By Staff
There is a Mother's Day, Father's Day and even a Children's Day. But who is the one who helps raise the children, when mom and dad are at work?
Today, Friday, May 9, teachers, child-care workers and all others who help protect, educate and care for our young people, will be recognized on Provider Appreciation Day.
A mother who takes in another's child before and after school should be recognized as much as someone who runs a full-time daycare. All are an influence on the future of the children under their care.
Organized pre-school programs help ready the little ones for the new demands of kindergarten.
It is estimated that there are nearly 2.8 million child care providers in the United States and that nearly 12 million children under age 5 are in their care, according to National Association of Child Care Resource &Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), which sponsors the Friday before Mother's Day as Provider Appreciation Day, which started in 1996.
"It is important that the care a child receives during the first five years of life be of high-quality because 90 percent of brain development occurs during those years," said Linda K. Smith, the organization's executive director.
We support the good work of these loving child caretakers. Without them, parents who must work wouldn't have the confidence they need to leave their children.
If your child is under the care of another, honor them today with thanks for their valuable contribution to your youngster's life.