 |
 |
|
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Union News
For New York State Child Care Providers. The Week of the Young Child™ is April 22-28, 2012.The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration that focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Child Care Program Cuts Leave Working Poor Parents StrugglingErie County: Child care eligibility rules to expandMore families in Erie County will be eligible for child care subsidies starting next month.County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz announced Monday he will increase the county's eligibility rules to allow families who earn up to twice as much as the federal poverty level to access subsidized child care. Tom Copeland's Open Letter on Union Organizing VOICE/CSEA receives local press attention in the North CountryPlease keep in mind the following information which was discluded from the article while reading: Unions, by law have a "duty of fair representation". It is a protection designed to regulate unions and ensure all workers in a given bargaining unit are represented fairly, in good faith, and without discrimination. In other words, it was put in place so unions could not discriminate between members and non-members interests. In fairness, since there is also a cost associated with providing representation to non-members unions are by law also permitted to recover the cost of bargaining on behalf of non-members, administering the contract as well as other required duties of equal representation. This is the fair share fee. The fair share fee is used to this purpose. DUES PAYS for VOICE/CSEA staff and other costs associated with running the organization: mailing, travel for meetings, and support from CSEA’s departments: legislative / political action, legal, communications, research, field and member services, and from AFSCME. When chapters are up and running, VOICE/CSEA, Local 100A will keep a substantial portion of the dues to pay for the cost of running the statewide organization. Update: CSEA rips Astorino on child care fees VOICE/CSEA joins forces with CSEA Southern Region to fight against daycare cuts in WestchesterWestchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced yesterday he plans to increase parent co-pays by 15 percent and cap eligibility at 206 families. He claims the County has run out of money and will not be able to fund the full year. This is despite the fact that the program is fully funded in the 2012 budget as a result of a veto override and subsequent approval by the County Legislature. CSEA Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo worked together with VOICE/CSEA to push back, slamming Astorino and his decision to disregard the Legislature's decision, which might be illegal. It is without question out of line and disrespectful of the democratic process, and most importantly hurtful for struggling families. Funding to Be Offered to Help Low-Income Parents Move Back Into WorkforceALBANY, NY (01/10/2012)(readMedia)-- The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) today announced New York has received $16.5 million in federal funding to help low-income parents pay for child care, allowing them to improve their skills and successfully enter the workforce. Providers speak out: why dues and fair share fees are necessary to grow our union. "When some of us approached VOICE/CSEA for help in 2002, we had no idea we’d be able to accomplish so much. With CSEA’s support for the past 10 years, we fought for and won the right to form a union and negotiate our first contract with the state. Maintaining child care subsidy reimbursement rates, $500 Quality Grants, changes in adult-child ratios, the extended licensing renewal period, expanded access to professional development and health insurance are just some of the benefits we gained for all registered family and licensed group family providers. There is still more work to do and we must ensure the same kind of progress in the years to come. Paying union dues or fair share fee is a good investment in my business and the children and families I serve."
- Pam Wells, Washington County
 "A 2% deduction from my DSS check for 'fair share' or union dues seems fair to me. I used the $500 from the VOICE CSEA Quality Program Grant funds to purchase toys, puzzles and books to improve my program. I was also able to enroll another pre-schooler when they changed the adult-child ratios increasing my income. Plus, union dues are tax deductible."
- Sheila Lewis, Monroe County
 "Organizing people— thousands of home-based child care providers across New York (outside NYC) — is how we won rights, respect and our first contract with the Office of Children and Family Services and New York State. Now it is time to organize our money so we can keep what we’ve gained and reach the goals we set at our statewide meeting on May 14th in Albany. Dues and fair share fees support the work we do to make things better for ourselves and the children and families we serve."
- Darcel Leone, Suffolk County Frequently Asked Questions Page
Westchester Legislators Vote To Override VetoesThe Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) voted to override all 27 of the County Executive Astorino’s vetoes of line items in the 2012 County Budget today, and in doing so restored funding for neighborhood health centers, child care subsidies, environmental education programs, youth services and support for the arts.New York Times Reports Impact of Child Care Subsidy CutsAid for Child Care Drops When It Is Needed MostPublished: December 13, 2011BALTIMORE — With states under pressure to cut their budgets and federal stimulus money gone, low-income working parents are facing a paradox. Just when they have to work longer hours to make ends meet, they are losing access to the thing they need most to stay on the job: a government subsidy that helps pay for child care. The subsidy, a mix of federal and state funds that reimburses child care providers on behalf of families, is critical to the lives of poor women. But it has been eaten away over the years by inflation and growing need and recently by state budget cuts, leaving parents struggling to find other arrangements to stay employed. Applications Invited for Terri Lynne Lokoff National Child Care Teacher AwardsThe Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation created the Terri Lynne Lokoff National Child Care Teacher Awards to acknowledge the critical role child care teachers play in providing quality early care and education. Child care teachers from across the United States are invited to apply. Fifty teachers will be selected for their commitment and dedication to the children they serve.OCFS Issues Child Care Market Rates for 2011-2013New child care reimbursement rates for October 2011-September 2013 were adopted by the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). In all counties, except New York City, the new rates (based on data collected in the 2011 Market Rate Survey) remain the same or increase slightly.Today November 8 - Election Day - GO VOTE FOR KIDS!Westchester children's lobby isn't playing game with county board candidates
WHITE PLAINS — After watching child-care centers and day-care programs get squeezed from Westchester County's $1.8 billion budget, a child-advocacy group is learning a new lesson: Politics.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 take effect for manufacturers, retailers, importers and distributors on June 28, 2011, addressing deadly hazards previously seen with traditional drop-side rails, requiring more durable hardware and parts and mandating more rigorous testing.
 |
 View more photos |
We learned how to conduct effective one-on-one meetings and discussed the elements of a good meeting. Building our skills to conduct effective one-on-ones and meetings will help us build strong VOICE Chapters across the state.
We introduced ourselves to each other and committed to pay membership dues. Some of us wrote checks that day. Carolyn Reid, Suffolk County said “I look forward to paying dues because the money will give us more power to help serve the parents and children that we care for every day.”
We make a commitment to reach out and talk with other VOICE members about dues and to continue to encourage providers who are not yet members of VOICE to join.
We agreed that gathering at CSEA Regional Offices and connecting via video-conference is productive. Moving forward, we agreed to hold leadership training quarterly. Watch the calendar for more information.
For more information about VOICE and membership visit our Join VOICE page or call 877-483-CSEA (2732).
NY applies for $100M early-learning grant
By Meghan E. MurphyTimes Herald-Record
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office Thursday announced that New York has applied for a $100 million grant for the preschool iteration of "Race to the Top."
In May, the federal government announced a $500 million competition for proposals from states to improve early learning programs for low-income and disadvantaged children.
New York's application promises to expand its QUALITYStarsNY tool, which rates early childhood learning programs. The state would also provide early childhood providers with professional development.
Resources for Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief
Helping Children Cope After a Natural Disaster (Video)
Child Care Assistance in the Aftermath of Hurricane Irene
Federal Disaster Relief
Information for business and homeowners to apply for federal disaster relief.Resources for Returning Home after a Flood or Hurricane and for Helping Children Cope with a Disaster
Important Westchester County Budget Hearing Tonight Dec. 6
Let County Executive Astorino and the Board of Legislators know that child care subsidies keep Westchester County families earning and children learning. Come and speak out.
The third hearing:
Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Time: 6:15 p.m. (to sign-up to speak) or 7:00 p.m. (general public)
**NOTE NEW LOCATION**
Location: Westchester County Center
Little Theater
198 Central Ave
White Plains, NY 10601
Get Directions
Bring your colleagues, parents, staff, family, friends and neighbors. Wear your VOICE T-Shirts.
For more information call VOICE toll-free 877-483-2732.
VOICE Chapter Building Leadership Training
On October 22nd, VOICE leaders will gather in Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, and Long Island (Commack) for our first video conference leadership training.
With our video-conference equipment, we will be able to see and hear one another on large TV screens – connecting Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, and Commack (Long Island) without trekking to Albany! We will do most of our work on October 22nd in our regional groups, facilitated by VOICE Early Learning and Care Representatives. We’ll connect via video conference to present content, review basic points and to report back on the work we’ve done in each region.
We will gather at 9:30 a.m. for coffee. We will begin our leadership training at 10:00 a.m. and wrap-up by 2:00 p.m.
This Chapter Building leadership training will bring Chapter leaders together in four regions throughout the state to learn about and develop skills that are essential in building strong chapters and a strong VOICE:
- elements of an effective one-on-one meeting.
- elements of effective membership meetings.
- identify next steps as we build our membership, our organization and our power.
We look forward to seeing you on October 22nd for Chapter Building Leadership Training!
For more information and to RSVP call 877-483-CSEA (2732).
This training is available for members only. If you are not a member and would like to join, visit our Join VOICE page.
VOICE Members: Pay Dues Today
Dear VOICE Members:Thousands of us organizing to form our union across New York is how we won rights, respect and our first contract with the Office of Children and Family Services and New York State. Now it is time to organize our money so we can build our organization, keep what we’ve gained, and reach the goals we set on May 14th in Albany.
Become a dues paying member of VOICE/CSEA beginning October 1, 2011. Union dues are $35.00 per month (tax deductible) through December 31, 2011. You can pay monthly or make a single payment of $105.00 to cover 3 months. Automatic dues and fee deductions will begin in January 2012.
Join us in making your first VOICE dues payment today. Look for the letter in the yellow envelope in your mailbox this week. The letter and enclosure will contain instructions with how to pay your dues either by check or via our website. We invite you to contact us directly with your questions or call our VOICE/CSEA toll-free Resource Center (877) 483-CSEA (2732).
If you have not currently signed a membership card please visit our Join VOICE page or contact our Toll-Free Resource Center 877-483-CSEA.
Read instructions
Activate Member Only Account
Sincerely,
| Theresa Allsopp - Chemung County | Jane Alsdorf - Ulster County |
| Maria Austin - Monroe County | Kim Bannister - Erie County |
| Marcia Bellamy - Monroe County | Cynthia Bolding - Westchester County |
| Keishya Coltrain - Suffolk County | Sharon Gombatto - Monroe County |
| Audrey Hardy - Monroe County | Sally Heater - Onondaga County |
| Patrick Hogan - Westchester County | Lisa Jones - Jefferson County |
| Geri Kazmerski - Herkimer County | Darcel Leone - Suffolk County |
| Sheila Lewis - Monroe County | Dasie Lockett-Todd - Erie County |
| Rose McCabe - Tioga County | Joyce McCollough - Monroe County |
| Yolanda Mouzon - Nassau County | Fran Nantista - Albany County |
| Cheryl Oare - Fulton County | Mary Orgek - Erie County |
| Lina Palmer - Washington County | Carolyn Reid - Nassau County |
| Vivian Rivera - Rockland County | Damaris Samolinski - Suffolk County |
| Cathey Sandman - Niagara County | Roxanne Savage - Suffolk County |
| Barbara Skiff - Franklin County | Janet Turner - Albany County |
| Pam Wells - Washington County | Emilia White - Rockland County |
| Kittrell Whitlock - Erie County | Bonita Whitlock - Erie County |
| Deborah Wise - Monroe County | Amy Yencer - Livingston County |
Marketing and Chapter Building Workshops
This workshop has a two-fold goal. The first part of the workshop will be about building VOICE/CSEA chapters all across the state. The overall plan is to establish 25 VOICE chapters. These workshops will begin the chapter building process by addressing the initial steps that need to be taken including membership involvement, responsibilities, recruitment, leadership roles, dues collection, chapter structures, activities and goals.The second part of the workshop, Marketing Your Child Care Business in Hard Times, will be presented immediately following the chapter building component. It is not easy to stay fully enrolled in these difficult economic times. This workshop will examine the strategies and tactics child care providers can employ to attract new clients into their programs. This part of the workshop has been approved for 1 hour of training in topic area #5 Business Record Maintenance and Management.
These workshops are open to VOICE/CSEA members only.
To join, visit our Join VOICE page or call 877-483-CSEA.
Child care subsidies needed
Albany Times Union: OpinionWednesday, June 15, 2011
As a licensed group family child care provider, I see firsthand families struggling to pay for child care. Just as your June 5 story, "The Sticker Shock of Child Care" points out, for many parents, making ends meet means not working. Without adequate incentives, the cost of child care simply outweighs the benefit of working.
Through my union, VOICE/CSEA, I've spoken with other in-home child care providers from all around the state. This trend is rippling through our communities like a plague. Federal funds for child care, which allow low income families to work and not have to turn to welfare, have essentially remained static since 2001, and New York state adds no money to support child care to help keep poor working families working.
The middle class is eroding, the rich are getting richer and it's no longer feasible to have one or even two middle-class incomes to raise a family. We must restore the safety net for families to end this vicious cycle. We need to grow child care subsidy programs instead of cutting them to get us through these tough times.
VALERIA THOMAS
Dreamland Daycare
Albany
Funding, regulation reform are priorities for childcare workers
By Simon Garron-CaineLegislative Gazette
May 23, 2011
Unionized registered and home-based child care providers gathered May 14 at The Desmond Hotel in Colonie to work with elected leaders on finding the best way to sustain governmental funds and streamline what they see as erratic regulations.
Voice of Organized Independent Childcare Educators, known as VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association Local 100A, was formed after former Gov. Eliot Spitzer's 2007 executive order granting child care providers the right to form collective bargaining units. A coalition of caregivers — now numbering 7,000 — then joined CSEA.
VOICE in Our Capital — Energy and Action
Last Saturday, May 14, 2011, more than 230 of us gathered in Albany at the Desmond Hotel to recognize and celebrate our accomplishments and adopt an 18-month VOICE/CSEA Action Plan to guide our work.
Energy filled the room when we opened with a rousing song led by Ruth Pelham (Musicmobile).
Sally Heater, a VOICE member from Onondaga County, told our VOICE story as we watched it unfold on slides. "They told us we could not get a majority of providers to support one union but in July 2007, the State of New York recognized the will of 4,400 child care providers and recognized VOICE/CSEA and certified our union. Who can?" Sally asked? VOICE/CSEA CAN! – we responded.
Public officials and CSEA statewide leaders, including President Danny Donohue, recognized the valuable contribution we make to children, families and our communities and pledged to work with us to accomplish the ambitious 4-point VOICE Action Plan we voted to adopt.
|
Our Action Plan includes working to: protect the 75th percentile standard for establishing reimbursement rates for child care subsidies; secure county, state and federal child care dollars; expand access to affordable insurance – homeowner's, liability and health; and continue to work with OCFS to simplify regulation, rules and policies and ensure fair enforcement; and establish 25 VOICE Chapters across the state.
Read more about our action plan.
U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko listened as Melissa Allen, VOICE member of Albany County, asked for help in sustaining a $100 million boost to the Child Care Development Fund in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. "New York state families rely on the Child Care Development Fund to subsidize child care enabling low-income working families to keep their jobs and children to get the foundation they need to succeed in school. It will help ensure that New York's families keep earning and children keep learning," Allen said.
Patrick Hogan, a VOICE member from Westchester County asked New York State Sen. Diane Savino's help in maintaining subsidy reimbursement rates. Hogan said, "Fifty percent of children receiving child care subsidies are enrolled in home-based child care. Already, reimbursements do not begin to cover the true cost of providing quality child care. OCFS is completing the 2011 Market Rate Survey now. The Governor’s Division of the Budget will soon decide whether to sustain current formulas. "If the standard is rolled back, it will take money out of the pocket of providers and it will make it much harder to continue to deliver high quality early learning and care," Hogan said.
More than 500 providers have signed membership cards since November and it was a huge amount of hard work that got us to this point. Pam Wells, VOICE member of Washington County and Event Co-Chair, said "In the last 8 months we have done so much organizing…In Monroe County VOICE completed 266 home visits, signed up 111 new members and gathered in Rochester 74 strong. In Erie County we completed 231 home visits, signed up 66 new members and in a blizzard turned out 30 providers. It goes on – on Long Island it was 73 members."
VOICE membership is growing everyday. To join, visit our join VOICE page for more information, or call toll free: 877-483-CSEA (2732).
Update to Playground and Safety Surfaces Regulations
Our VOICE was heard! Your feedback helped the VOICE/CSEA-OCFS Regulatory Workgroup develop a new approach to compliance with playground safety regulations.
OCFS issued new guidance on playground safety surfaces that enable us to provide fun outdoor play experiences at more reasonable cost.
See the new OCFS Dear Provider Letter for more details
The previously issued "Protective Surfacing under Playground Equipment used at Family- Based Child Care Programs" will remain a best practice instructional guide.
See the guide
The provider letter also provides information about implementation of the new $25.00 fee to secure State Registry Checks implemented in New York’s recently passed budget.
Playground Safety Surfaces & Regulations
By: Doreen Aristy, Cortland County; Kim Bannister, Erie County; Patrick Hogan, Westchester County; Damaris Samolinski, Suffolk County; and Pamela Wells, Washington CountyOn March 11th, the VOICE / OCFS Regulatory Workgroup met to review proposed revisions to child care regulations and discuss OCFS enforcement of regulations on playground equipment and safety surfaces this spring.
We received more than 300 e-mails from providers across the state expressing concerns about how enforcement of the standing playground equipment regulations will impact children and providers. For many of us, installing protective surfacing is expensive and disruptive to the program and home outdoor environments we have created over many years. We know how important it is to safely nurture the children in our care to develop gross motor skills and an enjoyment of outdoor physical play that lead to healthy exercise and nutritional habits that last a lifetime. In the coming weeks, we will develop recommendations for OCFS about how to move forward this spring in a way that makes sense for home-based child care and keep children safe.
Family-based day care regulations contain the following citations concerning outdoor play equipment: 417.5 (n) and (o) & 416.5(n) and (o). When this citation was added to the regulations in 2001, few manufacturers gave specific instructions on installation or safety surfacing. Based on research about injuries resulting from falls from playground equipment, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued standards and now all manufacturers recommend installing equipment that has an elevated surface on protective surfacing (not sod or grass). See Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook, produced by the CPSC (www.cpsc.gov).
These new federal standards are impacting home-based child care providers in many states across the country. To read the most recent OCFS guidance on playground safety regulation enforcement, see http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/Protective_Surfacing.asp.
We’ll keep you posted.
VOICE in Our Capital - Saturday, May 14th!
VOICE/CSEA Members
Come to Albany to celebrate our success, adopt a VOICE Action Plan, and show our VOICE to legislators and public officials from Albany to Washington DC. 
|
VOICE members make the pledge to 'get on the bus' for VOICE in Our Capital, May 14th |
Building our VOICE in Erie and Niagara Counties 
30 child care providers turned out to our VOICE meeting in Buffalo on Saturday, February 12, 2011 despite miserable winter weather. More than 60 new members in Erie and Niagara Counties joined VOICE/CSEA during the week leading up to our meeting. 26 VOICE members pledged to come to Albany on May 14th for VOICE in Our Capital. Our Erie-Niagara County VOICE Chapter will meet again on March 5th at 10 AM. Save the date!
NY State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a new report linking investments in early education as essential to the effective reform of the Juvenile Justice system
Growing our VOICE in Monroe County
On Saturday, January 29th, over 75 Monroe County child care providers came together in Rochester and decided to "get on the bus!" On May 14th, hundreds of us — VOICE members from across the state — will gather in Albany to show our Governor, Assembly members and Senators that we care about child care, we are strong and we are one!
We planned a workshop for March 12th : "Marketing our Programs in Tough Times and Building a Strong VOICE Chapter." We promised to collect stories from parents who depend on DSS subsidies to keep their jobs and stay in school to share with our US Senators and Congressman who vote on our federal budget.
With more than 200 members, we are on our way to a strong VOICE Chapter in Monroe County.
VOICE Members Make a Difference in Westchester County
We are celebrating a child care victory in Westchester County. The Westchester legislature over-rode a majority of child care budget line-item vetoes made by County Executive Rob Astorino.On December 23, the Board of Legislators passed the 2011 County Budget. Included in that budget is funding for a parent co-pay of 15% (down from 20%), $895,000 for Title XX and $3.6 million for low-income child care.
Maria Felix, a VOICE member in Mt. Vernon rallied with parents and child care providers in White Plains and Mount Vernon (see photo on right ).
She said, "It was not easy but we did it. Carpooling to public hearings, rallying throughout the county of Westchester, staying focused on the end result kept child care funding in this year's budget."
VOICE members, with parents and child care center staff, also attended legislative board meetings and public hearings and contacted elected officials by phone and email to fight these proposed cuts.
Joan Brown, a VOICE member in Mt. Vernon said, "As a family child care provider I am so grateful for the support we and the childcare community have received from our County Legislators. They get it. This is why we were able to keep Title XX and not have to raise parent fees. It has been hard work and a struggle but because we have all stood together we have made it possible for this to happen. Now I can continue to provide quality care for single parents who have been struggling just to pay parents fees. And give parents with special needs children the opportunity to have quality care and the foundation for them to move forward to a better life."
Patrick and Deloris Hogan, group family child care providers and VOICE members in New Rochelle stated, "We were victorious because the Childcare Community 'flexed' our muscles collectively. VOICE providers and parents were out in force at the Legislators Town Hall Meetings along with all the other stakeholders in Westchester County. Phone calls, e-mails, knocking on doors were part of our every day routine. It was not easy but there was too much at stake to just sit idly by and let our County Executive run over us."
The Westchester County Scholarship Program was not re-instated following Astorino's veto. We won a big part of our battle this year. Our struggle continues to ensure that families keep earning while children keep learning.
VOICE Leaders Adopt Action Plan
On November 5th and 6th, we gathered in Albany. We all agreed that we've come a long way since 2002 when we formed VOICE and began working to eliminate barriers and build the support systems we need to deliver quality early learning and care to the children and families we serve.
We talked about the enormous challenges facing New York providers and the families we serve during these hard economic times. Then, we put our heads together and adopted a plan to build VOICE membership and power in 2011.
Over the next several months, working with our VOICE CSEA staff, we'll talk with registered family and licensed group family child care providers across the state. Our goals are to grow our membership, engage more members in our work and establish 25 VOICE chapters. We established three action teams to take on issues we know are important to us in every county across the state: the market rate survey and reimbursement rates; affordable and accessible business and health insurance; and regulations on play equipment safety surfacing.
On May 14th, hundreds of us will gather in Albany to celebrate our journey so far, adopt an Action Plan for 2011, and let legislators and public officials from Albany to Washington DC see and hear our "VOICE".
Child Care
Janet Turner - Albany County ProviderAs a regulated child care provider running an independent small business, I am pleased that our right to organize a union has been made into law.
Read Times Union Opinion Article
New law strengthens child care provider rights
Family child care providers across New York State and their union, CSEA, the Civil Service
Employees Association, commend Governor David Paterson for signing S.7451/A.10764,
allowing child care providers to organize themselves for the purposes of discussing with the
State the conditions of their employment.
CSEA President Danny Donohue notes: "I applaud Governor Paterson, the State Senate and the State Assembly for this action. I congratulate CSEA's VOICE and CCPT member child care providers, and those represented by the UFT in New York City, who have worked since 2002 to gain recognition and negotiate an agreement. We know that investing in early learning and care produces both short-term and long-term returns for our communities and our State." The legislation enacts into law the Executive Order signed by Governor Eliot Spitzer in 2007 granting independent child care providers the right to union recognition.
Family child care provider Cassandra Stanfield of Syracuse said, "Passing this legislation is an important step in securing the foundation for family child care we've worked to build since 2002. As a member of VOICE/CSEA, I have more support than I've ever had running my program. That means I can provide the quality, nurturing early care and learning that children need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond."
VOICE/CSEA member Roxanne Savage from Long Island stated, "There are over 14,000 registered family and licensed group family child care providers and 53,000 informal child care providers in New York. The work we do every day keeps parents earning and children learning. In signing this bill, Governor Paterson shows our state is committed to supporting children, families and our child care workforce."
CSEA's VOICE and CCPT child care organizations have ratified first Agreements with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The Agreements include quality program grants and expand opportunities for professional development and affordable health insurance. In addition, VOICE and CCPT members are working to secure federal dollars for child care subsidies and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
A Major Step In The Right Direction For Erie County
Eligibility Levels For Child Care Subsidy Assistance Increased to 175% - Children, Parents, Providers and Employers to Benefit.
"This is great news for everyone in Erie County. Affordable, reliable child care for low income, working families allows parents to work while their young children are cared for in safe, regulated early learning environments."
Bonita Whitlock
Group Family Child Care Provider
CSEA/VOICE Member
Buffalo, NY.
CSEA/VOICE/CCPT is pleased to announce a major victory for providers, parents, children and employers in Erie County. The eligibility levels for parents to qualify for child care assistance has been raised from 125% of the Federal Poverty Level to a more reasonable level of 175%.
When County Executive Chris Collins drastically reduced the eligibility levels in January of 2010, the serious implications of this new policy were obvious and immediate. Hundreds of working families were suddenly faced with placing their children in often substandard, unreliable care to prevent losing their jobs. Family/Group Family Providers and Child Care Centers suffered dramatic drops in enrollment resulting in layoffs and closures. Employers lost experienced, dependable workers.
CSEA/VOICE/CCPT members sprang into action.
CSEA/VOICE/CCPT members joined an alliance of community groups - the Women's Task Force, Voice-Buffalo (a faith based organization) and the Women's Leadership Committee - to combat this destructive lower threshold. In coordinated efforts, hundreds of phone calls were made to politicians and community leaders. Press conferences were held. Petitions and support letters were delivered. A successful march and rally in the middle of a snowstorm was executed on the steps of the County Building.
All our hard work has paid off.
1.7 million dollars in stimulus funds have been received and an additional 6 million dollars of Federal Block Grant monies dedicated to child care has been added by New York State to the 2010-2011 Erie County child care subsidy allocation.
Due to these increases, the Department of Social Services has committed to maintaining the eligibility levels at 175% for the entire fiscal year. Intake has been reopened for parents to apply or reapply for assistance. Low income working families now have the option of placing their children in safe, regulated, quality care. Family/Group Family providers and Child Care Centers have the opportunity to replenish their enrollment levels. Employers will benefit by having reliable, productive employees unburdened by child care worries.
CSEA/VOICE/CCPT members along with our many allies should take great pride in this accomplishment.
VOICE Members and Staff Attend NAFCC Conference
This year's National Association for Family Child Care Conference (July 15-17 in Nashville, TN) rejuvenated and inspired VOICE member attendees Doreen Aristy, Kim Bannister, Brenda Massard, Sharon Gombatto, Roxanne Savage, Cassandra Stanfield and Pam Wells.
The theme of this year's conference was "Creating Harmony: Tuning in to children through partnerships and professionalism". The conference is a great way for child care providers to network with family child care leaders from other states. Workshops on best practice early learning and care, running a family child care business, and federal legislation and funding kept our members busy from morning to night.
Roxanne Savage, a group family day care provider in Suffolk County said: "While meeting all these wonderful brothers and sisters in day care, we had the opportunity to attend numerous workshops to assist us in meeting all of our needs. The selection was literally across the board. I chose those workshops that would best suit my needs. Generally speaking, they were outstanding and not only did I benefit from these workshops, but I came home with materials I can use for both the business side and for the everyday side with the children in day care."
Cassandra Stanfield, a group family day care provider in Onondaga County said: "Attending the conference has given me so much insight into my business, and in my personal life. I walk away feeling energized and empowered, not to mention the benefit of networking with people from all over; especially with the powers that be, at the federal and state levels."
Doreen Aristy, a group family day care provider in Cortland County added "many family childcare providers from all around the world united. There were trainings, presentations, and workshops for three days. The best part about attending the conference was the ability to see what is happening around the country in regards to childcare. I came home rejuvenated and impressed with the work of others. I felt a sense of mutual respect by educated people who held important work positions. I would suggest to all childcare providers that they plan now to attend next years NAFCC conference in Nevada. "
Mount Vernon Rally for Child Care
The Westchester County community continued the fight against childcare subsidy cuts by rallying in Mount Vernon on Saturday, June 26, 2010. The Westchester County Executive is proposing $1.5 million in cuts and changes to day care programs including ending the scholarship program, ending new Title XX subsidies, and increasing the family fee for subsidized childcare from 15% to 20%. These subsidies are important to working families and the providers who care for their children every day: To ensure the continued safety and well being of our future generation.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
