PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY
The second Sunday in May has long been recognized as the day to honor mothers and their commitment to children. The Friday before Mother’s Day is Provider Appreciation Day, a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff, and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care. It is estimated that nearly 11 million children under age 5 are cared for by 2.8 million child care providers in the United States.
Locally, Child Care Connections is leading this effort. “Every day, child care providers care for more than 20,000 children under the age of 12 in Columbia, Greene and Ulster Counties,” says Carroll Sisco, Team Leader of Family of Woodstock, Inc. and Child Care Connections. “The children and parents depend on our child care providers. Provider Appreciation Day is the time to recognize the hard work and dedication of these providers and to acknowledge their contributions to quality care.”
Provider Appreciation Day was started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey who saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year, and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
“It takes a special person to work in the child care field, and these individuals are often unrecognized,” says Kerry Wolfeil, Program Director Child Care Connections in Ulster County. “This day offers an opportunity for parents and the community to show their child care providers their appreciation.”
To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or for ideas on how you can thank your child care provider this May, visit www.providerappreciationday.org or contact Child Care Connections at 845-331-7080.