Connection March-May 2013

ConneCtion is published by Child Care solutions (315) 446-1220 www.childcaresolutionscny.org

CONNECTIONMarch 2013-May 2013

Quarterly Newsletter

Enter Our Photo Contest for Week Of The Young Child

CDA 2.0

1 2 3 4 5 6 Things You Can Do To Improve Early Care & Learning in Central New York

SHAKE OUT YOUR SPRING-TIME SILLIES!

10 Things Every Parent Should Know about Play

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

March 2013-May 2013...Page 2

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Why Economic Development Begins at BirthBy now all of you have heard about President Obama’s spirited endorsement of early education in his State of the Union message. This admin-istration 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 pre-school; 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.

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 organiza-tions that agree with his assessment. They in-cluded the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Workforce Boards, the Business Roundtable, the Committee for Economic Develop-ment, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapo-lis. Joining them are prosecutors and law enforce-ment officers from Fight Crime/ Invest in Kids and Mission Readiness, a group of retired military lead-ers 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 ad-vocate for young children are in the best of compa-ny. 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 LiuzziExecutive DirectorChild Care Solutions

Director’s Declarations Table of ContentsDirector’s Declarations........................................................................2Get To Know Our Staff.......................................................................3Members & Supporters......................................................................4Membership Application.....................................................................510 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play...................................6Enter Our Photo Contest....................................................................7Save The Date.................................................................................7All About CDA 2.0.............................................................................8Ask The Nutritionist, Kid Friendly Meals...............................................8Regulatory Corner, Swim Safe............................................................9Ask The Nurse, 3rd MAT Renewal........................................................9Take Action, 6 Things You Can Do To Improve Early Care & Learning......10Take Action, Shake Out Your Spring Time Sillies..................................10Books For Spring...............................................................................10Staff Directory................................................................................11


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Amie Coffin, Parent Services SpecialistStart Date: May 2012Before working @ Child Care Solutions: WIC Breastfeeding Peer CounselorEducation/Degree: BS Human DevelopmentFavorite childrens book: Anything by Eric CarleFavorite movie: I usually do not watch a movie more than once.Hobbies & interests: Personal and familial wellness

Janie Wilson, RegistrarStart Date: January 2013 Before working at Child Care Solutions: Bilingual Migrant Specialist for Migrant EductionEducation/Degree: Some collegeFavorite childrens book: Twas The Night Before ChristmasFavorite movie: Dances with WolvesHobbies & interests: Workinginmyflowergardens,spendingtimewithfamilyandfriends,walkingandworkingon weekends at Reakes Country Goods!

Mike Ransom, Finance DirectorStart Date: November 2012Before working @ Child Care Solutions: AccountingEducation/Degree: Accounting Masters of ScienceFavorite childrens book: The Rainbow FishFavorite movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s StoneHobbies & interests: Hiking, gardening, genealogy and cycling

Kass Nethercott, Professional Development SpecialistStart Date: January 2013 Before working @ Child Care Solutions: Registered Family Daycare Provider ~ 5 yearsEducation/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 JeramFavorite movie: Dances With WolvesHobbies & interests: Quilting, cross stitching, reading, family time with my husband and children

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:

Get to Know our Staff

NAVIGATING THE WAY TO HIGH QUALITY CHILD CARECHILD CARE SOLUTIONS THANKS!

Child Care Solutions would like to send a very big thank you to all the child care providers who completed our

firstProviderFeedbackSurveyof2013.InJanuary 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 WoodsHeidi Myers

We appreciate all our provider’s feedback and look forward to

working with you again.


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Community Supporters Dianne ApterSusan FinkelsteinSusan GortonJulie HammerSusan HornNorman & Gloria KeimGretchen KinnellRocco LiuzziCissy & David LizziJudith MichaudShari PurcellTim RakeCharles & Joann SimpsonMarsha WeissmanDouglas & Elaine WolfFrederick Zolna

WHO WE AREHigh-qualitychildcarehasmanybenefits,includingpreparingchildrenforschool.ChildCareSolutions,yourchildcareresourceandrefer-ral 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 prac-

tices.• 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.

Gretchen Kinnell Scholarship Supporters Dianne Apter Apter & O’ConnorSusan Benjamin John & Lora Lee Buchta Amy D’Agostino Gail Gzik Kathleen Lagrow Learn As You GrowPeggy Liuzzi Linda Mocciaro Penny Noll Cynthia O’Connor Beth Pastel Shari Purcell

New Licensed/Registered Providers Cayuga CountyGenne Russell

New Licensed/Registered Providers Onondaga CountyDanelis Armas Guerrero Maryann CrawfordYoli JeilaniLourdes PiedraCarolyn WilsonMercedes Bloodworth

New Child Care CentersNorthminster Early Childhood Center

Bernice Wright Nursery SchoolBright Starts of CNYLearn As You Grow - Camillus ALearn As You Grow - Camillus BLearn As You Grow - CiceroLearn As You Grow - Elta DriveLearn As You Grow - Highland AvenueLearn As You Grow - SolvayLiving and Learning Child Care CenterMadison County Head Start - Canal SideMadison County Head Start - Cazenovia CenterMadison County Head Start - Madison CenterMadison County Head Start - MorrisvilleMadison County Head Start - Oneida City CenterParkside Children's CenterSU Early Education and Child Care CenterThe Growing PlaceThe Salvation Army - Cab Horse CommonsThe Salvation Army - Citadel School Age ProgramThe Salvation Army - Infant CenterYMCA - Manlius

Lorraine BuselliCindy DixonDenise Downing-CapozziDeanna DussingDelia GarciaJimmy GarciaMaria GodinezJacquelyn GrilloLinda GriselJillian HerreraAnn Marie LucisanoLinda MartineauLori McGillCarie MengelDarlene MillerCynthia MilletCathleen MonroeSharon NufferMelanie PeryeaDeborah PhelpsDeborah PiascikYanila RamonIvonne RodriguezSara SauginasMary Beth SchuffeneckerConstance ScottEva Sheets-BrewerCindy SienkiewiczMara SloanRegina VanderhoffMary WademanBrenda WoodsChristyYenny

Individual Professional Members

Organizational Professional Members

MeMberS & SupporterS


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This donations is being made by a(n) Individual 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 environmentsfor the children of our community.

I would like to support the Gretchen Kinnell Scholarship Fund:

$25 $50 $75

$100 $250 $500

Other

Member/Supporter RegistrationName

Name of Program/Organization

Street Address

City State

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 Renewal

Individuals & Family Child Care $25 Individual

$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

$100 per location Child Care/Early Education Program with more than 5 staff

$100 per location Non Profit CommunityOrganization

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:

$25 $50 $75

$100 $250 $500

$ 1000 Other

This donations is being made by a(n) Individual Business

Become a Member or Community Supporter

(1) By MailComplete the member registration form and make check payable to Child Care Solutions.

Mail to:Child Care Solutions6724 Thompson Rd.Syracuse, NY 13211

(2) By WebRegister & pay online at www.childcaresolutionscny.org

(3) By PhoneCall Child Care Solutions 315-446-1220 or toll free888-729-7290 and pay by Visa, Mastercard or Discover

Please call 315-446-1220 ext. 354 with any questions. Child Care Solutions is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.


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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 adminis-tration, in Burlington, Vermont. She has taught preschool, directed early childhood programs, and studied parents’ perceptions of preschoolers’ learning through play.

#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 play-ground

• new vocabulary – like the words they need to play with toy dino-saurs

• social skills – like playing together in a pretend car wash

• literacy skills – like creating a menu for a pretend restaurant

#3 PLAY REDUCES STRESS.Play helps your children grow emotionally. It is joyful and provides an outlet for anxiety and stress.

#2 PLAY IS HEALTHY.Play helps children grow strong and healthy. It also counteracts obesity is-sues facing many children today.

#5 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.

10 Things Every Parent Should Know about Playby Laurel Bongiorno

#7 PLAY OUTSIDE.Remember your own outdoor

experiences of building forts, playing on the

beach, sledding in the winter, or playing

with other children in the neighbor-hood. Make sure your children create outdoor memories. too. #8 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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

parentS & providerS


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Child Care Solutions

Will Be Closed

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

Director’s Meetings

We will be CLOSED 9:00AM - 11:00AM

For Staff Meetings

• Monday, March 18

• Monday, April 15

• Monday, May 20

We will be CLOSED

• Monday, May 27 Memorial Day

• Thursday, July 4, Independence Day

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 con-ducting a photo contest with the theme of “Children Learn Through Play.” Contest winner will receive a gift certificatetoDestinyUSA.Therewillbeadditionalprizesfor 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.

Celeb

rate the

Wee

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the

You

ng C

hild

ENTER OUR PHOTO CONTESTWIN GREAT PRIZES

Save The Date!

CHILD CARE SOLUTION’S ANNUAL COLUMBUS DAY CONFERENCE

Save the date

Monday, October 14th

More details to follow this summer.


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Moving Beyond “Kid-Friendly” MealsWhen 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. Typi-cally 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 com-municateslowexpectationsfortheirabilitytobeflexible,adventurous,andhealthy 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 ensuresthateveryonewillfindsomethingtheylikeatleastalittle.Forexample, 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 expecta-tions,isahealthyhabitthatwillbenefitchildrenfortherestoftheirlives.

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. Offer both new and 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.

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 - “kid-friendly” 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.

Pat Kuhl is our Nutritionist. She is available to answer your questions regarding children’s diet & nutrition.

Ask The NutritionistCDA Information You Need To KnowInformation from The Council for Professional Recognition

It's 2013 - the Year of CDA 2.0! The Council for Professional Recognition is proud to an-nounce the arrival of CDA 2.0 on June 1, 2013. The new credentialing process will strengthen and streamline the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Creden-tialing 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 UpdatesHave 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 up-dated since October is the decision to allow candidates six months to complete their assessment requirements (theCDAExamandVerificationVisit)ratherthan30days. 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 willhavetheflexibilitytoscheduleandaccomplishtheirassessment 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 ap-plication 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 Stan-dards 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 ap-plication that will be included in the book.

Second Setting Credential Process to End on May 31Anyone interested in obtaining a Second Setting Creden-tial under the present Council Guidelines must apply by May 31.

Because CDA 2.0 requires candidates to take CDA ex-ams 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.

Good to Know


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reGulatory MatterS

THE

DOG DAYS

OF

SUMMER ARE

COMING...ARE

YOU READY

TO SWIM

SAFE?

Melody Scanlon is an RN and our Health Care Consultant. She is available to answer your questions.

Email questions to: [email protected] or call 315-446-1220.

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

WillIgetmyMATcertificationatthetimeofmyappointmentorclass? 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 line80%

In class80%

In class80%

How much time is spent with a trainer? 1 hour 6 hours 2 days

Now is the time to plan ahead for rising temperatures and humid-ity. 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 childcaresettings,likethekindyoufillwithwaterandhavetodump.Inflatablepoolsandotherpooltypescannotbeusedeither.CallyourRegistrar 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 sub-mitting 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 fol-low additional guidelines.

Ask The Nurse Q:IamtryingtorenewmyMedicationAdministrationTraining(MAT)certificationforthe3rdtime.IwassentalettersayingthatIcouldrenewonline.Itooktheonlineclassandpassedtheonlinetest.IwastoldIwouldreceivemyMATcertificationinthemail.InsteadofreceivingmycertificationIgotanotherlettersayingthatIhadtomeetwithaMATtrainerandpassacompetencytest.IsmyMATcertifi-cation 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.Your3rdMATcertificationrenewalisnotvaliduntilyoupassthe“writtentest”eitheronlineorinpersonANDpassthecom-petency 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.

WeareencouragingchildcareproviderstocallChildCareSolutionsat315-446-1220withquestionsaboutMATCertification.Therearecurrently3optionsforrenewingyourMATCertificationforthe3rdtime.Youcantakeandpasstheonlinetestandmakeanappointmentwith 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.

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 musthavecertificationinFirstAidandCPR,oracertifiedlifeguard 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 life-

saving 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.


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• Serveonanon-profitprogram’sBoardofDirectors.• Shareyourbusinessortechnicalexpertisewithprogram

managementorstaff.• Encourageyouremployeestovolunteerinearlycare&learning

programs.• Helpunderwritethecostsoflearningmaterials,likeartsupplies

andbooks,ordonatesuppliesdirectly.• Providein-kindsupportforcopying,faxing,mailingorprinting.• Helpcreatehealthyplay&learningenvironmentsforthechildren

throughplayground/classroomspruce-up&clean-upprojects.

Adopt an Early Care & Education Program

• Write letters to theeditorabout the importanceof early care&education.

• Contactpolicymakersandcommunity leaders tocommunicatetheimportanceofinvestmentinearlycare&learning.

• Sponsor& support legislation thatprovides funds to increase thequalityandavailabilityofearlycare&learningprograms.

• Includeearlycare&learninginregionaleconomicdevelopmentplanning.

Become An Advocate For Early Care & Learning

• Sponsorachild’sparticipationintheDollyPartonImaginationLibrary.

• DonatetoTheLiteracyCoalitionofOnondagaCountyandorvolunteerforthem.

• Hostabookdriveorparticipateinacommunitybookdrive.

Invest In Literacy

• Informemployeesabouttheimportanceofthefirstfiveyearsoflifeandprovideparentinginformationthroughaffinitygroupsandlinkstocommunityresources.

• Host prenatal and parenting classes for employees or providespaceforclassesandParentCafesopentothecommunity.

• SupportapublicawarenesscampaignliketheUnitedWay’sBornLearninginitiative.

• Implement best practices in the workplace. (providing sup-port tobreast-feedingmothers, flexiblework schedules, allowingsick leavetobeusedtocare for illchildren, timeoff for teacherconferences,etc.)

Educate & Support Parents

• Donatespacetomaketrainingprogramseasilyaccessibleforteachers&providers.

• Donatetoscholarshipandtrainingprogramstoincreasetheskillsandknowledgeofearlycare&educationprofessionals.

Support Early Care & Education Providers & Teachers.

• VolunteertobeaSB6PolicyCouncilorCCSBoardmember.• Providefinancialsupportfortheworkoftheseorganizations.• Followandsharetheirsocialmediamessagestoincreasetheir

reach.Facebook:UnitedWayofCentralNewYork, Twitter@uwcnyFacebook:ChildCareSolutions, Twitter:@ccscnyFacebook:LiteracyCoalitionofOnondagaCounty, Twitter:@onliteracy

Support Success By 6 & Child Care Solutions

123456 Things You Can Do To Improve Early Care & Learning in

Central New YorkOn Friday, February 1, 2013 Child Care Solutions and Success By 6 hosted a policy breakfast for legislators, business, edu-cation, law enforcement and community leaders. The break-fast 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 & learn-ing 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 direct-ed to Patrice Robinson, Child Care Solutions at 315-446-1220 ext. 354 or email her at [email protected].

SprinG into action


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SprinG into action

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 aware-ness, 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.

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 atten-

tion?• 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?

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 work-ing 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 differ-ent tempo, varying between soft, fast, upbeat, and slow, encourag-ing 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

The Great Fuzz Frenzy by Susan Stevens Crummel. Very funny, silly and creative according to Katie How-ell, one of our professional develop-ment speicialists. “Deep, deep down in their underground town, the prairie dogs live in harmony--until a myste-rious,fluorescent,veryfuzzything(otherwise known as a tennis ball) rollsdowntheirhole.”Readtofindout what happens to their prairie dog community.

BOOKS TO CONSIDER FOR SPRING

It’s Spring by Linda Glaser. “A child observes the arrival of spring and its effects on plants and animals.“

Spring is Here by Taro Gomi. Us-ing simple words and bright, bold illustrations, Taro Gomi takeschildren on a journey through the four seasons.

To Do List

SHAKE OUT YOUR

SPRING-TIME SILLIES!

Our MissionChild Care Solutions promotes early learning, healthy devel-opment and high quality care for all children through educa-tion, advocacy and support for families and early childhood professionals.

Our Locations & Business Hours

SyracuSe 6724 Thompson Road Syracuse, NY 13211

hours M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm auburn 34 Wright Ave. Auburn, NY 13021

hourS T-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm

Our Phones & Contact Information

Main phone (315) 446-1220fax (315) 446-2010reGiStrarS office (315) 701-2707fax (315) 701-1254toll free (888) 729-7290

webSitewww.childcaresolutionscny.org

e-Mail [email protected]

Executive DirectorPeggy Liuzzi ext. 310

Assistant DirectorShannon Gillen ext. 307

Finance DirectorMike Ransom ext. 304

Director Professional DevelopmentPatricia Beck ext. 309

Marketing/Development DirectorPatrice Robinson ext. 354

Systems AdministratorPam Borreggine ext. 306

Data SpecialistNora Rudewicz ext. 311

Senior Administrative AssistantLinda Mocciaro ext. 315

Administrative TeamKay Brown ext. 345 (Accounting Asst)Suzanne Goodell ext. 401 (Registrar Asst)Sara Pastore ext. 301 (Admin Asst)

Professional Development CoordinatorPatti Sofranko ext. 312

Health Care ConsultantMelody Scanlon ext. 332

Professional Development SpecialistsKatie Howell ext. 326Kass Nethercott ext. 336Tonia Thornton ext. 347

Infant/Toddler Region III CoordinatorSusan DeCarlo ext. 335

NutritionistPat Kuhl ext. 314

Health and Safety CoordinatorRose Walsh ext. 319

Parent Services CoordinatorAimee Fletcher ext. 313

Parent Services SpecialistsAna Sojo ext. 353AmieCoffinext.320

Director of Provider ServicesMichelle Wolstenholme ext. 346

Provider Services SpecialistsTracey Hare ext. 348Alexis Hyde ext. 333Ashley Lenhart ext. 349Laura Maloney ext. 305Diane Thomas ext. 323

Registration DirectorBeth Henderson ext. 416

Registration CoordinatorSiobane Hall ext. 414

Registration AssistantShari Purcell ext. 438

RegistrarsSue Benjamin ext. 412Joe Bernazzani ext. 411Faith Gilliam ext. 405Selena LaPoint-Dice ext. 430Casey Miner ext. 436Becky Oliver ext. 434Linda Russell Shepherd ext. 438Janie Wilson ext. 432

ChildCareSolutions6724 Thompson RoadSyracuse, NY 13211

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSyracuse, NY

Permit No. 1027

Current resident or:

Documents

Connection March-May 2013