Rockland Child Care News
April-June 2021
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Hope springs eternal. The season of spring with its increasing light and warmth, and its promise of change and renewal, gives us much reason to be hopeful.
Please join us to help bring attention to these important public awareness campaigns and to recognize the dedication and heroic efforts of Rockland County's child care providers, to whom we dedicate this issue of Rockland Child Care News.
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National Provider Appreciation Day is May 7, 2021 |
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Mark your calendar for May 7, and thank a child care provider! National Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize child care providers - the essential workers who make it possible for parents and caregivers to go
to work; who support children's language, emotional, and early learning development; and who help to ensure our children's future success.
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I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
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This is the opening of the song “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston. When I first heard it as a teenager, I remember being struck by the simple yet profound notion that adults have such an absolute impact on children. I am reminded now that the impact is for better and for worse. I think back to my own childhood and the adults who encouraged and guided me, but I also think about the times I was made to feel scared or sad. As a parent, I have reflected not only on the proud parenting moments but also on the regrettable moments. We are not perfect, yet we must strive to be our best for our children.
April is the Month of the Young Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. In May we celebrate National Foster Care Month, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, National Teacher Day, and International Families Day. June has the Global Day of Parents. I mention these because they are reasons to give thanks for and appreciate those who strive to be their best for children, to give children safe, caring spaces to learn and grow, to love and nurture.
The rest of Ms. Houston’s song goes on to describe her resilience, the strength she found learning to love herself. Resilient aptly describes our child care providers. As businesses and schools were shuttered a year ago, so many child care programs stayed open in support of families and to provide a safe, caring space for children to be children, often putting their health or their business at risk. But they persevered, and in doing so held up entire communities.
Spring is upon us, and we are optimistic. The past year has brought greater awareness of the importance and value of child care, for our children, for our families, for our communities. There is much to appreciate.
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Vicki Caramante
Executive Director, Child Care Resources of Rockland
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Message from the Board President |
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While far too often not recognized for the critically important role they play in our community as well as throughout the country, child care providers are not only “essential” during a pandemic but most certainly year in and year out. They are the ones who provide safe, caring and friendly spaces for children during their most formative years. Children under their careful watch learn, play and grow. Time and again we hear from parents as to just how grateful they are for the child care providers to whom they have entrusted their children. Beyond all of that, child care providers are an indispensable element of the economic vitality of our county since without them, Rockland’s businesses would be significantly compromised as the workforce would be caught between their parental responsibilities to their children and the obligations they have to their employers.
We are told on a regular basis by parents that their child care providers are nurturing, caring, dependable and always place the interests of children as their top priority. Working parents face a variety of daily challenges and so it is vital to their own well-being that they have complete confidence that while their children are at child care they are in a safe place, having fun, learning how to socialize with their peers and thriving in a child-centered environment.
Over the years, we at CCRR have spoken with many parents whose children are now enrolled in high school and beyond and we have observed a consistently heartwarming theme. Although their children were in child care many years ago, parents gratefully look back at the time when their children were in child care and share with us how the child care experience created a solid foundation for their families to build upon during the years that followed.
There can be no debate that experiences children have in their youngest years will carry them forward in profound ways. As a community, we have a moral obligation to support our child care centers as they carry out an indispensable role with lifelong benefits. CCRR has always been and remains so today unflinchingly committed to well-trained, nurturing child care providers.
During the last 12 months, the pandemic has caused some of our child care providers to close their doors leaving many others confronted on a daily basis with revenue shortfalls that threaten their continued existence. As the seemingly endless grip of COVID-19 now slowly lessens its choke hold on all of us, and as we look forward to what hopefully will soon be a return to something approaching our pre-pandemic way of life, it is crucial that, in the aftermath of the virus, the child care provider community retains its requisite place here in Rockland County because absent that, our long awaited full recovery will not be possible.
Stephen M. Fromson
Board President, Child Care Resources of Rockland
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We are pleased to announce Dr. Sarah Chauncey has joined the CCRR Board of Directors. Dr. Chauncey is currently the District Superintendent and CEO of Rockland BOCES where she serves as the local representative of the state Commissioner of Education by assisting local school districts in the implementation of the New York State Education Law and the interpretation of the Commissioner's Regulations and rules of the Board of Regents. Prior to her appointment she served as Rockland BOCES Chief Information Officer and Director of Instructional Technology and Curriculum Development.
Sarah has over twenty years of experience as a business analyst, computer consultant, trainer and developer of commercial software and business applications for major corporations. She also developed courses and provided instruction for business and government agencies. As co-owner and Vice President of StarTech Software, she innovated one of the first report management and distribution systems for mainframe and desktop computers. Her product, Digital Pencil, was awarded a Gates Innovation Grant. A longtime Nanuet resident, Sarah served as a member of Nanuet Union Free School District's Board of Education from 1997 to 2020. Sarah developed a variety of curriculum and presented courses for public schools, colleges, and business settings across the region. Her research focuses on Smart Cities, Motivation, and Equity.
We are grateful to Dr. Chauncey for joining our Board of Directors. Her many areas of expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to education will be of great value to our agency and the communities we serve.
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CCRR designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child! What better time of year to acknowledge the dedication of our early childhood professionals for planting the seeds of healthy development for our children? While we advocate throughout the year, during the month of April we join with other early childhood advocates to extend our reach in increasing awareness of the issues affecting children and families. We also sincerely applaud all those in the early childhood field working to improve the lives of children and their families. And every April (pandemics not withstanding), we celebrate their contributions at our annual Children's Champions Awards Ceremony.
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Children's Champions Awards Celebration To date, we've had the pleasure of hosting twenty-seven Children's Champions events. What started as a small gathering quickly grew into a full-on celebratory party, complete with dancing, and we are anxious to convene the event in 2022.
CCRR's First Annual Children's Champions Award Ceremony Ellen Mitchell, a former child care provider (and former CCRR staff member!), was the first recipient of the Champion in the Trenches award. She recently shared, "The first Children's Champions Award Ceremony in 1996 was a very modest event held at the Elmwood Elementary School cafeteria/gym. Only the award recipients, some family members, and the people who made the presentations were there. There was no dinner or dancing, but it was lovely and I felt like I was getting an Oscar."
We've sure missed hosting our events and look forward to rolling out the red carpet to honor the 2020 honorees in April 2022 with awards, dinner, dancing, and much merriment!
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After a very challenging year, we've begun 2021 with the hope that together we can build back a better child care system. Will you help us?
To date, between our two major fundraisers, our Annual Appeal and our Football Fundraiser, we've raised close to $15,000. We are grateful that even during the pandemic our supporters have been so generous. The donations received have allowed us to continue to support families and child care providers. We've been able to offer trainings in Infection Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic, and host regularly scheduled child care provider network meetings via Zoom to help guide providers through the myriad challenges they have faced this past year. Thank you.
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As a child care resource and referral agency, we've heard many stories this past
year from parents, caregivers, and child care providers, stories that have fully inspired us and underscored the importance of our work.
There is much work to do in 2021 to ensure all families have access to safe, high quality early care and education. That is why we are asking for your support today.
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As Rockland County's only child care resource and referral agency, we are doing everything possible to help families, support providers, and ensure the healthy development of all children. A contribution to our Annual Appeal will help us to assist parents/caregivers in finding the best child care setting for their children, will help us to provide training to child care providers, and support them in keeping their programs open. Your donation will contribute to Rockland's economic vitality by helping to keep parents/caregivers working and businesses running.
Please donate today and help to lift up children by giving them access to safe, high-quality child care programs now and better outcomes later in life. Thank you.
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Infant Toddler Development |
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Learning Through Play - Making the Most of Playtime
by Jenny Spampinato, Infant/Toddler Quality Enhancement Specialist
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There is so much more to play than meets the eye, for it is through play that children learn about the world around them. Familes and early educators are the child’s first playmates and biggest supporters of their learning. By incorporating play throughout the day, you are promoting their language, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. So, how can you make the most of playtime for the child? Click here to find out. |
Congratulations Jenny Spampinato! |
Jenny was recently awarded the New York State Training and Technical Assistance Professional Crediential as a Professional Development Specialist Trainer in Early Childhood. We are very proud of Jenny for demonstrating that she is "a highly competent trainer providing meaningful learning experiences to early childhood professionals." |
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Q&A for Child Care Providers |
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Question
It is so difficult to find new training, particularly during the pandemic, as so few agencies are offering in-person options. Do you have any suggestions as to where I might find professional development training?
Answer
It has always been a chore to find training that is enlightening, affordable, and accepted by the Office of Children and Family Services. This is especially true of virtual training that must be approved by the Early Childhood Education Training Program in Albany. Child Care Resources of Rockland has developed and will continue to write and present virtual training via ZOOM in the 10 component areas. Look for invitations to these trainings in your email. There is a class limit, so register early.
In addition, CCRR staff are in the process of becoming approved to present ACEs training that will cover the new 10th component area. Our annual conference, to be held virtually, will take place on Saturday, November 6, 2021: Building Resilience in Children. Approved e-Learning trainings can be accessed here: https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/
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Child Care Tuition Scholarship Fund
The Child Care Tuition Scholarship Fund (CCTSF) was created to help families with low income cover the high cost of child care. The fund is supported in part by the United Way of Rockland, the Jane Brown Tuition Scholarship Fund, and contributions made by people like you!
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Do you need help paying for child care? We are currently helping seven families with their monthly tuition costs through the CCTSF. If you need assistance or know someone who does, please contact Christina at 845-425-0009 x610 | christinae@rocklandchildcare.org. The tuition assistance application and brochure can be found here. |
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Respite Services
Through Family Support Services, we offer respite child care to families who have children with special needs. Respite is financial assistance that helps to defray the costs of child care and is funded by the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Child care is provided by programs that are registered or licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
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Are you interested in respite services? We are currently working with eleven families receiving respite services. If you have a child enrolled in a child care program and wish to access respite funds or know someone who might benefit from these servces, please contact Christina Espindola to determine eligibility: 845-425-0009 x610, christinae@rocklandchildcare.org Learn more.
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CCRR Staff Receive ACEs Training
Do you know about ACEs? Have you heard about it, but do not fully understand it?
ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences
On January 6, 2021, training requirements for licensed/registered child care programs were updated to include ACEs as a required training topic. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) formalized this 10th training topic for all child care providers, home-and center-based child care programs/providers, and school age care staff. The ACEs training will provide the opportunity for early childhood professionals to increase their knowledge about ACEs, helping them to better understand how traumatic events in childhood can impact children now and into adulthood. This training will educate providers on how to help prevent these negative events from happening to children in our communities and will offer information on how to help children and families become more resilient.
Child Care Professional Development - ACEs Training Coming Soon!
Several members of the CCRR staff are in the process of becoming ACEs trainers. We are very excited to share this good news and look forward to offering the training in both English and Spanish. Details are forthcoming.
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Welcome Simone Smith
Infant Toddler Mental Health Consultant
What do you do at CCRR? As Infant Toddler Mental Health Consultant, I will be working with child care center staff to improve practices aimed at enriching children's social, emotional, and behavioral health for development and growth.
Tell Us a Little About Yourself: Firstly, I'm a mother of five- year-old twins, a boy and a girl (and a cat). I am also a wife, married for almost three years. I was born in England and moved to the United States when I was 15 years old. I have been in the human services field for almost 10 years working with a wide range of different populations. I hold a Master's degree in mental health counseling and my goal is to be licensed within the next two years.
Do You Have a Favorite Hobby? My hobbies include dancing, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors.
Do You Have a Philosphy by Which You Live? A philosophy I live by is: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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Pre-Kindergarten Teachers and Students |
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CCRR provides professional development training for Pre-K teachers in seven of the county's eight school districts. These trainings help ensure teachers have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to provide quality early education for our young children. In Januar, we offered the first of three Pre-K mandatory workshops, Managing Remote Learning. We discussed the different venues available for remote learning in the event that centers needed to close. We also discussed several strategies for conducting successful remote instruction for young children.
The second workshop, Making Virtual Connections with Families, explored effective ways to connect with families in this time when there is so little face-to-face interaction. We provided resources to facilitate positive virtual experiences with children and their families. Teachers reported back that the information was extremely helpful and the resources made available allowed for better connections with both children and families, especially since several centers had to quarantine for two weeks and classes met remotely during that time. The third workshop will focus on the effects of stress and adverse experiences on child development. We will be discussing constructive ways for teachers to address and alleviate these effects.
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CCRR administers Pre-K for all of Rockland's school districts, except for the East Ramapo Central School District (families who live in that district and would like to apply for Pre-K, should call 845-577-6158).
In February, we held eight virtual Pre-K Parent Information Sessions; four of those sessions included a staff member available for Spanish translation. To date we have received close to 900 applications. Go to our website www.childcarerockland.org
to access an application. The deadline for submission was April 1, 2021. Applications received after April 1st are placed in a waiting pool. Please contact Jenine Valentino, Pre-K Coordinator, for more information: jeninv@rocklandchildcare.org
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What is the Pyramid Model for Supporting the Social and Emotional Development of Infants and Young Children?
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Young children communicate in ways that may be considered “bad behavior” – biting, stubbornness, aggression, trouble sharing. While often age-appropriate, caregivers may find themselves lacking the proper tools to meet the needs of young children displaying these behaviors. This might lead the teacher to believe the child should receive special education services. In some cases, the caregiver may get so frustrated, the child is suspended or expelled from the program. Did you know a Yale University study found preschoolers were more likely to be expelled than children in any other grade?
Early childhood professionals in New York State recognized that child care providers need the proper tools to meet the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of young children, and with funding from the NYS Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (NYSB5) supports the Pyramid Model for Supporting the Social and Emotional Development of Infants and Young Children.
The Pyramid Model is a framework of evidence-based practices for supporting the healthy social and emotional development of young children. Within that framework comes the PD for direct care providers, administrators, support staff, etc., all within the context of family. Through the use of practical strategies both in the care setting and at home, children develop social-emotional competence.
One technique I happen to love helps children identify and name their feelings. Teachers take a photo of each child making a mad face, sad face, happy face, or scared face. At a point in the day, they teacher asks the child to communicate how they are feeling by asking the child to point to the correlating photo. Other strategies help children calm themselves when feeling mad or frustrated. All of this is communicated with parents, who are involved in Pyramid implementation and encouraged to reinforce strategies at home, similar to how in this recent video from a parent, shared widely, shows an older sibling reminding his younger sibling to breathe through his frustration.
CCRR is very proud to serve as the Pyramid Model Implementation Coordinator for the Lower Hudson Valley Region. In partnership with the Child Care Council of Duchess and Putnam, the Child Care Council of Orange, the Child Care Council of Westchester, Family of Woodstock, and the Sullivan County Child Care Council, we share Pyramid resources and professional development with child care providers. Currently, Head Start of Rockland, Newburgh City School District PreK, and Little Harvard Child Care are implementing the Pyramid Model.
If you are interested in learning more, please consider attending one of our scheduled Pyramid mini-module workshops. You can email Vicki Caramante any questions or call her at 845-425-0009 x417 to discuss how the Pyramid Model is expanding throughout the state.
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Congratulations New/Renewed Licensed/Registered Programs |
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School Age Care
JCC Rockland Inc.
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Family/Group Family Child Care
Best Friends Day Care Inc
Frimet Fliegman
Myria Jean Gilles Day Care
Purposely Caring Child Care
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The Regulatory Side of Child Care |
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A Brief Overview of Comprehensive Background Checks Required for
Child Care Programs
DID YOU KNOW? All new and current child care providers, directors, volunteers, and household members living in a family or group family child care home 18 years or older are to be cleared through the federally required comprehensive background checks. A comprehensive background check (CBC) is required to be completed every five years.
Regarding a new employee: Once the medical is complete and submitted to the child care program's licensor/registrar and the fingerprinting is complete, the employee can be hired. However, the new employee cannot be left alone with children until the information has been fully approved and the child care program receives a CBC approval letter from the state.
Below is a list of the forms required to be completed and submitted to a child care program's licensor/registrar:
1. OCFS-6001 Child Care Provider, Staff, Volunteer, and Household Member Information
2. OCFS-6004 Child Care Provider, Staff, Volunteer, and Household Member Medical
Statement
3. OCFS-6005 Criminal Conviction Statement
4. OCFS-6022 Staff Exclusion List Check
5. OCFS-4930 Request for Fingerprinting Services-Child Care
6. LDSS-3370 Statewide Central Register
You can find these forms on the OCFS website: https://ocfs.ny.gov/forms/ Scroll to OCFS-6000 - Packet - Comprehensive Background Clearances.
Child care providers who would like more detailed information about CBCs should contact their registrar or licensor.
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Lynn Del Duca
Marianne Garrecht
Rosa Garcia
Dianna Martinez
Ellen Mitchell
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For the CCRR Staff Directory please click here. Board of Directors list can be found here.
OFFICE CLOSING: Memorial Day: May 31.
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