Monday, April 16, 2007
May 11th is Provider Appreciation Day...
Today, there are over 12 million children under the age of 5 in some type of child care every week. Parents have chosen caregivers they feel will give their child high-quality care. Caregivers can offer parents peace of mind while they are at work. They work with parents, focusing on the growth and development of children. Each day, they offer children learning experiences through play or structured activities. You and your child become very close to these caregivers. You may thank them regularly, but what about giving them a day of their own?
The first National Provider Appreciation Day was celebrated in 1996. A group of individuals recognized child care providers and their daily work with children. Over the years, this day has gotten bigger across the nation. National Provider Appreciation Day is the Friday before Mother’s Day. Celebrations occur in many ways, from small events at a child care program, to community-wide events, to local news coverage, and sometimes, a proclamation by state or local officials. No matter what the event, it is important that we thank the individuals who are caring for our children.
This year, Provider Appreciation Day is on May 11th. Below are some ways you can celebrate, adapted from www.ProviderAppreciation.org:
You may also want to check with your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency to see if they have any special events planned. These local CCR&R can also share other possible celebration ideas or resources. To locate your local CCR&R, click here.
Today, there are over 12 million children under the age of 5 in some type of child care every week. Parents have chosen caregivers they feel will give their child high-quality care. Caregivers can offer parents peace of mind while they are at work. They work with parents, focusing on the growth and development of children. Each day, they offer children learning experiences through play or structured activities. You and your child become very close to these caregivers. You may thank them regularly, but what about giving them a day of their own?
The first National Provider Appreciation Day was celebrated in 1996. A group of individuals recognized child care providers and their daily work with children. Over the years, this day has gotten bigger across the nation. National Provider Appreciation Day is the Friday before Mother’s Day. Celebrations occur in many ways, from small events at a child care program, to community-wide events, to local news coverage, and sometimes, a proclamation by state or local officials. No matter what the event, it is important that we thank the individuals who are caring for our children.
This year, Provider Appreciation Day is on May 11th. Below are some ways you can celebrate, adapted from www.ProviderAppreciation.org:
- Send flowers, cards or a handwritten note of thanks
- Work with your child to create something special
- Buy something for your provider's play area
- Give your provider a paid day off, a raise, or a bonus
- Plan a thank-you meal
- Ask about her hobby and find a related gift
- Talk with other parents to create a surprise
- Call local stores to request gift certificates
- Hang banners or posters
- Ask your employer if they would provide scholarships for toys, equipment or training that you can sponsor as a parent
- Plan a group picnic
- Ask government officials to sign a proclamation
- Give your provider a scholarship for a conference or workshop
- Have a parade or dedicate a park
- Invite other programs to join the celebration
You may also want to check with your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency to see if they have any special events planned. These local CCR&R can also share other possible celebration ideas or resources. To locate your local CCR&R, click here.
// posted by Tammy Wachter @ 4:55 PM 
