The new Article 47, NYC Regulations for Child Care services, that went into effect on September 1,2008 has significantly expanded the training requirements for child care center staff. According to guidance from DOHMH, Section 47.37 is modeled on the child care staff training requirements of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Initial and ongoing in-service training of child care center staff is now the responsibility of the Educational Director in each center. Through my contacts at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, I have learned that certain trainers will have to be approved by DOHMH and/or certified by the state. So when hiring a training consultant you should seek the advice of your DOHMH Education Consultant to make sure that the trainer’s credentials meet qualifications.
Minimum training in child abuse and maltreatment recognition and prevention is required for all staff. Teaching staff is required to receive training in infection control and reporting infectious diseases.
In addition to child abuse and maltreatment prevention, Infant/Toddler and Night Care service staff is required to complete sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and “shaken baby” identification and prevention training.
In addition to child abuse and maltreatment prevention , Assistant Teachers shall receive 15 hours of training every 24 months in various subjects related to child health and safety and early childhood development.
The Educational Director shall develop a training curriculum based on the assessment of the professional development needs of individual assistant teachers. The curriculum should include, but is not limited to the following topics:
a) preventing, recognizing signs of, and reporting injuries, infectious diseases, other illnesses and medical conditions, b) first aid and CPR, c) Lead poisoning prevention, d) Physical activities, scheduling and conducting guided and structured physical activity, e) Asthma prevention and management, f)Setting up and maintaining staff and child health records including immunizations, g) Growth and child development, (i) Early intervention, (ii) Early childhood education curriculum development and appropriate activity planning, (iii) Appropriate supervision of children, (iv) Meeting the needs of children with physical or emotional challenges, (v) Behavior management and discipline, (vi) Meeting nutritional needs of young children, (vii) Parent, staff, and volunteer communication and orientation: roles and responsibility, (viii)The selection of appropriate and classroom arrangement, (ix) Safety and security procedures for fire safety, emergency evacuation, playgrounds, trips and transportation.
The DOHMH and OCFS have begun a train the trainer initiative that will greatly expand the number of trainers available to do this work.
Become a premium member of www.ccbcny.com and we will keep you informed about training resources. For comprehensive information about the new child care regulations go to
www.nyc.gov/html/doh
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Group Child Care Regulations in NYC
Effective today, September 1, 2008 the recently reenacted Article 47 of the New York City Health Code will guide the regulation and operation of group child care programs in New York City. The changes in the code reflect an update on how the various modalities of child care services are delivered in NYC and several changes in the process for program operators to obtain or re-new their license or operating permit.
It is important for every child care business owner to thoroughly know and understand the regulations for operating a safe and quality child care business. Throughout September and October we will use this blog to discuss the highlights of changes to the DOHMH child care regulations.
Child Care services are, and should be, highly regulated. Pre-school age children in group settings without their parents are totally dependent upon the preparation, planning and best judgment of their care givers. Over time regulators have used experience, observation, anecdotal information, and sadly, the results of tragedies to determine staffing ratios and operating procedures that will best protect young children when things are going as planned, as well as when something out of the ordinary happens. According to 47:23 of the regulations, the minimum ratio of staff to children and group size is as follows:
For children under 12 months old the adult/child ratio is one adult for every 4 children (1:4) or (1:3) with no more than 8 children per group; For children 12 to 24 months , the adult/child ratio is one adult to five children (1:5) with the group size limited to 10 children. The ratio for children 2 years to under 3 years is one adult to every 6 children (1:6) with the group size limited to 12 children. The adult/child ratio for children 3 years old to under 4 is 1adult to every 10 children (1:10) with the group size limited to 15 children. For children 4 years to under 5, the adult/child ratio is one adult for every 12 children, with group size limited to 20 children. And finally for children 5 years old to under 6 years old the adult/child ratio is one adult to every 15 children (1:15) with the group size limited to 25 children.
Basically there was no change in the regulations for staff/child ratios and group size except in the case of children under 12 months of age. When the staff/child ratio in 1:4 the program must demonstrate that it has enough staff on the premises to bring the ratio to 1:3 in case of an emergency.
Of course there are other considerations that affect the number of children allowed in a group and the maximum group size. You will be guided through these issues by the DOHMH consultant assigned to your program.
The staffing ratio and group size allows for each child to be observed and receive individualized attention and nurturing throughout the day. It also increases the likelihood that in an emergency staff will be able to move all of the children to safety. The required staffing in the classroom at all times, plus a well rehearsed emergency plan for evacuation and/or crisis management is the responsible way to go. Over enrollment of children is a risk that none of us should be willing to take. Not only does it jeopardize your liability, it puts lives at greater risk should something un-thinkable happen.
The staffing ratio and group size allows for each child to be observed and receive individualized attention and nurturing throughout the day. It also increases the likelihood that in an emergency staff will be able to move all of the children to safety. The required staffing in the classroom at all times, plus a well rehearsed emergency plan for evacuation and/or crisis management is the responsible way to go. Over enrollment of children is a risk that none of us should be willing to take. Not only does it jeopardize your liability, it puts lives at greater risk should something un-thinkable happen.
To get much more information and commentary about the reenacted Article 47 child care regulations…. become a premium member of the CCBCNY.com website.
You may also go directly to the DOHMH website at www.nyc.gov/dohmh.com
You may also go directly to the DOHMH website at www.nyc.gov/dohmh.com
Monday, August 25, 2008
BLOG FOR 8/25/08
Everywhere I go these days people are talking about the economy. Over the past year the cost of everything has increased and it has become very hard for people at every economic level to make ends meet. As I listen to experts it seems that our current situation is unique because so many things have gone wrong at once. Price inflation is at an all time high, not seen since the 1970’s. Nationally, almost half a million jobs have been lost so far just this year and several banks have been closed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). We all know from the unrelenting news coverage that hundreds of thousands of home owners are caught in the sub-prime mortgage crisis and are facing foreclosure on their homes. Millions of other homeowners are watching the value of their homes slide downward.
Recently, Governor David Patterson warned that New York State is facing a 6 billion dollar budget shortfall in the state budget. He is calling for a 7% cut in State spending for this year on top of the 3.35% reduction already included in the 2008-09 budget. I don’t know whether most of us are paying attention, but we should be. Such cuts will be devastating to the quality of life in our State and in our City. Government funded programs are already looking at cuts in their contracts that range from changes in their services delivery to actually closing their doors.
Of course, the New York State legislature will weigh in on this issue and so far, it appears that the leaders of the Senate and Assembly are reluctant to embrace such stark cuts and may be more inclined to promote tax increases.
We should remember that we are already facing a 2% budget cut in New York City spending. Additional federal cuts are projected for the federal fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008.
The current budget submitted by the Bush Administration is recommending up to a 30% cut in the social services block grant aid to New York State.
As Governor Patterson rendered his dire warnings about the NYS budget he also said that this downturn in the economy is shaping up to possibly be the worst recession since the great depression of 1929. Let’s hope that he’s wrong. Most of us have not faced such economic devastation in our lifetimes. But forewarned should allow us to be forearmed. We all need to pay very close attention to what’s happening with our economy and handle our planning and our finances accordingly.
Recently, Governor David Patterson warned that New York State is facing a 6 billion dollar budget shortfall in the state budget. He is calling for a 7% cut in State spending for this year on top of the 3.35% reduction already included in the 2008-09 budget. I don’t know whether most of us are paying attention, but we should be. Such cuts will be devastating to the quality of life in our State and in our City. Government funded programs are already looking at cuts in their contracts that range from changes in their services delivery to actually closing their doors.
Of course, the New York State legislature will weigh in on this issue and so far, it appears that the leaders of the Senate and Assembly are reluctant to embrace such stark cuts and may be more inclined to promote tax increases.
We should remember that we are already facing a 2% budget cut in New York City spending. Additional federal cuts are projected for the federal fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008.
The current budget submitted by the Bush Administration is recommending up to a 30% cut in the social services block grant aid to New York State.
As Governor Patterson rendered his dire warnings about the NYS budget he also said that this downturn in the economy is shaping up to possibly be the worst recession since the great depression of 1929. Let’s hope that he’s wrong. Most of us have not faced such economic devastation in our lifetimes. But forewarned should allow us to be forearmed. We all need to pay very close attention to what’s happening with our economy and handle our planning and our finances accordingly.
Monday, July 28, 2008
BLOG FOR 7-28-08
For the last several years we have experienced the phenomenon of businesses or even individuals “Branding “ themselves, their products, businesses or services. It also seems that there are various views of exactly what it means to brand something.
The late James Davis, then NYC Councilman for the 35th Council District in Brooklyn, once told me that his goal was to have such high name recognition that seeing his name in print, without pictures, would conjure up, in the minds of the public, an image of himself and all of his good works in the city council.
He used as illustration the Nike brand. When we see the Nike name or even just the symbol most of us immediately think about top quality sneakers and sports wear worn by the best athletes in the world. Many of us desire to emulate that image.
In my mind, what we have labeled branding , is essentially talking about our reputation. Although we might decide to have a memorable letterhead or logo or give out trinkets with our names embossed on them, we actually create our brand by the quality of service that we provide daily.
If we provide poor, un- reliable services, or bad attitude, the logo and trinkets will only serve to remind people to avoid using our service. Similarly, if we project self confidence, an open and caring demeanor, demonstrate love and concern for each child, provide dependable quality service, with a glad to serve you attitude, our business will stand out in the crowd and grow almost effortlessly, by word of mouth. If you are consistently providing services in these ways, call it what you may, you will have branded your child care business.
The late James Davis, then NYC Councilman for the 35th Council District in Brooklyn, once told me that his goal was to have such high name recognition that seeing his name in print, without pictures, would conjure up, in the minds of the public, an image of himself and all of his good works in the city council.
He used as illustration the Nike brand. When we see the Nike name or even just the symbol most of us immediately think about top quality sneakers and sports wear worn by the best athletes in the world. Many of us desire to emulate that image.
In my mind, what we have labeled branding , is essentially talking about our reputation. Although we might decide to have a memorable letterhead or logo or give out trinkets with our names embossed on them, we actually create our brand by the quality of service that we provide daily.
If we provide poor, un- reliable services, or bad attitude, the logo and trinkets will only serve to remind people to avoid using our service. Similarly, if we project self confidence, an open and caring demeanor, demonstrate love and concern for each child, provide dependable quality service, with a glad to serve you attitude, our business will stand out in the crowd and grow almost effortlessly, by word of mouth. If you are consistently providing services in these ways, call it what you may, you will have branded your child care business.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Blog for 7-21-08
I don’t know about you but I’m very concerned about the state of the economy. I‘ve learned that as business people one of the worse mistakes that we can make is not to pay attention to the big picture or the economic trends. Make no mistake about it; what happens in the broader economy will impact your business.
For instance, today inflation is higher than at any time since the 1970’s, and the national un-employment rate has risen to 5.5%. New York State and New York City’s un-employment rate usually exceed the national average. The 2009 fiscal budget for New York City had what some are calling draconian cuts to basic services for poor and working class citizens. But the mayor and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated that the cuts would have been deeper if not for a surplus from 2006 and 2007 to off-set some of the projected deficit. The Mayor is credited for saying that 2009 cuts will seem like child’s play compared to the next couple of years.
The continuing financial crisis on Wall Street has caused at least two bank failures so far and over 189,000 employees have been laid off. A crisis on Wall Street directly affects New York City; Wall Street is the engine for NYC’s economy. Corporate taxes and personal income taxes from the financial sector are major contributors to the City’s coffers. Experts are suggesting that the lay-offs that we’ve seen so far are only the beginning.
Lay-offs are also forecast for almost all of the government agencies during this year and next as these entities meet mandated 2% budget reductions. Private businesses and corporations may follow suit if business is bad. Do some reading on current economic forecasts. You won’t get a clear picture from watching the 6:00 PM news.
How might this affect child care businesses? First, it is almost impossible to pass on the increased costs in housing, food, utilities and gas to parents by increasing fees; families are already strapped. Try to do some belt tightening to cut down on cost when ever it is possible and safe. Second, some of your parents will probably be laid off. That’s right! Laid off workers may not need or be able to afford child care, thereby shrinking the market for child care services.
What to do? Be proactive in thinking through some scenarios that might meet the needs of parents who have been laid off. Perhaps they won’t need full day or full week child care. You might consider altering your enrollment and attendance policies. Whatever it is, think it through carefully so that you are prepared if that time should come.
The third and final suggestion is, If you are about to embark on some major project that will cost money, like the expansion of your program, do a re-assessment to make sure that it still makes sense in the current environment.
For instance, today inflation is higher than at any time since the 1970’s, and the national un-employment rate has risen to 5.5%. New York State and New York City’s un-employment rate usually exceed the national average. The 2009 fiscal budget for New York City had what some are calling draconian cuts to basic services for poor and working class citizens. But the mayor and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated that the cuts would have been deeper if not for a surplus from 2006 and 2007 to off-set some of the projected deficit. The Mayor is credited for saying that 2009 cuts will seem like child’s play compared to the next couple of years.
The continuing financial crisis on Wall Street has caused at least two bank failures so far and over 189,000 employees have been laid off. A crisis on Wall Street directly affects New York City; Wall Street is the engine for NYC’s economy. Corporate taxes and personal income taxes from the financial sector are major contributors to the City’s coffers. Experts are suggesting that the lay-offs that we’ve seen so far are only the beginning.
Lay-offs are also forecast for almost all of the government agencies during this year and next as these entities meet mandated 2% budget reductions. Private businesses and corporations may follow suit if business is bad. Do some reading on current economic forecasts. You won’t get a clear picture from watching the 6:00 PM news.
How might this affect child care businesses? First, it is almost impossible to pass on the increased costs in housing, food, utilities and gas to parents by increasing fees; families are already strapped. Try to do some belt tightening to cut down on cost when ever it is possible and safe. Second, some of your parents will probably be laid off. That’s right! Laid off workers may not need or be able to afford child care, thereby shrinking the market for child care services.
What to do? Be proactive in thinking through some scenarios that might meet the needs of parents who have been laid off. Perhaps they won’t need full day or full week child care. You might consider altering your enrollment and attendance policies. Whatever it is, think it through carefully so that you are prepared if that time should come.
The third and final suggestion is, If you are about to embark on some major project that will cost money, like the expansion of your program, do a re-assessment to make sure that it still makes sense in the current environment.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Blog for 7-14-08
As we continue to languish in the summer heat and humidity, it has been too hot to hold a cogent thought ; much less actively participate in reacting to the draconian cuts to our base line services that the mayor and the city council have agreed on in the over 59 billion dollar 2008-09 budget for New York City.
For the child care community this is almost certainly a signal that the Administration for Children’s Services planned Project Full Enrollment (PFE) will be implemented. Why? Because those cuts have now already been factored into the budget; the city is compelled to consolidate and downsize programs.
Still, the City Council’s General Welfare Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Bill deBlasio, continues to act as though they are concerned about the plight of the child care programs, while knowing full well that the deal is done.
So far the committee has held several hearings and meetings concerning this issue but has not given any indication that it is prepared to go to bat, in any significant way, on behalf of the over 300 publicly funded child care programs in NYC that will be seriously impacted by the PFE initiative starting in September. The City Council passed Resolution 1415 – requesting that ACS produce certain information and documents to justify it plans for Project Full Enrollment (PFE). And it passed Resolution 1420-2008 requesting the Bloomberg administration to place a moratorium on the implementation of PFE.
The problem with this is that City Council resolutions are little more than suggestions. While the child care community may be lulled into believing that they are getting strong support from the City Council, they are in fact getting nothing more than a distraction from thinking of more meaningful ways to save themselves.
Unfortunately, this current City Council has demonstrated time and again that it is not willing to strongly oppose Mayor Bloomberg who has made it abundantly clear that he has no interest in poor and working class citizens in New York City. So while we get several man made waterfalls throughout the city, our elected officials continue their plans to close senior citizens and child care programs this fall.
For the child care community this is almost certainly a signal that the Administration for Children’s Services planned Project Full Enrollment (PFE) will be implemented. Why? Because those cuts have now already been factored into the budget; the city is compelled to consolidate and downsize programs.
Still, the City Council’s General Welfare Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Bill deBlasio, continues to act as though they are concerned about the plight of the child care programs, while knowing full well that the deal is done.
So far the committee has held several hearings and meetings concerning this issue but has not given any indication that it is prepared to go to bat, in any significant way, on behalf of the over 300 publicly funded child care programs in NYC that will be seriously impacted by the PFE initiative starting in September. The City Council passed Resolution 1415 – requesting that ACS produce certain information and documents to justify it plans for Project Full Enrollment (PFE). And it passed Resolution 1420-2008 requesting the Bloomberg administration to place a moratorium on the implementation of PFE.
The problem with this is that City Council resolutions are little more than suggestions. While the child care community may be lulled into believing that they are getting strong support from the City Council, they are in fact getting nothing more than a distraction from thinking of more meaningful ways to save themselves.
Unfortunately, this current City Council has demonstrated time and again that it is not willing to strongly oppose Mayor Bloomberg who has made it abundantly clear that he has no interest in poor and working class citizens in New York City. So while we get several man made waterfalls throughout the city, our elected officials continue their plans to close senior citizens and child care programs this fall.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Blog for July 7, 2008
July 7, 2008
Yes… I know that I’m late up-dating the blog; please forgive me. So much is happening in the child care world it’s hard to keep up with everything. Thanks for bearing with us.
On a sad note, last week I learned that I lost a friend. Dottie Millard and I served together briefly on the Board of Directors of the New York State Child Care Coordinating Council (NYSCCCC). The Council is a state wide organization of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R’s). In the early 90’s Dottie served a term as the President of the Board and as interim Executive Director during our search for an Executive Director. I served as chair of the personnel committee. During that period the Council successfully led an initiative to have legislation passed and funded that would provide funds for every county in New York State to have at least one CCR&R program. Dottie was one of the warriors in the battle to get that legislation passed. CCR&R agencies work to expand the availability of child care services throughout the state. They work to raise the level of understanding, among our legislators, that the provision of safe, affordable and accessible child care is a fundamental need for all families. We continue to benefit from the work that Dottie did, together with many others too numerous to name here. Dottie Millard was as fine a person as you could ever meet. I pray her soul safe passage into the next life and I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family.
On another sad note, but in a different vein, the Irving Place Child Care Center closed its doors as a child care program about two weeks ago. It seems that they couldn’t hold up under the exorbitant cost of operating the center; most notably for rent and utilities. I understand that Assemblywoman Annette Robinson kept Con Edison at bay for as long as she could, but it was a losing battle. There was no way that the center would ever be able to afford the Con Ed bills.
It appears that Council Member Letitia James was instrumental in helping another local, private group work out an agreement with the owner/landlord and removing the Irving Place group. For me the sad part of this is that we have lost another community based organization led by people of color as we continue the gentrification of Clinton Hill and other parts of central Brooklyn. Our elected officials seem unwilling or unable to pay attention to the details of these situations and to offer real help and support when the media is not near by. In addition, there seems to be a strategy, by government types, to portray the leaders of these failed organizations as villains, inept or poor managers; instead of acknowledging the situation for what it is. As the economy continues to spiral downward, these small groups simply lack the money, resources and government access to maintain their organizations.
On behalf of childcarebusinessconnections.com and the local community, I want to thank Ms. Beverly Johnson and the Board of Directors of the Irving Place Center for the many years of quality child care services that they have provided to the Clinton Hill community.
I hope that you enjoyed your 4th of July holiday, now the summer is really upon us.
Yes… I know that I’m late up-dating the blog; please forgive me. So much is happening in the child care world it’s hard to keep up with everything. Thanks for bearing with us.
On a sad note, last week I learned that I lost a friend. Dottie Millard and I served together briefly on the Board of Directors of the New York State Child Care Coordinating Council (NYSCCCC). The Council is a state wide organization of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R’s). In the early 90’s Dottie served a term as the President of the Board and as interim Executive Director during our search for an Executive Director. I served as chair of the personnel committee. During that period the Council successfully led an initiative to have legislation passed and funded that would provide funds for every county in New York State to have at least one CCR&R program. Dottie was one of the warriors in the battle to get that legislation passed. CCR&R agencies work to expand the availability of child care services throughout the state. They work to raise the level of understanding, among our legislators, that the provision of safe, affordable and accessible child care is a fundamental need for all families. We continue to benefit from the work that Dottie did, together with many others too numerous to name here. Dottie Millard was as fine a person as you could ever meet. I pray her soul safe passage into the next life and I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family.
On another sad note, but in a different vein, the Irving Place Child Care Center closed its doors as a child care program about two weeks ago. It seems that they couldn’t hold up under the exorbitant cost of operating the center; most notably for rent and utilities. I understand that Assemblywoman Annette Robinson kept Con Edison at bay for as long as she could, but it was a losing battle. There was no way that the center would ever be able to afford the Con Ed bills.
It appears that Council Member Letitia James was instrumental in helping another local, private group work out an agreement with the owner/landlord and removing the Irving Place group. For me the sad part of this is that we have lost another community based organization led by people of color as we continue the gentrification of Clinton Hill and other parts of central Brooklyn. Our elected officials seem unwilling or unable to pay attention to the details of these situations and to offer real help and support when the media is not near by. In addition, there seems to be a strategy, by government types, to portray the leaders of these failed organizations as villains, inept or poor managers; instead of acknowledging the situation for what it is. As the economy continues to spiral downward, these small groups simply lack the money, resources and government access to maintain their organizations.
On behalf of childcarebusinessconnections.com and the local community, I want to thank Ms. Beverly Johnson and the Board of Directors of the Irving Place Center for the many years of quality child care services that they have provided to the Clinton Hill community.
I hope that you enjoyed your 4th of July holiday, now the summer is really upon us.
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