering with local organizations.
This wonderful community resource offers services throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley with their headquarters in Mount Kisco.
For more information on locations or programs, visit their website.
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Having a Joyful Holiday Season with Children |
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Holiday times can provide wonderful childhood memories. Parents want their children to look back at holiday celebrations and remember them as a time of wonder, joy, and fun.
Caring for children requires balancing between involving children in the excitement of the holiday season and giving them a break from what can be a hectic schedule.
Be mindful that not all of your families may celebrate the same holiday. Learn some tips and things to keep in mind when planning activities this season.
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Painting is a great way for children to express their creativity. There are many different materials that can be used to paint with from cotton swabs and brushes to paint and glue. Below is a cool painting activity that you can try with your children.
Salt Paint
Mix some coarse salt into white glue. Allow children to use fingers of brushes to put this textured glue onto colored construction paper to create icy winter scenes.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL |
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The Child Care Council of Westchester was selected by Nonprofit Westchester as a 2021 recipient of the Organization Changemaker Award, in recognition of going “above and beyond in professional service with innovative approaches in partnership and collaboration to ensure that our Westchester communities remain thriving.” Thank you, Nonprofit Westchester and congratulations to the Community Resource Center, also named an "Organization Changemaker" and Judith Watson, CEO, Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, recipient of the "Individual Changemaker" Award.
Register to attend the Thriving Westchester Awards event here.
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SAVE THE DATE:
- Dream Big 2022, April 7, 2022
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To learn more about the above events or to register, click the button below. |
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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. |
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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! |
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THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT THE COUNCIL |
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We're in! The Child Care Council is once again a proud #GivingTuesday participant!
By now, you’ve heard of #GivingTuesday – a global day of philanthropy. This year, it takes place on November 30th and our goal is to raise $20,000.
The money we raise that day and throughout this holiday season has one purpose: equity. By improving access to quality child care and after school programs, we give more children a fair chance at a better future, more working parents (especially moms!) the chance to build a career, and help child care workers earn a living wage.
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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. |
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Any concerns about Council services, service delivery, communications or interactions can be reported by completing the complaint form here on our website or by contacting the Council’s executive director at [email protected] or (914) 761-3456 ext. 102.
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914.761.3456
313 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
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