Arlington, VA, May 12, 2017 – Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) is proud to partner with the National Association of Family Child Care, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Head Start Association, National Indian Child Care Association, Teachstone, and Afterschool Alliance in recognizing child care providers / early educators for National Provider Appreciation Day.
The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) at the University of California, Berkeley estimates that approximately two million child care providers/ early educators help shape the future of 12 million children in child care from birth to five years of age.
This year we celebrate Provider Appreciation Day on May 12 to honor child care providers across the nation for the extraordinary work they do. This special day is intended to recognize all those who nurture, teach, and care for children in multiple settings across the country. Child care settings include school- and community-based preschools, Head Start programs, child care centers, and homes.
National Provider Appreciation Day was started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey. This group saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Each year, due to increased momentum and support, recognition has expanded to include individual and government organizations throughout the United States. A proclamation is signed each year by many of the state governors.
Although Provider Appreciation Day is recognized every year in May on the Friday before Mother’s Day, it is important that we show our appreciation year-round for individuals who serve an important role in providing high-quality child care. We know that nurturing and responsive early care and education provides a solid foundation for children’s ongoing success. Research indicates that there is a direct link between caregiver training and quality of care, so to achieve a high quality of care, child care providers must receive suitable training and compensation. Child Care Aware® of America and its partners recognize outstanding members of the child care workforce throughout the year with a monthly acknowledgement of a provider nominated by a parent, friend, or child care advocate.
The cost of child care often exceeds the cost of housing, college tuition, food and transportation. “Child care is expensive because it is a labor-intensive service,” said CCAoA Executive Director Lynette M. Fraga Ph.D. Child care providers play a critical role in educating and caring for our children in safe and enriching environments. At Child Care Aware® of America, we advocate for training for child care professionals along with compensation that appropriately reflects the important work that they do.”
For more information on how to nominate a child care provider, visit www.providerappreciationday.org.