Happy Provider Appreciation Day!
Thank you so much for the work that you do!
This is an extremely stressful time for family child care providers. The emotional stress of trying to keep your family safe as well as the families of the children in your care is real. So is the significant financial stress as many child care programs have closed or are only caring for a few children.
This new world is not likely to change in the short run. Some programs will permanently close. Many providers worry about what the future may hold for their family and their business they have worked so hard to build.
As a family child care provider, you have always put children first. That’s what you do. This current crisis is no different, as you have worked hard to keep children safe, even when that means telling them to stay home. It also means supporting parents who have made the tough decision to keep their child at home. None of this is easy.
You are doing the right thing, even if no one else notices. You are an “essential worker,” even if you are not recognized as such.
This crisis will pass. Things will improve. We need to hold onto those we love.
I know that you work very long hours, often with limited financial rewards. I am always impressed with your dedication to your work. I have great respect for the tremendously difficult job you do with such love that often goes unacknowledged. Our society doesn’t value its children enough and those who care for them.
Today I salute you!
Provider Appreciation Day started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey. Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for the children of working parents.
I got into this field because I saw the need for family child care providers to better understand the business side of their work. No matter how hard I work, however, my job is much easier than yours!
Congratulations on your dedication to young children! Thank you for helping make the world a better place for us all.
Tom Copeland - www.tomcopelandblog.com
Image credit: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-provider-appreciation-day-friday-before-mothers-day/
