"The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see."
~Alexandra K. Trenfor
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COVID UPDATES & RESOURCES
OCFS provided their guidance to providers in a letter on January 11, 2021.
Here is the link to schedule an appointment for vaccine administration in New York State.
For other COVID-19 resources, including travel requirements, information on the vaccines and how they work, CDC guidelines and other important facts, click the link below.
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OCFS has been notified that child care providers are being contacted by a group saying they are a third party entity working with the CCR&R/Child Care Council on the CARES grants. THIS IS NOT ACCURATE!
DO NOT SHARE INFORMATION WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR CCR&R OR OCFS REGARDING CARES GRANT AWARDS. This "third party entity" will have your program name, address and license number and then ask for details such as social security number and bank information, so they may seem legitimate. Remember that your program information and license number are public information listed on the OCFS website.
OCFS and the CCR&R will not ask for sensitive information such as your banking information over the phone. If you have any concerns or questions about who is contacting you, please do not give out information. Contact the agency facilitating your reimbursement claim for assistance.
Report fraud: 1-800-HHS-TIPS or online
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES |
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The CDA Renewal Amnesty Program has been extended until June 1, 2021.
The Council can help you with everything you need, from reviewing training certificates to applying for funds for the renewal fee.
To get started, visit the link below:
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Need to fulfill more training hours? The Council's got you covered. Click here to find our current schedule.
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Regulations Reminder: 414.5(b)(7), 416.5(b)(7), 417.7(b)(7), 418-1.5(b)(7), 418-2.5(b)(7) Safety
Each program must have, on site, a variety of supplies including food, water, first aid and other safety equipment to allow for the protection of the health and safety of children in the event parents are unable to pick up children due to a local disaster. The plan must take into account a child's needs for an overnight stay. Food supplies must be non-perishable and of sufficient quantity for all children for an overnight stay. Programs that serve food daily and have a food supply stored on site for their daily operation or are co-located at a site with a cafeteria, pantry or eatery of some kind are not required to store emergency food or water supplies if they can show that they have access to and permission to use those foods in a declared emergency.
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2021 MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN IS OPEN WITH REDUCED RATES |
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Enjoy some AMAZING benefits:
- Membership Certificate to post at your site
- Discounted calendar trainings and on-site trainings
- Listing on our 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
- Refer a friend and receive a voucher for a training discount
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If only our babies could advocate for themselves – but they can’t. They need you to speak up for them. Join the Feb 2nd Statewide Early Childhood Day (virtual) to call for more NYS funding for child care. Register here: 2021 Virtual Early Childhood Advocacy Days
Interested in speaking with Westchester’s state delegation via virtual meetings in the coming months? Email Kathy Halas at kathyh@cccwny.org.
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To those of you wondering if ADVOCACY works, it does. Local ADVOCACY led to 3 years of subsidy reimbursement increases for Westchester providers that contract with DSS. ADVOCACY takes time and effort. And the more people involved, the better. |
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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 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 latoyar@cccwny.org.
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Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below. |
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If you've received a shut-off notice from Con Edison, WestCOP can provide assistance to eligible residents. The terms of assistance will vary. Applicants must complete an application and provide documentation. The Con Edison bill must be in the applicant's name. For more information on this program, visit WestCOP.
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The Westchester Library System (WLS) collaborates with more than 30 libraries in Westchester County to provide access to resources and services to more than 900,000 residents. WLS provides easy-to-use and affordable technology information that allows libraries to continuously improve service to their communities. For more information and to find your local library, visit Westchester Library System.
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CHILDREN'S CORNER -LET'S STAY ACTIVE DURING THE WINTER |
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Crank up the music and GET MOVING! Move, march, stomp, twirl, jump, and hop. Get out some fun musical instruments and scarfs. Join in and have fun!
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Foster imaginative play and send the kids on a hunt around the program. Make it a bear hunt or have them hunt for another favorite animal that you have hidden. |
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Create a fun indoor obstacle course - a few cones, a tunnel, beanbags and hula-hoops can all be used to make a fun and active game. Children can practice concepts like under, over, in and out. |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL |
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On Friday, January 15th, the Council hosted their Annual All Staff Retreat virtually. The staff participated in icebreakers, small group discussions about our services and the needs of the Westchester community and more. We also discovered some true Picasso's in the making, during our paint session. |
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Virtual Early Education Hall of Heroes will be hosted on
June, 4, 2021 from 7pm-8pm.
Our Early Education Hall of Heroes event recognizes exceptional child care and after school professionals and highlights the importance and impact of high quality child care. Child care and after school professionals may nominate themselves, or be nominated by an employer, Board member, co-worker, friend, family member, parent or anyone else. It is perfectly acceptable for a nominee to receive multiple nominations. Do you know a hero? Nominate a hero here.
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For other council events, click the link 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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The Child Care Council of Westchester has been chosen as the Charitable Partner for Shake Shack in Hartsdale. 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. |
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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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914.761.3456
313 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
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