Provider Appreciation Day (May 7th) Recognizes The Role Of Child Care Providers In Promoting Optimal Early Brain Development

Early care associations and families across the nation are gathering this Friday (May 7th) to acknowledge Provider Appreciation Day (PAD). PAD is a unique day designed to celebrate early care staff, educators, and administrators- the wonderful adults who are held accountable for the instruction and care of many of our infants and toddlers. There are thousands of child care providers in Shelby County- our urban area has over 118,000 regulated child care slots designed for children under the age of five (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2008).

The children and parents of Memphis depend on our child care providers, as many young children spend long hours in the care of adults other than family members. Careful research proves that high-quality early childhood care and education promotes cognitive, social and emotional growth. According to Linda K. Smith, Executive Director of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (the lead sponsor of Provider Appreciation Day), 'It is important that the care a child receives during the first years of life be of high-quality because 90 percent of brain development occurs during those years.'

May 7th is the day to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of early care educators, to recognize their contributions to high-quality care, and to celebrate their role in promoting optimal brain stimulation in our youngest citizens. Recently, regional administrations across the country have collaborated with many state leaders in proclaiming this day of appreciation. Projects are underway to ask early care associations, community stakeholders, and families to recognize their early educators for their commitment to young children through happenings such as luncheons, dedications and other celebratory events.

The Urban Child Institute acknowledges the critical role that our early care providers play in promoting optimal brain development in our infants and toddlers and applauds the determined efforts of early childhood educators who care for the children of working parents.

To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or for ideas on how you can thank your child care provider, contact Family Enrichment Network at 607-723-8313. For more information on how child care can influence early brain development, please visit the Child Care section of The Urban Child Institute's website: http://www.theurbanchildinstitute.org/ChildCare.