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(Oriskany, NY- May 2, 2013) <\/b>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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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. <\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cEvery day, our area child care professionals care for 9,020 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties,\u201d says Lorraine Kinney-Kitchen Director of the Child Care Council. \u201cParents utilizing child care depend on these dedicated professionals to provide stable, safe, learning environments for their children while they work. The adage \u201cChild Care Keeps NY Working\u201d 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBy 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,\u201d said Lynette M. Fraga, Ph.D., Executive Director of Child Care Aware\u00ae of America, the host organization of Provider Appreciation Day. \u201cNinety percent of brain development occurs during the first five years of life. Providing quality care for our children \u2013 especially during this critical time \u2013 will help ensure their future success.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes a special person to work in the child care field, and these individuals are often unrecognized,\u201d says Kinney-Kitchen. \u201cThis day offers an opportunity for parents to show their child care providers their appreciation.\u201d<\/p>\n