June 2021
914.761.3456
"Even on your worst day in the classroom, you are still some child's best hope."
~Larry Bell
COVID UPDATES & RESOURCES

  • All individuals 12 years of age and older that reside in the United States are now eligible to receive the vaccine.


  • Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy—have been removed. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. Find more information on the easing of pandemic restrictions.

IT'S OUR JOB TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE!
As mandated reporters, caregivers play a vital role in protecting children. These are unprecedented times where preventing child abuse and neglect is especially important. During the upcoming months, OCFS is highlighting the importance of protective factors as proven strategies to reduce child abuse.

To learn more about protective factors, click here.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Infants & Toddlers - Let's Go Outside!
Thursday, June 10, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Join us for a look at how and why we should let infants and toddlers play outdoors throughout the year. We will look at safety and explore what you could do in every season. You will leave with a toolkit of fun ideas for outdoor play in every sort of weather! Click the link below to register.

Strategies for Supporting Dual Language Learners
Tuesday, June 22, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Mi casa. Mein Haus. Ma maison. My house - different words but one meaning. Learn how to support children without knowing their home language and explore how young children who are learning multiple languages develop language and literacy skills.

For more great development opportunities? Register for trainings here.
Regulations Reminder: 414.10(c) and, 418-1.10(c)
Child Abuse and Maltreatment
In accordance with the provisions of Sections 413 and 415 of the Social Services Law, child care center staff must immediately report any suspected incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child receiving child care to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, or cause such a report to be made, when such staff have reasonable cause to suspect that a child coming before them in their capacity as child care center workers is an abused or maltreated child.

416.10(b) and 417.10(b)
Child Abuse and Maltreatment
In accordance with the provisions of Sections 413 and 415 of the Social Services Law, child care center staff must immediately report any suspected incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child receiving child care to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, or cause such a report to be made, when such staff have reasonable cause to suspect that a child coming before them in their capacity as child care center workers is an abused or maltreated child. 
THERE'S STILL TIME TO REGISTER!
Join us as we celebrate the child care field and honor several exceptional child care professionals. This virtual event includes entertainment, fun, giveaways, awards, and more as we say "Thank You!" Click here to register.
ADVOCACY UPDATE
It's all about NYS this month. 3 things to do:

(1) Child Care Availability Task Force Report - just released by Governor Cuomo, if implemented, the recommendations in this report could lead us to a much more equitable, affordable, and accessible child care system in NYS. For your copy, CLICK HERE!

(2) New PreK funding is available to school districts all over the state. School districts are encouraged to collaborate with community-based programs for at least 10% of their new slots. To learn more about how to partner with your school district to offer PreK, please attend a webinar on June 8th by the NY State Education Department, Office of Early Learning. To register, CLICK HERE!

(3) OCFS Child Care Development Fund Plan - OCFS just wrapped up its virtual hearings on their proposed child care plan, but extended the deadline for written comments to June 1st. Why should you send in your comments? Because this proposed 3 year plan will have major impact on your child care business. It outlines the major policies OCFS will be following including reimbursement rates to providers, at what income levels parents qualify for subsidy, etc. Send your written comments to:

Division of Child Care Services, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, 52 Washington St., Room 309 South, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, Attn: Rulyn Vogel

Or email at: ocfs.sm.ccdf.comments@ocfs.ny.gov
WATCH THE TEMPERATURE

As summer approaches and temperatures start to rise, we need to be very aware of the risk of heatstroke for children who are left in cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 900 children died of heatstroke since 1998, because they were left or became trapped in a hot car. It's important for everyone to understand that children are more vulnerable to heatstroke and that all hot car deaths are preventable. We -as parents, caregivers, and bystanders - play a role in helping to make sure another death doesn't happen.

To learn other facts, tips, and information on how to prevent heatstroke and/or what to do if you see a child left unattended, click the link below.
WHAT'S COOKING WITH CACFP?

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that promotes healthy eating and living.

The CACFP helps programs serve well-balanced, nutritious meals to those in their care. Programs that provide these nutritious meals and snacks are eligible for reimbursements.

Interested in learning more about the CACFP? Contact Latoya Carney-Ramsey at 914-761-3456 ex. 118 or by email latoyar@cccwny.org.
Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
914 Cares aims to support those in the community who are struggling to meet basic human needs, through donation drives, clothing banks, and more. If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit their website, here.
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Bubbles keep children of all ages entertained. Grab some common household items and make your own bubbles and wands.

For the full list of ingredients/materials, click the link below.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
On Saturday, May 22nd, our Professional Development Department hosted two outdoor trainings with a participation of 14 family and group family providers - Infection Control from 10am-12pm and Art for a Mixed Age Group from 12:30pm-2:30pm. We provided a light breakfast, lunch and a take home kit so providers could put into practice what they learned. The participants enjoyed a day of hands on activities and social interaction. Check out a few photos below.

A big thanks to the Mother Cabrini Foundation and the St. Faith's House Foundation for their support of this project.
WE'RE HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR...YOU CAN STILL BECOME A 2021 MEMBER!
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
  • Free promotional gift
  • Refer a friend and receive a voucher for a free training
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
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOs and Android phones. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
 
When you shop AmazonSmile and select The Child Care Council of Westchester, we receive a smile too! A portion of your purchase will be donated to the Council!
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