Paterson signs child care law
Gov. David Paterson has signed a law strengthening the collective bargaining rights of child care providers. The action makes permanent an Executive Order allowing child care providers to organize.
NYSUT's largest affiliate, the United Federation of Teachers, represents thousands of independent child care providers in New York City; UFT's Family Child Care Providers chapter signed its first contract with the state in January.
The Civil Service Employees Association represents workers in the rest of the state.
Honor labor history
In a recent Gallup poll, just over half of Americans say they approve of labor unions — the second lowest rating in history.
Help reverse this trend by supporting the American Labor Studies Center, which tells labor's story through standards-based curriculum resources for K-12 teachers, primarily through http://www.labor-studies.org/.
In a Dec. 9 reception at NYSUT headquarters, ALSC will honor AFT President Emeritus Ed McElroy, state Labor Commissioner Colleen Gardner and Operating Engineers Local 106. Cost is $50 per person. Make checks payable to the American Labor Studies Center and mail to ALSC, 100 S. Swan St., Albany 12210.
Cash for custodians
Applications are being accepted for the 2011 C.L.E.A.N. (Custodial Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide) Award, a joint project of the National Education Association, NEA's Health Information Network and the American Cleaning Institute.
Five member custodians will be recognized for their contributions to school health at NEA's National ESP Conference in Washington, D.C., in March.
Custodians can apply or be nominated for an award. Applications and nominations are due Dec. 1.
Learn more at www.neahin.org.
Help for stuttering
How do you handle a student who stutters? Should he be expected to give oral reports or read out loud? Should you talk to her about her speech or ignore it? What should you do if other children tease them about it?
The Stuttering Foundation offers resources for teachers, pre-school and K-12 students, parents, speech-language pathologists and other professionals. Materials include free handbooks, DVDs and online information. Visit www.stutteringhelp.org or call 800-992-9392.
School safety hotline
The New York Center for School Safety provides support through a Statewide Technical Assistance Center, Youth Center for Excellence, Youth Sexual Health Symposium, and compliance with Project SAVE (Safe Schools Against Violence in Education). For emergencies, call the center's crisis response hotline at 1-877-7SAVENY (877-772-8369).