Let's Move Child Care Ahead in NYS!
We are fortunate that Westchester County has made affordable child care a priority by continuing the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship program, while increasing the income eligibility levels. Now making a family of 3 with an income of $120,000 eligible for scholarship.
HOWEVER, THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL!
Join us in Albany on Tuesday, Febraury 6th,
for NYS Child Care Advocacy Day!
As proud members of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care (ESCCC) we are heading to Albany, on February 6th, with members from across New York State to make it clear that child care must be a top priority in the 2024 state budget! We will hold a rally and participate in meetings with legislators to share our stories and our needs.
This year, we will call on New York to take the next steps towards high-quality, universal child care by advocating for:
- better pay and benefits for the child care workforce, which earns less than almost all other jobs in New York State for the important work caring for and educating our youngest children
- supportive changes that will that allow more families to access the care they need, when they need it — breaking down harmful barriers and building more care options for families outside of 9 to 5, weekday hours
For questions and/or more information, Contact Nicole Masucci at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Batches of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN), a producer of nutrition products, announced today that it has voluntarily chosen to recall from the U.S. market select batches of Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula for the dietary management of Cows Milk Allergy (CMA) in 12.6 and 19.8 oz cans, due to a possibility of contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii in product sampled outside the U.S. All product in question went through extensive testing by MJN and tested negative for the bacteria. Read more here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/reckittmead-johnson-nutrition-voluntarily-recalls-select-batches-nutramigen-hypoallergenic-infant
Up to 8 FREE At-home Covid test per household available
The federal government has relaunched its free at-home COVID-19 testing program. Beginning September 25, 2023 every household in America can order up to 4 at-home test kits. The no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service. Beginning November 20, 2023 every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Visit COVIDtests.gov to place your order. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Want to Enhance Your Child Care Business? - Check this out!
¿Desea mejorar su negocio de cuidado infantil? - ¡Mira esto!
Product Recall
Please take a moment to review for any of the recalled products below:
Cantaloupe
Many products from the brands Malichita and Rudy may be contaminated with Salmonella. Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you cannot verify the brand. Full information is available using the following link:
Quaker Granola Bars & Cereals
The Quaker Oats Company announced a recall of many granola products potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Please see the following link to review all of the products included:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Fridays boneless chicken bites may be contaminated with pieces of clear, hard plastic. For details, please see the following link:
Contact Governor Hochul to make child care work for you. Contact before Dec 23rd
Linking child care attendance strictly to a parent's specific work hours can be harmful to children, creates challenges for low-income parents, and limits the stability of child care providers.
Please take action to make the changes that are desperately needed.
Make your voice heard! Action needed before December 23rd! Contact Governor Hochul to End a Harmful Child Care Rule. Call (518) 474-8390
Scripts:
For Parents:
Hello, my name is __________, and I'm a parent from (your city or town). I'm calling to ask you to sign bill A4986A, which would decouple child care assistance from work hours.
As a parent, this would give families like mine more flexibility in arriving at my child's care, especially when my work hours fluctuate, and give my child the stability in routine that young children need.
For Providers and Advocates:
Hello, my name is__________. Decoupling the work hours would provide more flexibility for working parents, and the stability and continuity needed for educators and children.
Please sign bill A4986A into law. Parents, educators, and kids need you to act now.
Thank you for your support for the children!
Child Care Council of Westchester
Nicole Masucci
Director of Family & Employer Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
$10,000 Grants from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (Verizon Contact info included in this email)
Starting October 12, until December 20, 2023, small businesses can unlock the application for this round of grant funding by first registering on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal and completing at least two of the following, in any combination: courses, coaching or community events. Small businesses that complete the application will be eligible for consideration to receive a $10,000 grant.
For information about this grant visit https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/
Have Questions? Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1(800) 916-4351
Earlybird Membership Deadline is 12/31
We are lucky to be here in Westchester County, home to so many dedicated and talented child care and after school professionals. We understand that every dollar is important to you. With Council Membership, that dollar goes a long way, saving you money and putting you in the best position to be successful in the critical work that you do - educating and caring for our children! Join the Council Membership and take advantage of discounts, resources, marketing and learning opportunities. At the same time, you’ll be supporting all our efforts to promote the wonderful work that you do, and to secure more visibility and funding for the field.
Council Membership Benefits include:
- 2 Free Virtual Workshops and Discounted Calendar/On-Site Trainings
- Monthly Raffle Giveaways
- Westchester Children's Museum Discover Membership Discount
- Membership Certificate to post at your site
- Lakeshore Learning Discount Coupon
- Listing on our website with a link to yours
- Free Business Support services including free notary
- and MORE!
Your membership dollars pay off in other ways too, supporting our advocacy on your behalf. We have been successful in getting increases in the subsidy reimbursement rates, and launching the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program for working parents up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, bringing more children/families into child care. As we head into 2024, we will also continue fighting for more equitable access to child care for Westchester's families, at every level of government.
So please, join us in 2024. It is our honor and privilege to work with you on behalf of Westchester's children.
JOIN BY DECEMBER 31ST TO RECEIVE A 25% DISCOUNT & BE ENTERED INTO OUR EARLYBIRD RAFFLE!
Early Bird Raffle Prizes include: Westchester Children’s Museum Family Membership, BJ’s Club Membership, Stop and Shop Gift Card, Tablet and MORE! *Must join by December 31, 2023 to be entered*
Raffle drawing to take place at the virtual member meet and greet in January 2024 (winner does not need to be present to win)
*Please note: Membership is for the 2024 calendar year. It is not based off of the date you join.
Multi-program rates available. For more information, please contact Juanita Pope at 914-761-3456, ex. 106 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fun, photos & cocoa at free Winter Festival
Celebrate the warmth of the season at our first Winter Festival. There will be music, photos, children activities, hot cocoa and more!
Join us on Monday, December 4th at the Council Office. This event is FREE and open to all! RSVP is required.
Donate a toy to our toy drive and receive a FREE digital picture with Santa. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots. Can't decide what to get? Check out our Amazon Wishlist.
