Parent Services

How Can We Help You? Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is all about service to parents. Our Referral Specialist helps parents find the right child care for your child - whatever your consideration is, hours of need, school district, in home or center care, or flexible hours needed. Pam and her staff is available to assist you with choosing the right care for your child. She may be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. at (315) 343-2344 x12 or toll free at (855) 437-9286. You may also email your request for referral information to pouderkirk@cnymail.com. For additional information about provider training please refer to the latest newsletter - click on "News" - parents are always welcome at provider training and teleconferences! When you call, you will be provided with:

Up-to date referrals to local child care services that meet your family's needs
Referrals to programs that help pay for child care
Information about the types of child care available in your community
Information about the immunizations required for children in care
Referrals to services for children with special needs
To request information on-line, fill out, print and fax the Referral Request Form to 315 343 0442.

Parent Services

Do You Suspect Abuse or Maltreatment?
Report it Now!

Call our Statewide Toll Free Telephone Number:
1-800-342-3720
TDD/TTY: 1-800-638-5163

If you believe that a child is in immediate danger,
call 911 or your local police department.

Interested in making a monetary donation to help the Council assist children in Oswego County? Cash donations of any amount can be made by check to ICP, Inc. Donations will be used to help pay for parent and provider training fees and safety items needed to conduct the best quality chld care possible. Donations are tax deductible.

$$$$How Much should I expect to pay for child care in Oswego County?

Click the green button on the left to get an idea of what the cost of child care is. Although rates vary from provider to provider,our local Department of Social Services and the NYS Office of Children and Family Services provide income guidelines for childcare subsidy grants and have "market rates" for each type of child care - family day care, group family day care, or center. Many child care businesses use these rates as guidelines for their private pay customers, too. Contracts should be read very carefully to avoid miscommunication. If you don't know - ASK!

Tips for evaluating quality and selecting the right care for your child:

Interview several caregivers or programs to find one that you are comfortable with. Be sure to ask about:

Fees and payment schedules
Drop-off and pick-up times
Schedule of activities that includes quiet and active opportunities for learning
Discipline policy (Spanking or hitting is not allowed)
Training and certification (CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, etc.)
Policy for mildly ill children
Approval to administer medication
Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program
References; Call and ask other parents what they think about the caregiver

Also check the provider's history on the New York State Office of Children and Family Services web-site (see links), or by calling our office at (315)343-2344 x17 or x14.

Visit the Center or Home with your child. Be sure to look for:

A caregiver who is kind, loving and interacts well with children
A caregiver who communicates well with parents
A safe, clean, cheerful setting
Nutritious meals and snacks
Interesting and challenging activities which mix quiet and active times for each child's skill and energy
A setting where children have fun and learn

While your child is in care, drop by unnanounced to see how your child is adjusting.