State Recognition Events
Governor James E Mc Greevey signed a proclamation recognizing May 9, 2003 as Provider Appreciation Day.
On May 9, 2003 a statewide celebration was held at the Somerset Marriott in honor of the early childhood teachers and caregivers of the state. Over 300 professionals attended. The NJ Department of Human Services, the NJ Department of Education Office of Early Education and all of the leading early childhood organizations participated. Peter Stewart, singer and songwriter, entertained. A particular honor was extended to all of the teachers in the Abbott School districts who earned their Early Childhood Certification.
"I wrote to the parents in our program and told them about the special day and asked them to write on an index card some adjectives to describe their child´s teacher/child care provider. Then I had them tape the index cards to their door frames which wee hung for the next month. I had index cards, markers, and tape on a table in the foyer which made it accessible for the parents. Staff were happy with such a display of appreciation." – Faith Johnston, Director, Busy Hand, Inc, Pennsville/Woodstow, NJ
Governor, James E. McGreevey signed a proclamation proclaiming May 10, 2002 Provider Appreciation Day in New Jersey.
Congressman Mike Ferguson will be reading the day into the Federal Congressional Record for 2002 as he did for 2001.
In 2003, "Under the Sun Learning Centers celebrated Provider Appreciation Day with a very special staff luncheon. Many local businesses donated door prizes to utilize in the "Chinese Auction." We also had coupons & gift certificates to give away. We looked forward to this special day of recognition at all three of our schools. Stratford, NJ. West Deptford, NJ, Marlton, NJ."
· Human Services Commissioner Grendolyn Long Harris will visit the Martin House Learning Center Preschool in Trenton with Sue Williamson, National Provider Appreciation Day Co-Chair, and Terri Buccarelli, Director of Early Care and Education, NJ DHS, on May 10, 2002 to personally greet each teacher and congratulate them on the importance of their work. In addition, a letter of recognition from the Commissioner will be mailed to each of the nearly 4000 licensed child care centers in the state and to the 5000 family child care homes registered with the Department of Human Services.
Congressman Bob Franks recognized the day by reading it into the National Congressional Record in Y2000. In 1999, this was done by Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen.
Pins were sent to Monday Morning Moms in Somerset, Union, Middlesex Mercer & Hunterdon Counties.
CHS Child Care, Ocean County treated providers to a Provider Appreciation Day Brunch at the Old Time Buffet in Toms River on Saturday, May 11, 2002. Contact: Joan Christopher 732-905-6363 X136
Respond, Inc., Camden, awarded over 200 pins, lunch bags and certificates to the providers and teachers they work with
Renee Brady, Director of the Child Care and Learning Center at the Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ reports that the provider Appreciation Day press release was sent out to everyone at the hospital reminding them of the day. The center staff is having a pizza luncheon in celebration of the day
TriCounty CAA Head Start celebrated the Day
Choice Care Nannies & Baby Nurses in Westfield gave Provider Appreciation Day pins to nannies. Contact Julie at 908-317-9777
Monday Morning Moms, LLC, Mt. Laurel, MOMSnSoNJ@aol.com celebrated by showing appreciation for the family child care providers they work with
The Urban League of Hudson County hosted a dinner cruise, contact Recia Howard, FDC Manager, 201-459-9999 X 124
Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County, Hillside, held a Provider Appreciation Day event for the family child care providers they work with
St. George Avenue Day Care Center, Linden
Sarah Ward Nursery, Newark, recognized their teaching staff at both sites
Education Information Resource Center (EIRC), Sewell
Bergen County Office for Children
Pals Child Care Center, North Plainfield
Child Care Connection, Trenton
NORWESCAP, Warren County
FM Kirby Child Care Center, Madison
Children´s Home Society (CHS) Trenton
All Statewide Resource & Referral Agencies recognized the day
Mountain Lakes Country Day School, Mountain Lakes, celebrated the day
Governor James E. McGreevey has signed a proclamation designating Friday, May 7, 2004 as Provider Appreciation Day in New Jersey.
A statewide dinner event, "Celebrate the Teacher," will be held at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Robert G Meyner Reception Center in Holmdel, NJ to honor the early childhood workforce of NJ. Music and entertainment will be by Jazzie Cazzie. Over 400 people will be attending. This event has been organized by all of the leading early care and education organizations of the state. The Platinum Star Sponsor of the event is PNC Grow Up Great. Teal Star Sponsors are the Association for Children of New Jersey and the NJ Department of Human Services, Office of Early Care and Education, Head Start Collaboration Project. For more information, contact Ginny Rutkowski at 908-788-8838.
Peggy O´Crowley, writer for the Star Ledger, wrote a column devoted to Provider Appreciation Day on Sunday, May 2, 2004.
Parents at the F. M. Kirby Children's Center, Madison Area YMCA, Madison, N.J. provided a feast for Staff Appreciation Days on May 6 and 7. In addition, the Parent Council used Parent Fundraising to purchase gift certificates for all the staff. Parents in each classroom also recognized staff through thank you letters, flowers, take out lunches and gifts.
New Jersey will honor the early childhood workforce at a dinner event on May 5, 2005 at the PNC Arts Center, Robert B Meyner Reception Center, Exit 116 of the Garden State Parkway. The event is being sponsored by PNC Grow Up Great, the Association for Children of New Jersey, and leading early childhood organizations in the state. For tickets and information, contact Leigh Ann Waldvogel at the NJ Professional Development Center, 908-737-5907 or you can make your reservations online at www.njpdc.org.
The New Jersey Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education announces the NJ Professional Development Awards. For information, visit their website www.njpdc.org Awards will be given out at the Provider Appreciation Day dinner event on May 5, 2005.
In celebration of Provider Appreciation Day, Monday Morning, Inc. will honor the family child care providers who work with them. Each provider will receive a special logo gift and all providers have been invited to the annual dinner event.