We can't think of any organization more deserving of the Transformative Impact Award than the Westchester Community Foundation (WCF). For more than 45 years, WCF has funded programs and projects that drastically improve the quality of life in Westchester for so many. We are fortunate to be among the many nonprofits supported through the Foundation, most recently with a grant to fund child care scholarships for essential workers, whom the WCF stepped up to help at a most critical time. This funding ensured children had access to safe, quality child care and their parents could return to work serving the community during the pandemic.

"Everyone benefits from a stable network of safe, high-quality child care. An investment in early childhood development benefits the child, their family, local businesses, government, taxpayers and society-at-large. The Foundation values our long partnership with the Child Care Council of Westchester, because we share a vision of a Westchester where children have every opportunity to develop into healthy, educated, and confident adults."

-Laura Rossi, Executive Director, Westchester Community Foundation

The Westchester Community Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of of life for all Westchester residents by connecting past, present, and future generous Westchester residents with nonprofits working to make a healthy, equitable, and thriving community.

Join us to celebrate Westchester Community Foundation and support the Child Care Council

Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Workforce Solutions Webinar

Executive Director, Kathy Halas, and Director of Family and Employer Services, Nicole Masucci, spoke to employers throughout the Mid-Hudson region on a February 11^th webinar presented by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Child care issues are a major obstacle for workers, especially women. The CCCW, as well as its partner child care resource and referral agencies in the region, can make finding care so much easier for parents, and in some cases, help parents access financial resources as well for what is often the biggest bill in the household.

Part of the Mid-Hudson Workforce Solutions Webinar Series, you can view the CCCW presentation, “Child Care Resources for Employers” here.

View the Webinar Slides here.

After more than 16 years of Board service, including four as President, we can't wait to celebrate Craig Ruoff at Dream Big on April 7th at Captain Lawrence! He is a committed, energetic leader and a passionate ambassador for our organization and those we serve.

"Through the Child Care Council, I have learned and witnessed that quality child care makes all the difference, and I strongly believe that every child should have access. I'm proud to make that happen, and grateful to be part of such a wonderful organization."

Craig is an Executive Managing Director with Colliers International, where he specializes in tenant and landlord representation in Westchester and Fairfield counties, as well as on a national and international basis. Considered one of the market's most accomplished brokers, he has 30 years of experience and is known for his ability to save clients money and protect their interests by crafting creative solutions.

Our 2022 Dream Big "Children's Champion" has received numerous awards and honors over his long career, including being named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star and Ambassador of the Year by the Business Council of Westchester.

Join us to celebrate Craig and support the Child Care Council.

SPEAK UP FOR CHILD CARE -

BECAUSE THEY CAN'T!

A big thank you to the hundreds of parents, child care professionals, advocates, child care resource and referral (CCR&R) staff and boards who joined our Mid-Hudson Regional NYS Child Care Briefing last Friday.

Seventeen (17!) elected officials participated in our Briefing and we thank them for making child care a priority.

Now we urge Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature to work together to make our child care system stronger THIS YEAR! A $5 billion investment will open up child care to many hard-working families, give thousands of young children the start they need, and begin to pay the child care workforce a decent wage.

Please take 2 minutes and send your letter of support to Albany, just CLICK HERE!

If you missed the Briefing, or you want to be inspired all over again, here it is, just CLICK HERE!

Read the details of our advocacy ask here.

With your help we can make New York THE state for child care!

#fundchildcare #NYSUniversalchildcare

Carmelita Bota, Infant Toddler Quality Specialist, announced that Dr. Walter Gilliam, whose research on early childhood expulsions and suspensions, especially among young children of color, sparked a national conversation, will deliver the keynote at the Council’s 2022 Virtual Spring Early Childhood Conference on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Dr. Gilliam, Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology and Director of the Edward Zigler Center at Yale University Child Study Center also serves as Vice President of ZERO TO THREE and a past president of Child Care Aware of America.  Often quoted in the national media, Dr. Gilliam actively provides consultation to state and federal decision-makers in the U.S. and frequently presents U.S. Congressional testimony and briefings on issues related to early care and education.

Entitled Working Together: Supporting Children and Responding to Challenging Behaviors, our conference is relevant not only for those working in early childhood, but for everyone working with young children and families.  Dr. Gilliam will not only speak to the issue of early childhood expulsion and suspension, he will address strategies for staff to help children succeed, in partnership with their parents.

The line-up of presenters is still in formation, but is expected to include other voices addressing alternatives to expulsion/suspension, its impact on families and what can be done on a policy level to better protect our young children.

Registration to open soon!