When families call Child Care Solutions for referrals, we want the child care program information we’re providing them to be as accurate as possible. In order for us to do this, we need your help keeping our database up to date! Our Parent Services team has created a brand new form on our website that you can use to let us know when there are changes to your program, such as vacancies, hours of operation and rates. You can find this form on our website under “For Providers” in the “Update Your Program Profile” section – you can even complete and submit the form right from your mobile phone! The form is also available to access from your desktop or laptop computer through our website. 

The answer is always YES! All licensed, registered, and legally exempt child care providers are eligible to participate, regardless of income or location. Many providers don’t realize the financial benefits of joining and staying on CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) – there is a lot of incorrect information floating around about how the program works and specifically how it impacts taxes. If you are still unsure if it’s worthwhile to join CACFP, give us a call (315) 446-1220 ext. 346. Our Provider Services team is here to help explain how the program works and answer any questions you might have. There are also some useful resources on the web that help explain the tax benefits of CACFP – we recommend checking out this article. 

We have some unique training opportunities coming up this month at CCS! Join us for “Super Saturday” – attend one or all three of the workshops we’re offering on June 10th and earn training hours in up to seven (if you take all three workshops) different OCFS categories! Don’t miss out on Toddler Tango with guest instructor Tamar Frieden or the chance to bring back the new DIY toys you will learn how to make during Infant & Toddler Toy Making. Complete workshop descriptions (including fees) and online registration are available through our training calendar.

Our training team has been working hard to plan the 2017 Columbus Day Professional Development Conference, and is excited to share that this fall’s conference will be focused on Cultivating Creativity in Early Childhood. The October 9th, 2017 conference will again be held at the Double Tree by Hilton in East Syracuse….more information to come!

If you own or rent a property in Onondaga County built before 1978 you may be eligible for a grant to remove lead. For specific program requirements and the application packet visit http://www.ongov.net/cd/leadReduction.html for more information or call the Onondaga County Community Development Dept. at (315) 435-3558

Center & SACC Directors; Please join us for our next Director’s Meeting, which will be held Tuesday, June 6th at 9:30 AM. This meeting will be held at our Auburn office located inside Play Space at 63 Genesee Street. Reminder: There will not be Director’s Meetings held during the months of July & August. We will resume meeting on September 12th at our Syracuse office. Hope to see you there!

Center Directors, did you know Child Care Solutions offers the Cavity Free Kids Program to day care centers in Onondaga & Cayuga County free of cost? Cavity Free Kids is a half day training program focusing on incorporating oral health education for young children and their families into the classroom. Learn more about this program by visiting our website or contact Kristi Cusa at (315) 446-1220 ext. 309 with questions and to schedule your center’s Cavity Free Kids session!