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GCSD’s KidsCare Becomes First School-Based Child Care Program in the State to Implement Social-Emotional Development Model

February 12 2024

For the first time, Child Care Council Inc. is collaborating with a school-based child care program in New York to implement the Pyramid Model of social-emotional development. The Pyramid Model is an evidence-based framework proven effective in building social and emotional competence in early care and education programs by promoting positive behavior and well-being in […]

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    GCSD’s KidsCare Becomes First School-Based Child Care Program in the State to Implement Social-Emotional Development Model

    GCSD’s KidsCare Becomes First School-Based Child Care Program in the State to Implement Social-Emotional Development Model

    For the first time, Child Care Council Inc. is collaborating with a school-based child care program in New York to implement the Pyramid Model of social-emotional development.

    The Pyramid Model is an evidence-based framework proven effective in building social and emotional competence in early care and education programs by promoting positive behavior and well-being in early childhood.

    Greece Central’s KidsCare program began implementing the Pyramid Model last fall in collaboration with Child Care Council. KidsCare Coordinator Kelly Giudice said using the Pyramid Model in child care settings makes sense because it reinforces the behavioral expectations and social-emotional skills children already use in schools. Now, in addition to offering traditional recreational programming, KidsCare staff are working with children to build effective strategies to regulate emotions, develop conflict-resolution skills and strengthen friendships.

    “The Pyramid Model has been instrumental in assisting us in the process of developing site-specific goals around our work on explicitly teaching social and emotional competencies to the children we serve,” said Giudice. “We believe that our focus on social and emotional competence will not only assist the children in their academic achievements but will also help them to grow as healthy and happy humans.”

    Child Care Council is providing specialized training, technical assistance and ongoing support to KidsCare staff as they implement Pyramid Model strategies into their daily practices. By adopting the model, the district aims to fortify the social-emotional foundational skills of children, laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational journey.

    “KidsCare has fully embraced the Pyramid Model,” said Rose Shufelt, director of Health and Social Emotional Wellness, Child Care Council. “It has been inspirational to work with the KidsCare coordinator and staff and to see their commitment to promoting children’s social and emotional development.”

    KidsCare has been providing before- and after-school child care to Greece Central School District students since 2021 and now serves 300 students in grades PreK-5 at seven Greece school sites. KidsCare has always sought to balance children’s daily academic experiences with interest-based recreational programming. To learn more about KidsCare, visit greececsd.org/kidscare or call (585) 966-2456.

    Kiara Warren Elected Board Chair

    January 30, 2024

    Warren becomes Council’s first African American board chair

    Kiara Warren has been elected to serve as chair of Child Care Council Inc.’s board of directors. Warren is the first African American and youngest board chair in the Council’s history, and her three-year term as chair started Jan. 1, 2024. A member of the board since 2017, she most recently served as vice president.

    “It is an honor to be elected by the board to serve Child Care Council as chair, said Kiara Warren. “I have enjoyed being part of the board guiding the Council as it transitions from a referral agency to a more holistic organization that helps families and advocates for improvements to the child care system. I look forward to working with board members, Council leadership and staff to further this transition and to continue expanding program offerings.”

    “I am excited to continue working with Kiara on the board in her new leadership role,” said Child Care Council CEO Jeff Pier. “Kiara is a forward-thinking, innovative young professional who brings strategic thinking, great perspective and communications expertise to our board.”

    Kiara Warren serves as a public relations associate at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. In this role, she is a lead writer and develops and publishes content and communications programs for internal and external audiences. Prior to that, she was executive assistant to the Commissioner, City of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services.

    Warren is working toward earning a master’s degree in Communication Management from Syracuse University, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications: Advertising and Public Relations from RIT. She resides in the city of Rochester’s 19th Ward.

    GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $100 MILLION COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF CHILD CARE SUPPLY FOR NEW YORK STATE’S FAMILIES

    December 21, 2023

    Includes $50 Million in Capital Grants for Construction of Child Care Centers and $50 Million in Business Tax Credits for Workplace-based Child Care Expansion; Governor Continues Historic $7 Billion, Four-Year Investment in Child Care Enhancements

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced two new initiatives totaling a combined $100 million in funding designed to increase child care supply for New York State’s families. The announcement includes $50 million in capital funding to provide grants for the construction of new child care centers and registered school-age child care programs or the expansion of existing centers. An additional $50 million in business tax credits will be available for eligible businesses that create or expand infant and toddler child care seats for their employees directly or through a third-party. The capital funding and the employer tax credit complement the historic more than $7 billion state investment by Governor Hochul designed to expand access to affordable child care, invest in New York State’s child care workforce, and support working families over a four-year period. Governor Hochul made the announcement today during a visit to a child care center in Albany.

    “Quality child care is critical to our families, providing a safe environment for children and an educational foundation for the next generation of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Far too often, working families struggle to find programs in their communities. Since taking office, I have remained committed to responding to the concerns of our families by continuing to develop new programs that meet the increasing needs for child care services across our state.”

    The Child Care Capital Program (CCCP) will award grants ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million to eligible child care providers to expand existing child care centers or build new ones. The program will be overseen by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). Funding will be split 60 percent for the downstate region (which includes New York City; Long Island; and Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties) and 40 percent for the rest of the state.

    The CCCP will provide reimbursement grants for the design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, equipment and other capital assets for existing or proposed state-licensed, not-for-profit or for-profit child day care centers and registered school-age child care programs. The facility must be intended to be used as a child care program for at least eight years. Projects must be shovel-ready, demonstrate the ability to be licensed and fully operational within six months of completing construction and worth at least $500,000.

    In order to apply for CCCP grant, applicants must first prequalify through New York State Grants Gateway. Final applications will be accepted through March 31, 2024. Awards will be announced on or after July 15, 2024.

    New York State is also making $25 million available for the Child Care Creation and Expansion Tax Credit each year for two years  – $50 million in total –  to be administered through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).

    Under the new tax credit program, businesses with a location in New York State that provide new licensed or registered child day care seats for the infants or toddlers of their employees, either directly or through a third-party, can apply for the credit. To be eligible, they must also limit costs to their employees for child care expenses.

    The application to receive tax credits for child care seats created in 2023 opens January 1, 2024, and closes January 31, 2024.

    OCFS Acting Commissioner and Child Care Availability Task Force Co-Chair Suzanne Miles-Gustave said, “OCFS is proud to administer Governor Hochul’s continued historic investments to make child care more affordable, accessible and equitable. We have heard our hardworking families loud and clear, and are answering their call to increase high-quality options for child care and the much-needed resources to obtain it. OCFS continues to work alongside the Governor and the legislature to explore additional creative strategies to meet the growing demand for these services knowing they are essential to the well-being of our children and families, and the growth of New York’s economy.”

    New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “The Child Care Creation and Expansion Tax Credit will help businesses provide the quality child care that many employees need. This is important to keep our economy growing in a tight labor market.”

    New York State Department of Labor Commissioner and Child Care Availability Task Force Co-Chair Roberta Reardon said, “I applaud Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to ensure access to safe and affordable child care to all New Yorkers. The Governor continues to deliver for families by expanding program eligibility, implementing additional tools and services for caretakers and providing vital child care funding that is essential to New York State’s economic growth.”

    For more information on the Child Care Capital Program, applicants with questions regarding New York State Grants Gateway and prequalification or registration may email [email protected] or call (518) 474-5595. OCFS and DASNY will host an informational webinar about the CCCP on January 24, 2024, and potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.  More information will also be available on the Child Care Services page of the OCFS website.

    For more information on the Child Care Creation and Expansion Tax Credit, visit the website of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).

    Council Earns DEI Leadership Seal

    December 20, 2023

    Child Care Council has worked closely with 540 West Main during the last three years to become an agency that will always strive to learn, grow, and become a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. CCC is proud of earning this seal from 540 West Main to recognize what we have accomplished so far. We are committed to continuing our DEI journey.

    Thank you, 540 West Main and Calvin Eaton, for your professionalism and leadership throughout this process.

    Child Care Council Receives Additional Grant Funding for Special Needs Service

    October 17, 2023

    Child Care Council has been awarded additional grant funding for its prevention-based, consultative service that helps ensure children with disabilities have access to quality child care.

    The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has awarded $285,000 in grant funding for Child Care Council’s special needs consultation service, which equips caregivers with strategies and supports to reduce suspension and expulsion for young children with disabilities in child care. Built on relationship-based practices, the service is provided through observation, modeling and collaboration. The special needs consultation service was initially funded by a $175,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

    “Child care suspensions and expulsions of children with special needs is a troubling issue that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown families,” said Child Care Council CEO Jeff Pier. “We are grateful that the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is continuing its strong support of this important service, which has already shown tremendous results.”

    Since the service started in fall 2022, more than 90 children have been served with no suspensions or expulsions. To date, the Council has trained 75 child care providers in the service.

    The Council’s team of special needs consultants provide a caring, compassionate, responsive and effective service to meet each program and child’s unique needs. The service, which does not provide 1-to-1 care to children, is available in Monroe, Wayne and Livingston counties. Child care providers interested in learning more about this service can contact Bethany Williams, director, special needs department, at 585.654.1287 or [email protected].

    Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/.

    New Service Aims to Reduce Child Care Suspensions, Expulsions of Children with Special Needs

    February 13, 2023

    A new prevention-based, consultative service at Child Care Council Inc. will help ensure children with disabilities have access to quality child care.

    Child Care Council’s special needs consultation service will equip caregivers with strategies and supports to reduce suspension and expulsion for young children with disabilities in child care. Built on relationship-based practices, the service is provided through observation, modeling and collaboration.

    According to a 2018 article by the Center for American Progress, “Suspensions Are Not Support,” children with disabilities in early childhood settings represent about 13% of enrolled children but account for 75% of suspensions and expulsions. Children with autism are the most likely to be suspended or expelled, according to Child Care Council, which served 125 families who self-reported at least one child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders between January 2016 and December 2019.

    Child Care Council’s team of special needs consultants will provide a caring, compassionate, responsive and effective service to meet each program and child’s unique needs. The special needs consultation service is funded by a $175,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

    The service, which does not provide 1-to-1 care to children, is available in Monroe, Wayne and Livingston counties. Child care providers interested in learning more about this service can contact Bethany Williams, special needs services supervisor, at 585.654.1287 or [email protected].

    Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/. Further information: [email protected].

    Child Care Professional Urgent Fund

    June 29, 2022

    Attention Early Childhood Professionals: You may be eligible for assistance through the Child Care Professional Urgent Fund, a partnership of Child Care Council and ESL Charitable Foundation.

    For more information: https://childcarecouncil.com/community-resources/child-care-professionals/

    Child Care Subsidy Funding Available

    April 4, 2022

    The Workforce Development Institute’s Child Care Subsidy Facilitated Enrollment Program is providing funding for income-eligible families who reside in Monroe County and work a minimum of 25 hours per week.

    Download the brochure with more information.

    Refugees Can Get Assistance Starting Their Own Family Child Care Businesses, Through Federal Grant Program

    February 28, 2022

    Child Care Council and Urban League of Rochester partnering on local effort

    Child Care Council Inc. and Urban League of Rochester, N.Y. Inc. are teaming up to help local refugees become more self-sufficient by launching and operating family child care businesses.

    Grant funding from the federal Refugee Family Child Care Microenterprise Development program is designed to enable refugees who have experience caring for small children to use their child care skills to earn an income. It also helps refugees who care for their own young children, allowing them to work in their homes as it is a significant challenge to work outside of their homes.

    Child Care Council is one of only nine programs across the country to receive this federal grant funding, which totals $174,310.00 annually for three years. Urban League of Rochester will assist the Council in identifying potential grantees in the city of Rochester.

    “Through this program, people who have recently come to the U.S. will not only be able to provide for their own families, but they also have the opportunity to attain the American dream of opening their own business,” said Jeff Pier, CEO, Child Care Council. “Child Care Council is excited to partner with Urban League of Rochester on this project, which will create new child care programs that help strengthen the community and make up for some of the programs that were forced to closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    Chantz B. Miles, division director of business development, Urban League of Rochester, said, “The business development division at the Urban League of Rochester (ULR) is excited to have this partnership with Child Care Council. The hurdles that providers have to jump through to sustain their businesses are both intimidating and difficult. This partnership between Child Care Council and the Urban League of Rochester will help our child care providers sustain, strengthen and grow their businesses. ULR is committed and dedicated to being a key role player in building and sustaining our child care provider businesses here in Monroe County.”

    To be eligible for the program, refugees currently living in Monroe, Livingston or Wayne counties must have lived in the U.S. for less than five years and be interested in starting a family child care business. Child Care Council will provide training in child care and business skills, as well as assistance with applying for a child care license. Eligible individuals also will receive a cash stipend of up to $3,000 for business supplies and materials.

    Refugees eligible for the program can contact Osman Hussein, Child Care Council’s multicultural support specialist, by email at [email protected].

    Grant Funding to Address “Child Care Deserts” in the Finger Lakes Region

    February 2, 2022

    Funding will support new child care programs or expanding child care businesses
    that help alleviate care shortages

    New and existing child care businesses in the Finger Lakes region will have an opportunity to access grant funding to help address “child care deserts” – areas in the region with child care shortages.

    Child Care Council Inc. is working with three other child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs) to partner with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to offer federal grant funding to new licensed, registered or permitted child care programs in areas of the state with low supply. OCFS is making $70 million in grant funding available statewide to new licensed, registered or permitted child care programs. These funds are part of a $100 million child care initiative approved in the 2021 Enacted Budget through the American Rescue Plan Act.

    The grants will support new child care providers in creating their child care program and in recruiting, retaining and training staff to meet workforce demands. Grant recipients can also use the funding to support start-up expenses, personnel costs, general child care business expenses and staff expenses in accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Additional details on eligibility and requirements of the grant can be found in the Request for Applications at https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/contracts/funding/#RFA1.

    Grant applications will be accepted beginning April 11, 2022, and the application deadline is May 19, 2022. Interested child care businesses must apply on the OCFS website at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/deserts/. Applicants must request an application for license before grant application submission. All applicants must complete the OCFS or the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene online orientation before applying at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/providers/cdc-orientation.php. Once completing the orientation, applicants can request a licensing application.

    Applicants needing assistance with starting child care programs can contact their county’s OCFS Regional Office (https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/regional-offices.php) or their local child care resource and referral agency, which can help with the licensing process. Regional CCR&R offices are:

    • Child Care Council Inc., serving Monroe, Livingston and Wayne counties – childcarecouncil.com
    • Chemung County Child Care Council Inc. – chemchildcare.com
    • Child and Family Resources Inc., serving Ontario, Seneca, and Yates counties – cfresources.org
    • Pro Action Child Care Council – proactioninc.org/cca

    Jeff Pier, Child Care Council CEO, said, “Child Care Council is pleased to partner with New York state to address child care shortages in Monroe, Livingston and Wayne counties. There was a care shortage in our urban and rural communities before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pandemic simply made the crisis worse. This funding opportunity will help fill the gap for families that don’t have access to child care, while also helping new child care businesses get up and running and enabling existing providers to expand.”

    Ruth A. Harvey, executive director, Chemung County Child Care Council Inc., said, “In Chemung County, we see a continued need for additional quality child care slots for children of working families, especially infant and toddler care. This funding presents the chance for expansion in current programs as well as the opportunity for new programs to help meet the demand. New York state’s vision for the expansion of quality child care slots across the entire state will benefit many children and families.”

    Julie Champion, executive director, Child and Family Resources Inc., said, “We have had an ongoing need for additional quality child care slots for children of working families in Ontario, Seneca, and Yates Counties, especially in more rural areas. The need is even greater for infant and toddler care. New Child Care Desert funding provides an opportunity for new child care programs and an expansion of slots in existing child care programs. Working families, children, our communities – and New York –needs this investment.”

    Margie Lawlor, director, Pro Action Child Care Council, said, “Parts of our region lack sufficient child care options for all ages, and the entire region lacks sufficient child care options for infants and toddlers. This Child Care Desert funding is a great opportunity for local providers to open or expand. With this investment, we can begin to address the child care shortages that hold parents back from fully participating in the workforce.”

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