February 2021
914.761.3456
"One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world"
~Malala Yousafzai
COVID UPDATES & RESOURCES
 
On February 10th, the CDC updated its mask guidance. Read: Improve How Your Mask Protects You.
 
On February 11th, New York State announced that it will be following the updated guidance from the CDC regarding quarantine following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. According to the guidance, 'asymptomatic fully vaccinated individuals' (those who have received both shots and at least two weeks have passed since the second shot), are no longer required to quarantine within 90 days after the second shot. You can read the full statement here.
 
As of February 15th, New Yorkers with certain comorbidities and underlying conditions are eligible to receive the vaccine.
 
To read more information on COVID-19, vaccines, and ways to help stop the spread, click here.
 
NEW Vaccination site opening March 3rd - National Guard Armory, 2 Quincy Place, Yonkers, NY 10701. To make an appointment, click Am I Eligible or call the vaccination hotline number below.
 
The COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline is open 7AM - 10PM, 7 days a week, to help New Yorkers determine if they are eligible and schedule vaccination appointments.
 
 
NEW YORK STATE COVID-19 VACCINATION HOTLINE
 
1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
COVID & Child Care

We know that the health and safety of your child is your top priority and seeking child care during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging. Here are some health and safety tips to consider when evaluating child care programs:
 
Does the program conduct daily health screenings for staff and children? 
Programs should perform daily health screenings upon arrival, which should include questions, taking temperatures, and looking for visual signs of illness. Symptoms can include a cough, sore throat, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, or extreme fussiness. Programs should create and document a daily log of child and staff screenings.  
COVID y cuidado infantil

Sabemos que la salud y seguridad de su hijo es su principal prioridad y buscar cuidado infantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 puede ser un desafío. A continuación, se incluyen algunos consejos de salud y seguridad que debe considerar al evaluar los programas de cuidado infantil:
 
¿El programa realiza exámenes de salud diarios para el personal y los niños?
Los cuidadores deben realizar exámenes de salud diarios a su llegada, que deben incluir preguntas, tomar la temperatura y buscar signos visuales de enfermedad. Los síntomas pueden incluir tos, dolor de garganta, respiración rápida o dificultad para respirar, síntomas gastrointestinales, fatiga o inquietud extrema. Los programas deben crear y documentar un registro diario de las evaluaciones de los niños y del personal.
Child Care Referrals & Resources
The Child Care Council is a nonprofit organization that helps parents obtain safe, reliable child care. We can provide:
  • Lists of regulated child care providers and summer camps, and a complete "Nanny Guide"
  • Tips and checklists that will help you recognize safe, quality care and how to check a child care provider's compliance/violation history
  • Information about financial resources, including scholarships, subsidies, etc. that may be available to you
  • Names of child care providers who meet certain criteria like those who can administer medication, provide a space for breastfeeding, or may have experience with children who have special needs.

All of the Child Care Council's services are free for parents.
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Need a fun activity to do with the kids? This Cardboard Tube Straw project is a great way to help children explore and develop many different skills such as, fine motor, creativity, math and listening. This is a great activity to get children started with threading and lacing.
 
You can take this activity even further, by having children count the holes, figure out building mini snowballs, snowmen, and more. Click the link below to find out how to make this cool project.
Parenting
Por qué estimular la creatividad
Aunque todos los niños pequeños son creativos, dependen de los adultos en su entorno para estimular y desarrollar su capacidad creativa. La responsabilidad de los adultos es darles confianza en sí mismos, dejarlos explorar el mundo que los rodea, darles tiempo para jugar, dejarlos expresar sus emociones, ayudarlos a encontrar soluciones a sus problemas y apreciar sus ideas creativas sin juzgarlos. Todo esto contribuye a la formación de la creatividad. Después de todo, ¿por qué estimular la creatividad? Porque la creatividad propicia el aprendizaje de una forma espontánea. 
Infants & Toddlers
Play Activities for 12 to 24 Months


Whether you're looking for games to build your toddler's language skills, or games to keep the young ones busy, here are some great play ideas for your infant or toddler.

  1. Action - Oriented Activities
  2. Quiet Play Activities
  3. Activities That Build Thinking Skills
  4. Activities That Build the Sense
  5. Activities That Build Language Skills
Preschoolers
Advice on playdates, physical distancing, and healthy behaviors to help prevent infection

Children's lives have been turned upside down by this pandemic. Between remote schooling and playdates being cancelled, children's routines are anything but routine. Kids also have questions about coronavirus, and benefit from age-appropriate answers that don't fuel the flame of anxiety. It also helps to discuss — and role model — things they can control, like hand washing, physical distancing, and other health-promoting behaviors.

How does COVID-19 affect children?

Children, including very young children, can develop COVID-19. Many of them have no symptoms. Those that do get sick tend to experience milder symptoms such as low-grade fever, fatigue, and cough. Some children have had severe complications, but this has been less common. Children with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe illness.
School Age Children
7 Undeniable Characteristics of Middle Schoolers Parents Should Know

  1. They push their parents away.
  2. They may act one way with you and the complete opposite with someone else.
  3. What their friends think matters more than anything else.
  4. They exaggerate (and sometimes lie).
  5. They are incredibly insecure about what is happening to their bodies.
  6. They want to have fun, but they want to be taken seriously.
  7. YouTube is Gucci.
ADVOCACY UPDATE
Understanding & Addressing the Child Care Crisis
Tuesday, March 9, 9:00 AM
Zoom Webinar
In this one-hour program, leaders from the private sector will discuss the current challenges recruiting and retaining women in the workforce—especially as it relates to child care. And, more importantly, they will share valuable insights as to how they created additional programs and services for their employees that resulted in positive impacts to their workforce and their business.
WHAT'S COOKING?




Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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.
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.
The COUNCIL
For other council events, click the link below:
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
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
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