In this Issue
- Child Care WAGE$ Florida WORKS!
- Spotlight On: Afterschool Initiatives
- Forum Corner
- Children's Week at the Capitol Largest Turnout in Years
- Worst to First: A Campaign to Put Florida's Kids First
- Attend the One Goal Conference: Building the Future Together
- Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day May 8
- Legislative Updates
- State and National News
- Early Learning Coalition Briefs
- Calendar of Events
Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day May 8
Child care organizations and parents across the globe are joining together on May 8 to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day. Provider Appreciation Day is 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 in a variety of ways and are responsible for their education and care. It is estimated that there are nearly 2.8 million child care providers in the United States and that nearly 12 million under age five are in their care.
"Florida's families depend on our child care providers to offer quality care for children under the age of five," said Phyllis Kalifeh, President and CEO of the Children's Forum. "Provider Appreciation Day is the day to recognize the hard work and dedication of providers, and to acknowledge their contributions to high-quality care."
Governor Charlie Crist has commemorating this day by issuing an official Governor's Proclamation declaring Friday May 8, 2009 , as Provider Appreciation Day in Florida. This is exciting news! This proclamation affirms the importance of our early learning system as a whole and recognizes the hard working individuals who serve children and families every day. Please share it with your colleagues and partners.
View Governor's Proclamation on Provider Appreciation Day
In recent years, local governments across the United States have joined many Governors in proclaiming this day of recognition. Around the globe, Department of Defense installations celebrate Provider Appreciation Day by recognizing those who care for the children of military parents living both at home and abroad. The celebrations this year promise to carry on and strengthen Provider Appreciation Day. Efforts are underway to ask child care organizations, public officials, and parents to honor their child care providers for their hard work and commitment to children through events such as luncheons, parades, dedications, and other recognition celebrations.
"It takes a special person to work in the child care field and these individuals are often unrecognized," says Kalifeh. "This day offers an opportunity for parents to show appreciation for their child's provider."
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. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or for ideas, visit www.providerappreciation.org.