National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day: May 11, 2012

May 11, 2012, is Provider Appreciation Day, a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff, and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care. It is estimated that nearly 166,000 children under age 5 are cared for by child care providers in Oregon.

Helen Visarraga, OCCRRN Executive Director joins the Oregon child care community in celebrating May 11th as a day of tribute to the role of Child Care Providers who are charged to promote the safe and healthy development of our nation’s most valuable resources…our children. Child care providers play a critical role in the formative years that prepare children to be life-long learners. “Children thrive in safe, loving and nurturing environments that evoke their innate ability to learn and to explore the world around them .”

“It takes a special person to work in the child care field, and these individuals are often unrecognized,” says Helen Visarraga. “This day offers an opportunity for parents and the community to show child care providers their appreciation.”

To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or for ideas on how you can thank your child care provider, visit www.providerappreciationday.org.