Words Can Not Say Enough...

April 6, 2011

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 11.3 million children under the age of 5 spend some part of their week in child care. If this number includes your family, chances are you've added an extended family member or two to your daily routine. And you've selected a person that you feel will provide the best care for your child.

Child care providers put a lot of love and hard work into their careers, and they're often rewarded with little hugs and a "thank you" every now and then. As your child spends time with his/her child care provider, a special bond begins to form. This person is an additional teacher, friend and trusted caregiver. Your child shares many special moments with the child care provider, and you enoy the benefits of these relationships on a daily basis.

This year, take some time to show your child care provider how much you appreciate what she does for your family. On Friday, May 6, 2011, the nation will celebrate National Provider Appreciation Day - a day set aside each year to honor those who are caring for our young children.

To help you celebrate this special day with your child's provider, 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 drawing attention to the special day.
• Send flowers, cards or a handwritten note of appreciation. Better yet, if your child is old enough, have him/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, 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.
• Contact your local paper to see if they will write an article about your child care provider.
• Go to www.providerappreciationday.org/testimonials to share something special about your provider.

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 child care providers do. Make sure to take time throughout the year as well to let your child care provider know how much you appreciate her.

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