July 2021
914.761.3456
"True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross then, having facilitated their crossing joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own."

~Nikos Kazantzakis
APPLY FOR THE NYS ESSENTIAL WORKERS CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP
As the CARES 3 child care scholarship comes to an end, the next round is now open. All essential workers (health care providers, law enforcement, pharmaceutical staff, grocery store employees food delivery workers, firefighters, transportation workers, child care staff and others) are eligible. For qualifications, more information and to apply, click here.
COVID UPDATES & RESOURCES


For the latest NYS updates, please check here.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT TRAINING
Providing Competent Supervision of Children

Tuesday, July 27, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
 

OCFS has resumed in person visits to child are programs. They recently sent out a statement regarding their concerns about competent supervision of children in child care programs. In the blink of an eye, a child in your program could become injured or lost. Keeping children safe is your most important responsibility!
Need to fulfill more training hours? Click here.
Regulations Reminder: Nutrition
 
416.12(a), 417.12(a), and 418-1.12(a)
The program must provide sufficient and nutritious snacks to children.

414.12(a)
The school-age childcare program must provide plentiful and nutritious snacks to children.
LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF HEAT


As the temperatures start to rise, please be aware of the effect that heat can have on children. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, high temperatures can cause children to become sick in several ways. Make sure to protect children from the heat as much as possible and watch for symptoms.

There are different types of reactions to heat, causes, signs and symptoms. To learn about some of the most common ones and what to do if symptoms become noticeable, click the button below.
LET'S STAY HEALTHY!
To support access to nutritious meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended some nationwide waivers of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations. This memo explains continued flexibilities that USDA is allowing to support appropriate safety measures while managing the impacts of COVID-19. CACFP has some new updates (See Below)
 
Area Eligibility Flexibility (For Family Day Care Home Providers)
A. Federal regulations establish specific area eligibility requirements and meal reimbursement rates.
B. This waiver allows day care homes participating in CACFP to claim all meals and snacks served to enrolled children at the Tier I rate, regardless of their location.
C. If you have day care homes that are participating in CACFP at the Tier II or Tier II Mixed rate, CACFP will update your day care home providers to Tier I in CIPS.
D. This waiver is in effect from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. 
Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below.
WHAT'S COOKING WITH CACFP?

Are you enrolled in CACFP, the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program? The Child Care Council of Westchester is a contracted sponsor of CACFP and works directly with home-based childcare programs to provide children with nutritious meals and snacks.

Interested in learning more about the CACFP? Contact Latoya Carney-Ramsey at 914-761-3456 ex. 118 or by email [email protected].
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Sharc Creative along with White Plains Hospital brings back the excitement of drive-in theatres with a summer of "Screenings Under the Stars." The screenings take place on certain Fridays throughout the summer months. Tickets are per car, not per person. For a complete list of upcoming movies, tickets, and more information, visit: Screenings Under the Stars.
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Color Matching Nature Walk

It’s way too nice to be inside, so we’ve been outdoors as much as possible. If the flowers are in bloom where you live, try this color matching nature walk. It’s a great way for young children to learn colors.

You’ll need some color samples in a variety of colors, a hole punch, and a ring clip to help hold your color samples together. Punch a hole in the corner of each sample. Then combine them all with the ring clip, and you’re ready to head outside. Color samples are free at paint and hardware stores.

You can take these on a walk through your neighborhood, to a local park, or to a garden in your area. 
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
On Friday, June 4th, the Council inducted 6 individuals and 1 organization into its Early Education Hall of Heroes for their exceptional work with the children and families they work with in Westchester. This honor was well deserved for all of the hard work, dedication and sacrifice they provided during the pandemic and continue to provide today. Congratulations again to our 2021 Early Education Hall of Heroes Honorees.

To view the entire gallery, click here.

Missed this event, now worries you may view it here on our YouTube page.

Thank you to our generous sponsors and community supporter. Click here, to view the event journal.

WELCOME GABRIEL
We are so excited to welcome Gabriel to the Council as an intern. He is studying at the College of Westchester. Gabriel has been doing great work in the office and we look forward to that work continuing.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RISING STAR!
Our very own Juanita Pope has been named a 2021 Rising Star by The Business Council of Westchester. This awards program recognizes 40 Westchester business professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify leadership skills, exceed expectations and set new standards for success. What an apt way to describe Juanita!
CCCW Offering Scholarship to LEADERSHIP WESTCHESTER
 
We are so pleased to offer a full scholarship to Leadership Westchester, a unique program run by Volunteer NY! that sharpens leadership skills, expands relationships, facilitates a new understanding of your own values, capacities and goals, and increases your ability to influence others.

Leadership Westchester differs from most academic and professional development experiences you may have had, but the pay-off is potentially great! The program will start-up in the fall, in-person. The 10 session calendar also includes 3 full-day sessions. To view the Leadership Westchester calendar CLICK HERE!
 
Applications are due by Friday, July 2nd by 5 pm. Interviews with candidates will be scheduled the week of July 12th, via Zoom.

For the application, please CLICK HERE
SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE 2021 FALL EVENTS:



  • Park and Play at the Council, September 25, 2021
  • Westchester Advocacy Day, October 28, 2021
For more events, click the button below.
Council Closings
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
Every child deserves the chance to reach their greatest potential. By becoming a "Dream Builder," you tell children and families that it's safe to dream again. We will use your monthly recurring contribution to help children in Westchester access the key to a bright future: safe, loving, educational early child care. It's the most meaningful and impactful way you can help provide a hopeful future for these children. Your recurring online contribution is easy and secure. Simply choose the amount you wish to give and make your first donation by credit card online. You can change your monthly contribution at any time.
Joining Dream Builders also provides you with a few benefits.

Join Dream Builders at any level and receive the following benefits:
  • Bi-annual newsletter
  • Invitations to Council events
  • Name recognized as a Dream Builders member on: Council website, CCCW Annual Report, and more!
Donate $50+ monthly and receive the above benefits, PLUS:
  • Discounted tickets to the Council’s annual “Dream Big” celebration
  • A special gift
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