A Fond Farewell...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Denise Opet, our Registrar, will be moving to Mississippi and is not longer an employee of our agency.  We congratulate her on 16 years with us - holding positions in CACFP and Registration - and the last 11 years as a child passenger safety certified technician.  Denise never failed to help out in all positions at ICP over the years and she will be missed!  Any questions can now be directed to Teri Hogan at extension 14 or to  our new Registrar, Amy Price at extension 17.  We wish Denise all the best in this new chapter.

 

Integrated Community Planning of Oswego County, Inc.'s Child Care & Development Council achieves national quality assurance validation:
This distinction establishes the Child Care & Development Council as one of the nation's leading Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.  The national recognition was awarded by Child Care Aware of America.  

"ICP's Child Care & Development Council meets national standards for core competencies and services and has proven itself to be one of the best resources for parents seeking information about child care," said Lynette M. Fraga, Ph. D., executive director of Child Care Aware of America.  "ICP's achievement of Child Care Aware of America Quality Assurance solidifies its place as one of the top CCR&Rs in the nation."

 

Healthier Child Care in New York State - Clean & Healthy New York
The first years of a child's life can have a profound impact on their future development and health.  Child care providers can be active partners with families to minimize contact with toxic chemicals, but it isn't always obvious where they lurk, or how to avoid them.  View the fact sheet from the Clean & Healthy New York website for easy tips to keep your family and the kids in your care safe and healthy.

 

"Why Letting Kids Serve Themselves May Be Worth The Mess"  by Maanvi Singh
When it comes to feeding little kids, adults know best.  But some nutritionists now argue that children could also benefit from a bit of autonomy at mealtimes.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that parents let kids as young as 2 years old serve themselves at home.  And in 2011, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advised that child care providers should serve meals "family style" - present kids with a few different dishes and allow them to take what they want.  MORE...

Changes to Creditable Foods for CACFP Taking Place January 1, 2014. 
Visit the Food Program page for more information about the upcoming changes.  If you have any questions, please contact Linda at 343-2344 x24.
 
NEW:
Do you know a provider who is doing GREAT things? Let us know! We would like to feature them in our newsletter! Email Brandy to give her the details at bkoproski@cnymail.com.