"Teachers plant the seeds of knowledge that will grow forever!"
~Unknown
Happy National Provider Appreciation Day!
May 6, 2021
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COVID UPDATES & RESOURCES
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All New Yorkers age 16 and older are now eligible for the vaccine.
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MAKE SURE YOUR SURROUNDINGS ARE SAFE FOR CHILDREN! |
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The warm weather has arrived and you and the children in your care will be spending more time outdoors on the playground. Providing the children you care for with a safe environment is an on-going process. By following sound safety practices, you act not only as a protector, but also as a role model for parents and children. Whether it is your own private yard or a public playground or park, checking daily for safety hazards is an important task. With proper supervision, preparation, and a little creativity, you can provide outdoor learning experiences that will enhance the physical skills of all children. |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES |
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Many thanks to The Westchester County Office for Women for the support and funding for our 2021 Spring Early Childhood Conference. One hundred and twelve participants joined for a virtual event focused on Resiliency. Kimberly Polstein, LMSW, was our keynote speaker. Presenters included Andrew Bell, LCP & Ph.D., Basia Kinglake, LMSW, Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Christian Bellissimo, MSW, LCSW, RPT and Maria Stella Lundie. Sessions were held in both English and Spanish. Thanks to all who joined for this informative and enlightening day. |
Looking for more great development opportunities? Register for trainings here.
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Regulations Reminder: 416.5(n)(5), 417.5(n)(5)
Playground Safety
There must be a cushioned surface under all outside play equipment that present a fall hazard. Surfacing may not include concrete, asphalt, grass or hard compacted dirt.
414.5(n)(5), 418-1. 5(n)(5)
Playground Safety
All programs that substantially modify, or install new, outside play equipment must do so in accordance with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook.
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! |
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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.
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So much good news for child care in the adopted 21-22 NYS Budget! The nearly $2.4 billion of new federal funding for child care will lower co-pays for parents, expand subsidy eligibility up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level statewide, and provide additional operating help for child care providers and programs.
A big thanks to all who spoke up for child care in the NYS Budget!
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STAY SAFE IN THE SUN
As the weather warms up and more time is spent outdoors, we must keep in mind all the strategies necessary to keep children safe while in the sun. Make sure to continuously evaluate your sun safety policies and procedures to help keep children protected from exposure to the sun.
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) UV Index predicts UV radiation levels on a 0 to 11+ scale; higher levels indicate a higher risk of overexposure to UV rays.
For more information and ways to stay protected, click the button below.
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Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below. |
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WHAT'S COOKING WITH CACFP?
Are you enrolled in CACFP, the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program?
The CACFP provides reimbursements to programs that offer nutritious snacks and meals to children in their care. The Council is now offering direct deposits for those enrolled in our CACFP program.
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 Century Foundation and the Poverty & Race Research Action Council reports why classroom diversity is an important factor in early childhood education in the article, "A Better Start: Why Diversity Matters in Early Education". Click here to read the article and learn more about these organizations.
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May is a great time to plant with young children. Many seeds can be planted in cups and placed on a windowsill. Zinnias, marigolds and sunflowers are quick growers.
Some of our favorite children’s books about gardening are: Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert, The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle and Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL |
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our month long Week of the Young Child events. We had such a great time celebrating with you and look forward to next year. Check out our gallery of photos here.
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THERE'S STILL TIME TO BE A 2021 MEMBER! |
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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
- Free promotional gift
- Refer a friend and receive a voucher for a free training
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For more events, click the button below. |
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COUNCIL CLOSINGS
Friday, May 28th - closes at 3pm
Monday, May 31st - closed
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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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