Uncategorized – Queens Child Care Network https://www.queenschildcare.org Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:35:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.queenschildcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/qcn-logo-favicon.png Uncategorized – Queens Child Care Network https://www.queenschildcare.org 32 32 MAY 2026 https://www.queenschildcare.org/may-2026?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=may-2026 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:12:13 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4718
May 2026 | Spring Family Resource Day
Queens Childcare Network (QCCN), in partnership with the NYC Child Care Resource & Referral Consortium (NYC CCR&R), invites families to its Spring Family Resource Day, –an engaging, informative event focused on supporting early childhood development and family well-being.

Taking place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Queens Community House – Family Community Center in Forest Hills, this event offers families the opportunity to connect with essential resources and services in a welcoming, community-centered environment.

Attendees will gain valuable information on health insurance, early intervention services, nutrition for infants through preschoolers, literacy and language development, and access to childcare, after-school programs, and summer camps. In addition to resource sharing, families can enjoy interactive activities including face painting, raffles, and refreshments.

Advance registration is required. Families can register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or by visiting:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-family-resource-day-tickets-1985061624756?aff=oddtdtcreator
 
Community partners interested in tabling at the event are invited to submit an inquiry here:
https://shorturl.at/mKI8I
 
Families and partners are encouraged to register early to take full advantage of this enriching community event. 
We look forward to seeing YOU there!
]]> MARCH 2026 https://www.queenschildcare.org/march-2026-copy?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=march-2026-copy Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:14:04 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4694
March 2026 | “Maternal Wellness March Madness” Event
🗓   March 28, 2026
⏰  12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍    Queens Community House – Family Community Center
Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) is excited to host Maternal March Madness, a dynamic, family-centered community event supporting under-resourced families with young children.
Parents, caregivers, and children are invited to enjoy interactive children’s activities, Mommy & Me workshops, and engaging presentations from trusted community-based organizations focused on maternal health, early childhood development, nutrition, and family wellness.
Families will have access to resource tables featuring information on public benefits, early intervention, child care support, health services, and community programs — plus raffles and giveaways to help reduce barriers and promote stability.
A key highlight of the event is one-on-one Medicaid Social Care Navigation, offering personalized support for families managing chronic health conditions, asthma, behavioral and developmental needs, and care coordination for high-risk children under 18. Pregnant and parenting women can also receive individualized guidance to support healthy pregnancies and postpartum wellness.
Maternal March Madness brings together fun, education, and direct service access — strengthening family engagement and connecting families to the care and resources they need to thrive.
We look forward to seeing you there! 💛

]]> MEETING THE MAYOR https://www.queenschildcare.org/meeting-the-mayor?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meeting-the-mayor Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:12:29 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4668

MARCH 4TH 2026 | MEETING THE MAYOR

 

QCCN was honored to have NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani visit a QCCN affiliated provider, Lucy’s Rainbow Daycare, in South Richmond Hill to celebrate Holi—the vibrant Hindu Festival of Colors.

The visit highlighted the importance of cultural celebration, community connection, and the vital role of family-based early childhood education.

During the event, the Mayor met with Dawn Mastoridis, QCCN Director, along with Ben Thomases, CEO of Queens Community House(QCH) and QCCN Family Coordination Team Leader, Dora Aviles, to learn more about the impact of QCCN’s 90+ affiliated family childcare programs across Queens.

The Mayor’s visit also highlighted the city’s new early childcare expansion that will bring universal full-day care for two-year-olds to District 27 beginning this fall—part of a broader effort to make childcare more accessible for NYC families.

QCCN is proud to support the dedicated providers who strengthen our communities by helping children learn, families work, and neighborhoods thrive.

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ABC7NY featured the Mayor’s visit here: https://abc7ny.com/post/mayor-zohran-mamdani-pushes-2-childcare-plan-praises-new-siena-poll-raising-taxes-millionaires/18677380/

]]> LENA GROW PROJECT 2026 https://www.queenschildcare.org/lena-grow-project-2026?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lena-grow-project-2026 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:44:06 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4515

FOREST HILLS, NY | FEBRUARY 2026

Queens Community House – Childcare Network (QCCN) is grateful for our continued partnership with LENA Grow in tandem with the support from the Viking Global Investors Foundation.

Since 2022, QCCN providers and children have been enjoying the many benefits of LENA Grow’s innovative talk-pedometer technology and practice-based coaching. This data-driven approach has proven to measurably improve early language development of participating children and enhance the professional development of our participating providers.

To date, 40 QCCN-affiliated childcare providers and over 600 children have successfully participated in our LENA Grow initiative.

LENA technology collects objective data on children’s communication. Specifically, it counts the number of “conversational turns” between a child and caregiver. Conversational turns are simple back-and-forth alternations between a child and an adult. LENA technology counts each turn that occurs when an adult speaks and a child follows, or vice versa, with no more than five seconds in between. This data allows for customized coaching tailored to the needs of each child and provider.

The 5-week project includes:

  • LENA Day: During a LENA Day, children will wear a light-weight vest with an unobtrusive LENA recording device that safely and securely captures their language input and output.
  • feedback: The data will be translated into easy-to-read feedback reports. With guidance from LENA and QCCN’s Education Specialists, teachers reflect on the reports to reach their own insights and form their own goals for the following week.
  • Practice: The days between coaching sessions and on the next LENA Day, caregivers practice what they’ve learned and work toward achieving their goal so that they will show measurable improvements.
  • COACHING: Caregivers will have weekly 30-minute one-on-one coaching sessions focused on reflection, review of reports, discussion around strategies for increasing interaction and goal setting. LENA Grow is designed for caregivers to tap into their own insights and to arrive at their own “a-ha” moments.
  • LEARN & EARN: Participating providers will receive a stipend for their participation of up to $1,000.00/program.
  • TRAINING: A two-hour LENA orientation is provided by QCCN to each cohort of new providers.
  • PARTICIPATION: QCCN-affiliated providers can apply to participate in this project. Simply email us at childcare@qchnyc.org.
  • ONLINE RESOURCES: Watch the LENA Grow video: https://www.lena.org/programs/lena-grow/#video and visit: https://www.lena.org/lena-grow/.

 

]]> FEBRUARY 2026 https://www.queenschildcare.org/february-2026?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=february-2026 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:42:29 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4503

February 2026 | QCCN “FAMILY LOVE” 💕 COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER

Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) is excited to host a “Family Love” Community Baby Shower on Saturday, February 28, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Queens Community House Community Center in Forest Hills.  

This joyful gathering celebrates our QCCN families, honoring new and expectant parents, and surrounding them with care, connection, and support.

Several QCCN community partners will attend to share maternal-child health resources; refreshments will be served to create a warm and welcoming experience for all attendees.

This event is connected with QCCN’s WIC Ambassador Project, which helps families access vital pregnancy and postpartum health resources as well as essential nutritional supports for young children. 

This special day is also strengthened by our partnership with Public Health Solutions WholeYouNYC and our Medicaid Social Care Navigation work. Our Social Care Navigator will be onsite to provide screenings to help families access case management, nutrition, housing and transportation assistance.

This event is by invitation only for eligible QCCN-affiliated families. Advance registration is required. 

For more information, email us at childcare@qchnyc.org.

]]> JANUARY 2026 https://www.queenschildcare.org/january-2026?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=january-2026 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:27:18 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4495
January 2026  |  Special Edition “Walk-In Wednesdays”
 
In January, QCCN hosted multiple Special Edition Walk-In Wednesday events to provide hands-on support for Queens families.
Throughout this month, QCCN offered dedicated assistance for families applying to NYC 3-K and Pre-K for the upcoming school year. Families received step-by-step application guidance, an overview of the MySchools system, support understanding admissions and seat types, help comparing program options, and information about dual language programs and special education services. These sessions ensured parents could effectively navigate the application process before the Feb. 27th deadline.
In addition, our Wednesday sessions focused on Medicaid Social Care Navigation, connecting families to critical community supports. Services include preventative care guidance, WholeYouNYC wellness screenings, mental health and medical referrals, pregnancy and postpartum supports, health-related social needs assessments, and connections to housing, food, transportation, employment, education, and safety resources.
All QCCN Walk-In Wednesdays occur at the QCCN office located at 108-21 72nd Avenue, 2nd Floor, in Forest Hills.
Our special edition events are just one of many ways QCCN ensures at-risk children and families have access to education support, health services, and essential community resources in one trusted location.
]]> DECEMBER 2025 https://www.queenschildcare.org/december-2025?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=december-2025 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:07:22 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4159

December 2025 | QCCN WINTER HOLIDAY EVENT

Queens Community House (QCH) – Childcare Network (QCCN) is thrilled to host our annual Winter Holiday Celebration, bringing families together for an afternoon of joy, connection, and community spirit.

 

📍 Location: QCH Community Center, 108-25 62nd Drive, Forest Hills
🗓 Date: December 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 

Families are invited to join us for a festive day featuring:

  • ✨ Seasonal refreshments

  • ✨ Family resources and raffles

 

Advance registration is required.
Please scan the QR code on the event flyer or register online at: QCCN WINTER HOLIDAY FAMILY EVENT: PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION

 

This celebration is an opportunity for families to come together, strengthen community connections, and share in the warmth of the season. 

 

We look forward to celebrating with YOU!

]]> OCTOBER 2025 https://www.queenschildcare.org/october-2025?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=october-2025 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:43:19 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4068
October 2025 | QCCN Joins the “Health Bucks” Program
 
Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) is excited to share that we have been approved as a Health Bucks partner! 
 
Health Bucks are $2 coupons for fresh produce available at NYC farmers markets, and they work by providing a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP/EBT purchases. 
  

Health Bucks are distributed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), which collaborates with Community-Based Organizations and Farmers Markets to give coupons to eligible New Yorkers. 

HOW IT WORKS:
  • Health Bucks can be used to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at NYC Farmers Markets year-round.
  • QCCN has been awarded $200 in Health Bucks, which we’ll share with our affiliated childcare providers to purchase fresh food for their programs.
  • As needed, the QCCN Team will assist with buying and delivering local produce—helping close the gap between locally sourced food and NYC childcare programs.

For more information, please refer to our attached flyer and/or click on the links below.

 

Health Buck Videos:

 

 NYC DOHMH Health Buck Page:

]]> SEPTEMBER 2025 https://www.queenschildcare.org/september-2025?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=september-2025 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 17:22:55 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=4031

September 2025 | Positive Parenting: Connection Before Correction

 

Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) is pleased to be offering another FREE virtual learning opportunity for parents, childcare providers, and community partners.
 
QCCN is proud to have Child Developmental Specialist, Lorena Martinez facilitating this upcoming webinar. Lorena has extensive experience in the field of Early Intervention and Special Education. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and certifications in Child Development and Master IEP Coaching. Lorena is also bilingual in English and Spanish.

 

COME LEARN about POSITIVE PARENTING STRATEGIES to:
  • Encourage Cooperation & Respect
  • Reduce Family Conflict
  • Build Strong Connections at Every Age
  • Support Learning and Development
  • Foster Emotional Regulation
  • Integrate Culture & Confidence
  • Cultivate Constructive Communication
  • Remediate Risky Behaviors
  • Create Home Routines
  • Set Boundaries
 
The webinars will take place on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMEBER 24TH at 6:30PM (English Speakers Session) and THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH at 6:30PM (Spanish Speakers Session).
 
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED:
 
 
We look forward to seeing YOU there!
]]> SUMMER 2025 https://www.queenschildcare.org/summer-2025?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-2025 https://www.queenschildcare.org/summer-2025#respond Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:51:19 +0000 https://www.queenschildcare.org/?p=3779
August 2025 | Family Wellness & Back-To School Event
 
QCCN is pleased to be hosting another special event to support families and children.
  
On August 30th, QCCN and our many valued community partners will gather at the Queens Community House 
Community Center in Forest Hills to create an interactive and informative experience for Queens families.
 
Community members can learn and receive resources on:
  • The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
  • Maternal-Child Health Services
  • Childcare & Early Education
  • Pregnancy & Postpartum Support
  • Early Intervention & Preschool Special Education
  • Mental & Behavioral Health Providers
  • Community/Home Health & Safety
  • Parenting Strategies & Services
  • Social Care Support for Medicaid Members
  • Back-to-School Supplies
 
Light refreshments will be served. BACKPACKS will be distributed to eligible families with young children.
The event is located at 108-25 62nd in Forest Hills. It begins at 11am and ends at 3pm.
 
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Simply scan our QR code or click on this link:  https://tinyurl.com/54hh46wh
 
We look forward to seeing YOU there!
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