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Spring 2016

How I Grow
Parent & Provider Training


Last Wednesday evening the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam presented "How I Grow" as part of the Council's ongoing initiative to provide parent and provider education opportunities to Dutchess and Putnam Counties. Early Childhood Specialist at Mid-Hudson Regional Early Childhood Direction Center, Renee Falanga-Brenner, facilitated the evenings events.
Trainer, Renee Falanga-Brenner explained the different types of development in detail and how to foster growth in each.  They included; social, emotional, physical and cognitive.  She emphasized the importance of brain development in the womb and throughout childhood and how important it is to protect the brain from damage.  She explained how the brain grows while you sleep, and that it is really important for children to get enough sleep.  This includes shutting off screens, (ie ipads, kindles, phones), two hours before children go to sleep to allow their brains time to settle down so that children get enough restful sleep.  Renee went into detail about large & small motor skills as well as sensory development and the differences in some children exceling in certain areas more quickly than others. She concluded with going over resources for what to do if you suspect delays such as taking notes on what you notice and/or video taping what you see.  She also went over where to go and how to tell parents.  She gave out handouts that included developmental milestone checklists, an all about me packet for children, a proper bedtime handout, a temperament assessment tool, a “how to talk to parents if you suspect delay” aid, a sample letter to refer your child for special services, and resources for early intervention.  
Participants each recieved an African Violet potted plant to take home going along with the theme of "How I Grow".  They also enjoyed some delicious pastry garden cupcakes.   

The next parent education class coming soon!
Look for us in Fall 2016!
Champions Of Childcare
Join the Council, parents and community leaders in thanking our local child care providers!
Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Poughkeepsie Grand View.
For more information click here.
In the 2015 Fall/Winter 2016 edition of the Council Connection, CCCDP  announced that a partner of the Council would randomly be selected for an interview and would be featured in the next edition of the Parent e-newsletter. After randomly selecting a Provider, Cindy Latino, Daycare Center owner of Neighborhood Daycare Services, Inc. was chosen and interviewed.  Neighborhood Daycare Services is located in the village of Wappingers. 
CCCDP: What is your age range?
Cindy: "Our age range is 6 weeks-13 years."  

CCCDP: What is your overall goal for your children in care?

Cindy: "My goal is that families who come to the center would feel like we're an extended family. I would like them to look at us as a resource....if a child needs to be evaluated for speech or if a family is experiencing stress from a job loss, I want them to be able to come to us and say they need help."
 
CCCDP: What would you say is the most unique aspect of your Daycare?

Cindy: "I always tried to make this a "homey" environment.  I never wanted it to be "institutional". I use certain color schemes for the rooms to add to the "homey" feel....we are in a small village and are very well known and recognized in the community. We are very active in the village. We were just nominated as the best decorated building for St. Patricks day. (Picture featured)  My number one priority each day is to spend time with each age group.  I am the most consistent familiar face here and no matter what staff turnover we have, I feel that I am able to maintain a consistency for the children."  

CCCDP: What is one way you incorporate learning into play?

Cindy: "I am a really big textural person...so I really like sensory play and that goes from our infants right on through our school agers. I am always looking for hands on experiences but I do think sensory play is the best.  One example is incorporating cooking into our program, which can be as simple as putting a recipe together.  I think giving them an opportunity to cook is a very home like thing for the kids to be doing....using sensory tables, all sorts of activities like that. I also think its a good experience to try and encourage them to be involved in the community.  One example of that is that we just marched in the St. Patricks day parade.  It's a huge event in the village of Wappingers.  They love doing it because they get to toss candy to the people while doing it.  Any opportunity we have to create a connection between sensory or even outside learning experiences....like gardening.  Those are the kinds of experiences I'm looking to provide for them. Also, those are the kinds of things parents can follow through with and I think thats a good connection between home and the center."   


CCCDP: What is one life lesson you have learned from working with children?

Cindy: "Children are so uplifting.  No matter what your troubles are...and everyone goes through those times....whether your struggling with family issues, financial issues or business issues, spending just as little as 10 minutes in a classroom is so uplifting.  Its given me a very positive attitude in life to work through those difficult times.  I just have a passion for it. This is my passion and that’s the best way to explain it.  I love working with kids and always have loved working with kids.  My heart is in special ed....that’s what my background is from Marist and we always try to accommodate kids with special needs....and I think that’s a good life experience for kids to see a diversity not only in terms of nationalities but to realize not everyone is as fortunate as you are in terms of abilities, but they still have things to give and things to share." 
Need Help Finding Childcare?
     Call the Council! A referral specialist will assist you with your search for childcare and help you narrow your search. After answering a few questions, you will be given a list of NYS licensed/registered childcare providers who provide care in the area you are looking. The specialist can also connect you to other community resources and provide basic information regarding childcare subsidy. Assistance is also available to help you identify quality childcare programs for your child's needs.  

(845) 473-4141 or go online to search on your own!
Fruity Frozen Yogurt Snacks
Dive into spring with a colorful healthy snack! 
INGREDIENTS:
5 (5.3 ounce) containers of Greek Yogurt, 1 of each flavor: strawberry, coconut or vanilla, lemon, line and blueberry
3 Tbsp of each fruit: raspberries, diced mango, diced pineapple, diced kiwi and blueberries.  
DIRECTIONS:
1.   Place 10 silicone cups on a small baking sheet.  Spoon half of each yogurt carton into 10 silicone cupcake wrappers.
2.   Sprinkle fresh fruit on the top of each cup of yogurt to match the colors: raspberries on the strawberry yogurt. pineapple on the lemon yogurt, mango on the coconut/vanilla yogurt, kiwi on the line yogurt and blueberries on the blueberry yogurt.  
3.  Transfer baking sheet with cups to the freezer.  Freeze yogurt for 3 hours, or until firm.  Remove the silicon cups when ready to serve.  Enjoy!
Inspired by www.tablespoon.com
Clickable Links
Parents can be partners  of CCCDP, too! Click here for more information. 
Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission for current information on recalls and product details. 
Visit CCCDP's website for a list of partnering agencies who offer parent education resources. 
Tell us what you need! Take the Parent Education Needs Assessment.  
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Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc.
70 Overocker Rd | Poughkeepsie, NY | 12603 US
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