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The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) and Child Care Aware do not endorse nor are we responsible for the information or materials posted on any of the resource’s websites.

Saying Thank You

April 22, 2008

As Mother's Day approaches, your child may be thinking of a special gift for you this year. If she's in child care, she may be working on a secret art project that she's dying to tell you about or give to you. She's working with her caregiver to make your Mother's Day extra special for you. But did you know that there's a special day set aside for child care providers as well?

Each year, the Friday before Mother's Day is recognized as Provider Appreciation Day. This year, it is Friday, May 9th. The annual date of celebration is designed to recognize child care providers, teachers, and all educators of young children. So why not take the time this year to make this day extra special for your child's caregiver?

The individual you have chosen to care for you child when you're not able to is someone you have elected to trust with a very important part of your life, your child. This individual is going to care for her daily and work with her to learn daily living skills. Your child's caregiver helps prepare your child for school. You will work together to give your child the best start possible. How often do you think about these things? Do you take the time to thank your child care provider? Why don't you celebrate your provider on Provider Appreciation Day?

Here are some ideas adapted from the Provider Appreciation Day website:

• Talk with other parents to plan a celebration - decorate your provider's home or the center your child attends; hang posters or signs drawing attention to the special day you are celebrating.
• Send flowers, cards or a handwritten note of appreciation, better yet, if your child is old enough, have her write the note.
• Bring breakfast or lunch for your provider and for the kids, or if the weather cooperates, have a picnic or a barbeque.
• Work with your child to create a special present.
• Buy a new toy, game, or book for your provider's play area.
• Give your provider a paid day off, or a raise, or a bonus.
• Order an official Provider Appreciation Day logo item as a gift.
• Key in on your provider's hobby and buy an appropriate gift.
• Check to see if your employer provides scholarships for toys, equipment or training that you can sponsor as a parent.
• If there are other child care programs in the area, invite them to join the celebration.

Your child's caregiver is special to both you and your child. Provider Appreciation Day is just one day set aside to recognize the work early childhood caregivers do. Make sure to take time throughout the year as well, to let your child care provider know how much you appreciate the work she's doing with your child.

For more information on Provider Appreciation Day, go to www.providerappreciationday.org.

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