Vision Statement
All families in Otsego County, who are in need of child care, will have access to quality child care options.
Mission Statement
The Child Care Connection provides high quality services that support a continuous system of care from birth through age thirteen. We provide all parents in need of child care with access to quality child care options. Through education, we empower parents to become their child’s advocate. Early Childhood programs receive education and resources to achieve and maintain quality services. Businesses, legislators, and community groups are provided with information and resources to inform public policy.
What is a Child Care Resource and Referral?
The Child Care Connection is the Child Care Resource & Referral program for Otsego County. A Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serves as a bridge between families, providers and the community with a focus on ensuring that every child receives the best possible child care available. Child Care Resource and Referral agencies provide parents with referrals to local child care providers, information on state licensing requirements, child care subsidies and other pertinent information. Child Care Resource and Referral agencies can be found in every county in New York State, and are funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
What does The Child Care Connection do?
The Child Care Connection, a program of Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Counties, is the Child Care Resource & Referral for Otsego County. We provide child care referrals to registered and licensed programs within the county for parents who are looking for child care. We are the Registrar for Family Day Care programs, as well as School Age Child Care programs, in Otsego County. We are the Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor for Family and Group Family Day Care homes. We offer training and professional development opportunities for registered and unregistered child care providers.
For Families The Child Care Connection provides:
- Information on child care options based on the expressed needs of the family
- Information about rates, policies, licensing standards and other information about child care
- Guidelines on what to look for in quality child care
- Information about assistance paying for child care
- Resources for parent education
For Child Care Providers The Child Care Connection provides:
- Listing in our Child Care Referral Database
- Help with business, child care and regulatory questions
- trainings and workshops
- Quarterly newsletters
- Loaner Closet and Lending Library
For the Community and Employers The Child Care Connection provides:
- Information about classes and trainings
- Child care supply and demand information
- Statistical information
- Workshops on child care and child development issues
- Assists organizations and businesses that recognize the importance of being sensitive to their employees' child care needs
The Child Care Connection Staff
Christy Houck, Program Director, ext 120 |
Cindy Drake, Child Care Specialist, ext 119 |
Vicki Fatum, Data Specialist, ext 106 |
John Graham, Child Care Specialist, ext 114 |
Mark Simonson, Quality Assurance Outreach Assistant, ext 108 |
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The Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Board of Directors
Grace Alidi, Co-President |
Thomas Schermerhorn, Co-President |
William Pietraface, Vice-President |
Rita Hansen , Treasurer |
Hazel Coyle, Secretary |
Elizabeth Netherwood, Board Member |
Lester Grummons, Board Member |
Maureen Gallagher, Board Member |
Charlotte McKane, Board Member |
Sita Fey, Board Member |
Deborah Kelly, Board Liason |
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The Child Care Connection Advisory Council
Linda Wheeler |
Heather Boxill-Yakalis |
Theresa Wiedeck |
Karina Goodrich |
Donna Sorrentino |
Jaqueline Gibson |
Patricia Leonard |
Elizabeth Netherwood, Board Liason |
The Child Care Connection Memberships
Early Care & Learning Council |
Winning Beginning NY |
Association for the Education of Young Children |
NACCRRA |
The Child Care Connection Funders
New York State Office of Children and Family Services |
New York State Department of Health |
Community Foundation For South Central New York |
The Professional Development Program |