Friday, May 10

Provider Appreciation Day

Provider Appreciation Day is an annual celebration on the Friday before Mother’s Day that recognizes the work of child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children. Established by NAFCC in 1995 as a way to thank family child care and center-based providers, Provider Appreciation Day is now celebrated throughout the United States and around the world as a “thank you” to the people who educate, support and spend a tireless amount of time with our children.

At NAFCC, we take the lead in celebrating family child care providers and the more than 123,000 regulated family child care programs that serve children and families. It’s important to acknowledge the essential workforce family child care providers represent and honor the work of their hands. Join us in celebrating the educators who provide care, learning and lifelong success for young children in their home.

History of Provider
Appreciation Day

Provider Appreciation Day was established by NAFCC past president Sue Williamson, Sue Schmidt, Ginny Rutkowski and Monday Morning Inc. staff on 1995. Founded as a day honoring and recognizing Family Child Care Providers, in addition to center based providers and advocates.

What started as a small grass-roots effort grew into a national day that is now celebrated throughout the United States, and with military child care, around the world under the trailblazing leadership of Sue Williamson. She passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 after an illness. NAFCC will always remember her contribution to the field of family child care and early education. Her passion for honoring Family Child Care Providers through Provider Appreciation Day remains with us.

Social Media Toolkit

Celebrate with us virtually by sharing graphics from our social media toolkit! Don’t forget to tag us when you post.

Local Proclamation Guide

Spread the word about Provider Appreciation Day in your community. One way to celebrate is through a proclamation from your mayor or governor.

Press Release Template

Send a press release to local media to help spread the word about Provider Appreciation Day! To help you get started, we’ve created a template that you can use to uplift the importance of family child care providers. More importantly, use this as an opportunity to share stories about the incredible work providers do in your community.