Some months ago, we urged everyone working in child care to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  We continue to strongly encourage everyone to do so.

Our Council team has had its own questions and concerns about the vaccine.  Over the past few months we have shared info, brought in speakers, held discussions large and small. We encouraged our staff to consult with their own health care providers.  And we listened carefully to the NYS Department of Health and the CDC.

While the Council office has been open throughout the pandemic, except for a few occasions for cleaning following a possible COVID-19 exposure, we delivered many of our services remotely during this time. Now we are moving back out into the field with more in-person services – carefully, following strict screening, PPE and social distancing protocols.

The Council’s Board of Directors has approved a policy to require Council staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.   This was not an easy nor a quick decision.  It follows months of education, study, consultation with HR professionals, and all along the way, discussions with Council staff. Ultimately, we believe this is the best way for us to try and keep our own staff healthy and safe, along with everyone in Westchester’s child care community.

Vaccines are now widely available at NYS sites as well as local pharmacies and clinics. To schedule a vaccination appointment, go to:

New York State Sites:

Even if a site shows no appointments, click on it. Appointments are added frequently.

https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

Community Sites:

https://vaccinefinder.org/

Kathy Halas

Executive Director 

Please join us on Tuesday, May 11th from 1pm-2pm to learn about programs and benefits in the new American Rescue Plan that could be helpful to you and your family.

Hosted by Mike Goldman, the Council's Director of Finance and Administration, you'll learn about:

• Changes to health insurance
• Unemployment benefits
• Tax credits

Click HERE for Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 975 2667 8033
Passcode: 531306

El plan de Rescate Estadounidense
(The American Rescue Plan)
Que hay para ti?
Marte 11 de Mayo, 1PM-2PM

Únase con nosotros el martes 11 de mayo de 1 pm a 2 pm para conocer los programas y beneficios del Nuevo plan de Rescate Estadounidense que podrían ser útiles para usted y su familia.

Presentado por Mike Goldman, Director de Finanzas y Administración del Council. Discutiremos:
• los cambios en el seguro médico
• los beneficios por desempleo
• los créditos fiscales (taxes)

Haga clic AQUÍ para ver el enlace de zoom
ID de reunión: 975 2667 8033
Código de acceso: 531306

Let's do something great for Westchester's children!

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

• Something you've always wanted to try?

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

Then we encourage you to apply for a Cate Riley Innovation for Quality Prize. Three (3) grants up to $2,000 each will be awarded.

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

Applications are due by close of business on Friday, May 14, 2021.

For info Innovation Prize Announcement - CLICK HERE!

For an application Innovation Prize Application - CLICK HERE!

For questions, email Kathy Halas, Executive Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which spotlights the needs of young children and their families while recognizing the programs that meet those needs. The Council has decided to join NAEYC in this celebration, but we are celebrating the entire month of April with a variety of activities.
To learn more about NAEYC, click here.
Click here to learn about other ways you may celebrate with us in April.

News and Views, Spring 2021

Included in this edition:

• Natalie Duffy's Legacy: A New Scholarship Fund
• Our newest emerging leader
• Resources for providers
• ...and more!

Click here to read our Spring 2021 Newsletter