April 2013 Caring Matters

CM April 2013

Clean and Healthy New York and Child Care Council Inc. announced today a new partnership to educate child care providers in the Great Lakes basin about common toxic chemicals and how to
choose safer products. Clean and Healthy New York received a two-year Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant for “Toxics Reduction through Day Care Provider Engagement” from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Using the framework of the award-winning Eco-Healthy Child Care® program run by the national Children’s Environmental Health Network, the two organizations will reach out to all the child care providers in New York state’s Great Lakes basin, offering trainings and on-site technical assistance. The program goals are protecting children’s health by making their daily environment safer, while reducing use of chemicals prioritized by U.S. EPA through the agency’s Chemical Action Plans.

To find out more information and to read the press release, EPA-EcoHealthy Release

Child Care Council Inc. has partnered with the American Lung Association of New York to develop a pilot project directed at creating the safest environment for children with asthma to receive care. To begin the process of becoming endorsed, attend one of the Asthma 101 trainings, then self-complete the Asthma Friendly Child Care Endorsement Guide. Child Care Council’s Registered Nurses will guide you through the process of becoming an Asthma Friendly endorsed child care program.

Read the new press release describing the program!  Asthma Friendly Childcare Project Excellus BCBS Press Release 1 29 12

Beginning December 28, 2012, any crib provided by child care facilities and family child care homes must meet new and improved federal safety standards. The new standards took effect for manufacturers, retailers, importers and distributors on June 28, 2011, addressing deadly hazards previously seen with traditional drop-side rails. Standards now require more durable hardware and parts and mandating more rigorous testing.

Go to the following websites to get more information and a flyer for your program.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5023.pdf

http://www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) impact not just childhood, but the physical and emotional lifetime health trajectory of its survivors. We often see the impact and are frustrated in our efforts to help. Can anything we do now alter the life course health trajectory of the children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma and bear its scars? Many of today’s leading thinkers say YES. The Perinatal Network of Monroe County and the Monroe County Office of Mental Health will host a week-long event anchored by a keynote conference on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. Join us for a day with America’s leading experts on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and how to break the cycle of trauma. There is a special Saturday workshop for child care providers. Register at www.ACESConference.info and click here for the flyer. ACESchildcare workshop 2

QUALITYstarsNY is a comprehensive initiative to ensure that our young children – the 1.5 million New Yorkers under age six – have the opportunity for high quality early learning experiences.

During 2010, QUALITYstarsNY was piloted to 192 programs, providers and school districts in 13 communities throughout the state. The NYS Education Department hasd allocated funds to support implementation in 2012-2014. About 400 programs will be selected, including the pilot sites.

If your child care program is within the following zip codes, you are eligible to apply; 14604, 14605, 14606, 14607, 14608, 14609, 14610, 14611, 14612, 14613, 14614, 14615, 14618, 14619, 14620, 14621, 14622

To apply or for additional information, go to qualitystarsny.org.