April 2019              
             914.761.3456
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 
#1 - Safe Sleep
The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will be part of a joint initiative to promote safe sleep practices for infants and further reduce preventable infant deaths. Governor Cuomo designated May as "Infant Safe Sleep Month" to raise awareness about the ABC's of safe sleep. A public awareness campaign run by OCFS and DOH will include radio, television, and social media, postings on public transit, and in major transportation hubs. This campaign will educate parents, grandparents, and caregivers about best practices in safe sleep.  

We encourage you to join us and share this valuable information with your parents and clients. 


#2 - Don't Miss Out on Child Care Referrals
We talk to thousands of parents every year looking for child care and after school options for their children.  Make sure we have your up-to-date info so we can share a complete referral profile of your program with our callers. You may not be connected to parents if your information is not updated annually and if it is not accurate. Once you submit this form your information will be entered within 2 business days. 


Our staff will be able to update your information immediately on the phone. Simply call R&R (914) 761-3456 x 140 Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. We also have late hours on Tuesdays, until 7pm.
 
#3 - Are You Looking for a Few Good Women and Men?  
We are happy to help connect you with job seekers. Follow the links below to review candidates and post your openings.    


YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS 
More $ for Child Care: Children and Programs Could Benefit



Great news on the NYS Budget! Both the NYS Senate and the Assembly have proposed adding another $20 mil for child care, on top of the Governor's increase of $26 mil. This additional $46 mil., if in the final adopted budget, means more children in child care and reimbursement rates for programs that are closer to actual costs. Let the Governor know this is a top priority. Send your letter today, simply click here.
Our Key to the Future 
Child Care Scholarships
The community's generous support of our scholarships helps to make child care more affordable and accessible, so parents don't have to fall behind on living expenses or drown in credit card debt to keep children safe and learning while they work.

Scholarships change lives. With your help, children just like hers, all over Westchester, can access the safe, quality child care and early education that gives them the best chance for a successful future.
Donate here, to help a child. 

If you know a parent who may not qualify for subsidy, he/she may qualify for a scholarship. Our 2019-2020 scholarship applications will be available in early April.  

Visit our website for more information. 

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 and we are eager to serve you!



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  juanitap@cccwny.org

Visit our  website to see a full list of our current 2019 members.
 Professional Development Opportunities 

Our winter/spring calendar is all about play, inspired by the American Academy of Pediatrics recent statement on the critical importance of play.  The media called it a "Prescription for Play." 


 
American Academy of Pediatrics Message 


Don't miss our great winter/spring  trainings.  To see what we have in store,  click 2019 Winter Training Calendar

Don't forget to stay in compliance with New York State Labor Law.  For your convenience, the Council offers the new required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training. Check out the below flyer to view our upcoming classes. 

 Health Tip

Do EVERYTHING You Can for 
Children with Asthma


Asthma STATS are Alarming 
 
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 Centers for Disease Control, asthma has tremendous daily impacts in the U.S.: 
  • 30,000 people have an asthma attack
  • Asthma sends 5,000 people to the emergency room 
  • 11 people die from asthma including 3 children 
  • 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
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes breathing problems; it can be life threatening.  The airways in the lungs become blocked, causing the lungs to get less air than normal. Symptoms of an "asthma attack" can be difficulty with breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing and wheezing. It can develop quickly. Asthma can range from being a mild discomfort to a life-threatening attack if breathing stops completely. Asthma problems are often separated by symptom-free periods.
Although there is no cure, asthma can be prevented and controlled with proper care.

Managing Asthma in a Child Care Setting:
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. 

Questions to Consider:
Do you have children in your program with asthma?
Do you know how to recognize and respond immediately and correctly to a breathing emergency?
Do you know how to recognize and manage asthma triggers?
Do you have the necessary information & medication to safely care for your children with asthma?
Do you know the absolute value of an asthma action plan?

Why Become an Asthma - Friendly Endorsed Child Care Program?
We feel very strongly that children with asthma are best served in programs that have earned the Asthma - Friendly Endorsement, a program of the American Lung Association, which we can offer you.  Please take a moment and learn more about what you can do to provide the safest care for children with asthma: 


 
Contact our Health Care Consultant Services Department to learn more about becoming an Asthma Family Endorsed Child Care Program, the MAT Course, emergency medications, and the benefits of becoming approved to administer medication.

(914)761-3456 ext. 154
Regulatory Reminder: 413.3(g)(3)(i) Inspection Report (For All Modalities)
The Office shall require the child day care program to immediately post upon receipt in a prominent place at the program that is visible to parents a copy of the most recent inspection report issued to the program by the Office. 
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COUNCIL
Join Us for a Special Story Time at a Library Near You!


Date: Monday, April 8th, 2019
Time: 11:30am to 12:00pm
Location: Peekskill Public Library

Date: Wednesday, April 10th, 2019
Time: 10:15am to 10:45am
Location: Mount Vernon Public Library 
Annual Infant Toddler Conference

Join us for a morning of interactive learning and networking at our 
Annual Infant Toddler Conference!   It gets bigger and bigger each year!
Date: April 13th, 2019
Time: 8:30am - 1:00pm
Location: Dobbs Ferry High School, 505 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry NY
For more information  click here
The Doctor Told Us You Need Glasses.

Registration is now open for our Annual Wine Tasting Event! Click the link below and come share some wine with us!  See some old friends.   Make some new ones.  

Calling All Children's Books!
Support our Annual Children's Book Drive - now in its 11th year. 

Early literacy skills cannot develop without access to high quality books, but many Westchester programs do not have enough books for the children in their care. 

We welcome your donation of books in very good condition that can be used and enjoyed by children ages 0-12. We are especially interested in books depicting diverse ages, abilities, and cultures. We do not accept electronic books.

Please drop off books between March 15th and April 30th, 2019 at:

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
Save the Date for our Heroes!
We are so proud to announce our first Early Education Hall of Heroes event. Join us on Friday, June 21st from 7pm to 10pm at the Mercy College Rotunda in Dobbs Ferry for a night of celebrating Westchester's most dedicated and exceptional child care and after school professionals.

Created with you in mind, the Hall of Heroes will feature food, entertainment, giveaways, even a comedian.   A perfect night out for you and your team.

For more info, or to nominate a Hero,  click here
 Welcome New & Renewed 
Child Care Programs!

New
Family Day Care Programs
Sunny Bugs Daycare Inc.

Renewed
Family Day Care Programs
Family Daycare of Excellence
Happy World for Kids

New
SACC Programs
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle
The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle @ Mamaroneck Avenue Elm.

Renewed
SACC Programs
YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester, NY Inc.

Welcome New CACFP Participants
Magali Cervoni
Patricia Copeland
Mariell Pichardo
Blanca Schelmetty
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Raising Readers

We all want children to grow up to be readers, and we really do know what children need to be ready to have formal reading instruction in kindergarten and first grade. We can all raise readers by following these steps.

Click here, to read the steps.


Free Arts Day
 
When : Saturday April 6th, 1pm
Where: The Rye Arts Center
Cost: Free
For more information, click here

Free Movie Screening

 
When : Wednesday April 17th, 10am 
Where: City Center15 Cinema De Lux, 
White Plains
Cost: Free
For more information, click here

IN THIS ISSUE
  • Subsidy Rate Increase
  • Health Tip: Asthma
  • Spring Infant Toddler Conference
  • New Early Education Hall of Heroes Event
  • Free training for members
  • Key to the Future Scholarships
  • Donate to the 11th Annual Book Drive
  • Children's Corner
  • What's Cooking
  • Family Fun and more 

 

SAVE THE DATE 
Raise a Glass
Annual Wine Tasting
Vino 100
171 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
April 11th, 2019

Infant Toddler Conference
Dobbs Ferry High School 
505 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry NY
April 13th, 2019

Early Ed Hall of Heroes
Mercy College 
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
June 21st, 2019

Council Office Closings 
Early Closing (3pm)
Friday, May 24th, 2019

All Day
Monday, May 27th, 2019
COUNCIL FACES
Congratulations, Sarah!

We are very excited to announce that Sarah Merrifield, former Resource and Referral Counselor here at the Council, has been hired as our new Infant Toddler Specialist in the Professional Development Department. If you have any questions regarding Infant Toddler trainings, you can contact her at (914) 761-3456 x107
Congratulations, Michelle!

Formerly our Communications Associate, Michelle will be moving over to the Resource and Referral Department as their new Counselor. Michelle will be working with parents to find affordable child care in Westchester. If you know someone looking for child care, contact Michelle at  (914) 761-3456 x117.
Welcome, Jovanna!

We are excited to announce our new Communications Associate, Jovanna. Jovanna is eager to join the Council and share her knowledge in communications, marketing and a variety of other areas. If you have any questions about events and the Council membership program you may reach her at  (914) 761-3456 x152.
Welcome, Gabrielle!

We would like to welcome Gabrielle to the Council team.  Gabrielle will be joining as a new administrative assistant. She is eager to help us with our advocacy efforts and assist with health care consultant services.  If you would like more information on how you can support our advocacy efforts call Gabrielle at  (914) 761-3456 x161.
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  juanitap@cccwny.org  
2019 MEMBERSHIP
FREE Training Hours

We are 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 rest of the year. 

Next free training is scheduled for April 25th, 6 pm at the Council. 

Click here, for more information
 
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
RESOURCES 
April 8th is
Zoo Lovers Day!



You may not be able to bring your children to your local zoo on April 8th, but you can bring the zoo to you with the below activities!
  • Show and Tell: Baby Zoo Animal Edition
  • Make Zoo Animal Sensory Bottles
  • Read a book about visiting the Zoo! Our favorite is "I See Who, At The Zoo?" by Tahlitha Chadwick
Celebrate the Caregivers!


In May, there are two special days to celebrate the wonderful, skilled individuals who educate and care for young children. 

May 7th, 2019
Teacher Appreciation Day

May 10th, 2019
Provider Appreciation Day

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 with 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 elizabethr@cccwny.org 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 dmeyerski@mkccc.org 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 general@ccwkids.org or Lynn Lutomski at Irvington Children's Center at iccchildcare@aol.com 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.
What's Cooking?

Pigs in a Blanket


INGREDIENTS
  • 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 8 hot dogs
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Caraway seeds
DIRECTIONS

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Separate crescent dough into triangles. Place hot dogs at wide end of triangles and roll up. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Combine egg and water, brush over rolls. Sprinkle caraway over tops, press lightly into rolls. 
2. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes
 
Enjoy!

For more information on receiving reimbursements for meals and snacks contact Lindsay Tiernan at (914)-761-3456 x115 or email Lindsay at lindsayt@cccwny.org
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
Learn more: www.uwwp.org
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.
***

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!


Sign up at: SMILE.AMAZON.COM

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 Concretes 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 Concretes to support the Council!   

We're there all the time!