Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Provider Appreciation Day...
Mark your calendars (and start giving subtle hints to your child care parents) for May 11, 2007 is National Providers Appreciation Day.
Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize child care 
providers, teachers and educators of young children everywhere. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Since then, momentum and support for this event have grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Recognition takes many forms including state and municipal government proclamations, local media coverage, business and community events, and private acknowledgement of providers by parents. A recent national study, The National Economic Impacts of the Child Care Sector sponsored by the National Child Care Association, shows that there are at least 2.8 million people who earn their money by teaching and caring for young children or by working in directly related jobs. Over the past decade, the demand for child care has increased. Who's minding the kids is crucial. Provider Appreciation Day is held so everyone can appreciate the number and importance of child care workers. The early childhood profession not only plays a critical role in supporting healthy families and children but is also a key part of our entire national economy.
providers, teachers and educators of young children everywhere. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Since then, momentum and support for this event have grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Recognition takes many forms including state and municipal government proclamations, local media coverage, business and community events, and private acknowledgement of providers by parents. A recent national study, The National Economic Impacts of the Child Care Sector sponsored by the National Child Care Association, shows that there are at least 2.8 million people who earn their money by teaching and caring for young children or by working in directly related jobs. Over the past decade, the demand for child care has increased. Who's minding the kids is crucial. Provider Appreciation Day is held so everyone can appreciate the number and importance of child care workers. The early childhood profession not only plays a critical role in supporting healthy families and children but is also a key part of our entire national economy. Today's child care providers are the world's unsung heroes. The child care profession is one of the most underpaid occupations in the country; yet early childhood is the most critical developmental period for all children. Parents and community leaders are encouraged to show their appreciation for child care providers through a variety of means from individual recognition to public events and local media coverage. It takes a special person to work in this field and their contribution to the quality of family life frequently goes unnoticed - until now.
It takes a dedicated person to be successful in the demanding world of today's child care professional. Provider Appreciation Day offers a unique opportunity to recognize and commend the unselfish dedication, compassion and strong family values that child care providers demonstrate everyday. Provider Appreciation Day needs your support to continue to be successful. Individuals and groups can network with other child care groups today and begin to plan events, schedule media coverage and issue proclamations. Begin to notify parents, community groups, and government leaders so that they, too, can participate in this important recognition event throughout your community.
I will share more information with you about this important day as it nears.
// posted by Tammy Wachter @ 6:16 PM 
