"The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see."
~Alexandra K. Trenfor
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COVID UPDATES & RESOURCES
Here is the link to schedule an appointment for vaccine administration in New York State.
For other COVID-19 resources, including travel requirements, information on the vaccines and how they work, CDC guidelines and other important facts, click the link below.
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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 have a drop-off and pick-up procedure to reduce the spread of the virus?
Programs should consider staggering arrival and drop-off times and limit direct contact with parents as much as possible. Programs should consider placing sign-in stations outside the facility or at the entrance. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be displayed next to parent sign-in sheets along with disinfecting wipes for cleaning pens between each use.
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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:
¿Tiene el programa un procedimiento de entrega y recogida para reducir la propagación del virus?
Los programas deben considerar tiempos escalonados de llegada y de regreso y limitar el contacto directo con los padres tanto como sea posible. Los programas deben considerar colocar estaciones de registro fuera de las instalaciones o en la entrada. Se debe colocar un desinfectante para manos con al menos un 60% de alcohol junto a las hojas de registro de los padres junto con toallitas desinfectantes para limpiar los bolígrafos entre cada uso.
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Child Care Referrals & Resources |
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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"
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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.
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CHILDREN'S CORNER -LET'S STAY ACTIVE DURING THE WINTER |
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Crank up the music and GET MOVING! Move, march, stomp, twirl, jump, and hop. Get out some fun musical instruments and scarfs. Join in and have fun!
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Foster imaginative play and send the kids on a hunt around the program. Make it a bear hunt or have them hunt for another favorite animal that you have hidden. |
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Create a fun indoor obstacle course - a few cones, a tunnel, beanbags and hula-hoops can all be used to make a fun and active game. Children can practice concepts like under, over, in and out. |
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Grandparents & Extended Family
For many families, grandparents fill a critical need providing regular child care that is trusted, affordable, and accessible.
In fact, 1 in 4 children under age 5 were cared for by grandparents while their parents worked or attended school. That’s the same number of children enrolled in formal child care programs! There are great rewards to these relationships, but the dynamics can be challenging to navigate. To support this growing group of caregivers, we developed tools and best practices to support professionals and multigenerational families.
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Behavior Changes you Can Expect to see in your Child as you Shelter In Place
Sheltering in place can create behavior changes for the whole family. Here you can find information on what you can expect and how you can respond to these behaviors in a helpful and positive way.
Quick guide on setting limits included below.
With the ongoing pandemic, we are living through very uncertain times. Routine changes, added stress and worry is likely to be affecting your whole family.
Even if you are doing your very best to keep calm, it’s very possible that your child will still experience some behavior changes during the time that you must shelter in place.
Big changes come with Big feelings.
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School Age Children
School Age Children Development & Parenting Tips (6-12) Raising school-age children can be awesome. Watching them try new activities, cheering them on at athletic events and applauding their accomplishments at recitals are usually some of the high points for most parents. However, achieving success is often preceded by frustration and sometimes learning to accept one’s weaknesses as well as celebrating and building on strengths. When will equipped parents can be excellent coaches for their child no matter what the endeavor.
While toddlers and preschoolers need constant supervision, school-age children become gradually ready for more independence. However, learning to make good choices and exercise self-discipline does not come easily for many. Parents need to impart a moral code that the child gradually internalizes. As children struggle with these important tasks parents must be able to provide praise and encouragement for achievement but parents must also be able to allow them to sometimes experience the natural consequences for their behavior or provide logical consequences to help them learn from mistakes.
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If only our babies could advocate for themselves – but they can’t. They need you to speak up for them.
Interested in speaking with Westchester’s state delegation via virtual meetings in the coming months? Email Kathy Halas at [email protected].
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To those of you wondering if ADVOCACY works, it does. Local ADVOCACY led to 3 years of subsidy reimbursement increases for Westchester providers that contract with DSS. It lead to the decrease in the parent share fee.
ADVOCACY takes time and effort. And the more people involved, the better.
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Want a delicious recipe? Click the link below. |
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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.
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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.
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For other council events, click the link below: |
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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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