#1 - Asthma or Allergies
Let us start the New Year off by asking for an updated medical form for the children in care to see if they have an allergy or asthma. It is better to know all about the child's medical issues before something happens. To be in compliance with OCFS regulations you must first identify the child's needs. Remember that you can only administer medications when you are MAT certified. Before you can accept emergency medications (Asthma inhaler, Nebulizer or Epi-pen and Benadryl), you must have all of the required paperwork and a verification stating you were trained by the parent on how to either give the Asthma inhaler, Nebulizer or Epi-pen. Benadryl cannot be accepted without and Epi-pen. For assistance with this, contact Elissa Guzzardi, Director of Health Care Consultant Services, at
[email protected]
#2 - Ready for a Career Move?
 The Council is pleased to offer our 2019 In-Person Preschool CDA Credential Course starting Thursday, March 7, 2019. This 120 hour course is the first step to becoming a Child Development Associate. This CDA is open to early childhood professionals who work with preschool age children in Westchester County child care centers and family/group family programs. For more information click here.
#3 - Safety First!
Having children in your care is a tremendous responsibility and their safety at all times is paramount. Two provider letters from OCFS offer detailed information about what is expected and what is considered "best practice" in caring for children of all ages. Check out these
tips
and
resources
from OCFS.
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YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
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Join Us For Advocacy Day -
If you believe, like we do, that child care should be more affordable and subsidy reimbursements to programs/providers should be higher!
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Welcome 2019 Members!
The Council would like to extend a warm welcome to those Centers, Group Family and Family Providers, Individuals, and Organizations that have joined our membership or renewed a previous membership! We are happy to have all of your support.
Our membership is still open! If you are interested in receiving the many benefits for the 2019 year, please join us! For more information contact Juanita Pope at
[email protected]
Visit our
website to see a full list of our current 2019 members.
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Professional Development Opportunities
Our winter/spring calendar is all about play. Our inspiration comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics which recently issued a very strong policy statement on how vital play is for children. The media called it a "Prescription for Play."
American Academy of Pediatrics Message
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Beware of Organizations Offering to Supply Substitute Services
It has come to the attention of OCFS that there are organizations reaching out to child care programs offering to supply substitute teachers and caregivers when they are unexpectedly needed for the supervision of children in their programs in order to comply with staffing ratio requirements. Please be advised that this is not a permissible option in any licensed or registered child care program because these substitutes are not being screened in accordance with the provisions of Social Services Law and OCFS child care regulations.
The required screenings by the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, Vulnerable Persons Central Register-Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and Division of Criminal Justice Services (fingerprinting) are only permitted to be conducted by OCFS staff or OCFS agents or a director of a day care center or school age child program as applicable in the OCFS child care regulations. In addition, such screenings must only be conducted on employees and volunteers of the child care programs, as specified in law, regulation and policy.
Since these outside organizations do not have authority to complete the required screenings for child care programs, these persons may not count in ratio or be left unsupervised with children. If you need additional clarification, contact your licensing/registration office, as engaging in this practice will place your program out of compliance.
Spring Valley Regional Office (licensing office)
(845)708-2400
Child Care Council of Westchester (registration office)
(914)761-3456
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Supervision in Child Care
What to do if you are unable to locate a child in your care? CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Notify law enforcement that a child cannot be located. Provide police with as many details as possible: an accurate time frame of when and where the child was last seen, the child's name and age, a description of the child's physical appearance, clothing the child is wearing, etc. There must be no delay in contacting police. Law enforcement can conduct a thorough search and investigation while you continue to maintain the health and safety of the children in your care. After getting help to look for the missing child and securing the safety of all other children, you are also required to notify the parent, your OCFS licensing office, and the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) at 1-800-635-1522.
What to do when a child is left without competent supervision for any period of time while in care? The regulations require you to immediately notify the parent and your OCFS licensing office. Any instance where a child is left unsupervised may place the child at imminent risk of serious harm. If you are aware that a child in your care has been inadequately supervised you are mandated by law to immediately call the SCR.
For more information on when to call 911,
click here
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Health Tip
Asthma - Friendly Endorsed
Child Care Programs
Asthma is a serious and growing health problem. In the past 20 years, asthma has increased worldwide. According to the New York State Department of Health, asthma caused an average of 358 deaths per year from 1998-2000. One in ten preschool children is diagnosed with asthma and it is the
number
one reason for school absenteeism.
According to the Center for Disease Control, every day in America:
- 30,000 people have an asthma attack
- 5,000 people visit the emergency room due to asthma
- 1,000 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma
- 11 people die from asthma (3 children die every day)
- Nearly half (44%) of all asthma hospitalizations are for children
- The death rate for children under 19 years old has increased by 80% since 1980.
Children with asthma need proper support in child care settings to keep their asthma under control and to be fully active. Uncontrolled asthma can interfere with a child's attendance, participation, and progress in child care and in school. Child care staff, health professionals and parents need to work together to remove obstacles and promote children's health and development.
The American Lung Association and the Council wants to help you you to understand the diagnosis, know what to do when an attack happens, as well as to educate and prepare your program so that you may ensure the health and safety of the children in your care.
Add your name to the list of child care programs that are endorsed as Asthma-Friendly Child Care Programs!
Contact the Health Services Department to learn more about becoming an Asthma Friendly Endorsed Child Care Program, the MAT Course, emergency medications, and the benefits of becoming approved to administer medication.
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Important Notification
Mandatory Day Care and Pre-K Immunization Survey is ready to use - Due March 5, 2019
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Immunization Online Day Care and Pre-K Immunization Survey is ready for day care and Pre-k programs to use. It is mandatory for all day care and Pre-k programs to complete the immunization survey online and report the immunization status of all children enrolled at your facility by March 5, 2019. Failure to complete and submit the survey form is a violation of Public Health Law, which may result in the imposition of a civil penalty of up to $2,000.
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Regulatory Reminder: 414.11(h)(5)(i) Individual Health Care Plan
A written Individual Health Care Plan must be developed by families for any child in the program who has a health condition even if the child does not receive medications while in care and any child receiving EI or CPSE services.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
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Our Annual All Staff Retreat:
Bonding. Learning. Collaborating.
Every year we take time to strengthen our bond with our co-workers during our Annual All Staff Retreat. This year was extra special, as along with building our relationships and growing together as an organization, we had the wonderful opportunity to give back to our community by visiting Feeding Westchester. We packed over 900 "backpacks" of food going to food insecure children throughout Westchester.
That afternoon, we returned to the Council to hear from Westchester Children's Association's new Executive Director Allison Lake, who provided a compelling update on how children and youth are doing in Westchester.
We learned so much about what's going on in our community, and how we can work more closely with other nonprofit organizations - we encourage other groups to follow our lead!
Click here
, to learn more about Feeding Westchester
Click here, to learn more about Westchester Children's Association
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11th Annual Children's Book Drive!
The Child Care Council of Westchester and Westchester chapter of the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC) are celebrating the Week of the Young Child with our 11th Annual Children's Book Drive.
Early literacy skills cannot develop without access to high quality books, but many programs in Westchester County do not have enough books for the children in their care.
Please donate books to Westchester programs serving children who need high quality books.
Please only donate books in very good condition that can be used and enjoyed by children ages 0-12. We especially welcome books depicting diverse ages, abilities, and cultures. We cannot accept electronic books.
Drop off books between March 15th and April 30th, 2019 to:
Child Care Council of Westchester
313 Central Park Avenue, Suite 4
Scarsdale, New York 10583
(Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; call for Saturday hours)
For more information or questions, please call the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. at
(914) 761-3456 ext. 136 or 106
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Welcome New & Renewed
Child Care Programs!
New
Family Day Care Programs
Star Hope Playhouse
Renewed
Family Day Care Programs
A Journey by Faith Daycare
Blue Haven Day Care
Welcome New CACFP Participants
Joan Belin
Sheila Johnson
Ramona Miles
Johany Olivares de Polanco
Miriam Perez
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15 Reasons to Take Children
Outside in the Winter
Even when it is cold and gray, children should go outside. There are so many benefits for children when they play outside. Too many children are spending too much time inside during the winter months. Too often adults say that the children won't like the cold. If dressed properly, the children will be fine. AND if the adults dress properly, they will be fine too!
Of course, in inclement weather, children should not be outside. But if it is just cold, bundle up, and go out. Even infants will benefit from the fresh air.
For more reasons to take your children outside in the winter, click here.
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Bundle Up and Get Outside!
Sometimes we think of winter as being a time of "nothing to play with" because everything is covered in snow. Parks may be empty, local outdoor events may decrease, and items that we use in the summer months may not be practical anymore. However, creating and engaging in winter play activities is actually fun for both you and your child, and very easy to do!
Just remember to gear up! For you and your child to have a great time in the cold weather, the most important thing to consider is appropriate clothing, such as layers, mittens, headgear and more.
For fun winter weather activities and tips on how to best dress your kids for winter play,
click here
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Cuentos y Canciones
When
: Fridays at 10:30am until March 22nd
Where: Warner Library, Tarrytown
Cost: Free
For more information, click here
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Stories, Songs and Surprises
When
: Tuesdays at 2pm, Thursdays at 11:15am from Feb. 5th to Feb. 28th
Where: Bedford Free Library
Cost: Free
For more information, click here
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- Upcoming Events
- Health Tip: Asthma Friendly Endorsement
- 2019 Membership is Open
- Annual All Staff Retreat
- Keeping Children Safe
- Children's Corner
- Family Fun and more
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Annual Wine Tasting
Vino 100
171 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
April 11, 2019
Mercy College
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
June 21, 2019
Monday, February 18, 2019
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Congratulations
are in Order!
We are so excited to announce that Latoya Ramsey, former Registrar, has moved onto a new position in the Provider Services Department.
She began her new role as Provider Services Coordinator on Monday January 14th and will now be working throughout Provider Services to help the department. We thank her for accepting this new challenge and look forward to continuing our many years of productively working with her.
Congratulations!
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Did you happen to see us all dressed up?! The Council had so much fun at our first Annual Pajama Day. Hey, if child care programs can have Pajama Day, why can't we?
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Congratulations to our Board President, Craig Ruoff of Cushman & Wakefield, for receiving the Business Council of Westchester's Ambassador of the Year Award! Thank you for all of your service to the community!
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We're Looking for a Few Good Women & Men
Come to work at the Child Care Council and make a difference in the life of a child. We currently have the following openings:
For more information contact Juanita Pope at 914-761-3456 ext. 106 or
[email protected]
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FREE Training Hours
The Council is excited to announce that we will offer over 10 free training hours for our 2019 members.
We kicked off our free business series on January 10th.
Be sure to join our membership and receive the free training schedule for the upcoming year.
Next free training is scheduled for February 21, 6pm at the Council.
Don't miss out, join our Membership Today!
Benefits Include:
- Discounted calendar trainings and on-site training
- Listing on our website, including a link to your website
- Free gift for becoming a Council Member
- Free postings on the Council's job bank
- Membership certificate to post at your site
- Free Members Only networking events and exclusive Members Only annual events
- Refer a friend and receive a voucher for a free training
- Council Member only Lakeshore Learning coupon and discount
- Council Member only Once Upon A Child coupon
- Printed Council Training Calendar
Share your membership experience with us by completing the below survey.
Call (914) 761-3456 or visit
to become a member today
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Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
As of October 2018 every employer with one or more employees must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy. If you have not adopted a policy please visit the below New York State websites to view a model policy and complaint form and to learn more about the labor law change.
The Council is offering a Sexual Harassment Prevention Training. The next class will be held on March 9th, 9:30am-11:00.
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Feed the Bird Day
is February 3rd
Let's help birds survive the long cold winter by feeding them. Mid and late winter are especially hard on outdoor animals. By mid-winter food sources become scarce. Bundle the children up and have a nature walk or visit your backyard to feed the birds. It might be a great idea to make a bird feeder with the children. Have some learning fun and help our wildlife at the same time.
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The Council encourages members to post job openings on our website.
Click here
to post a job
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Earn a Free Council Training!
In appreciation for all the early care and education professionals that attend our trainings, we are now offering the "Council Loyalty Punch Card"!
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Opportunities to Connect With Colleagues!
Regular meetings at the Council for family providers, early childhood directors, and school age directors provide opportunities for you to learn, share resources and support one another. These meetings are also an avenue to increase your knowledge. Each one includes a training that provides a certificate accepted by OCFS.
Providers Network:
This group for registered family and licensed group family providers meets 4 times a year. For information about the network, contact Elizabeth Rodano, CCCW Infant Toddler Regional Coordinator at [email protected] or 914-761-3456 ext. 219.
Westchester Early Childhood Directors Association:
The Association meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1:00- 3:00pm. Contact Howard Milbert at Ossining Children's Center at (914) 941-0230 or Dawn Meyerski at Mt. Kisco Child Care Center at (914) 241-2135 or
[email protected] for details.
School Age Directors Network:
The Network meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm. Contact Joanne Saporta at Chappaqua Childrens Workshop at
[email protected] or Lynn Lutomski at Irvington Children's Center at
[email protected] for more details.
Join the network today!
Please note the networking groups do not meet in July and August.
The Council is pleased to host these groups. We encourage you to attend their meetings.
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What's Cooking?
Loaded Baked
Omelet Muffins
INGREDIENTS
- nonstick cooking spray
- 9 large whole eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper
- 3 strips cooked chopped bacon
- 3 tablespoons thawed frozen spinach, drained
- 3 tbsp diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp diced bell pepper
- 2 oz shredded cheddar
DIRECTIONS
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the muffin tins with cookin spray.
2. In a large bowl whisk the eggs, then season with salt and pepper. Mix in remaining ingredients and pour mixture into molds.
3.
Place tins on a cookie sheet and bake 20-25 minutes, until set. Serve.
Enjoy!
For more information on receiving reimbursements for meals and snacks contact Lindsay Tiernan at (914)-761-3456 x115 or email Lindsay at
[email protected]
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Community Resources
United Way's 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral helpline open 365 days a year, 9am-7pm.
United Way's 2-1-1 call specialists can give you information about things such as:
- Food Assistance
- Housing assistance and shelters
- Abuse prevention
- Elder care
- Mental health services
- Recycling regulations
- Services for people with disabilities
- How to become a foster parent
- Where to get medical help and more
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Support the Council
Many easy ways to help!
Did you know TD Bank has an Affinity Program?
TD will make an annual contribution to the Council based on the activity of all participating members' TD accounts. If you are already a customer, or wish to open an account, visit any of their locations and ask to be included in the Affinity Program to benefit the Council.
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Support the Council while you shop!
Shop Amazonsmile and select the Child Care Council of Westchester as your charity, we will receive 5% of the cost of your purchases. So get started on your holiday shopping today and thank you!
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How Delicious It Is to Give Back!
Shake Shack recently opened a new Hartsdale, NY location, and chose to give back to the Child Care Council of Westchester through their Charitable Partnership program. Each sale at their soft opening, as well as 5% of sales of their Pie Oh My Concrete will be donated to the Council, so that we may continue to fight for quality early care and education for all children in Westchester.
Make sure you stop by and enjoy their ever changing Pie Oh My Concrete to support the Council!
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