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Provider Appreciation

National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) released this statement:

“Provider Appreciation Day is an annual celebration on the Friday before Mother’s Day that recognizes the work of child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children. Established by NAFCC in 1995 as a way to thank family child care and center-based providers, Provider Appreciation Day is now celebrated throughout the United States and around the world as a “thank you” to the people who educate, support and spend a tireless amount of time with our children.

At NAFCC, we take the lead in celebrating family child care providers and the more than 123,000 regulated family child care programs that serve children and families. It’s important to acknowledge the essential workforce family child care providers represent and honor the work of their hands. Join us in celebrating the educators who provide care, learning and lifelong success for young children in their home.”

Provider Appreciation Day – National Association for Family Child Care

A Second Home

This isn’t just a daycare,

It’s like a second home.

Our children aren’t just cared for,

You love them like your own.

They learn lessons every day,

Strong values you enforce.

You make the learning fun with play,

Your spirit set their course.

They love the way you read to them

And sing those silly songs,

In this special place that you create,

They feel that they belong.

So thank you,

from deep within our hearts,

For words cannot express,

The gratitude that we have for you

And your safe and caring nest.

Written by Sherri Hirschboeck

Each provider is required to complete at minimum one Family Engagement Event each year. Each event, while fully flexible on activity content, should also include an educational portion to focus on children’s goals.

Some fun Family Engagement Activities could include: an art show highlighting each child’s unique art project; a potluck where each family brings a dish that holds some significance in their family (with a focus on nutrition and culture); or even a family dance night where you focus on gross motor skills and appreciating different types of music.

With Provider Appreciation this month, you could even host a “School Birthday Party” to celebrate another year of care you have given to your program. This event could involve the children’s favorite activities, favorite foods, and favorite songs!

270-745-2216

fccnkyinfo@wku.edu