We were delighted to host developmental pediatrician Mark Bertin on January 20th for a virtual presentation and Q/A on January 20th. Dr. Bertin urged Westchester parents, professionals and caregivers to help children thoughtfully use media, rather than be used by it. He reminded us that “children don’t learn from screens, they learn from people” and that “open-ended imaginative play helps to develop executive function”. According to Dr. Bertin, “technology is not inherently bad, but needs to be handled skillfully to be safe and useful for our children…and ourselves.

Author of How Children Thrive, Mindful Parenting for ADHD and The Family ADHD Solution, Dr. Bertin is on the faculty at New York Medical College and the Windward Teacher Training Institute, as well as the advisory boards for the non-profits Common Sense Media and Reach Out and Read. He is a regular contributor to Mindful Magazine, and his blog is available through Mindful.org and Psychology Today. For more information, please visit his website at www.developmentaldoctor.com

Vaccinations Now Available for Child Care Providers in Licensed, Registered, Legally Exempt Care

Governor Cuomo has announced that child care staff, along with others in Phase 1b, are now eligible to schedule appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Council strongly encourages all those in child care including licensed, registered and legally exempt providers to get the vaccine. Child care enrollment remains low because many parents are concerned about the health and safety of their children outside the home. Getting the vaccine is an important way to protect children and your own staff while reassuring parents.

We also urge patience with this process, while increased supplies of the vaccine are obtained and the distribution sites are fully operationalized.

Through December 16, we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children 12 years and younger. They will be distributed to local children in need through Toy for Tots.

Drop them off at our office during business hours Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm at 313 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

We’re calling on everyone who recognizes the need for more equitable access to save, loving child care starting at birth! To help spread the word and raise funds, we’re enlisting you AND your favorite pet or animal…  please participate and get your friends, family and colleagues in on the fun!  

Too many children in Westchester don’t have access to quality early child care, causing them to enter kindergarten at a disadvantage and struggle unnecessarily their whole lives. This also means that a lot of parents – especially women – are forced to give up career progress. 

Together, we can fix it! 

Check out our fun fundraising challenge, take a pic with or of your favorite furry friend, and post/donate to “Team CCCW!” 

You’ll get a personal fundraising link after your photo is uploaded… that to your social media pages with the hashtag #ChildCareIsEssential.

Start here: https://fundduel.com/index.php/duel/612

Child care providers are our heroes, and we’re not the only ones who want to say thank you. 

Check it out this amazing tribute from the community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqgnGU5gjoc