(Oriskany, NY- May 2, 2013) In light of the bad and sad news reported lately, the Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension would like to highlight some good news. May 10 is Provider Appreciation Day, a special day to recognize all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care. This includes in-home child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff. It is estimated that nearly 11 million children under age 5 are cared for by 2.8 million child care providers in the United States.
“Every day, our area child care professionals care for 9,020 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties,” says Lorraine Kinney-Kitchen Director of the Child Care Council. “Parents utilizing child care depend on these dedicated professionals to provide stable, safe, learning environments for their children while they work. The adage “Child Care Keeps NY Working” is ever true. The Provider Appreciation Day on May 10 is the day to recognize their hard work, commitment to quality care and contribution to the local economy as local businesses.”
“By recognizing the dedication of child care providers on May 10, we remind our communities of the importance of quality child care and let providers everywhere know that we recognize and value their important work,” said Lynette M. Fraga, Ph.D., Executive Director of Child Care Aware® of America, the host organization of Provider Appreciation Day. “Ninety percent of brain development occurs during the first five years of life. Providing quality care for our children – especially during this critical time – will help ensure their future success.”
“It takes a special person to work in the child care field, and these individuals are often unrecognized,” says Kinney-Kitchen. “This day offers an opportunity for parents to show their child care providers their appreciation.”
Locally, the Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension is leading its own effort to recognize those who care for and about children. They encourage people to visit their website at www.mycccc.org to nominate worthy individuals in a broad array of categories.
Deadline has been extended to May 15, 2013. On June 10, 2013, the Child Care Council will announce the award winners at the annual “Friends of Children” Recognition Dinner at Harts Hill Inn. To learn more, call the Child Care Council at 223-7850 or visit the website.