Rockland Child Care News
July-September 2021
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Message from the Executive Director
PARENTS, YOU ARE NOT ALONE
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Summer is here – time for warmer weather, outdoor activities, camp, family gatherings, and vacations. Many of us will take the summer to slow down a bit, breathe the fresh air, and recharge. Yet, parenting never seems to slow down. Parents and caregivers, especially working parents and caregivers, often find themselves scrambling to find appropriate child care because school-age programs close for the summer, and other early-age child care providers adjust their schedules to summer hours, sometimes also closing for the summer.
This year, families have the added worry of a COVID-19 resurgence and continued stress from the affects of the pandemic on their economic, physical, and emotional well-being. Some have said that while we have each been in our own boats, we have all been in the same sea, weathering the pandemic together but differently. For me, this is comforting on one level, but in the same minute utterly overwhelming. There have been days when I’ve needed to find a place to hide away from family or co-workers just to give myself a few moments to cry through or breathe through the fear and anxiety of the moment.
Yet, we persevere. Our families, especially our children, count on us to care for them in all ways; sometimes we lose ourselves, even for a brief few minutes. Luckily, we live in a county with so many helpers - our extended family, friends, neighbors, and often, community organizations like CCRR. CCRR has always been a resource for families navigating not only the process of seeking child care but answering questions about the ages and stages of raising children. During the pandemic, we talked with so many parents and caregivers who just needed to talk through their feelings or talk about how to help their children navigate their emotions.
You are not alone. Parenting will always have its ups and downs, and our children will always need us. You have an entire community upon which to rely – including us here at CCRR.
Vicki Caramante
Executive Director, Child Care Resources of Rockland
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Message from the Board President
IN RECOGNITION OF PARENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC
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From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic more than a year ago, we were told to socially distance ourselves from others, such guidance offered as one of many critical tools to stem the seemingly incessant tide of the debilitating and far too often fatal virus.
Our social relationships were upended as every aspect of our daily lives were disrupted in ways too numerous to mention. For many of us, we experienced a protracted period of time during which we were isolated from family members, friends, work colleagues, neighbors and others with whom, prior to the pandemic, we interacted with on a regular basis and counted upon to do so.
While we are now cautiously emerging from more than a year like no other, and as life is returning to what some are calling a “new normal,” we must take a moment to reflect upon the many hardships endured by parents who had to navigate their way through unprecedented times in order to care for their children. Their load has been and continues to be a particularly heavy one.
During the past year, the social network that parents relied upon was largely nonexistent. While parents have always looked to the support from grandparents and other loved ones for the care of their children, during the height of the pandemic many found themselves without their traditional system of support and instead alone in a state of social isolation. With many schools closed and students learning remotely, parents and their children spent much more time together at home, with their roles not only being parent and child but also teacher and student. The profound stress of that situation has been frequently commented upon and the long term implications remain yet unknown.
For many parents, the past year has also been one of economic uncertainty. The loss of employment faced by so many created an untenable situation for too many families. Mortgage or rent payments not made, bills piling up, food scarcity for some, and at the time seeing no end in sight, forced parents to cope with one crisis after the next.
Although the pandemic is now hopefully in retreat, many parents, nevertheless, will still face additional challenges. With the economy now recovering from the pandemic, more parents will be looking to return to work but for many it will be difficult to find the child care they need because so many facilities were forced to close and are not expected to reopen. As such, the stress that parents faced during the height of the pandemic will continue for many of them even in the aftermath.
As we now have the opportunity to step back and reflect upon all of the challenges that had to be overcome during the past year, we must be sure to take the time to acknowledge and applaud the accomplishments of parents whose unflinching commitment to their children was unwavering despite being faced with one hurdle after the next. The true grit demonstrated by so many parents in devotion to their children is surely one very positive outcome of a year now thankfully behind us.
Stephen M. Fromson
Board President, Child Care Resources of Rockland
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Parent Views
NY Families need access to affordable, high-quality child care.
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Since my two sons have been enrolled in a child care program - thanks to a CARES 3 Tuition Scholarship, I have witnessed their tremendous growth, both academically and socially. My three-year-old's early intervention services have been decreased because his behavior greatly improved. Both of my sons have done phenomenally well since transitioning from staying home with a relative to participating in a high quality child care program. The CARES 3 Tuition Scholarship has had a huge impact on my children's development.
CCRR's staff members, Christina Espindola and Karen Ross, were extremely helpful in guiding me through the CARES 3 application process. I am so grateful to have CCRR to turn to when i have questions or need support. To have that personal connection has been so valuable, especially while navigating CARES 3, as it was very hard to get through to the state.
To live in Rockland and raise children without some help to pay for child care makes it very hard for a single parent to go to work.
I was hopeful after the great conversation with our legislators during the February Forum. They really listened, but I wish they could do more to help families, especially single parent families! I am presently reapplying to renew our CARES 3 scholarship. Without it, my boys will not be able to attend a summer child care program. We need more funding to assist parents with child care so they can go to work and all children can receive safe, high-quality care and education.
- Danielle Durso
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The pandemic caused a lot of stress for families. For me, some of that stress was reduced when the children returned to school full time. Child care is very costly. My son attends the after school care program at the YMCA in North Rockland and it is an awesome program. They always go above and beyond in helping the parents, and were especially supportive during the pandemic. Hopefully we will never encounter anything like this again.
We moved from the East Ramapo Central School District where after school care was provided at no cost. Moving to North Rockland meant we now had to pay for child care. Parents struggle to pay for child care. Most parents work year round, so camp is not a luxury, it is a necessity! My son will attend the YMCA camp; child care is a significant part of our family budget, but I cannot work without it.
I learned about Child Care Resources of Rockland when the director of the YMCA asked me to participate in a legislative forum facilitated by the agency. It was wonderful to see that our elected officials are advocating for policies that support children and families. Hoping we see some action.
- Justine Ferrante
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The Empire State Campaign for Child Care is dedicated to achieving equitable access to quality child care in New York State. Learn more.
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A Tribute to Outgoing Board Member Ann Taylor |
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Ann has been an active member of the CCRR Board of Directors since 1983, during which time she served two terms as Board President. Over her 38 years of service, Ann witnessed much growth and many changes within the agency, including its name. In 1983, three years after the founding of the Day Care and Child Development Council of Rockland County, Inc., Ann joined the Board of Directors. The agency later transitioned to the Rockland Council for Young Children, Inc.; and in 1997, during one of the terms Ann served as Board President, the agency's name became Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc.
In addition to Board President, Ann supported the agency through her work on a number of Board committees. In 1995, she was a member of the Nominating/Search Committee that hired Judy Savage as the second Executive Director following Phyllis Helbraun's retirement. She participated on the committee for a second time when Jane Brown was hired as Executive Director replacing Judy, and again for a third time when Jane retired and the Board hired Vicki Caramante. Talk about tenacity and dedication!
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In 2000, Ann was honored at our Children’s Champion Awards Celebration. She received the Phyllis Helbraun Award in recognition of her distinguished service and dedication to improving the lives of children in Rockland County. (Phyllis Helbraun founded the Day Care and Child Development Council of Rockland County, Inc. in 1974. She was a lifelong champion of issues affecting women, children, and families.) |
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You may be familiar with the children's story, Harold and the Purple Crayon, about a young boy who creates a magical world where he discovers the power of his ingenuity and imagination. Leadership in providing services to children and families requires just such ingenuity, cleverness, persistence - and above all - an appreciation for what is both simple and true. All of these qualities live in Ann, which is why in 2002, she received the Purple Crayon Award.
Ann spent many years working the early childhood field. After serving as Director of the Community Playgroup in Piermont, she became the director of the Jan and Niles Davies Early Learning Center in Haverstraw, NY, where she remained until her retirement.
In essence, Ann has been an active, dedicated supporter of Child Care Resources of Rockland and a true champion for the children and families of Rockland County.
Thank you, Ann. The Board and Staff wish you all the best; we will greatly miss you.
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From the one room office of two staff members to the amazing organization CCRR is today, just proves that Rockland County really values children and families. I remember the early days of the agency, when our meetings were held at rotating Board member homes. The efficiency and effectiveness of the Board now is to be admired! Not all nonprofits are as professional as CCRR!
The agency means so very much to me! I will miss the Board and Staff members who have played such a large role in my life and career. I will always hold you all in my heart!
~ Ann Taylor
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Please join us in welcoming Monica Zenda to the Child Care Resources of Rockland Board of Directors.
I have had the privilege of being a professional in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 40 years. My diverse experience including Teacher’s Assistant, Special Education Teacher, Program Director, Educational Evaluator, Director of Special Education, Executive Director, and presently as a Mentor and Educational Consultant gave me the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of child development, and gives me a unique perspective in the importance of each role involved in early childhood education. I am very passionate about the field of early childhood education, and uphold its importance in shaping young children’s lives.
I am excited and honored to join the Board of Directors of Child Care Resources of
Rockland, Inc. I have lived in Rockland County for over 35 years and joining the Board of Directors is my way of giving back to the community and the children of Rockland County. I hope to bring my professional and educational experience, as well as my community connections, to the CCRR Board of Directors, to benefit all the children of Rockland County.
We are thrilled to have Monica join our Board of Directors. Her strong background in education and her dedication to the ensuring the healthy development of all children will be of great value to our agency and the communities we serve.
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Lift Up Children
Our Annual Appeal
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We're working hard to build back a better
child care system. Will you help us?
We helped over 2800 families access child care, access financial assistance, or get more information about their options. To date, we've raised close to $26,000. We are very grateful that even during the pandemic our supporters have been so generous. The donations received have allowed us to continue to support families and child care providers.
In addition to our trainings in Infection Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we host regularly scheduled child care provider network meetings via Zoom to help guide providers through the challenges they continue to face. We have increased our profiessional deveopment offerings, both virtual and face-to-face, and scheduled our Annual Conference: Building Resilience in Children, for Saturday, November 6, 2021.
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There is much work to do in 2021 to ensure all families have access to safe, high quality early care and education, and to ensure child care providers have the resources they need to provide that care. That is why we are asking for your support today.
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A contribution to our Annual Appeal will help us to assist parents/caregivers in finding the best child care setting for their children, will help us to provide training to child care providers, and support them in keeping their programs open. Your donation will contribute to Rockland's economic vitality by helping to keep parents/caregivers working and businesses running.
Please donate today and help to lift up children by giving them access to safe, high-quality child care programs now and better outcomes later in life. Thank you.
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Infant Toddler Development |
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Adverse Childhood Experiences in Early Childhood
by Jenny Spampinato, Infant/Toddler Quality Enhancement Specialist
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Experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) along with other challenges, such as community violence or racism, without the help of supportive adults, can cause toxic stress and disrupt the development of the brain. But that risk is not destiny. Just because an individual has a high ACEs score does not mean they will experience negative outcomes. Please continue reading to learn more about this important topic. |
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Q&A for Child Care Providers |
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Question
There are a lot of changes happening in child care. How do I keep updated with the latest imformation?
Answer
Information is always available on our website. Also, make sure you are signed up for our Wednesday Weekly - a newsletter just for child care providers!
We also suggest looking at the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) website daily, if not weekly, for updated information and documents. Also, be sure to keep up to date with the Dear Provider Letters. These letters give information and guidance on any current changes. The latest Dear Provider letter is dated June 28, 2021 | Español.
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Question
What are some tips for staying connected with families in my program during summer break?
Answer
Staying connected with families over the summer is a great way to support children's learning. Bridging the connection between home and school will offer families ideas on how everyday activities can become learning experiences. Children learn through play and summer time is a great time to get out and play. Providers can share summer newsletters, summer reading lists, and other weekly activity suggestions. Reach out to CCRR for ideas. |
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Ready for Kindergarten
by Bonnie Parsekian, PreK Specialist
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Entering kindergarten is a major milestone for children and parents. For some, it may be a little scary at first, but it is also a very exciting time. Effective kindergarten teachers know that children are unique individuals; each child starts the school year with a broad range of skills. There is no need for parents to drill their child with letters, numbers, and facts over the summer. Rather, parents can prepare themselves and their child for kindergarten by reading, singing, socializing, and encouraging independence.
In terms of academics, the most important thing a parent can do is to read daily to their child. Visit the library to check out books and attend story time. Sing rhyming songs and create finger plays. Put your child's name on their clothing and encourage your child to write their name. Help your child learn basic colors by pointing at and naming objects like "red apples" and "blue balls." Encourage your child to scribble, draw, write, cut, and paste. Give your child puzzles and games that require counting and problem solving. As you go through the day, simply talk to your child about sights and sounds.
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Social readiness is every bit as important as academic readiness. Being able to get along with other children, follow directions, take turns, and say "hello" and "good-bye" are skills that kindergarten teachers hope to see from incoming students. Parents can encourage their children to play with and talk to other children, to share, and to take turns. Encourage children to consider the feelings of others. Model and discuss positive ways to express one’s feelings, especially negative ones like anger and frustration. Have regular mealtime and bedtime routines, and set rules with consequences. Above all else, hug your child many times a day.
When children complete basic self-help tasks such as zipping their coats or tying their shoes, they feel a great sense of pride. Independence builds confidence and self-esteem. Kindergarten teachers will help to build a child’s independence by providing the opportunity to do many things on their own. To ensure your child is as independent as possible in school, try to provide shoes and clothing that are easy for the child to buckle, zip, and fasten themselves. Let your child do simple chores like setting the table at mealtimes or cleaning up toys after playing. Encourage independent toileting and hand washing. Let your child work independently on activities such as completing puzzles. As Maria Montessori said, "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”
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Communication skills are also of great importance. Listening and speaking are the first steps to reading and writing in the preschool years. Through conversations with parents, teachers, and friends, children learn about the people, places, and objects that they will read and write about later in school. It is through speaking that young children tell us what they know about the world. To make sure your child can communicate their thoughts and feelings in school, have regular conversations with your child. Encourage listening and responding to others when they speak. Answer your child's questions, even if the answer is "no." Help your child learn, use new words, and explore language through singing, rhyming, and chants. Write down words as your child describes artwork or drawings.
You can provide ample hands-on experiences, such as cooking together, visiting a museum or zoo, sorting laundry, or pairing socks. There are so many activities that contribute to academic, social, independence, and communication skills. Many parents are already doing some or all of these things with their child to help support their healthy development. They are also helping to contribute to kindergarten readiness!
Enjoy the summer; remember to relax and have fun with your child. Time goes by too quickly!
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Parent View
NY Families need access to affordable, high-quality child care.
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I am incredibly fortunate as a parent and working professional to have a supportive child care provider! The pandemic forced our family to withdraw our children from care for various reasons. Upon our return, our children were welcomed with open arms, and we did not see any increases to our tuition, despite the child care industry suffering a tremendous loss. Our children’s teachers picked up as if we had never left and continue to teach and guide our little ones.
My workplace has resumed full time operation, on-site, and that has brought a sense of normalcy back to our lives as well. It is so incredibly important to have a routine and, despite the worries and struggles, things are coming back together.
The strides that have been made are wonderful. However, I would like to see more movement toward helping child care providers and families like mine! My opinion as a parent is that education from infancy to five years of age is just as important as grade school and deserves to be funded in the same manner! -Tiffany Davis
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Welcome Danielle Ball
Standards and Support Specialist
What do you do at CCRR? As a Standards and Support Specialist, I provide support to Family Day Care and School Age Child Care Programs. I visit sites and inspect programs to ensure they comply with New York State regulations.
Tell us a little about yourself: I was born and raised in the Bronx; I moved to Rockland in 2001. I am an aunt to two nephews and a niece, and a wife of two years.
I graduated from Lehman College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and have been in the child care field for over 10 years. After working with school age children as a counselor at a summer day camp, I became a program director for the YMCA Afterschool Programs.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Since I was little, I wanted to become a beautician. Although I did not go into that profession, I have taken a few classes to learn the new beauty industry trends. It is still on my list to accomplish for one day soon!
Do you have a favorite hobby? My favorite hobbies are baking and arts and crafts. I enjoy shopping, walking/hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends/family.
Do you have a philosophy by which you live? Yes, growth starts within.
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Congratulations New/Renewed Licensed/Registered Programs |
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School Age Care | Child Care Center
Children of America, LLC (Stony Point)
Congregation Yaldainu Inc.
Fred S. Keller School
Lamont Doherty Child Development Center
Nanuet Family Resource Center- MAP Program
New Square Community Improvement Council, Inc.
Tiny Toes Daycare of Rockland LLC
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Family/Group Family Child Care
Bais Nechama Inc.
Brilliant Minds Daycare
Bubby's Playgroup Ltd. #2
Chana Altman
Charm's Daycare
Chaya Kaufman
Damolf Day Care Center Inc.
Darline Cherestal
Ger's Home Away From Home Family Day Care LLC
Elsa Zuniga Sandoval
Gan Geshmack
Happy Times Childcare Corp.
Lil Einstein's Educational Childcare
Little Journeys, Inc.
Miriam Swiatycki
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Miriam Wieder
Nelly's Nest
Pampered Family Childcare
Pre-Skool Pushers LLC
Raji Roy
Rams Day Care
Yvonne Harding
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Infant and Toddler Resources and Support |
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Good Shepherd Creative Play
Maria Estrella
Johany Franco
Nanuet Family Resource Center Maria Polanco
Sonshine Community Day Care
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For the CCRR Staff Directory please click here. Board of Directors list can be found here.
OFFICE CLOSINGS: Independence Day, Monday, July 5; Office Cleaning Day,
Friday, August 13; and Labor Day, Monday, September 6.
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