Our children are precious. So are the people who care for and educate them.

In less than 1 minute you can let Governor Hochul and your NYS legislators know that it's time to pay our child care workforce like the invaluable professionals they are. Just Click Here!

Right now the NYS child care workforce makes less than 96% of all NYS occupations.

As a result, many child care jobs go unfilled, leading to programs unable to enroll new children.

Caring for and educating our young children is not babysitting. It is demanding work, calling for skill and knowledge and patience. The people who do this important work, generally women and often women of color, should be compensated like the professionals that they are.

The Council's new Child Care Survey reveals that Westchester teachers in child care centers earn 44% less than entry-level kindergarten teachers.

The Governor proposes another one-time workforce recruitment and retention initiative, using unspent federal funding. This will not fix the child care staffing crisis.

Time to invest NYS $ in a permanent child care compensation fund that reflects the true value of these indispensable educators.

For more info on the Child Care Council's new Salary Survey, Click Here!

For questions and/or more information, contact Kathy Halas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2023 Westchester Early Care and Education Salary Survey Q/A

Hear about: Wages, Benefits, Impact on programs

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 1pm to 2pm

Calling all ECE professionals, board members, parents, employers and child advocates. You cannot afford to miss this report!

No registration necessary. Use this Zoom Link

For more info, contact Nicole Masucci, Director of Family and Employment Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GRANT MONEY UP TO $2000!

DO SOMETHING INNOVATIVE

FOR YOUR WESTCHESTER PROGRAM!

• Do you have an amazing idea for your child care/after school program that needs some resources?

• Is there something you've always wanted to try?

• Have a promising approach that will make great things possible for Westchester children?

Then we encourage you to apply below for a Cate Riley Innovation for Quality Prize. Grants up to $2,000. each will be awarded.

Child care centers, after school programs, family and group family providers, and nursery schools are eligible.

Applications are due by 5PM on Friday, April 12, 2024.

For more info: CLICK HERE!

For an application: CLICK HERE!

For questions, email Anna S. (Kathy Halas' assistant) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.g

The Child Care Council has COVID-19 Test Kits Available for Distribution

We are offering free COVID-19 test kits.

They are available for pick up at the Child Care Council, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Please inform the front desk when you arrive that you are there for COVID test kits and how many test kits you will need. Please make your request in multiples of ten (10 kits, 20 kits, etc).

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Gabriella Figueroa (914)761-3456, Ext. 111