Council Executive Director Kathy Halas was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul to a three-year term on the New York State Child Care Availability Task Force. New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins recommended her for the role. The task force, comprised of representatives from state and local offices, SUNY, CUNY, advocacy groups, nonprofits and others, will evaluate child care needs throughout the state, advise the state on implementation of universal child care, and seek to address the child care workforce crisis, among other things. "The child care crisis is not something any one community or entity can solve on its own; we must work together to develop sustainable policies and practices that will ensure every child and every family has access to safe, affordable, quality care," said Kathy. "I am grateful to Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for including me on this task force and look forward to working with all members to create a child care system that provides a strong foundation for children, families and our economy."

Our staff are making a difference far beyond Westchester, helping caregivers statewide care for children and themselves! Infant Toddler Regional Coordinator Jami Flynn and Infant Toddler Mental Health Consultant Susan Panarella, LMSW, spoke at the recent New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC) Annual Conference, a sold-out event with 500+ educators and early childhood professionals in attendance. Together, Jami and Susan presented "Caregiver Wellness: You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup," to encourage caregivers to incorporate self-care into their daily routines. (Did you know that research shows that the well-being of early childhood providers and the social emotional development of the children in their care are interconnected?) Jami also presented "Inclusion of Infant and Toddlers with Disabilities: Coordination and Collaboration for Comprehensive Services, "teaching participants about their legal obligations, the importance of connecting with families and early intervention service providers, and how to make easy, inexpensive changes to materials in their spaces. The session also featured a productive conversation about the best ways to approach parents when a child care provider believes a child may be experiencing a developmental delay.

Can you believe this is a phot taken in our conference room? Earlier this month, Good for You Productions transformed it into a film studio for the day. Nearly 20 people - mostly parents and child care professionals - talked on camera about how the Child Care Council, and especially the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship, has changed their lives. Parents shared what life was like before and after: the joy and pride they feel seeing their children progress in a quality child care setting, the relief now that they can afford basic needs and even have a bit left over for a treat, like a slice of pizza on the way home from school. But we don't want to gie away too much here! To hear more about how these scholarships are uplifting kids and families, be sure to attend Dream Big on May 9th, where the video will air! And p.s., we still need everyone's help to promote the scholarship, which covers 50-60% of the cost of care for families well above the typical income limits for financial assistance. (For instance, a family of three can earn up to $92,120 and qualify!) Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details and promotional material.

Join us at Dream Big on May 9th to give thanks and celebrate, and to hear the stories that fuel our passion for this work.

Click here to RSVP

Upcoming Child Care Business Events

M&T Bank - How to Open a Business Checking Account

(IN-PERSON)

Thursday, April 20, 2023

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Meet with an M&T Business Banking Specialist to learn how to open a simple checking account for your child care business. M&T's Simple Checking for Business is an easy-to-use, low-cost alternative to standard business checking accounts. Register here.

Employee Retention Credits (ERC) Information Session 

(Virtual)

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

1:00pm - 2:00pm

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a new tax credit authorized by the CARES Act that provides tax credit to employers who were affected by COVID-19. It is not a loan and does not need to be paid back. Nearly all U.S based businesses may be eligible to receive an ERC credit of up to $26,000 per employee. Join us in this informational session to find out if your child care business is eligible! Register here.