Quarterly Newsletter
CONNECTIO N March 2013-May 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: SHAKE OUT YOUR SPRING-TIME SILLIES!
4 56
1 23 Things You Can Do To Improve Early Care &
Enter Our Photo Contest for Week Of The Young Child
Learning in Central New York
10 Things Every Parent Should Know about Play
Connection
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CDA 2.0
(315) 446-1220
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 2
CONNECTION Table of Contents
Director’s Declarations
Why Economic Development Begins at Birth By now all of you have heard about President Obama’s spirited endorsement of early education in his State of the Union message. This administration gets it. When young children have the opportunity to participate in high quality learning opportunities, they do better in school and in life. The President outlines a comprehensive early childhood initiative that will support states that improve program quality and expand access to preschool; create a new Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Program; and expand home visiting programs for at-risk parents and their babies. Yes, this resonates with those of us who work in the early childhood field and see firsthand how good programs help children develop and learn. But we have other allies too; some of whom might surprise you.
Director’s Declarations........................................................................2 Get To Know Our Staff.......................................................................3 Members & Supporters......................................................................4 Membership Application.....................................................................5 10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play...................................6 Enter Our Photo Contest....................................................................7 Save The Date.................................................................................7 All About CDA 2.0.............................................................................8 Ask The Nutritionist, Kid Friendly Meals...............................................8 Regulatory Corner, Swim Safe............................................................9 Ask The Nurse, 3rd MAT Renewal........................................................9 Take Action, 6 Things You Can Do To Improve Early Care & Learning......10 Take Action, Shake Out Your Spring Time Sillies..................................10 Books For Spring...............................................................................10 Staff Directory................................................................................11
On a snowy February morning Child Care Solutions and Success By 6 sponsored a Policy Breakfast for business and community leaders. Featured speaker, Bill Millett, President of Scope View Strategic Advantage, linked quality care and early learning to economic development. Bill said that “Early care and education … is a critical asset or damaging liability, depending on its quality, for the nation’s future. It is in the earliest years that the development of the future workforce begins, and where such factors as creativity, collaboration, motivation, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and related factors are fostered… or stymied.” Bill shared a long list of businesses and organizations that agree with his assessment. They included the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Workforce Boards, the Business Roundtable, the Committee for Economic Development, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Joining them are prosecutors and law enforcement officers from Fight Crime/ Invest in Kids and Mission Readiness, a group of retired military leaders who believe that continued American security and prosperity calls for smart investments in the next generation of American children. With friends like these, we who work with and advocate for young children are in the best of company. This may be the moment when America makes early childhood investment one of its most critical priorities. Stay involved! We will all be needed to make that moment a reality. Peggy Liuzzi Executive Director Child Care Solutions
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 3
Get To Know Our Staff
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CHILD CARE SOLUTIONS NAVIGATING THE WAY TO HIGH QUALITY CHILD CARE
Child Care Solutions is happy to announce the newest members to our team. Together the staff of Child Care Solutions is making the child care system in Central New York better for parents, child care providers and most importantly the children of our community. Please welcome:
THANKS! Child Care Solutions would like to send a very big thank you to all the child care providers who completed our first Provider Feedback Survey of 2013. In January we administered a survey to all child care programs and providers in Onondaga and Cayuga counties, in an effort to learn more about the provider community we serve and how we can improve upon our services. All providers who completed the survey were entered to win one of three $25 gift cards to Wegmans. Congratulations to our winners! Keri Roth Brenda Woods Heidi Myers
Amie Coffin, Parent Services Specialist
Start Date: May 2012 Before working @ Child Care Solutions: WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Education/Degree: BS Human Development Favorite childrens book: Anything by Eric Carle Favorite movie: I usually do not watch a movie more than once. Hobbies & interests: Personal and familial wellness
We appreciate all our provider’s feedback and look forward to working with you again.
Kass Nethercott, Professional Development Specialist
Start Date: January 2013 Before working @ Child Care Solutions: Registered Family Daycare Provider ~ 5 years Education/Degree: Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood/ Childhood (Birth-6 grade) from SUNY Cortland. Currently attending WGU for Masters in English as a Second Language Favorite childrens book: Bunny, My Honey by Anita Jeram Favorite movie: Dances With Wolves Hobbies & interests: Quilting, cross stitching, reading, family time with my husband and children
Mike Ransom, Finance Director
Start Date: Before working @ Child Care Solutions: Education/Degree: Favorite childrens book: Favorite movie: Hobbies & interests:
November 2012 Accounting Accounting Masters of Science The Rainbow Fish Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Hiking, gardening, genealogy and cycling
Janie Wilson, Registrar
Start Date: January 2013 Before working at Child Care Solutions: Bilingual Migrant Specialist for Migrant Eduction Education/Degree: Some college Favorite childrens book: Twas The Night Before Christmas Favorite movie: Dances with Wolves Hobbies & interests: Working in my flower gardens, spending time with family and friends, walking and working on weekends at Reakes Country Goods!
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 4
Members & Supporters
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WHO WE ARE High-quality child care has many benefits, including preparing children for school. Child Care Solutions, your child care resource and referral agency in Onondaga & Cayuga counties, strives everyday to create a child care system that helps children grow and learn and allows parents the peace of mind they need so they can work or go to school. We rely on the membership of child care providers and support of community members to continue doing the important work we do. • • • • • • • •
We educate parents about early learning and the components of quality child care. We provide referrals to parents to licensed and registered child care providers & programs in our community. We inform the CNY community about the important links between high quality child care and later success in school. We help child care providers meet licensing requirements. We support providers by offering low-cost training in diverse topics like health & safety, child development, and sound business practices. We offer an outstanding Child Development Associate (CDA) program. We administer the CACFP food program to ensure that children in child care are receiving healthy, well-balanced meals. We advocate for high quality child care and early learning on state and national levels.
Individual Professional Members
Organizational Professional Members
Lorraine Buselli Cindy Dixon Denise Downing-Capozzi Deanna Dussing Delia Garcia Jimmy Garcia Maria Godinez Jacquelyn Grillo Linda Grisel Jillian Herrera Ann Marie Lucisano Linda Martineau Lori McGill Carie Mengel Darlene Miller Cynthia Millet Cathleen Monroe Sharon Nuffer Melanie Peryea Deborah Phelps Deborah Piascik Yanila Ramon Ivonne Rodriguez Sara Sauginas Mary Beth Schuffenecker Constance Scott Eva Sheets-Brewer Cindy Sienkiewicz Mara Sloan Regina Vanderhoff Mary Wademan Brenda Woods ChristyYenny
Bernice Wright Nursery School Bright Starts of CNY Learn As You Grow - Camillus A Learn As You Grow - Camillus B Learn As You Grow - Cicero Learn As You Grow - Elta Drive Learn As You Grow - Highland Avenue Learn As You Grow - Solvay Living and Learning Child Care Center Madison County Head Start - Canal Side Madison County Head Start - Cazenovia Center Madison County Head Start - Madison Center Madison County Head Start - Morrisville Madison County Head Start - Oneida City Center Parkside Children's Center SU Early Education and Child Care Center The Growing Place The Salvation Army - Cab Horse Commons The Salvation Army - Citadel School Age Program The Salvation Army - Infant Center YMCA - Manlius
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Gretchen Kinnell Scholarship Supporters Dianne Apter Apter & O’Connor Susan Benjamin John & Lora Lee Buchta Amy D’Agostino Gail Gzik Kathleen Lagrow Learn As You Grow Peggy Liuzzi Linda Mocciaro Penny Noll Cynthia O’Connor Beth Pastel Shari Purcell
Child Care Solutions
(315) 446-1220
New Licensed/Registered Providers Cayuga County Genne Russell
New Licensed/Registered Providers Onondaga County Danelis Armas Guerrero Maryann Crawford Yoli Jeilani Lourdes Piedra Carolyn Wilson Mercedes Bloodworth
New Child Care Centers Northminster Early Childhood Center
Community Supporters Dianne Apter Susan Finkelstein Susan Gorton Julie Hammer Susan Horn Norman & Gloria Keim Gretchen Kinnell Rocco Liuzzi Cissy & David Lizzi Judith Michaud Shari Purcell Tim Rake Charles & Joann Simpson Marsha Weissman Douglas & Elaine Wolf Frederick Zolna
www.childcaresolutionscny.org
Member/Supporter Registration
March 2013-May 2013...Page 5
Become a Member or Community Supporter
Name
CONNECTION Name of Program/ Organization Street Address City
State
(1) By Mail
Complete the member registration form and make check payable to Child Care Solutions.
Zip Code Phone Number E-Mail
I am an early care & learning professional. I would like to become a professional member of child care solutions to receive discounts on training Yes, I would like to become a professional member of Child Care Solutions
New Member
Individuals & Family Child Care
$25 Individual
Mail to: Child Care Solutions 6724 Thompson Rd. Syracuse, NY 13211
Renewal
$25 Family Child Care Home $40 Group Family Child Care Home (provider & up to 3 assistants) Child Care Center or Organization
$55 per location Small Child Care/Early Education Program with 5 or fewer staff
(2) By Web
$100 per location Child Care/Early Education Program with more than 5 staff
Register & pay online at www.childcaresolutionscny.org
$100 per location Non Profit Community Organization
I would like to become a community supporter of Child Care Solutions. My support will allow Child Care Solutions to continue improving the early care & learning system in Central New York through training, education, outreach & advocacy. I would like to support Child Care Solutions:
This donations is being made by a(n) This donations is being made by a(n)
$25
$50
$75
$100
$250
$500
$ 1000
Other
Individual Individual
(3) By Phone
Call Child Care Solutions 315-446-1220 or toll free 888-729-7290 and pay by Visa, Mastercard or Discover
Business Business
Please let us know the name of who we should recognize
I am supporting the child care providers of Central New York by contributing to the Gretchen Kinnell Scholarship Fund. The scholarships will defray costs for financially eligible child care providers, allowing them to participate in Childhood Development Associate (CDA) Credential classes and observation, assessment, & improvement programs sponsored by Child Care Solutions. Participants will enhance their understanding of child development and their ability to foster early learning for the children in their care. My donation will allow child care providers to receive the training & support necessary to create excellent early care & learning environments for the children of our community. I would like to support the Gretchen Kinnell Scholarship Fund:
$25
$50
$75
$100
$250
$500
Other
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Please call 315-446-1220 ext. 354 with any questions. Child Care Solutions is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 6
Parents & Providers
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10 Things Every Parent Should Know about Play by Laurel Bongiorno #4
PLAY IS MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE. Play is simple and complex. There are many types of play: symbolic, sociodramatic, functional, and games with rules-to name just a few. Researchers study play’s many aspects: how children learn through play, how outdoor play impacts children’s health, the effects of screen time on play, to the need for recess in the school day.
#5
#1 CHILDREN LEARN
THROUGH THEIR PLAY. Don’t underestimate the value of play. Children learn and develop: •
cognitive skills – like math and problem solving in a pretend grocery store
•
physical abilities – like balancing blocks and running on the playground
•
new vocabulary – like the words they need to play with toy dinosaurs
•
social skills – like playing together in a pretend car wash
•
literacy skills – like creating a menu for a pretend restaurant
MAKE TIME FOR PLAY. As parents, you are the biggest supporters of your children’s learning. You can make sure they have as much time to play as possible during the day to promote cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development.
#6
PLAY AND LEARNING GO HAND-IN-HAND. They are not separate activities. They are intertwined. Think about them as a science lecture with a lab. Play is the child’s lab.
THERE’S A LOT TO LEARN ABOUT PLAY. There’s a lot written on children and play. Go to www.naeyc. org/play for NAEYC articles and books about play. David Elkind’s The Power of Play (Da Capo, 2007 reprint) is also a great resource.
Play helps children grow strong and healthy. It also counteracts obesity issues facing many children today.
#3
PLAY REDUCES STRESS. Play helps your children grow emotionally. It is joyful and provides an outlet for anxiety and stress.
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Remember your own outdoor experiences of building forts, playing on the beach, sledding in the winter, or playing with other children in the neighborhood. Make sure your children create outdoor memories. too.
#8
#2 PLAY IS HEALTHY.
Connection
#7 PLAY OUTSIDE.
Child Care Solutions
(315) 446-1220
#9
TRUST YOUR OWN PLAYFUL INSTINCTS. Remember as a child how play just came naturally? Give your children time for play and see all that they are capable of when given the opportunity.
#10 PLAY IS A CHILD’S
CONTEXT FOR LEARNING. Children practice and reinforce their learning in multiple areas during play. It gives them a place and a time for learning that cannot be achieved through completing a worksheet. For example, in playing restaurant, children write and draw menus, set prices, take orders, and make out checks. Play provides rich learning opportunities and leads to children’s success and self-esteem. This article was reprinted with permission from the National Association of Young Children. Laurel Bongiorno, PhD, is the director of Champlain College’s graduate program in early childhood education, with specializations in teaching and administration, in Burlington, Vermont. She has taught preschool, directed early childhood programs, and studied parents’ perceptions of preschoolers’ learning through play.
www.childcaresolutionscny.org
March 2013-May 2013...Page 7
Save The Date
Celebrate the Week of the Young Child
CONNECTION
s
on uti l o S d are lose C C d il l Be Ch Wil
We will be CLOSED 9:00AM - 11:00AM For Staff Meetings
The Week of the Young Child will be celebrated from April 14th-April 20th this year. The theme of the Week of Young Child is “Early Years Are Learning Years.” In honor of this week, Child Care Solutions will be conducting a photo contest with the theme of “Children Learn Through Play.” Contest winner will receive a gift certificate to Destiny USA. There will be additional prizes for 2nd and 3rd place as well. You will be able to submit your photos starting April 1, 2013. We will announce the winner on April 14th. So start taking pictures of the children in your program who capture the theme “Children Learn Through Play.” Submission & contest details will be sent in March and will be posted on our website. Please make sure you have photo releases for the children. We can’t wait to see pictures of children learning through play.
•
Monday, March 18
•
Monday, April 15
•
Monday, May 20
We will be CLOSED •
Monday, May 27 Memorial Day
•
Thursday, July 4, Independence Day
Director’s Meetings All Child Care Center, Head Start and School-Age Child Care Administrators are welcome to attend. No registration is necessary. Meetings occur the 1st Tuesday of each month from 9:30AM-11:30AM Dates: March 5th – Auburn April 2nd – Syracuse May 7th – Auburn June 4th - Syracuse
Save The Date! CHILD CARE SOLUTION’S ANNUAL COLUMBUS DAY CONFERENCE Monday, October 14th More details to follow this summer.
ENTER OUR PHOTO CONTEST WIN GREAT PRIZES Connection
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 8
Good To Know
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CDA Information You Need To Know
Information from The Council for Professional Recognition
It's 2013 - the Year of CDA 2.0! The Council for Professional Recognition is proud to announce the arrival of CDA 2.0 on June 1, 2013. The new credentialing process will strengthen and streamline the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program™. It's very important to stay updated every step of the way as the big day approaches. With that in mind, here are some key details of which you should be aware: Transition Guide Updates Have you downloaded the CDA 2.0 Transition Guide yet? An expanded version was released in October. If you have not yet done so, please go to www.cdacouncil.org to download. Please note: One key procedural detail updated since October is the decision to allow candidates six months to complete their assessment requirements (the CDA Exam and Verification Visit) rather than 30 days. While CDA 2.0 will allow candidates the chance to complete their assessments more quickly than ever, we believe that by allowing more time, future candidates will have the flexibility to schedule and accomplish their assessment responsibilities in timeframes that work best for them. CDA 2.0 and Application Packets In saying hello to CDA 2.0, we say goodbye to application packets! With the new system, everything a candidate will need to prepare for a CDA will be included on perforated pages in the new Competency Standards books, including the observation tool, the family questionnaire master (ready to copy/distribute) and the full paper application. Applying online, however, \will always be far easier and faster than using the paper application that will be included in the book.
Second Setting Credential Process to End on May 31 Anyone interested in obtaining a Second Setting Credential under the present Council Guidelines must apply by May 31. Because CDA 2.0 requires candidates to take CDA exams that are unique to an age group, starting on June 1, a second full credentialing process will be necessary to obtain a credential in a different setting. For further information, please go to the Council For Professional Recognition website: www.cdacouncil.org or call Patti Sofranko at Child Care Solutions 315-446-1220 ext. 312.
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Ask The Nutritionist
Pat Kuhl is our Nutritionist. She is available to answer your questions regarding children’s diet & nutrition.
Moving Beyond “Kid-Friendly” Meals When you think of a “kid-friendly” meal, what comes to mind? I think of the 5 standard offerings on a traditional restaurant “kids menu” - chicken nuggets, pizza, hot dog, hamburger, french fries. Too often, “kid friendly” meals consist of a few familiar foods that children will readily accept. Typically these are foods that have been aggressively marketed to children and are very tasty due to high amounts of added sugar, salt and fat. An emphasis on “kid friendly” meals often means dumbing down children’s tastes and food experiences. Limiting the foods offered to children communicates low expectations for their ability to be flexible, adventurous, and healthy eaters. The best ”kid friendly” meals are those that children see you and other family members enjoying. Try these tips for preparing and serving meals that go beyond “kid-friendly”: Allow children to make choices. Having 3 or 4 different foods on the menu ensures that everyone will find something they like at least a little. For example, you might serve: Black & Red Bean Chili, cornbread, celery sticks with hummus, sliced pears, low-fat milk and water. Put children in charge of how much they want to eat. Teach children to serve themselves or at least ask them how much they want. Learning to eat according to hunger and fullness, rather than someone else’s expectations, is a healthy habit that will benefit children for the rest of their lives. Help children to feel independent and successful with eating. With a little thought and planning, any meal can be prepared and served in a way that accommodates the abilities of all family members, from toddlers to grandparents. Give young children small sturdy dishes, cups and utensils that are easy for small hands to grasp. Offer a steadying hand or help when needed, but don’t be too quick to do everything for them – peeling, spreading, assembling, cutting are all rewarding activities for children at mealtime. Allow children to separate or mix foods as they prefer. Prepare foods so that they are easy for children to pick up with their hands or on a utensil. Expose children repeatedly to many different foods. unfamiliar foods often, but don’t force or pressure children to eat. It is not necessary for children to like every food at every meal.
Offer both new and
Having regular and consistent mealtimes means that if they don’t eat much at one meal, there will be another opportunity in just a couple hours. Focus on fun, family and friends - “kidfriendly” meals are relaxed, enjoyable and social. Show children how to use good manners when eating with others. Eating arrangements that allow adults and children to face one another at eye level encourage conversation. When children are included in mealtime conversation, they stay at the table longer, gaining social skills, vocabulary and a sense of belonging.
Child Care Solutions
(315) 446-1220
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 9
Regulatory Matters
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E TH AYS D G E DO OF AR ER .ARE M .. M SU MING ADY E O C U R IM YO SW ? TO FE SA
Now is the time to plan ahead for rising temperatures and humidity. A swimming pool or lake is just one way to provide some cool summer fun. Be aware, some pools are a strict “no-no” in regulated child care settings, like the kind you fill with water and have to dump. Inflatable pools and other pool types cannot be used either. Call your Registrar or Licensor for more information and guidelines for using pools. If you are a family or group family child care provider, you must have a pre-approved Pool Use Plan before children can swim. Begin submitting new plans and updating already approved plans so you can swim when it’s hot. Call us for the forms to use to develop your plan. Day care center and school-age staff must use a public pool that is inspected and approved by the County Department of Health and follow additional guidelines.
Ask The Nurse
Here are some general tips and considerations to keep swimming safe and fun. • Get parent’s written permission. • Plan time and space for changing in and out of swimming suits, preferably not near the water. Arrange private areas with appropriate supervision. • Get permission to apply sun screen, or “sun scream” as one child use to call it. Make sure to log the application. We have simple forms you could use. • Do not swim alone with children. All programs are required to have at least one other person available to assist with supervision, depending upon the size of the group. Keep counting and “spotting” children at all times. One person must have certification in First Aid and CPR, or a certified lifeguard must be present. • Bathroom use: Think about where and how to arrange bathroom use and still supervise children in and out of the water. • Plan activities for children who don’t want to swim. • Consider having children wear Coast Guard approved lifesaving gear. • If you go to a public pool, plan for shelter or transportation back to the program in a thunder storm. Call 446-1220 for other fun water play or summer activity ideas. Google “pool safety” for links to organizations and resources for safe and enjoyable swimming. Remember, nothing can replace diligent supervision.
Melody Scanlon is an RN and our Health Care Consultant. She is available to answer your questions. Email questions to: melodys@childcaresolutionscny.org or call 315-446-1220.
Q: I am trying to renew my Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification for the 3rd time. I was sent a letter saying that I could renew online. I took the online class and passed the online test. I was told I would receive my MAT certification in the mail. Instead of receiving my certification I got another letter saying that I had to meet with a MAT trainer and pass a competency test. Is my MAT certification valid or not? A: There has been a lot of confusion for MAT participants up for their 3rd renewal due to last minute implementation of new competency requirements. Your 3rd MAT certification renewal is not valid until you pass the “written test” either online or in person AND pass the competency test with a MAT trainer. However, if you passed the on-line MAT test prior to January 1, 2013, the competency test requirement does not apply. We are encouraging child care providers to call Child Care Solutions at 315-446-1220 with questions about MAT Certification. There are currently 3 options for renewing your MAT Certification for the 3rd time. You can take and pass the online test and make an appointment with a MAT trainer to take the competency test. You can do an independent study class which includes time with a MAT trainer and pass the written test and competency test. You can also take the full MAT class. You should know that there have been changes to the MAT curriculum including use of EPI-PENs and a new competency test on this.
You have 3 options for renewing your MAT certification for the 3rd time.
MAT renewal appointments
Independent Study MAT class
Full MAT class
Am I eligible for a rebate if I pass?
yes
yes
yes
Will I get my MAT certification at the time of my appointment or class?
no
yes
yes
How many training credit hours will I get?
none
8 hours
8 hours
What percentage do I need to get on each of the 3 competencies to pass?
100%
100%
100%
Will the updates in MAT be covered?
no
yes
yes
Where will I take the written test? What do I need to score on it to pass?
On line 80%
In class 80%
In class 80%
How much time is spent with a trainer?
1 hour
6 hours
2 days
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 10
Spring Into Action
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456
123
Invest In Literacy
Things You Can Do To Improve Early Care & Learning in Central New York On Friday, February 1, 2013 Child Care Solutions and Success By 6 hosted a policy breakfast for legislators, business, education, law enforcement and community leaders. The breakfast featured Bill Millett from Scope View Strategic Advantage who discussed why investment in early care and learning is an economic necessity for our community. Bill’s presentation highlighted the need for business and community leaders to start demanding a better early care & education system for our youngest citizens. Real change will happen when they recognize the correlation between high quality care & learning from birth to 5 and educational outcomes, lower crime rates, workforce capability, and economic development & sustainability. To learn more about the links between high quality early care and education and economic development you can read “The Sandbox Investment” by David L. Kirp and “Investing in Kids” by Timothy Bartik. These six action items were presented to attendees as ways to help improve the early care & learning system in CNY. Questions about the breakfast and action items can be directed to Patrice Robinson, Child Care Solutions at 315-446-1220 ext. 354 or email her at patricer@childcaresolutionscny.org.
Adopt an Early Care & Education Program • Serve on a non-profit program’s Board of Directors. • Share your business or technical expertise with program management or staff. • Encourage your employees to volunteer in early care & learning programs. • Help underwrite the costs of learning materials, like art supplies and books, or donate supplies directly. • Provide in-kind support for copying, faxing, mailing or printing. • Help create healthy play & learning environments for the children through playground/classroom spruce-up & clean-up projects.
• Sponsor a child’s participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. • Donate to The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County and or volunteer for them. • Host a book drive or participate in a community book drive.
Educate & Support Parents • Inform employees about the importance of the first five years of life and provide parenting information through affinity groups and links to community resources. • Host prenatal and parenting classes for employees or provide space for classes and Parent Cafes open to the community. • Support a public awareness campaign like the United Way’s Born Learning initiative. • Implement best practices in the workplace. (providing support to breast-feeding mothers, flexible work schedules, allowing sick leave to be used to care for ill children, time off for teacher conferences, etc.)
Support Early Care & Education Providers & Teachers. • Donate space to make training programs easily accessible for teachers & providers. • Donate to scholarship and training programs to increase the skills and knowledge of early care & education professionals.
Become An Advocate For Early Care & Learning • Write letters to the editor about the importance of early care & education. • Contact policy makers and community leaders to communicate the importance of investment in early care & learning. • Sponsor & support legislation that provides funds to increase the quality and availability of early care & learning programs. • Include early care & learning in regional economic development planning.
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Support Success By 6 & Child Care Solutions
• Volunteer to be a SB6 Policy Council or CCS Board member. • Provide financial support for the work of these organizations. • Follow and share their social media messages to increase their reach.
Facebook: United Way of Central New York, Twitter @uwcny Facebook: Child Care Solutions, Twitter: @ccscny Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, Twitter: @onliteracy
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March 2013-May 2013...Page 11
Spring Into Action
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ist R L o To DOUT YOU IES! E E SILL K A SH G-TIM N SPRI
Some ideas to get you started: • Create a “parachute activity”: Have children stand in a wide circle while everyone holds an end of a sheet or blanket. By working together, the children can make the “parachute” move up and down like waves in the ocean, ripples on a lake, etc. Children can take turns placing a yarn or foam ball on the “parachute” to make it dance around. • Streamer dancing: Using remnants of chiffon material from a fabric store, cut strips 2-3 feet long and 3-5 inches wide. Give each child one streamer to start with (later you can give them two, one for each hand) and cue a CD player with music (classical works great for this activity). Every minute or so, put on music of a different tempo, varying between soft, fast, upbeat, and slow, encouraging the children to move their bodies and streamers to the music. • Bowling: Collect 6 empty 2 liter soda bottles, clean them and secure the lids. Children can set these up bowling style, and use masking tape to create a “lane.” Using a soft ball, children can practice bowling. Children can decorate the bowling “pins” by taping paper around the bottles. Reprinted with permission from the Captial District Child Care Council Tip Sheets
BOOKS TO CONSIDER FOR SPRING The Great Fuzz Frenzy by Susan Stevens Crummel. Very funny, silly and creative according to Katie Howell, one of our professional development speicialists. “Deep, deep down in their underground town, the prairie dogs live in harmony--until a mysterious, fluorescent, very fuzzy thing (otherwise known as a tennis ball) rolls down their hole.” Read to find out what happens to their prairie dog community.
It can be tough when children need to expend energy and
outside playtime is limited. It is important to offer children indoor gross motor activities for many reasons. Gross motor activity teaches young children concepts of force, direction, space awareness, balance, and object control. It also gives children a chance to “shake out their sillies,” and promotes self-control. A suggested list of supplies to enhance indoor gross-motor play: Bean bags, beach balls, baskets, streamers, plastic soda bottles, yarn balls, small balance beams, hula hoops, jump ropes, sheets, blankets, colored masking tape, CD’s and a CD player. With these supplies, the possibilities are endless. Children can also walk, run, skip, hop, and jump without any supplies. All that is needed is a little imagination.
It’s Spring by Linda Glaser. “A child observes the arrival of spring and its effects on plants and animals.“
Before you begin: Provide clear expectations for the activity and communicate them each time the activity is started. • Will shoes stay on or off? • What do we need to do to the environment to make it safe for children to move? • Will the children help set up or clean up the activity? • How will you signal the children when you need their attention? • How will we take turns? • What if a child chooses not to follow expectations? • What can we do to keep our bodies from bumping into a friend?
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Spring is Here by Taro Gomi. Using simple words and bright, bold illustrations, Taro Gomi takes children on a journey through the four seasons.
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Child Care Solutions 6724 Thompson Road Syracuse, NY 13211
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Our Mission Child Care Solutions promotes early learning, healthy development and high quality care for all children through education, advocacy and support for families and early childhood professionals.
Our Locations & Business Hours
Our Phones & Contact Information
Syracuse Hours
M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Main Phone (315) Fax (315) Registrars Office (315) Fax (315) Toll Free (888)
Auburn
34 Wright Ave. Auburn, NY 13021
Website www.childcaresolutionscny.org
Hours
T-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm
E-mail ccs@childcaresolutionscny.org
Executive Director Peggy Liuzzi ext. 310 Assistant Director Shannon Gillen ext. 307 Finance Director Mike Ransom ext. 304 Director Professional Development Patricia Beck ext. 309
6724 Thompson Road Syracuse, NY 13211
Professional Development Coordinator Patti Sofranko ext. 312 Health Care Consultant Melody Scanlon ext. 332 Professional Development Specialists Katie Howell ext. 326 Kass Nethercott ext. 336 Tonia Thornton ext. 347
446-1220 446-2010 701-2707 701-1254 729-7290
Director of Provider Services Michelle Wolstenholme ext. 346 Provider Services Specialists Tracey Hare ext. 348 Alexis Hyde ext. 333 Ashley Lenhart ext. 349 Laura Maloney ext. 305 Diane Thomas ext. 323 Registration Director Beth Henderson ext. 416
Marketing/Development Director Patrice Robinson ext. 354
Infant/Toddler Region III Coordinator Susan DeCarlo ext. 335
Systems Administrator Pam Borreggine ext. 306
Nutritionist Pat Kuhl ext. 314
Registration Assistant Shari Purcell ext. 438
Data Specialist Nora Rudewicz ext. 311
Health and Safety Coordinator Rose Walsh ext. 319
Senior Administrative Assistant Linda Mocciaro ext. 315
Parent Services Coordinator Aimee Fletcher ext. 313
Administrative Team Kay Brown ext. 345 (Accounting Asst) Suzanne Goodell ext. 401 (Registrar Asst) Sara Pastore ext. 301 (Admin Asst)
Parent Services Specialists Ana Sojo ext. 353 Amie Coffin ext. 320
Registrars Sue Benjamin ext. 412 Joe Bernazzani ext. 411 Faith Gilliam ext. 405 Selena LaPoint-Dice ext. 430 Casey Miner ext. 436 Becky Oliver ext. 434 Linda Russell Shepherd ext. 438 Janie Wilson ext. 432
Registration Coordinator Siobane Hall ext. 414