Provider Appreciation Day, is today, Friday, May 8. There are many types of “providers” but today we are celebrating our childcare providers. It is not by accident that this day falls on the Friday before Mother’s Day each year as the people that care for our children are often performing motherly tasks but with formal and intentional training and special kind of love for their chosen career. 

Many times, families rely on their childcare providers not only for care of their child while at work but also for resources or advice on their child’s development, behaviors, coping strategies and even provide time saving supports to the families they serve. Over and over, we hear stories of how “my child doesn’t nap at home but does at daycare”.  Childcare providers are special. They dedicate their time to your children 100% while your kids are in their care. That is their job, that is their career. Childcare providers are the go-to for parents running late, squeezing in appointments between work and life, school preparedness, sending home a quick snack because parents don’t have time to stop on the way to a doctor appointment. Our providers treat the kids in their care like their own. It is not a career everyone can do – so please take a moment to reflect on what it would be like for you and your family if you did not have a childcare provider that did all they do. 

Today is the day to thank them, acknowledge their sacrifices for your child and family – tell them they are appreciated. Without them our lives would look very different. 

Thank you Sullivan County childcare providers, and even though you are working today we see you, acknowledge you and so appreciate you!