WASHINGTON, D.C. – Let’s give child care educators nationwide a round of applause! On May 12th, the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) will celebrate Provider Appreciation Day – an annual celebration that recognizes the work of child care educators, teachers and caregivers of young children who work tirelessly to create safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments where children can learn and grow.
Last month, President Biden signed an executive order to improve access to child care. The order includes more than 50 directives that aim to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and support the work life of caregivers.
“Child care educators are often underpaid and undervalued, despite the critical role they play in supporting families and the economy,” said Erica Phillips, Executive Director of the National Association for Family Child Care. “By increasing access to affordable, high-quality child care, families can better balance work and family responsibilities, supporting economic growth and promoting children’s healthy development. By investing in the child care workforce, we can ensure that child care educators receive the recognition, compensation, and support they deserve for their important work.
“At NAFCC, we are grateful for all of the family child care educators who make learning happen and serve their communities by providing exceptional care,” Phillips added.
Family child care educators are particularly important in supporting cultural competence practice and families who may not have access to other types of child care. They provide a personalized approach to care, often building close relationships with children and their families. This can be especially important for families who may have specific needs or circumstances that require more individualized attention.
Family child care is early education in a home-based setting. The majority of family child care educators are women, who are often mothers themselves, and they create a nurturing and caring environment that is culturally conducive for families.
Phillips added, “It’s crucial to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and professionalism that family child care educators bring to their work each day. They are often unsung heroes, working long hours, and making personal sacrifices to ensure that children receive the best possible care and education.”
Click here for NAFCC’s social media toolkit that includes ideas on how to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day with a local proclamation and social media graphics. Also, be sure to follow the conversation and show your support by using #ProviderAppreciationDay on social media.
