Provider Appreciation Day Recognizes Work of Early Childhood Educators

For more information, contact
Sarah Wayne at NAEYC
202-454-7603 or swayne@naeyc.org

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2005 – Today is Provider Appreciation Day, a day to recognize the work of child care providers, teachers and educators of young children everywhere.

“Early childhood educators work hard to provide quality education and care for young children and their families across the country,” said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., Executive Director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. “Good early childhood teachers are the key to a program's quality.”

There are 21 million children under age 6 in America, and about 13 million of them are in child care at least part time. An additional 24 million school-age children are in some form of child care outside of school time. These children depend on child care providers for the quality care and education they receive. Child care providers across the country are charged with ensuring that children are nurtured, safe and ready for school. Provider Appreciation Day provides the opportunity for parents, communities and policymakers to appreciate the valuable work of child care providers.

Young children and their families benefit greatly from the work of early childhood teachers and providers. Recognition on Provider Appreciation Day takes many forms and aims to improve the quality and availability of child care services. Recognition can include state and municipal government proclamations, local media coverage, business and community events, and private acknowledgement from parents.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through age eight. Founded in 1926, the organization now has 100,000 members, and a national network of nearly 350 local, state and regional affiliates. NAEYC and its affiliates work to improve professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education, and to build public support for high-quality early childhood programs.