Early Childhood News

Going Green

Eco-Healthy Child Care http://ecohealthychildcare.org/

Sustainable Baby Steps, Small steps towards greener living: http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/ways-to-go-green.html

News

What’s Next for Early Childhood Education in America? http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/03/13/president-obama-jumpstarts-early-childhood-education-trend

Getting Preschool Education Right: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/opinion/getting-obamas-preschool-education-plan-right.html

Webinars, Workshops and Conferences

2nd Annual Early Childhood Conference. Tending Tiny Roots: Touchpoints and Supporting Relationships: http://www.cobleskill.edu/about/administrative-offices/professional-and-continuing-education/early-childhood-conference.asp

Early Care & Learning Council Management Training Catalog: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/management-training/documents/2013managementtrainingschedule.pdf

Upcoming free Child Care Aware “Lunch and Learn” Webinars http://www.naccrra.org/public-policy/policy-webinars/lunch-learn-webinars

CCR&R News and Resources

Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc. 13th Annual Gala journal, “A Slice of Latin America”: http://issuu.com/committeeforhispanic/docs/journal_2013_final_issuu_print_size?mode=window&proSidebarEnabled=true

Child & Family Resources, is conducting a community needs assessment for Ontario, Seneca and Yates Counties. http://www.cfresources.org/content.aspx?page_id=330&club_id=626081

Abbe Kovacik (Capital District Child Care Council) talks parenting problems: http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S2952351.shtml?cat=0

Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc. to honor 21st Annual Children’s Champions: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=glurqqcab&v=001tP2d4sszXqosUCwJlrVbDvdxJ46ejDy0snPhkyUmpoffnGJwMCUwmBNWtxXNaIQ5TbYAUE2dG05a2sye7aTXWFWUXxDQ_VPE55R3_2GpIO-LpvSb2X2cF-OEF-SVLjPn

Child Care Solutions is celebrating the Week of the Young Child with a photo contest! http://app.wizehive.com/contests/children-learn-through-play

Council news and resources March 25th, 2013

Two QUALITYstarsNY reports on QRIS Natioanl Learning Network. http://www.qrisnetwork.org/category/state-resource-type/quality-improvement

Continuing Resolution Eases Some of the Sequester Child Care Cuts: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/03/continuing-resolution-eases-some-of.html

Take action on the Federal Budget: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/03/take-action-on-federal-budget.html

Infant Mental Health Summit spurs community work: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/03/infant-mental-health-summit-spurs.html

Continuing Resolution Eases Some of the Sequester Child Care Cuts

Today the US House and Senate passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government for the rest of Fiscal Year 2013 and avoid a government shutdown.  The bill does not overturn the Sequester but it does include small funding increases (known as anomalies) for Early Childhood programs. Child Care will receive an additional $50 million and Head Start will receive an additional $33 million.  However this funding does not make programs whole again.

Senator Mikulski in her remarks on the Senate floor said the increases in Child Care would allow approximately 9,000 more children to receive child care assistance above the Sequester level (the Administration estimated that 30,000 children would lose child care assistance under the Sequester). The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet released official numbers on the number of children served under the CR. 

Even with these increases, the Sequester will still require significant cuts to Child Care and Head Start. New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee who voted for the bill was quoted as saying, “Like any compromise, this measure is far from perfect.”  The resolution will now be sent to the White House for President Obama’s signature.

There is still time to stop these cuts and to restore funding for these important programs if Congress decides to do so. It is critical that you continue to talk about the impact of these cuts in your communities.  Are you going to the Child Care Aware of America Policy Symposium? Make your appointments to see your representatives about these important issues today!

Stay tuned for more updates, including final details regarding the New York State Budget.

Sincerely, 
Jessica Klos Shapiro
Senior Policy Associate
(518) 690-4217 ex. 32

Webinars, Workshops and Conferences January to Match 2013

Q&A with Laura J. Colker via NAEYC http://www.naeyc.org/event/planning-for-learning-centers

Free Webinar: Unforgettable: The Fascination and Frustration of What Audiences Remember about Your Online Presentations 
http://learn.gotomeeting.com/010813-NA-G2MC-NoTactic-WBR-L1?ID=70150000000YexQ&elq=fd12ecbff66b40a6943312cd12866cbe&elqCampaignId=

Kids Matter App- Oklahoma Implementation Webinar https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/944036506

Early Registration for NYSAYEC conference opens: http://nysaeyc.org/

Child Care Aware Lunch and Learn Webinar: PowerPoint Basics https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/987409330

Child Care Aware Lunch and Learn Webinar: Excel 101:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/256863858

Live Webinar: Breaking Down the Barriers for Nonprofits http://tinyurl.com/bytd6fw

Child Care Aware Lunch and Learn Webinar:  Advocacy vs. Lobbying  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/972931842

Membership Meeting http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/documents/ECLCMembershipMeetingJanuary302013.htm

Child Care Aware Lunch and Learn: Budget Bonanza: The New and Improved Fiscal Cliff: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/886977050

Marsha Basloe will be on Assemblymember Tom Abinanti’s TV show
Wednesday: Infant Toddler Mental Health Summit at Hotel Albany. Contact Evelyn Efinger for more information eefinger@earlycareandlearning.org

Lunch and Learn, Excel 101  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/256863858

Webinar, 5 Steps to Moderating Successful Online Events  http://tinyurl.com/agpu9e3

Register for Workshop for CCR&R professionals at the NYSAEYC Conference: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/documents/COREBodyofKnowApril42013registrationform.docx (this is a word doc and will download automatically) More information about the session can be found on the registration form or here: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/documents/CoreBodyofKnowledgeatNYSAEYCforFeb15.pdf

Child Care Aware Lunch and Learn: Federal Budget Overview and Outlook. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/235743458

2013 NYS Early Learning Trainer's Institute http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Attend-the-2013-Trainer-s-Institute.html?soid=1102180028907&aid=Syw_36Et7p8

Early Care & Learning Council’s 2013 Professional Development Events: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/documents/2013CCRRProfessionalDevelopmentEvents.pdf

Early Care & Learning Council Management Training Catalog: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/management-training/documents/2013managementtrainingschedule.pdf

Websites

Child in Mind - Promoting Children's Mental Health Through Relationship Based Interventions, A blog about children’s mental health: http://claudiamgoldmd.blogspot.com/

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: http://www.triplep.net/glo-en/home

For Our Babies is a national movement promoting healthy development in U.S. children from conception to age 3. They advocate for the types of environments, experiences, and relationships that infants and toddlers need in order to thrive. 

http://forourbabies.org

Discount School Supply’s free grant database for early childhood care and education: http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/community/grants.aspx

Early Childhood News January to March 2013

Investing in an ounce of prevention: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Investing-in-an-ounce-of-prevention-4276781.php#ixzz2KtuBanRW

Yes, President Obama: Working Families Desperately Need Access To Preschool--And Childcare: http://www.forbes.com/sites/brycecovert/2013/02/13/yes-president-obama-working-families-desperately-need-access-to-preschool-and-childcare/

Getting Preschool Education Right: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/opinion/getting-obamas-preschool-education-plan-right.html

Senator Neil Breslin asks some UPKers to raise their hands if they like school and learn a lot! https://twitter.com/NYS_ECLC/status/301739649515261952/photo/1

Officer John Shanahan of Cohoes talks to UPKers about how important their experiences are. https://twitter.com/NYS_ECLC/status/301726604311285760/photo/1

In Cohoes with Fight Crime Invest in Kids and room full of adorable UPKers! https://twitter.com/NYS_ECLC/status/301724523420585984/photo/1 

Q&A: Business leader (Bill Millet) to speak on importance of early education in Syracuse:  http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/01/business_leader_bill_millett_t.html

What's the ROI on Early Childhood Education: http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/Hawaii-Business/February-2013/Whats-the-ROI-on-Early-Childhood-Education/

Principal Cliff Bird discusses the importance of pre-k #earlychildhoodeducation #q4k pic.twitter.com/1GBxh341:  
https://twitter.com/NYS_ECLC/status/298467845916987392/photo/1

Child Care Crisis: http://www.kmot.com/News_Stories.asp?news=61268

Male caregiver finds welcome community: 
http://www.ledgertranscript.com/home/3509932-95/aucoin-care-preschool-program

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2012: http://www.facebook.com/notes/national-institute-for-early-education-research/top-10-blog-posts-of-2012/10151207456123152

PDI’s Sherry Cleary and the Early Care & Learning Council’s Mary Stalker talk about quality early care and education on the Capitol Pressroom: 
http://www.wcny.org/thecapitolpressroomorg/wp-content/uploads/DEC202012.MP3

Toddlers’ language skills predict less anger by preschool:   http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-12-toddlers-language-skills-anger-preschool.html

Larry Schweinhart What do preschools get you? A TEDtalk on the Highscope Perry Preschool study: http://blog.tedx.com/post/34701775446/what-do-preschools-get-you-larry-schweinhart

Coping with violence: http://www.naeyc.org/content/coping-school-shooting

Defeat Poverty, child care and early learning: http://defeatpovertydc.org/end-poverty/make-work-possible/child-care/

A Smart Investment: Skilled Early Childhood Workforce: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elaine-weiss/early-childhood-education_b_2271120.html

K-12 May Not Benefit From Brighter Fiscal Outlook: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/12/12/14budgets.h32.html?tkn=ORSFyuidhhU6WQzndXq9c%2FXuigqJ5KRIZi5d&cmp=clp-edweek

Community College Lab School Trains Early Educators: http://eyeonearlyeducation.org/2012/11/26/community-college-lab-school-trains-early-educators/

Infographic: Quality #ECE reduces special education spending: https://twitter.com/firstfiveyears/status/281102399999967233/photo/1

Child Care Crisis: http://www.kmot.com/News_Stories.asp?news=61268

Male caregiver finds welcome community: http://www.ledgertranscript.com/home/3509932-95/aucoin-care-preschool-program

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2012: http://www.facebook.com/notes/national-institute-for-early-education-research/top-10-blog-posts-of-2012/10151207456123152

PDI’s Sherry Cleary and the Early Care & Learning Council’s Mary Stalker talk about quality early care and education on the Capitol Pressroom: 
http://www.wcny.org/thecapitolpressroomorg/wp-content/uploads/DEC202012.MP3

Toddlers’ language skills predict less anger by preschool:   http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-12-toddlers-language-skills-anger-preschool.html

Larry Schweinhart What do preschools get you? A TEDtalk on the Highscope Perry Preschool study: http://blog.tedx.com/post/34701775446/what-do-preschools-get-you-larry-schweinhart

Coping with violence: http://www.naeyc.org/content/coping-school-shooting

Defeat Poverty, child care and early learning: http://defeatpovertydc.org/end-poverty/make-work-possible/child-care/

A Smart Investment: Skilled Early Childhood Workforce: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elaine-weiss/early-childhood-education_b_2271120.html

K-12 May Not Benefit From Brighter Fiscal Outlook: 
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/12/12/14budgets.h32.html?tkn=ORSFyuidhhU6WQzndXq9c%2FXuigqJ5KRIZi5d&cmp=clp-edweek

Community College Lab School Trains Early Educators: http://eyeonearlyeducation.org/2012/11/26/community-college-lab-school-trains-early-educators/

Infographic: Quality #ECE reduces special education spending: https://twitter.com/firstfiveyears/status/281102399999967233/photo/1

A powerful account of what it takes to care for a child with special needs. So many child care providers are part of "care maps" like this, working as part of a team with parents, therapists, physicians and so many others:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/18/gabes-care-map-special-needs-children-caregivers_n_2469564.html?1358524067&utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=2291676,b=facebook

Prevent the Flue by Playing Outdoors: http://www.playworks.org/blog/prevent-flu-playing-outdoors

FEMA Updates for New York Hurricane Sandy:  http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4085/updates/answers-most-commonly

NAEYC’s first themed issue of TYC, includes articles about beginning the planning process, planning for play in the classroom, and knowing when to change plans.  http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/current

Early Childhood Education Is Just the Start:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kevin-p-chavous/early-childhood-education_b_2476287.html

Family Child Care Association of NYS , Inc.  21st  Annual Conference, Scholarships available:  http://www.fccanys.org/2012FCCANYSConFlyer.pdf

Warning to parents: Inspect Fisher-Price infant seats (via OCFS): http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare/defaultdatabaseDetails.asp?ID=291

Warning to parents: Inspect Fisher-Price infant seats (via OCFS): http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare/defaultdatabaseDetails.asp?ID=291

Infographic: Returns on $1 invested to 3 Pre-K Programs:  http://firesteelwa.org/public/skins/admin/js/tiny_mce/plugins/imagemanager/files/early_learning_returns.jpg

For Obama’s New Term, Start Here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/opinion/kristof-for-obamas-new-term-start-here.html?_r=1&

TEDTalk: Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids: http://www.ted.com/talks/adora_svitak.html

Infographic: What's the answer to global competitiveness, better #health and #education outcomes and less crime and #poverty? https://twitter.com/NYS_ECLC/status/293735435677609984/photo/1

Day Care and Behavior Problems, Unlinked: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/day-care-and-behavior-problems-unlinked/

A tough critique of Common Core on early childhood education: http://tinyurl.com/anyczoj
Letter: Early learning classes benefit future of state: http://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Letter-Early-learning-classes-benefit-future-of-4301697.php#ixzz2LvPpidlt

NPR’s spin on universal preschool is unduly negative: http://investinginkids.net/2013/02/18/nprs-spin-on-universal-preschool-is-unduly-negative/

The Benefits of Positive Parenting: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/helping-the-parents-to-spare-the-children/?ref=opinion

Take Action! Persuade your legislators to fund early care & learning! https://www.votervoice.net/WBNY/Campaigns/31064/Respond

Daycare providers warn of childcare scam:  http://www.nbc12.com/story/21527393/daycare-providers-warn-of-childcare-scam

Child-care tax breaks for working parents: How to take advantage of tax savings available to all earners http://www.marketwatch.com/story/child-care-tax-breaks-for-working-parents-2013-03-06

Capitalists for Preschool:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/02/opinion/the-business-case-for-early-childhood-education.html?_r=0&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1362240262-wLaLYlpMxs2ZYgxfgkX%2F0Q

Affordable Child Care Necessary to Reviving Gender Equality:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anika-rahman/affordable-child-care_b_2783235.html

Child Care “Crisis” to Impact NY Economy? http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F31007-1

Letter: Early learning classes benefit future of state:  http://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Letter-Early-learning-classes-benefit-future-of-4301697.php

CCR&R News and Resources January to March 2013

The Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension Announces New Service for Parents Seeking Child Care: http://madisoncountycourier.com/?p=40473

Child Care Council of Suffolk Information Session: http://commack.patch.com/events/information-session-7846c953

Child Care Council of Suffolk board member appointed to Vice-Chair of Economic Development Committee: http://www.longislandexchange.com/press/2012/12/20/bellone-names-custodio-to-serve-as-vice-chair-of-economic-development-committee/

Day Care Council of New York has a grant to increase the number of programs that are licensed to administer medication. For more information contact Teresa Olander at tolander@dccnyinc.org

Westchester Child Care Council fundraiser to feature dinner and jazz:  http://newyork.newsday.com/westchester/westchester-child-care-council-fundraiser-to-feature-dinner-and-jazz-1.4417257

Become a Parent Advocate: Child Care Council of Suffolk Recruiting Now:  http://kingspark.patch.com/blog_posts/become-a-parent-advocate-child-care-council-of-suffolk-recruiting-now

Program Lets Parents Take Control of Their Community:  http://lindenhurst.patch.com/articles/program-lets-parents-take-control-of-their-community-4b6fa60d

Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putman, Inc. 10th Annual Champions of Child Care Celebration:  http://e2.ma/webview/97exc/0cf81a1a1c500f6e661a5313e588eff1

Have a summer program or summer camp you'd like to let parents know about? Submit your camp information to be included in our 2013 Summer Camp Catalog! http://www.cdcccc.org/parent_campsurvey.cfm

Nassau County Bar Association is offering free consultations to residents of Nassau County who may be facing Mortgage Foreclosure of their home, or those who suffered damage to their homes and belongings as a result of Super Storm Sandy… via Child Care Council of Nassau:  http://www.childcarenassau.org/documents/326.pdf

Long Island Early Care & Educations Day in Albany: Wednesday, March 20th:  http://www.childcarenassau.org/documents/331.pdf

Westchester Begins Annual Tax Credit Efforts: http://www.westchester.com/news/westchesternews/government/17588-westchester-begins-annual-tax-credit-efforts.html

On Thursday, May 9, 2013, the CCCDP will host its 10th Annual Champions of Child Care celebration. http://www.childcaredutchess.org/nomination2013/ChildCareNomination.html

Grant to Reduce Toxins in Daycares (Child Care Council, Inc.) http://rochester.ynn.com/content/635495/grant-to-reduce-toxins-in-daycares/

Keeping Baby on Track When Mom is in School (Center for Children’s Initiatives): http://tinyurl.com/asofbul

Child Care Council of Nassau is hosting "Four Decades for Children" - their 40th Anniversary Gala on April 25! https://www.secureacc.com/childcarenassau/default.aspx?PageID=536

Program Lets Parents Take Control of Their Community (Child Care Council of Suffolk): http://tinyurl.com/a5mrrlr

Child Care Council of Suffolk and the Child Care Council of Nassau are teaming up for Long Island Early Care & Educations Day in Albany: Wednesday, March 20th:  http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/355493/26a9bf4b06/ARCHIVE

Child Care Council of Nassau’ Executive Director, Jan Barbieri, will be honored by the Long Island Progressive Coalition at their 34th Anniversary Luncheon this March! Jan has been selected to receive the "Long Islanders Who Have Made a Difference" award! Congratulations, Jan!
Capital District Child Care Council: How to make an Amazing Cape! (video) http://youtu.be/oQoitwgyh70

Child Care Council of Suffolk and the Child Care Council of Nassau are teaming up for Long Island Early Care & Educations Day in Albany: Wednesday, March 20th:  http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/355493/26a9bf4b06/ARCHIVE

Child Care Council, Inc. is on Pinterest!  http://pinterest.com/cccouncilinc/

Westchester child care groups to host free breakfast http://newyork.newsday.com/westchester/westchester-child-care-groups-to-host-free-breakfast-1.4541161

Child Care Council of Nassau, Inc. Celebrates 40 Years of Service: http://www.longislandexchange.com/press/2013/02/13/child-care-council-of-nassau-inc-celebrates-40-years-of-service/

The Child Care Council of Westchester is hosting a legislative breakfast on May 17th: http://www.childcarewestchester.org/events_2013_award_breakfast.php

Tips on balancing homework and downtime via the Capital District Child Care Council and Albany Times Union: http://blog.timesunion.com/parenting/19362/guest-post-homework-tips/#more-19362

State Legislators Hold Joint Legislative Hearing on Cuomo’s Budget Proposal:  http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2013/02/21/state-legislators-hold-joint-legislative-hearing-on-cuomos-budget-proposal/

Child & Family Resources, Inc.  Child and Family Resources Inc. has just launched its seasonal fundraising campaign. Get your incredible perennials and bulbs!  http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=14385

(Rockland County) Early childhood education advocates discuss funding: http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013303010117&nclick_check=1

Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc is celebrating Spring!  http://tinyurl.com/byzrd9o

Council News and Resources January to March 2013

l12/27/12 Early Childhood News: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2012/12/early-childhood-news_27.html

The Early Care & Learning Council and the National Women’s Law Center join a nation-wide effort in launching the 2013 Tax Credits Outreach Campaign. http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/tax-credits/

PITC Project Summary: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/infant-toddler/documents/PITCProjectSummaryDecember2012.pdf

Promoting Responsive Relationships: Final Project Summary: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/infant-toddler/documents/PRRFinalProjectSummaryDecember2012.pdf

The State of our Children: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-state-of-our-children.html

Policy and Advocacy Update: Parents at Symposium: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/01/policy-and-advocacy-update.html

Marsha Basloe of the Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter, starts around the 42 minute mark: http://www.wcny.org/thecapitolpressroomorg/wp-content/uploads/JAN172013.MP3

Infograph; 37% of #children will arrive at #kindergarten without the skills necessary for lifetime learning: https://twitter.com/NYS_ECLC/status/290928335570219008/photo/1

Governor Cuomo Releases 2013-2014 Executive Budget http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/01/governor-cuomo-releases-2013-2014.html

We have a great grant opportunity for early care and learning programs in the Bronx and Brooklyn! http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/documents/HealthyActiveLivingFinalRFA.pdf

Making the Business Case – Mini Advocacy Tool-kit available: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/childcare-resource-referral/toolkits.cfm

Membership Meeting Materials, January 30, 2012 http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/documents/ECLCMembershipMeetingJanuary302013.htm

Quality for Kids Campaign Summary: http://qualityforkids.org/2013/01/22/2012-summary/

The 2013 New Director’s Orientation Manual for Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies is out!
http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/childcare-resource-referral/documents/CCRRNewDirectorsManual2013_001.pdf

raining institute reduces turnover; improves quality: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/01/training-institute-reduces-turnover.html

Get the Tax Credits you deserve! http://www.nwlc.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/tco-fliers2013/new_york-tcoflier2013.pdf

January/February Early Care & Learning Council Newsletter: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/media-room/documents/EarlyCareLearningCouncilNewsletterJanuary2013.pdf

Save the date: Training Opportunity for CCR&R professionals: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/documents/CoreBodyofKnowledgeatNYSAEYCforFeb15.pdf

Advocacy: Week of 2/11-2/15 2013: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/02/advocacy-week-of-211-215-2013.html

What is legally-exempt child care?: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/legallyexempt.cfm

Mental Health Summit brings early childhood professionals together (on our blog): http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/02/mental-health-summit-brings-early.html

Policy Associate Jessica Klos Shapiro testified in front of the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on 2013-2014 Executive Budget Proposal: Human Services. http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/02/public-hearing-on-human-services.html

Register for Workshop for CCR&R professionals at the NYSAEYC Conference: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/documents/COREBodyofKnowApril42013registrationform.docx (this is a word doc and will download automatically) More information about the session can be found on the registration form or here: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/documents/CoreBodyofKnowledgeatNYSAEYCforFeb15.pdf

Continuous Improvement and Going Greener Early Care & Learning Council is always improving. We found another way to improve our work environment and we are sharing it with you. Certainly our efforts are a mere beginning in the attempt to be environmentally aware and care for Mother Earth. Please consider our Environmental Awareness Statement and the Recycling Operations Procedure & Guideline of January 2013 another resource for you. Let this be part of our membership services efforts to share new information with our members as you also think about the environment.
You may also find this Eco-Healthy Checklist helpful in your work with child care programs.
Special appreciation and acknowledgment goes to Family Enrichment Network, Child and Family Resources and all the CCR&R agencies which contributed ideas for our work.

2013 Professional Development Events: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/resources/documents/2013CCRRProfessionalDevelopmentEvents.pdf

Do your lawmakers know your budget priorities?: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/03/do-your-lawmakers-know-your.html

Five stars set the bar for early education: http://www.earlycareandlearning.blogspot.com/2013/02/five-stars-set-bar-for-early-education.html

Early Care & Learning Council Management Training Catalog: http://www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs/management-training/documents/2013managementtrainingschedule.pdf

The first 2000 days are the key to school readiness! (video): http://youtu.be/ry-2V7FAGog

Take action on the Federal Budget

3/18/13

Federal Budget Update

In the days ahead this week, the House and Senate are each expected to pass a budget resolution, a blueprint for spending and savings for committees to follow as they consider appropriations and tax measures later this year.

House Budget Committee Chairman, Paul Ryan (R-WI), drafted a plan to balance the budget over the next 10 years by

• cutting spending by $4.6 trillion;
• reforming the tax code;
• turning the SNAP program (formerly Food Stamps) into a block grant and cutting it by $135 billion; and eliminating the 2010 health care law.
• significantly cut funding for programs like child care assistance and Head Start, which help women work and children learn.

The Ryan plan, “The Path to Prosperity: A Responsible, Balanced Budget,” was approved by the Budget Committee on a party-line vote. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 66 percent of the savings in the House plan come from budget cuts to programs assisting low income families.

Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman, Patty Murray (D-WA), drafted a plan to reduce spending over the next 10 years by $1.85 trillion that calls for replacing the sequester, reducing spending by $975 billion and raising revenue by $975 billion over 10 years. The Murray plan, “Foundation for Growth: Restoring the Promise of American Opportunity,” also includes reserve fund language for child care; pre-kindergarten; and home visiting. Reserve funds are used to place a marker that if legislation in those areas were to be considered later this Congress, the Budget Committee “reserves the ability” to reallocate budget allocations so that such legislation would not be subject to a point of order. These reserve funds do not have money attached to them, but conceptually it is great news that the Senate budget resolution would preserve the right to proceed to legislation on these issues later this year. During committee consideration, an amendment by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was adopted that calls for an increase in the minimum wage. The Murray plan was approved by the Budget Committee on a party-line vote.

The Coalition on Human Needs has sent letters to the House and Senate, opposing the Ryan budget and supporting the Murray budget. See them here:  CHN House Budget Letter  -  CHN Senate Budget Letter

You can send your own letters:  click here 

Remember, ACTION is needed now! The House of Representatives could vote as early as tomorrow on the Ryan budget. Tell your Representative to vote NO on the Ryan Budget.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,

Jessica

Jessica Klos Shapiro

Policy Associate

(518) 690-4217 ex. 32

Infant Mental Health Summit spurs community work

Contact: Mary Stalker

Director of Communications, Research & Development

518-690-4217 ext 22

mstalker@earlycareandlearning.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

3/19/13

Infant Mental Health Summit spurs community work

(Albany, NY) Last month early childhood professionals from across the state gathered in Albany at an Infant Mental Health Summit. The event brought together a variety of professionals who work with young children and their families. The idea was to explore what could be done to stop children from falling into the cracks between service systems. Conversations were had, connections were made, and now,  new partners are working together to help young children.

The Summit, organized by Early Care & Learning Council along with the New York State Council on Children and Families, the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Bureau of Early Intervention at the New York State Department of Health, brought together mental health, early education and early intervention professionals. They were challenged to work with colleagues from their own communities and invited to apply for mini grants to fund implementation of their ideas.  

Thirty two exceptional and innovative grant proposals were submitted. With a funding limit of $17,000 only 13 could be selected. These grants are funded by the NYS Council on Children and Families and managed by the Early Care & Learning Council.

Evelyn Efinger, Infant and Toddler Project Coordinator at the Early Care & Learning Council is working with each of the grantees to track their work and evaluate the impact of their projects. “This is all very exciting,” said Efinger. “The Infant Mental Health Summit was the first step in developing a stronger network of early childhood professionals. Participants were inspired by our presenters and went back to their communities ready to act. Even with a small amount of seed money, changes can be made to improve coordination among professionals and better serve young children. We are going to able to collect and share the lessons learned from these projects. What we learn will help us better serve all children.”

The grant period runs through July but the partnerships formed are sure to spur ongoing collaborative work. The grantees are:

Westchester Community Opportunity Program     

2269 Saw Mill River Rd - Bldg #3                                    

Elmsford, NY 12401           

914-592-5600                       

$1500 grant

Project: Using a new screening tool for early childhood trauma in multiple community locations

Cattaraugus Co Dept of Community Services            

1 Leo Moss Drive, Suite 4308                                            

Olean, NY 13790                   

716-701-3315

$1000 grant

Project: Form an Infancy Leadership Circle for Cattaraugus County

                                                     

Summit Educational Resources

150 Stahl Rd                           

Getzville, NY 14610            

716-629-3437                       

$1500 grant

Project: Erie Co Infant Mental Health meetings/Infancy Leadership Circle

Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc                                    

60 Calvert Ave                       

Commack, NY 11725         

631-462-0303                       

$1500 grant

Project: Project: Form an Infancy Leadership Circle for Suffolk County

NY Center for Child Development                                   

328 East 62nd St                   

New York, NY 10065          

212-752-7575                       

$1500 grant

Project: Engage institutions of Higher Education in the NYC area in dialogue regarding cross disciplinary additions to standard professional preparation for the fields of children’s health, mental health, early education, early intervention and family support.

Bellevue Hospital/NYU School of Medicine               

462 First Ave, NB21S6       

New York, NY 10016          

212-562-3290                       

$500 grant

Project: Expansion of mental health services and therapies in response to improved referral mechanisms between Bellevue and All About Kids

Chemung County Child Care Council, Inc                     

571 St Josephs Blvd, Suite 205

Elmira, NY 14901                

607-734-3941                       

$1500 grant

Project: Using Whole Child Check up (Tompkins county model) to strengthen connection between mental health and overall health

Child Care Solutions            

6724 Thompson RD            

Syracuse, NY 13211            

315-446-1220                       

$1500 grant

Project: Create a system wide protocol for preventing expulsion from child care for behavioral concerns including a mental health “red flags” checklist

Jewish Board of Family and Children Services 

2020 Coney Island Ave  

Brooklyn, NY 11223      

718-676-4310                

$1500 grant

Project: Forge an ongoing framework for collaboration between medical providers and mental health providers in the Jewish Orthodox communities of Brooklyn

Child Care Council of Rockland, Inc

235 N Main St, Suite 11

Spring Valley, NY 10977

845-425-0009                

$1500 grant

Project: Series of training events for caregivers/ Family support providers/home visitors and reinstitute the Rockland Better Baby care Campaign/Infancy Leadership Circle

Thrive by 5                     

22 East Lake St

Skaneateles, NY 13152  

315-440-5562

$500 grant

Project: Through training, develop a closer working relationship between the major child care programs in Cayuga county and the mental health and early intervention systems    

It’s About Childhood & Family                            

2610 South Salina Street                                     

Syracuse, NY 13205       

315-807-7849                

$1500 grant

Project: Train Child care providers, Early Intervention providers and parents of Cortland county in the Nurtured Heart Approach with the goal of bringing systems together with families

Child Care Council of Nassau, Inc                       

925 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 400                 

Franklin Square, NY 11010                                 

516-358-9250                

Project: Form an Infancy Leadership Circle for Nassau County

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Early Care & Learning Council: For more than thirty-five years, the Early Care & Learning Council has been a leading voice for early care and education in New York State.  With its statewide network of child care resource and referral agencies, the Council has successfully fought for increases in funding to support early childhood programs and for the reform of child care laws, regulations and policies to improve safety and quality in child care settings.  The Council was a founder and convener of both the Child Care that Works Campaign and Winning Beginning NY, both statewide advocacy coalitions.  The Council and partners work to increase the quality, affordability and capacity of the early care and learning field and does so through training and technical assistance, data management and advocacy initiatives. For more information, please call (518) 690-4217 or visit www.earlycareandlearning.org.