GRANT MONEY UP TO $2000!

DO SOMETHING INNOVATIVE

FOR YOUR WESTCHESTER PROGRAM!

• Do you have an amazing idea for your child care/after school program that needs some resources?

• Is there something you've always wanted to try?

• Have a promising approach that will make great things possible for Westchester children?

Then we encourage you to apply below for a Cate Riley Innovation for Quality Prize. Grants up to $2,000. each will be awarded.

Child care centers, after school programs, family and group family providers, and nursery schools are eligible.

Applications are due by 5PM on Friday, April 12, 2024.

For more info: CLICK HERE!

For an application: CLICK HERE!

For questions, email Anna S. (Kathy Halas' assistant) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.g

The Child Care Council has COVID-19 Test Kits Available for Distribution.

We are offering free COVID-19 test kits.

They are available for pick up at the Child Care Council, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Please inform the front desk when you arrive that you are there for COVID test kits and how many test kits you will need. Please make your request in multiples of ten (10 kits, 20 kits, etc).

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Gabriella Figueroa (914)761-3456, Ext. 111

Dream Big is an event that shines light on the importance of early childhood education and recognizes individuals and organizations who help more children and families access this critical resource. This year, we're excited to honor our very own Executive Director Kathy Halas, Robert Martin Company, and SUNY Westchester Community College.

Designed to embody the magic of childhood we wish for all Westchester’s children, this experiential event will offer fun, food and activities for our guests. Why do we call it “Dream Big?” Because we believe that every child should have access to quality early care and education where they can learn, explore, and feel safe. These early experiences encourage brain growth and social emotional health, which set the stage for future academic success and so much more. It’s our dream that no child struggle unnecessarily because they didn’t get the best possible start early on.

Please join us at Dream Big to have fun, celebrate our honorees’ efforts to make the dream come true, and support our work to bring about universal access to quality early care and education.

Learn more and RSVP.

We had a great time celebrating Joseph Pizzimenti of CClean - Commercial Cleaning and the other deserving honorees at the Association of Development Officers Philanthropy Awards Breakfast last week!

The NYS Child Care and Pre-Kindergarten Vaccination Survey for Child Care Centers is open and due by April 15, 2024

It is required by Public Health Law § 2164 to complete this Survey. 

The immunization requirements apply to children enrolling in and attending day care and prekindergarten. PHL 2164 includes any public, private, or parochial child-caring center, day nursery, day care agency, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary, intermediate, or secondary school.

Helpful links:

NYS vaccination survey page link: Click Here

The survey is due by April 15th.

Information regarding accessing and completing the Immunization Survey for Child Care and Pre-Kindergarten:

Instructions for Accessing and Completing the Day Care and Pre-K Survey (PDF)

Survey Instructions:

Pre-K less than 1 year of age (PDF)

Pre Kindergarten (PDF)

The following worksheet may assist in calculating immunizations:

 Click Here

Health Commerce System (HCS) access is required to complete the yearly Immunization Surveys in SMART (Survey Management and Response Tool).

• Health Commerce System (HCS)
  • Health Commerce System (HCS) log in page
  • Paperless HCS User Account Request (PDF)
  • HCS Director Request Form (DOCX)
  • Forgot Your Password Quick Guide Reference (PDF)
  • HCS Multi-Factor Authentication Instructions (PDF)

Questions regarding NYS required immunizations may be directed here:
NYSDOH Division of Vaccine Excellence, School Immunization: email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 518-474-1944.

Questions regarding HCS access may be directed here:
Commerce Accounts Management Unit (CAMU) at 1-866-529-1890 option 1 (M-F 8am-4:45pm)