Child Care Today Blog

March 2^nd was not only Dr. Seuss’s Birthday but it also kicked off National Reading Month! To many parents and caregivers reading is one of the most important milestones that children reach. There are many things that can be done at home and in daycare that can help...

It’s that time of year again, the red and pink hearts of Valentine’s Day have given way to the green, gold & rainbows we associate with St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and while your local parade might not be the most child-friendly...

Playing board games is great for children for many reasons besides the obvious; it’s fun to play games! Age appropriate games can help children to think strategically, solve problems creatively, work on pattern recognition and build simple math skills. They also help children...

by Amanda Kelkenberg, CEO

Imagine a community where every child is participating in a high-quality early learning program.  Imagine a...

February is National children’s dental health month. This month thousands of dentists and hygienists go to classrooms across the country to speak about the importance of dental hygiene. The American Dental Association and dentist all over also celebrate Give Kids a Smile Day by...

When someone says Valentine’s Day our minds often conjure images of roses, hearts, funny Valentine’s Day cards and love. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just a Hallmark holiday for lovers; it can be a great learning opportunity for children too.

 by: Michelle Wilson, Education & Training Specialist

During this time of year, I receive many phone calls from family and group family providers asking for advice on how they should organize and prepare their...

Cold & Flu season is upon us. Across the country, hospitals and doctors’ offices are reporting widespread cases of the flu.  Emergency rooms are bogged down and ...

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is rapidly approaching. So as we prepare for a day off from school or work it is important to reflect upon why we celebrate this holiday. Dr. King is most famous...

As any parent of a toddler probably knows children aren't always fond of coats, and getting ready to leave the house on a cold day can be so daunting it's easier just not to leave the house at all. Beyond feeling constricted by an additional layer of clothing, another problem...

In the middle of the Fall 2016-17 Child Development Associate (CDA) course, a CDA Candidate, Kathia, shared with her classmates and teacher, Gayle Nixon, that she was expecting and due towards the end of the course. Kathia worked hard throughout the course, despite the various struggles that can...

By Chaznique Cooks, Legally Exempt Enrollment Specialist

While there are many benefits to becoming a legally exempt provider beyond providing safe, high-quality child care, the main benefit is just that: quality.

What is Legally Exempt Child Care?

Legally Exempt...

By Christen Balistreri, Parent and Employer Services Specialist

The process of finding child care for your little one can be very overwhelming and scary. Not only are you working away from your children all day, but you need to find a safe, nurturing and cost-effective caregiver...

By Billie Jo Meehan, CLC, CACFP Specialist

The CACFP new meal pattern changes will go into effect October 1, 2017. The changes align CACFP meal patterns with the most up-to-date nutrition requirements from USDA. The goal for the changes is to ensure that children are receiving...

Jocelyn Marshall, Executive Administrative Assistant 

Q: What did you do prior to CCRN?

A: “I am...

By Carrie Truesdell, Information Specialist

As computers continue to be used increasingly in child care programs for record keeping, marketing, and program planning, it’s important to remember one thing: they crash. And recovering your files, pictures, music, and other...

Finding the right child care program for your family isn’t just important – it can be an intimidating or scary process. There are many things you should know before you go into the process that can make it easier, though.

When looking for a child care program, be sure to keep these tips...

By Susan DiNatale, Director of Education & Training

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time specifically set aside to bring awareness to child abuse, how to prevent it, and how to identify victims of abuse. Child abuse victims are not only young children; they are...

This past advocacy season has been a busy one! With the state budget still not set, Child Care Resource Network has been working locally as well as on a state-wide scale to ensure that child care funding is at the front of all legislators minds.

• In November 2016, Erie County...

By Jackie Roberson, Jr., Director of Legally Exempt

1. Immunization records not found on-site for each child
2. Smoking conducted indoors
3. No working carbon monoxide detector on-site
4. Materials such as lighters, medications, detergents, aerosol cans, and...

By Christen Balistreri, Parent and Employer Services Specialist

Suddenly it's spring and you realize that school will be out soon – but you still have spots open in your summer camp. What do you do?

Filling summer camp slots is often difficult for child care providers....

By Courtney Gfroerer, Marketing & Community Impact Specialist

This past February, group family child care provider Solange Niyigena was awarded Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI)s Entrepreneur of the Year. “The award goes to a person who has shown a...

By Karen Kopacz, Director of CACFP

March is National Nutrition Month – a time to focus our attention on the importance of making nutritious food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. What a great time to sign up for the Child and Adult Care Food...