2013 AWARDS BREAKFAST
A Great Early Start Can Last Forever
Friday, May 17, 2013
Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains
Registration at 8:00am; Breakfast at 8:30am; Program at 8:45am

2013 Spring Conference Encouraging Early Language and Literacy

Dr. Gilbert M. Foley: Introduction to Floortime

With the rate of autism increasing (approximately 1 in 88 children), many providers will benefit from specialized training in order to work most effectively with children on the autism spectrum.  As part of a training series focusing on special needs, the Council is delighted to present “An Introduction to Floortime: An Interactive and Relationship Based Approach to Working with Children on the Autism Spectrum” with Dr. Gilbert M. Foley, EdD, Associate Professor of Clinical Child Psychology, and faculty member of the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders on Thursday, April 11th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. 

Tell Us About Your Favorite Childhood Book

Help us promote the magic of books, the wonder of reading and the importance of family literacy by telling us your favorite childhood book and what made it so special. 

Bridging the Literacy Gap in Westchester:
Help Needed for Child Care Council of Westchester Book Drive

The foundation for literacy skills is laid years before children enter school. A young child comes to his parent, child care provider, or other adult in her life, saying, “Will you read this?” What happens next is significant. For preschoolers, sharing books has been found to be one of the most significant factors in becoming successful readers and writers.1 In fact, just engaging in turn-taking conversations-about the shared books, interests, or a child’s play-is beneficial. The number of different words children hear by age 3 is directly related to how well children can read at age nine.

Annual Book Drive

The Child Care Council of Westchester and Westchester Association for the Education of Young Children will hold their annual Book Drive from April 15 – May 10, 2013.

CPR/First Aid Trainings Now Offered in-House
Classes in English and Spanish 

The Council is pleased to announce that Heartsaver CPR with AED and Heartsaver First Aid courses are now being taught by Miriam Kerness, the Council’s Regional Infant Toddler Coordinator.   Spanish Language Heartsave CPR with AED and Heartsaver First Aid Courses are now being taught by Jose Leon, Registrar at the Certified American Heart Association CPR & First Aid Instructor. 

Westchester County 2013 Budget Reduces Child Care Affordability

Following a year of debate and legal action, the family share for subsidized child care did increase from 20% to 27% in the 2013 Westchester County budget, the result of a compromise crafted by the Republican Caucus and two Democrats on the Board of Legislators.    The increase went into effect on February 1st.  Subsidy eligibility remained at up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $37,060 for a household of three. 

The Council Promotes the Importance of Early Literacy Development

Sexauer Foundation and Edith Glick Shoolman Children’s Foundation continue to fund themed-book bag lending libraries.

“What I enjoyed most was the fact that my child and I grew closer to each other reading these books. He and I both enjoyed reading and looking at the pictures in the books.”

“I enjoyed the opportunity to have different books on a weekly basis to share with my child.  Also, we enjoyed having books about different cultures.”

“Sometimes it’s hard to go to a library when you are a working parent who just doesn’t have the time.”

These comments were made by parents whose children participated in the Council’s 2011-2012 Book Bag Lending Project, and though at first glance the impact of this program may seem simple, it has made a significant impact on the lives of young children and their families.

Science is Cool in After School Programs

The Council was awarded $5,000 from TD Bank Charitable Foundation to implement Science is Cool, a new initiative for after school programs.

Online Training Now Available

For forty years, the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. has been THE professional development resource for the Westchester early care community. Our training team is highly experienced and skilled.

Future Leader Child Care Scholarships and LIKE Awards Make a Difference

The Child Care Council of Westchester is happy to report on the success of our two scholarship programs: the Future Leader Award and the Lanza Investment in Kid’s Early Education Awards. These programs provide scholarships of varying amounts to families needing help to pay for child care. 

Council’s Facilitated Enrollment Project Helps Child Care Providers and Their Families Obtain Health Insurance

The Council can help providers connect their employees and families to public health insurance. Through our Facilitated Enrollment Project, we make it easy for individuals to learn about the various public health insurance programs and to sign themselves and/or their children up for no or low cost.

Council Staff Can Also Help Providers Obtain Health Insurance for Themselves and Employees

The Council understands that small employers like child care providers have a tough time obtaining affordable health insurance that meets the needs of their employees. No one plans to become ill or injured, but it happens. Health insurance helps to protect individuals like members of your staff when they do need medical care.

Born Learning: Making Everyday Moments into Learning Opportunities

In partnership with United Way of Westchester and Putnam, the Council continues to promote Born Learning, a public engagement campaign dedicated to helping parents and caregivers create early, fun learning opportunities for young children, to ensure school readiness and continued success throughout their lives.

Special thanks to Cecilia McKenney, Council Board Member

Cecilia McKenney joined the Child Care Council of Westchester’s Board of Directors in 2004. From the start, she took an active role heading up the Council’s fundraising efforts.