Honoring child care educators nationwide! On Friday, May 10th, 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.
Family child care educators are particularly important in supporting cultural competence practices and families who may not have access to other types of child care. Home-based family child care educators are deeply rooted in their communities. They often serve as a lifeline for working parents who need reliable care that accommodates non-traditional hours, transportation constraints, and other unique needs. Unlike traditional child care centers, family child educators create intimate settings where children of different ages learn and play together, fostering a sense of family and community.
“Every day, young children are on a journey to learn something new about their world, and the early educators who care for them encourage this by creating joyful, affirming, and nurturing spaces. I am inspired to support these early educators because the children in their programs hold so much hope and promise for our future”, said Erica Phillips in Early Learning Nation.
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.
Supporting home-based family child care educators is an investment in our nation’s future. These educators play a crucial role in early childhood education, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Research shows that high-quality early care and education positively impact children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. By investing in, honoring, and uplifting the passion of family child care educators, we are investing in the well-being and success of our children.
As we rebuild and reimagine our child care system, let’s remember that these educators are at the heart of it all, creating safe, nurturing, and enriching environments for our children. Today and everyday, we acknowledge the vital role and work together to support them. Our families, communities, and nations depend on it.
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.
