| For Immediate Release: May 7, 2010 |
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Provider Appreciation Day recognizes work of child care providers
(Washington, D.C.) - The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) supports the child care programs and parents across the globe who will be joining together on the Friday before Mother’s Day, May 7, 2010, to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day.
Provider Appreciation Day was created to recognize the importance of child care teachers and staff who provide care and early learning to young children. Child care programs across the country are hosting celebrations to recognize the role child care teachers play in nurturing and supporting young children's learning and development. 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.
"Early childhood educators deserve much more than just our appreciation for the integral role they play in the quality of education and care that children receive,” said Mark R. Ginsberg, executive director of NAEYC. "Early childhood education providers play a crucial role in preparing young children to succeed in school, work, and life."
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008, child care workers make about $9.12 an hour, significantly less than the average hourly wage of all Americans at $15.57. Despite a challenging set of responsibilities and low wages, child care providers continue to supply one of the greatest resources to our communities, families, and young children.
Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The day is hosted by the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).
Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children has nearly 90,000 members worldwide. The association is the largest and most influential advocate for early care and education in the United States.
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Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest and most influential advocate for high-quality early care and education in the United States.
