Items filtered by date: November 2015

2023 PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA - OUR VISION:

Equitable access to high quality early learning programs so that all children can realize their dreams and potential, all parents can work and advance in their careers, and our community has a skilled and productive workforce.

WHERE WE ARE NOW:  

• Several rounds of federal COVID relief for child care delivered critical child care financial assistance to parents, especially first responders and essential workers and operating support to child care and after school businesses.
• NYS expanded eligibility for child care financial assistance significantly, raising the income cap from 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 300% - a single parent with child can now earn $54,930, up from $36,620.
• Westchester County went even further by funding child care scholarships up to 400% FPL, equal to $73,240 for a single parent with child.
• The Biden Administration’s plan to reform child care/prek funding via its Build Back Better Bill faltered; child care was left out of the Reconciliation Bill entirely.
• The extensive federal help for child care was a band-aid for a broken system, which remains; child care employers are unable to fill vacancies and thus unable to enroll children.
• Continuity of caregiving is fundamental to quality child care, completely undermined by the high turnover which continues to worsen. 

 WHAT WE NEED TO DO:

• Ignite the commitment to build the child care system the U.S. needs, and which exists in virtually every other developed nation.

 WHAT WE ARE CALLING FOR:

 More investment at every level of government so that…

   Westchester

• The Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program is renewed for families up to 400% FPL and opened up for families involved in job search activities.
• Enrollment of children experiencing homelessness in child care assistance is increased.
• The parent share is reduced from 10% to 1% of income over the Federal Poverty Level.

   NYS

• Adopt the Universal Child Care Act.
• PreK is available throughout NYS at at minimum of $10,000 per full-time slot and in a range of settings that accommodate working parents’ schedules.
• New strategies are adopted to reduce the disproportionate explusion/suspension of children of color from child care and PreK settings.
• Employers utilize the NYS Employer Child Care Tax Credit Program.

   U.S.

• The American Families Plan makes child care free or affordable for millions of families and provides free PreK throughout the nation
• The Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act further expands child care access and achieves wage and benefit parity for the child care workforce with local schools

More private investment of funds and talent from individuals, businesses and foundations so that…

• The Council continues to award child care scholarships annually to working parents
• Innovative business models are developed to expand child care options for parents, lower child care costs and increase program quality

More coordinated planning and integration of systems, funding streams and regulations so that…

• Regional Economic Development Councils integrate child care planning into economic development planning
• Child care is valued as part of the larger educational system with increased collaboration with school systems

The Child Care Council of Westchester recently completed two separate surveys, of Westchester parents and Westchester employers, which together paint a clear picture of the child care-related challenges facing our county.

Respondents:

• 715 families: geographically and economically diverse
• 41 employers: for- and non-profit

Of the Westchester employers who responded to our survey, 75% find that child care issues result in absenteeism or productivity loss among employees. Even so, 98% of employers report that child care issues are handled on a case-by-case or ad-hoc basis, rather than in a more formal way.

Westchester’s working parents agree that child care issue affect their work: 50% of parents surveyed report that child care has impacted their job in the past year, causing them to:

• Call out - 68%
• Leave early - 65%
• Arrive late - 51%
• Feel distracted at work - 49%
• Feel unproductive at work - 25%
• Cut back working hours - 20%

429 parents say that child care impacted their job in the last year, due to child care issues that include:

• lack of child care
• unreliability
• inability to pay for child care
• worry about quality of care or safety

The bottom line: Both employers and employees recognize that lack of quality, affordable, reliable child care negatively affects the workplace, yet employers offer few parent-friendly benefits other than mandated maternity leave, despite their general belief that doing so would be positive for their organizations and their employees.

The Child Care Council can help! Our professional staff work with employers and directly with parents to provide resource and referral information related to finding, evaluating and paying for child care.

Read more on the Council's Parent Child Care Survey.

Read more on the Employer’s Report.

Government Funding

Child care continues to struggle in the U.S. While the child care workforce has seen some growth in wages, vacancies and turnover remain high, making a demanding profession that much more difficult for those who remain.

NEW YORK STATE

• Income eligibility for child care assistance will rise to 85% State Median Income (SMI) (or $93,258 for a family of 4), opening up access for thousands.
• The family co-pay will be reduced to 1% of family income above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
• Access to child care assistance will be streamlined and simplified with the development of online applications and categorical income eligibility.
• A small pilot program to increase child care access for families who are currently excluded due to the immigration status has been funded.
• The NY child tax credit will be expanded to include children 4 and under, making nearly 800,000 children newly eligible.
• $150 million has been added to bring PreK to 20,000 more children statewide.

•  $500 million for a 3rd round of stabilization grants for child care programs to use for workforce retention.
•  Reimbursement for 80 absences annually per child where care is paid for by child care assistance.

Westchester County

In its 2023 budget, Westchester County once again signaled its understanding that access to safe, affordable, quality child care is essential for strong families and vibrant communities, by continuing the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program in 2023. Families eligible for child care financial assistance saw their fees decreased as well, with the parent share reduced from 10% to 5% of income over the federal poverty level.  Child care businesses typically run on a shoestring, and the county bolstered the financial stability of Westchester’s by supporting the workforce with increased reimbursements for professional development and holidays.

United States

The failure thus far to see the level of new federal investment in child care promised by the Build Back Better Bill remains concerning.  The pandemic funding kept the child care industry from collapsing altogether, but it did not fix the gaps and fragmentation which existed before, and continue today.   An increase of nearly $2Bil in the Child Care and Development Block Grant will provide further help but does not fund the transformative changes needed in our child care system.

The Child Care for Working Families Act was reintroduced by Senator Patty Murray and Representative Bobby Scott.  This Act would cap family fees for child care at no more than 7% of their income.  It would also expand Head Start hours and pay the child care workforce a living wage, achieving parity with elementary school teachers with similar credentials and experience. 

To view the Child Care for Working Families Act Click here

YOU can help TO BUILD THE CHILD CARE SYSTEM WE NEED!

Recently, we made the case last year for more child care investment using new data, which helped us better understand how many Westchester working parents were burdened by unaffordable child care costs.  Please read the report compiled for us by consultant Grace Reef, Access to Child Care: The Key to Economic Recovery in Westchester.  The report spelled out that there were 114,564 children under 13 years in Westchester whose parents work, and a whopping 45,007 or 39% of them were in families with incomes under 400% FPL - meaning that they did not earn enough to meet their basic needs, including child care. This number includes 26,483 children under age 6. It's a must read.

To view Access to Child Care: The Key to Economic Recovery in Westchester  Click here

To remind you of where the NYS child care system needs to go, re-read the Child Care Availability Task Force Report, issued in Spring 2021. To view the Task Force Report Click here

You can also take another look at Sen. Jabari Brisport's report on his child care listening tour last year or his bill, the "Universal Child Care Act." You can view both here.

If you are not a member of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care (ESCCC), an increasingly robust and vocal group of child care advocates, parents, and early childhood professionals, etc., sign up today. The Council has been an active participant in the Campaign since its inception and we urge everyone to get involved.

To talk about available opportunities, or to sign up for our Advocacy Alerts, contact Executive Director Kathy Halas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-914-761-3456 x 102.

keeping up with child care in the news

It is almost impossible to track all the research, reports and opinion pieces on child care and early learning these days. Click here  to view the latest resources.

Before you choose a child care provider, you may want to check whether there is a history of violations. While it’s not uncommon for programs to have an occasional regulatory violation, ongoing or serious violations are cause for concern.

To check the compliance history of a program, visit the NYS Office of Children and Family Services website or call the Spring Valley Regional Office at (845) 708-2400.

To check the specific complaint history of any registered family and school-age program in Westchester County, call the Child Care Council at (914) 761-3456 x123.

To Discuss a Concern or File A Complaint

If you have concerns about a child care provider or want to file a complaint, call the Child Care Council at (914) 761-3456 and dial 0 to be immediately connected to a staff member. To report suspected child abuse or maltreatment, call The Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 342-3720.

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SCARSDALE, NY (March 16, 2015) – The Child Care Council of Westchester - a nonprofit resource organization that works to ensure every child in Westchester has access to quality early care and education – announces the 2015 recipients of its Champions for Children Awards: Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Family Services of Westchester, and Sarah Lawrence College. Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Awards Breakfast, sponsored by Polaris Properties, on Friday, June 5, 2015 from 8:00 to 10:00 am at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tarrytown, NY. Tara Rosenblum of News 12 Westchester will be Master of Ceremonies.

There are many wonderful resources available for families and child care providers in the Westchester Community.

Local Resources:

•  211
  A "right now" safety net and resources for the Hudson Valley community. They connect individuals from basic to critical resources; such as heating, food, shelter, tax assistance, mortgage questions, natural disaster and personal crisis calls. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in mulitple languages. And calls are absolutely confidential
•  Westchester County Website
  Offices, programs, services and calendars of events offered by Westchester County government.
•  Westchester Children's Association
  An organization with a mission to improve the lives of Westchester’s children by shaping policies and programs to meet their needs, and by keeping the well-being of Westchester’s children at the top of the public agenda.
•  The New York State myBenefits site
  Connects families to public benefit programs that can improve families' overall economic situation and free resources that can be used for child care. The link has a pre-screening tool to see what health and human services programs families may be eligible for.
  
•  Westchester Library System
  Provides information about the county's public libraries. Site also offers online book catalogs, research links, homework help and library news.
•  Early Intervention Program
  Services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
•  Family Ties
  Provides support and services to families of children with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.
•  Need Food? Need Food?
  Feeding Westchester provides a list of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other resources for food for hungry people.
•  Neighbors Link
  An organization with a mission to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants.
• Concern or Complaint about Child Care
  The Child Care Council of Westchester will take your information if you have concerns or want to make a complaint about a child care program. Call (914) 761-3456 and press “0”to be connected to the operator. You will be transferred to someone who can speak to you directly.
• You may also call the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS) for complaints about child care programs. Call (800) 732-5207 to make a complaint call.
• Concern about the wellbeing of a child/Child Abuse Hotline
  To report suspected child abuse or maltreatment, call The Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 342-3720.

Parent Resources:

•  American Academy of Pediatrics
  A comprehensive website that includes health tips, articles on current research, advocacy information, activities and much more.
•  NYS Parent Guide 
  A parent's guide to building a nurtuting, healthy relationship with your child.
•  text4babyFree text messaging services for pregnant women and new moms. Sent three times a week, texts include information on having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
•  A Driver's Manual for NEW Dads A parent's guide for dads.
•  Daily Vroom Phone App
  An app that helps busy parents make the most of the time they have. Turn fun, everyday moments into brain building moments. Vroom turns shared moments into brain building moments. Whether it's mealtime, bath time, or anytime in between, there are always ways to nuture our children's growth.  
•  Born Learning
  Is designed as a tool for long-lasting community change that supports young children. It has three cornerstones:
  • Awareness: Providing important information about how young children learn
  • Education: Providing easy, fun action steps that parents, grandparents and caregivers can use very day
  • Action: Providing a visible platform for public policy and action
  The goal of Born Learning is to inspire everyone who impacts young children to make the best possible decision to boost school readiness. Born Learning provides the tools to make long-lasting community change.
•  Child Care Aware of America
  Helps parents find information on locating child care in their community.
•  Children at Risk
  Consequences for School Readiness and Beyond
•  Children’s Defense Fund
  Provides a strong, effective voice for all children of America, paying particular attention to the needs of the poor and minority children.
•  Consumer Product Safety Commission
  Provides lists of the latest product recalls.
•  Families and Work Institute
  Information on work-life issues and concerns confronting workers and employers.
•  Head Start
  Information from Administration for Children and Families (ACF) on finding a program in your state, getting your child into Head Start, starting a Head Start program, and resources for families and communities.
•  Lead Awareness Program
  Information on how to protect your child from lead poisoning.
•  NYS Parent Education Partnership
  All children should grow up in nurturing families. The mission of the New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP) is to make that happen, by improving parenting skills and behavior through a strong, statewide network.
  Parent Helpline 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373) available everyday 9am to 10pm
  A caring and confidential Helpline where parents can get information and referrals to places in their community that can help.
•  Zero to Three
  Zero to Three is a national organization that provides child development information for parents and professional regarding infants and toddlers.

Professional Resources:

•  NYS Office of Children and Family Services
  Web site contains information relating to childcare in New York State, which includes registering and licensing the different types of childcare programs. It is also a resource for obtaining documents associated with registering and licensing the programs. There is information on New York State regulatory laws governing all childcare programs as well as their compliance history.

• PROVIDERS NETWORK - Connect with other Family and Group Family Providers. The Network meets 4 times a year for breakfast and a training. Contact Sarah Rupert, CCCW Infant Toddler Specialist, at 914-761-3456 ext. 107 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• WESTCHESTER EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION - The Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 1:00pm - 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for details.

• Child Care Provider Handbook ~ A Providers Manual for the Child Care Subsidy Program
  Contains all the information providers will need to understand how the subsidy system works and best practices for providers and parents to be successful in working with the subsidy program
•  The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  Founded in 1926, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.
•  Zero To Three
  Zero To Three is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Their mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.
•  The Educational Incentive Program (EIP)
  EIP is a scholarship program funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS). Its purpose is to assist childcare providers in paying for the professional development training and education they need to provide quality care to children.
•  The Medication Administration and Health and Safety Training Rebate Program
  Funding is available to help childcare providers obtain professional development and education. In addition, rebates are available to help offset the cost of MAT and Health and Safety training.
•  Cornell Cooperative Extension
  The Cornell Cooperative Extension educational system enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. 
•  Consumer Product Safety Commission
  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
•  Children’s Defense Fund
  The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for over 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children.
•  Early Childhood Director’s Network The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for over 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children.

School Age Resources:

•  NYS for Youth Success
  New York State for Youth Success is a leading voice of the afterschool profession dedicated to the development, education and care of children and youth during their out-of-school hours.
•  The National Institute on Out of School Time (NIOST)
  NIOST is an action-research institute that provides a national perspective on the critical issues facing the out-of-school time field as well as interactive, research based training opportunities.
•  Afterschool Alliance
  The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocating for quality, affordable programs for all children.
• School-Age Director's Network (SADN)
   The Network meets the second Tuesday of the month from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Contact Kim De Salvo, Ardsley Children’s Center, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and Joanne Saporta, Chappaqua Children's Workshop, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Whatever your needs related to child care in Westchester County, please don't hesitate to contact us.

We are open Monday-Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Our office is handicapped accessible.

313 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, New York 10583

For accurate GPS directions, use: 300 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY 10583
Click here for a printer-friendly version of this page.

By Bus:

The #20 bus travels north and south along Central Park Avenue.

Driving Directions:

Major Deegan Expressway, North becomes NY Thruway
Take this to exit 4 (Cross County Parkway). Take Cross County Parkway to the Sprain Brook Parkway north to Jackson Avenue exit. Make a right at the light and take Jackson Avenue to Central Park Avenue. Make a left at Central Park Avenue and continue until you arrive at 313 Central Park Avenue. Make a left and proceed up the hill to the back of the building. Entrance is at driveway level.

Saw Mill River Parkway heading South
Take Exit 26, to Taconic State Parkway South toward Sprain Pkwy/NYC/Bronx Pkwy. Keep straight onto the Sprain Brook Pkwy South. In approximately 5 miles, take SR-100B, towards Ardsley/Greenburgh. At end of ramp turn left. At second light, turn right onto 100A/ W. Hartsdale Road. Continue approximately 1.5 miles and turn right at light onto Central Park Avenue South. In approximately .4 miles turn right into 313 Central Park Ave. At top of driveway bear right to park. Entrance is at driveway level.

Saw Mill River Parkway heading North
Take Exit 5A for Palmer Road. Turn right onto Palmer Road for approximately 1 mile. Take ramp right and follow signs for SR-100 North/Central Park Ave. Continue on Central Park Avenue for approximately 5.2 miles. Make a left turn up the driveway at 313 Central Park Avenue. At top of driveway bear right to park. Entrance is at driveway level

Taconic Pkwy heading South 
Exit at Sprain Brook Parkway So toward New York City. Exit at Rt 100B toward Greenburgh/Ardsley. Turn left onto NY 100B/Dobbs Ferry Road/Landers Rd and continue to West Hartsdale Avenue/ NY 100 A and go right. Turn right again onto Central Park Avenue. End at 313 Central Park Avenue. Make a right hand turn up driveway at 313 Central Park Avenue. At top of driveway bear right to park. Entrance is at driveway level.

Bronx River Parkway heading South
Make a right hand turn at exit 22 at County Center. Continue straight on Central Park Avenue (100) for 2.3 miles. Make a right hand turn up driveway at 313 Central Park Avenue. At top of driveway bear right to park. Entrance is at driveway level.

Bronx River Parkway heading North
Exit at Fenimore Road. Make a left at the exit. Go over parkway and follow East Hartsdale Avenue to Central Park Avenue . Turn left onto Central Park Avenue. Continue to 313 Central Park Avenue and make a right turn up driveway. At top of driveway bear right to park. Entrance is at driveway level.

684 South
Take exit 3/Armonk (Rt 22 South). Follow Rt 22 to Bronx River Parkway exit. Follow directions from Bronx River Parkway heading South (above)

I-287 E (Cross Westchester Expressway) toward White Plains/Rye
Take Exit 4 to Rt. 100A exit towards Hartsdale. Turn right onto NY- 100A/Knollwood Road. Turn slight left onto W. Hartsdale Avenue/NY-100A. Turn right onto Central Park Avenue. Make a right up driveway at 313 Central Park Avenue. At top of the driveway, bear right to park. Entrance is at driveway level.

I-287 W to Exit 4, Rt 100A, toward Hartsdale
Turn left onto 100A/Knollwood Road. Turn slight left onto W. Hartsdale Ave, turn right onto Central Park Avenue. Make a right up driveway at 313 Central Park Avenue. At top of the driveway, bear right to park. Entrance is at driveway level.

Every child should be born with an equal chance to reach his or her potential.

Hardworking parents should not lose sleep over impossible choices and painful sacrifices.

Tell these children and families it’s safe to dream again.

Become a “Dream Builder” and we’ll use your monthly recurring gift to help children in Westchester access the key to a better future: safe, loving, educational early child care. It’s the most meaningful and impactful way you can help provide a hopeful future for these children... that despite their economic circumstances, you believe they deserve the best chance to reach their potential.

Your recurring online contribution is easy and secure. Simply choose the amount you wish to give and make your first donation by credit card online. You can change your monthly donation at any time.

Join Dream Builders at any level and receive the following benefits:

• Bi-annual newsletter
• Invitations to Council events
• Name recognized as a Dream Builders member on: Council website, CCCW Annual Report, and more!

Donate $50+ monthly and receive the above benefits, PLUS:

• Discounted tickets to the Council’s annual “Dream Big” celebration
• A special gift

Join

Not ready to join Dream Builders?

Make a one-time gift to help children

FAQ

Q: How can I become a member of Dream Builders?

A: By clicking on the "join" button above, you can securely enter the monthly amount and payment information, or contact Dana Lawless, Director of Development, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Q: Is my gift to Dream Builders safe and confidential?

A: Absolutely! All of our donation processing is securely processed and payment card industry (PCI) compliant.

Q: I signed up but want to change my monthly gift amount. How can I do that?

A: Yes, you can change your amount at any time by logging in to your account or by contacting Dana Lawless, Director of Development, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Q: How will I keep records of my monthly gifts?

A: Your monthly credit card statement will show the amount and date of your gift made to Dream Builders. In addition, each January you will receive a letter from us detailing the dates and amounts of all your contributions from the preceding year.

Q: Will I get news about how my donation is being used?

A: Yes! You will receive regular updates on the progress being made, or can opt out, should you not want to receive these messages.