Topeka, KS – Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed May 6 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will join community organizations across the country to celebrate the efforts of local child care providers.
Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated the Friday before Mother’s Day every year to recognize child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere.
Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) convenes Provider Appreciation Day each year to amplify our nation’s collective gratitude for those who support the social, emotional and physical care of our youngest children.
“Child care providers have long been considered essential. In our state, they do a tremendous job keeping our children safe, nurturing their curiosity and preparing them for the future,” said Secretary Janet Stanek. “Together with our stakeholders, we invite you to join us in thanking and celebrating child care providers across our state.”
The Kansas Child Care Act has been in place for over 100 years. This law was the first step to ensuring that children in out-of-home care are in safe and nurturing environments. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Early Care and Youth Program (Child Care Licensing, CCL) was born from that law. The KDHE local child care licensing surveyor network supports all licensed Kansas providers, from becoming licensed to remaining compliant with child care licensing regulations. KDHE serves as a partner in the state in developing resources for child care providers, such as the Child Care Aware of Kansas Child Care Health Consultant Network, start-up grants and health and safety grants for providers, and developing a workforce registry and career pathway for early education and care providers.
Provider Appreciation Day was started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey who saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Support for this event has grown each year, and recognition presently includes Child Care Resource & Referral agencies, child care advocates, community-based organizations, government entities, business leaders and individuals across the U.S.
The Provider Appreciation Day website, providerappreciation.org, includes:
- Ideas for celebration
- Resources, including a sample letter to request a proclamation from your local government officials and templates to create certificates or thank you cards for providers
- Video tool for parents and community members to thank their local child care provider
Join in the virtual celebration on social media using #ThankYouChildCare in the days leading up to May 6, 2022.
