May 30, 2023
May 25, 2023
May 23, 2023
May 22, 2023
National Get Caught Reading Month.
Maps, instructional manuals, recipes, food labels, books, short stories, poems, magazines, brochures, street signs–
we're constantly surrounded by words begging to be read.
You can help instill a life-long love of reading in children in many ways, including visiting the local library,
making different types of reading materials available to children and adults throughout all areas of the program at
all times, organizing a program-wide reading night, or photocopying the cover of books you've read with the children
and displaying them in the program.
May is National Get Caught Reading month so no matter where you are or what you're doing, find time for you and the
children to read, read, read!
May 19, 2023
May 15, 2023
National Dental Care Awareness Month.
Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, avoiding sugary snacks and seeing a dentist twice a year can help reduce
the risk of cavities, infections and the need for expensive long-term dental repairs.
May is National Dental Care Awareness Month so this is a great time to read books about visiting a dentist, ask
a dental professional to visit your program or set up a dentist’s office in your dramatic play area where children
can practice brushing teeth on stuffed animals or dolls.
Remember, good oral health leads to good overall health so be sure to share information about proper oral care
with families as well.
May 08, 2023
Early Childhood Educator and Provider Appreciation Week.
As an early childhood educator or child care provider, you juggle many challenges. Every day you provide safe
environments and activities, serve healthy meals and snacks, build strong relationships, attend training, have
tough conversations and navigate regulations and paperwork.
That's why New York State celebrates Early Childhood Educator and Child Care Provider Appreciation Week
from May 8-12, 2023. Visit our YouTube channel to watch a video celebrating you and all you do.
Always remember, you are essential and we THANK YOU for your continued dedication, commitment and passion
to the children and families of New York State.
May 05, 2023
May 01, 2023
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
If you have an ear infection, you go to the doctor – no questions asked. If you have a cavity, you
go to the dentist – again, no questions asked. So, if you are feeling anxious, stressed or depressed,
or see signs of negative mental health in others, seek help – no questions asked.
Be sure to check in with children as well to see how they are feeling and provide them with strategies
they can use when they are experiencing different emotions. This will help instill in them a positive
attitude about mental health they can use throughout their lives.
Some things you can do with children are building time for meditation and deep breathing into your
daily routine, taking time out for mindful moments, discussing different emotions and emotional vocabulary
and doing daily check-ins using a how are you feeling today chart and sharing this information with
families.
Visit the CDC website for more information about mental health
and tools and resources.
Apr 26, 2023
Apr 24, 2023
Sign Up for CPSC recall notices.
As a child care provider, one of your most important jobs is to provide the children in your care with a safe and
healthy environment where they can learn, play and grow.
One way to do this is by visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website to search or sign up for
information on latest product recalls. Signing up is easy- just click on the yellow "Choose Your Recall Email" button,
fill out the information and click next. CPSC will then email you information so you never miss a recall notice.
Apr 17, 2023
April 22nd is Earth Day.
April 22nd is Earth Day– a day to come together as a community to do something specific to raise awareness about
issues such as pollution, deforestation and climate control.
There are special things you can do on that day to celebrate the Earth such as planting a tree, picking up litter
in a local park or playground, or having a program-wide celebration. There are also
things you can do every day to
help protect the planet.
Remember, we only get one Earth, so we all must do our part to keep it clean and healthy. Happy Earth Day!
Apr 11, 2023
We are pleased to announce a new training opportunity for enrolled legally exempt group programs.
Program directors and/or qualified trainers may now access our On-Demand Training to conduct in-service training for
their staff.
On-Demand Training provides 24/7 access to a selection of previously recorded webcasts and current eLearning courses.
On-Demand Trainings were developed in partnership with OCFS, and successful completion of these courses can help your staff
meet the OCFS training requirements, including the pre-service health and safety requirement. Course materials include
handouts and directions for conducting the trainings. At the end of each training session, participants will be required
to pass a post-test in order to receive training credit. They will also need to complete an online participant reaction
questionnaire.
Read more about On-Demand training on our website,
or send us an email for more information: pdp-on-demand@albany.edu.
Apr 07, 2023
Apr 05, 2023
Reminder: Quarterly Profile Update.
Earlier this year, ECETP and OCFS collaborated to implement a training certificate data transfer that makes it easier
to track and report your ECETP training completions. All you need to do is update your ECETP profile.
Videos detailing the process can be found in both English and Spanish in the "Featured Videos" section of the ECETP website.
Remember, if you have recently applied for fingerprinting or have changed child care programs, go to the ECETP website and
update your facility information in your ECETP profile today.
Mar 29, 2023
New CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) Eligibility Questionnaire.
Did you know that families you work with may be eligible for child care at low or no cost
through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)? OCFS has released a new online CCAP Eligibility
Questionnaire to help families see if they may be eligible. The questionnaire is quick, simple,
and available in 13 languages.
Visit the CCAP website for resources including a link to the questionnaire, information
on what CCAP means for both families and providers, and more.
Mar 27, 2023
Auto Injector Initiative.
An estimated one (1) in 13 children is impacted by allergies. Many children experience events
for the first time while in child care, these may include new foods and insect bites. There is no
way to predict when a child will have an allergic reaction. If anaphylaxis were to occur, is your
child care program prepared to respond? Epinephrine is the first line drug of choice for the
emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. Having a non-patient specific auto-injector in
your program's emergency tool kit, and the knowledge of how to use it, is a lifesaving investment.
So why wait? Visit the OCFS website and participate in the cost-free
Auto Injector Initiative today!
Mar 23, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 17, 2023
Virtual Class Opportunities in April 2023.
Registration is now open for all second-quarter virtual classes and two popular, interactive courses
in April still have seats available! Secure your spot today for "Do You Know Why? The Importance of
Understanding Allergies" on April 4th and "Town Hall Meeting: Child Abuse and Maltreatment" on April 20th.
Class capacity is limited, so register today to secure your seat.
Mar 13, 2023
March is national developmental disabilities awareness month.
Developmental disabilities are conditions that impair a child's physical, learning, language or behavior.
Having a good understanding about developmental milestones can help identify possible delays.
Visit the CDC webpage for
information and resources about milestones you can share with colleagues and families.
If you have concerns about the development of a child, talk to the family and suggest they reach out to
the
New York State Early Intervention Program (ages 0-3), the Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE)
of the child's school district (ages 3-5) and the Committee on Special Education (CSE) of the child's
school district (ages 5-21).
Remember, early detection of developmental disabilities is key to limiting the impacts on the
child's long-term development. As the New York State Early Intervention program says,
"Early Help Makes a Difference."
Mar 10, 2023
Mar 08, 2023
New e-Learning course available.
The newest e-Learning course “Lead: The Hidden Danger in Drinking Water” is available for training.
During this fully narrated course trainees will learn what lead is, how it can affect children, what
they can do if they find it in their drinking water and information on the Office of Children and
Family Service’s Lead Testing in Drinking Water Program.
This course will provide 1-hour of training in the following OCFS training topics:
Register today.
Mar 08, 2023
Nuevo curso electrónico disponible.
El curso electrónico más reciente, "Plomo: El peligro oculto en el agua potable" ya está
disponible como capacitación. Durante este curso totalmente narrado, los alumnos aprenderán qué es el plomo,
cómo puede afectar a los niños, lo que pueden hacer si lo encuentran en su agua potable, e información
sobre el Programa de pruebas de plomo en agua potable de la Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias.
Este curso imparte 1 hora de capacitación en los siguientes temas de capacitación de la OCFS:
Inscríbase hoy.
Mar 01, 2023
March is brain injury awareness month.
There are two types of brain injuries: non-traumatic and traumatic. Non-traumatic brain injuries begin
internally due to disease, poisoning, a hereditary condition, lack of oxygen, stroke or other internal
medical conditions. Traumatic brain injuries occur due to external force such as motor vehicle accidents,
sports or recreational injuries, domestic violence, falls or child abuse.
For more information on advocacy and support to people and families living with brain injuries, visit
the Brain Injury Association of New York State website.
For training about brain injuries and young children,
register for our eLearning: "Prevention and Identification of Brain Injuries, including Abusive Head Trauma".
Feb 21, 2023
Feb 15, 2023
The newest e-Learning course "Building on the Foundation of Health and Safety" is available for training.
During this fully narrated course trainees will receive a review of important information presented in
the Foundations in Health and Safety e-Learning. They will also be provided with updates and new information
in all areas of the federally mandated health and safety requirements.
This course will provide 5-hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Principles of Childhood Development
- Safety and Security
- Child Care Statutes and Regs
- Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Nutrition and Health
- Business Records
- CAM Statutes and Regs
- Child Care Program Development
- CAM ID and Prevention
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
Register today.
Feb 13, 2023
February is National Canned Food Month
Canned goods are reasonably affordable, require little to no preparation and have a long shelf life,
making them an emergency preparedness necessity.
It's important to store your canned goods properly and not consume any after their expiration date.
This can be confusing because cans may have an expiration date and/or a “best by” date printed on them.
Visit the Consumer Reports website for more information on this and other things to keep in mind about
your canned goods.
Feb 06, 2023
CPSC Sleepwear Recall
On January 19, 2023 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
recalled 6 different models of NewCosplay Children's Sleepwear because it failed to meet federal
flammability standards for children's sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Visit the
CPSC website and scroll down the page for more information about the specific items being recalled and
what to do if you have them.
Feb 03, 2023
Jan 31, 2023
Jan 23, 2023
Jan 18, 2023
Jan 13, 2023
Jan 12, 2023
Jan 10, 2023
Jan 10, 2023
Jan 09, 2023
Jan 04, 2023
Jan 04, 2023
El curso eLearning, "¿Qué es el cuidado infantil legalmente exento?" se encuentra ahora disponible en español.
Este curso totalmente narrado está dirigido a proveedores legalmente exentos inscritos
y a las personas interesadas en convertirse en proveedores legalmente exentos inscritos.
La capacitación aborda por qué el cuidado infantil legalmente exento inscrito podría ser la opción
apropiada para familias o proveedores. Define los distintos tipos de cuidado infantil legalmente
exento. Por último, ofrece a los participantes una descripción general de las regulaciones del
estado de Nueva York que deben cumplir los proveedores legalmente exentos inscritos.
Este curso provee 1 hora de capacitación en los siguientes temas de capacitación de OCFS:
- Desarrollo de un programa de cuidado infantil
- Estatutos y regulaciones relacionados al cuidado infantil
Regístrese hoy.
Jan 04, 2023
The e-Learning course, "What Is Legally Exempt Child Care?," is now available in Spanish.
This fully narrated course is targeted to enrolled legally exempt providers and people
interested in becoming enrolled legally exempt providers. The training discusses why enrolled
legally exempt child care might be the right option for families, or un-enrolled providers.
It defines the different types of legally exempt child care. Finally, it gives participants
an overview of the New York State regulations enrolled legally exempt providers must follow.
This course will provide you with 1 hour of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Child Day Care Program Development
- Statutes and Regulations Pertaining to Child Day Care
Register today.
Jan 02, 2023
Dec 22, 2022
Dec 20, 2022
Dec 19, 2022
The eLearning course, "Child Care Requirements and Resources for Legally Exempt Providers" is now available in Spanish.
This fully narrated course explains how to use the resources in the Enrollment Information Packet
for Legally Exempt Providers (OCFS-7026) to promote children’s health and safety. It summarizes
circumstances under which providers are required to contact families and enrollment agencies.
The course also describes the different kinds of inspections that programs and providers may undergo,
how to prepare for them, and what to expect during an inspection.
This course will provide you with 1.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Safety and Security
- Nutrition and Health
- Business Records
- Statutes and Regulations Pertaining to Child Day Care
- Child Care Program Development
Register today.
Dec 19, 2022
El curso eLearning, "Requisitos y recursos de cuidado infantil para proveedores legalmente exentos" se encuentra ahora disponible en español.
Este curso totalmente narrado explica cómo usar los recursos en el Paquete informativo
de inscripción para proveedores de cuidado infantil legalmente exentos (OCFS-7026-S) para promover
la salud y seguridad de los niños. Resume las circunstancias en las que los proveedores deben
contactar a las familias y agencias de inscripción. El curso también describe los distintos tipos
de inspecciones a las que los programas y proveedores pueden tener que someterse, cómo prepararse
para ellas y qué esperar durante una inspección.
Este curso provee 1.5 horas de capacitación en los siguientes temas de capacitación de OCFS:
- Seguridad y protección
- Nutrición y salud
- Mantenimiento de récords de negocio y gerencia
- Estatutos y regulaciones relacionados al cuidado infantil
- Desarrollo de un programa de cuidado infantil
Regístrese hoy.
Dec 19, 2022
Dec 16, 2022
Dec 13, 2022
Dec 12, 2022
Dec 02, 2022
EIP is now accepting applications for the 2023 scholarship year.
We are pleased to announce some exciting changes with the start of the 2023 scholarship year. The income chart levels
have increased to allow more providers the ability to participate, the annual scholarship caps for both college and
credential training have increased to $2,500, and income is no longer an eligibility factor for CRP/FA scholarships.
Training must begin and end in 2023 to be considered for a scholarship.
The 2022 scholarship year is now closed, and we are no longer accepting applications.
Dec 02, 2022
Oct 31, 2022
Oct 31, 2022
Oct 20, 2022
Oct 20, 2022
Sep 20, 2022
Aug 23, 2022
Aug 15, 2022
The new eLearning "Identifying and Responding to Anaphylaxis" is now available in English and Spanish.
We're pleased to announce the availability of two new eLearnings. The "Identifying and Responding to Anaphylaxis:
Elijah’s Law" course has been updated in both English and Spanish. The new versions are titled "Identifying and
Responding to Anaphylaxis" and "Identificando y Respondiendo a la Anafilaxia". These courses have been revised to
reflect the expansion of OCFS's non-patient-specific epinephrine-auto injector initiative.
You can read more about it in the Dear Provider Letter here.
Licensed and registered programs may now receive 3 epinephrine auto-injector packs (2 injectors, 1 training device in
each pack). These packs are available in the following doses: infant/toddler, child, and older child/teen/adult.
The courses have been expanded to include information on the availability of the new doses and how to get them.
As a result, they now provide 1.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Principles of Childhood Development
- Nutrition and Health
- Safety and Security Procedures
- Business Record Maintenance and Management
You can find the English and Spanish courses in our eLearning catalog.
These courses are also available as On-Demand Trainings. Check out the On-Demand section of our website for more information.
Aug 15, 2022
El nuevo curso eLearning "Identificando y Respondiendo a la Anafilaxia" se encuentra ahora disponible en inglés y español.
Nos place anunciar la disponibilidad de dos nuevos cursos de eLearning.
El curso "Identificando y Respondiendo a la Anafilaxia: Ley de Elijah" ha sido actualizado al inglés y al español.
Las nuevas versiones se titulan "Identifying and Responding to Anaphylaxis" e "Identificando y Respondiendo a la
Anafilaxia". Estos cursos han sido revisados para reflejar la expansión de la iniciativa del autoinyector de
epinefrina no específico al paciente de OCFS. Usted puede leer más sobre esto en la carta de Estimado Proveedor aquí.
Programas licenciados y registrados ahora pueden recibir hasta 3 paquetes de autoinyectores de epinefrina
(2 inyectores, 1 aparato de entrenamiento en cada paquete). Estos paquetes se encuentran disponibles en las siguientes dosis: infante/niño pequeño, niño, y niño mayor/adolescente/adulto.
Los cursos se han expandido para incluir información acerca de la disponibilidad de las nuevas dosis y
cómo conseguirlas. Como resultado, ahora proveen 1.5 horas de capacitación en los siguientes temas de capacitación de
OCFS:
- Principios del Desarrollo Infantil
- Nutrición y Salud
- Seguridad y Procedimientos de Seguridad
- Mantenimiento de Récords de Negocio y Gerencia
Usted puede encontrar los cursos en inglés y español en nuestro catálogo de eLearning.
Estos cursos también se encuentran disponibles como capacitaciones En-Demanda. Visite la sección de En-Demanda de nuestra página electrónica para más información.
Aug 10, 2022
Jun 28, 2022
Jun 21, 2022
Jun 15, 2022
Jun 10, 2022
Jun 01, 2022
May 16, 2022
Infant Formula Shortages
On May 12, 2022, Governor Hochul announced resources for New York families amid nationwide infant formula shortages. Please visit the OCFS website for details or go to
the Governor's site for more information.
Please share this information with impacted families!
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 28, 2022
Sabe usted que: ¿no puede ver, oler o probar el plomo en el agua?
Haciendo una prueba es la única forma de saber si hay plomo presente. La Oficina de Servicios para
Niños y Familias (OCFS, por sus siglas en inglés) se enorgullece de implementar el Programa de Pruebas de Plomo
en el Agua Potable, sin costo alguno, para centros de cuidado infantil autorizados y registrados.
Visite la página web de la OCFS para obtener
más información y conocer todos los detalles sobre este programa.
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 15, 2022
Mar 03, 2022
For Licensed, Registered, or Legally Exempt Group Providers...
Effective March 2, 2022, masks are no longer required in child care programs.
Children and staff may continue to wear a mask if they prefer to do so.
Efectivo marzo 2, 2022, las máscaras no serán requeridas en los programas de cuidado infantil.
El personal y los niños pueden continuar usando una máscara si así lo prefieren.
Jan 28, 2022
Jan 20, 2022
The newest eLearning course, "Child Care Requirements and Resources for Legally Exempt Providers" is available for training.
This fully narrated course explains how to use the resources in the Enrollment Information Packet for Legally Exempt Providers (OCFS-7026) to promote children's health and safety.
It summarizes circumstances under which providers are required to contact families and enrollment agencies. The course also describes the different kinds of inspections that programs
and providers may undergo, how to prepare for them, and what to expect during an inspection.
This course will provide you with 1.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Safety and Security
- Nutrition and Health
- Business Records
- Statutes and Regulations Pertaining to Child Day Care
- Child Care Program
Register today.
Jan 19, 2022
Jan 19, 2022
Jan 03, 2022
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 20, 2021
Dec 17, 2021
Dec 17, 2021
Directors and Trainers— are you looking for in-service training opportunities?
On-Demand Training gives you 24/7 access to 21 training topics. They include handout materials,
activities, and directions for conducting On-Demand Training sessions. Directors and/or qualified
trainers in child day care centers and school-age child care programs can apply to become On-Demand
Trainers.
You can also apply to deliver On-Demand Training virtually through 6/30/22. Our 21 On-Demand
courses are now available for scheduling from today until 9/30/22.
Learn more about On-Demand Training!
Dec 03, 2021
Dec 02, 2021
EIP is now accepting applications for the 2022 scholarship year.
We are pleased to announce an upgraded application system
with the start of the 2022 scholarship year. The new features remove nearly 100% of paper-based communications.
Applicants will upload application supporting documents during the application submission process.
Applications and awards will be signed electronically, and notifications regarding status changes and
reminder emails will be automatically sent. Training must begin and end in 2022 to be considered for a scholarship.
The 2021 scholarship year is now closed, and we are no longer accepting applications.
Nov 30, 2021
Nov 30, 2021
Nov 29, 2021
Nov 26, 2021
Nov 26, 2021
Nov 24, 2021
Nov 24, 2021
Nov 23, 2021
Are you or your staff interested in getting a COVID-19 booster?
You can use Child Care Stabilization Grant money to pay for support for getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
This can include appointments, paid sick leave, and transportation costs.
Watch these Child Care Stabilization Grant videos for more information:
Remember, the last day to apply for a Child Care Stabilization Grant is Nov. 30th!
Nov 22, 2021
Nov 19, 2021
Nov 19, 2021
Nov 18, 2021
Nov 17, 2021
Nov 17, 2021
Nov 16, 2021
Child Care Stabilization Grants.
Apply now for a Child Care Stabilization Grant! The New York State Office of Children and Family
Services (OCFS) is making federal funding available directly to qualified child care providers.
The purpose of these grants is to help you cover unexpected business costs from the COVID-19 pandemic,
and help stabilize your program so you can resume or continue providing high-quality child care.
To be eligible, your program must be in good standing and be a licensed/registered, permitted NYC
day care center (Article 47), or an enrolled legally exempt group program as of March 11, 2021.
This grant is not a loan so you don't have to pay it back. Just complete the quick and easy online
application. If you're approved, you'll have to keep records (receipts, invoices, etc.) of how you
spend the money. The online application and information are available in English, Spanish, and
multiple other languages! Find out more by going to the Stabilization Help Center website, calling
the Stabilization Help Line (844-863-9319), or by contacting your local CCR&R, union representative
(CSEA or UFT), or WHEDco. These grants are an historic investment in the field of child care.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity and apply!
Oct 28, 2021