Provider Appreciation Day

As Mother’s Day approaches, you might find yourself planning special treats for grandmas, mothers-in-law, sisters, special friends, aunts and anyone else who might play a special role in your child’s life. Do your special plans include your child care provider? Maybe your provider is a mother, also. Or the grandmotherly type who loves to share hugs with your little one. If so, you may have your provider on your list of those to celebrate on Mother’s Day.

But did you know the Friday before Mother’s Day is a day set aside every year to recognize your child care provider? Provider Appreciation Day is always the Friday before Mother’s Day. This year, it is May 6. The annual day 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?

Here are some ideas adapted from www.providerappreciationday.org

• Talk with other parents to plan a celebration – decorate your provider’s home or the center your child attends; hang posters or signs that draw 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 children, 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 (at www.providerappreciationday.org)  
• 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 care provider is special to both you and your child. Provider Appreciation Day is just one day set aside to recognize the work early childhood professionals 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 is doing with your child.

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