• Home
• About Provider Appreciation Day
• In The News
• Ideas For Celebration
• Celebration Gallery
• Timeline For Action
• Writing a Press Release
• State Proclamations
• State Recognition Events
• National News
• Testimonials
• Gift Drawing
• Logo Merchandise Store
• A Place of Our Own and Los Niños en Su Casa 2009 National Child Care Provider Honorees

State Recognition Events

Governor Gary Locke issued a proclamation declaring May 7, 2004 Provider Appreciation Day in the state of Washington

Governor Gary Locke proclaimed May 9, 2003 Provider Appreciation Day for the state of Washington. We thank Pam McGahey, President of the Family Child Care Association of Pierce County, for being the sponsor.

The Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network sent out statewide press releases alerting the public about Provider Appreciation Day and the importance of the work of the child care workforce. Reports came in to the national office of celebrations being held in R&R offices in most every county in the state! The National office would like to acknowledge the dedication and leadership of Elizabeth Bonbright Thompson, Executive Director for all of her support. Visit www.childcarenet.org for more information about the Network.

Washington County Child Advocacy celebrated by hosting a dinner where providers were recognized and door prizes were given out.

In King County, the King County Executive issued a Proclamation declaring May 9, 2003 Provider Appreciation Day. Child Care Resources is hosting an evening event, "Feel Good, Smell Good, Taste Good," where providers will learn relaxation techniques, make a take-home spa treat, and have tasty desserts. The North King County Family Child Care Association is hosting an event for members.

Susan Brown, President and CEO of Evergreen Children’s Association, reported that they had a "Staff Appreciation Week" which was held the week of Appreciation Day. For 5 days they ask parents to honor and celebrate the staff. Each day is a theme day that suggests what parents can do to show their appreciation. Thanks for remembering the tireless work, of not just those that care for your children, but for care givers world-wide."

Governor Gary Locke signed a proclamation declaring May 10, 2002 Provider Appreciation Day. The local sponsor was Early Childhood Educator, Sharon Meredith

The Child Care Action Council, Junior League of Olympia, South Puget Sound Community College, South Sound AEYC & the Thurston County Family Child Care Association is holding an event on Friday, May 10, 2002 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. There will be refreshments and great door prizes. RSVP to 528-6491 www.familysupportctr.org/CCAC

In King County (Seattle and surrounding areas) the R&R and licensing department are sponsoring an open house at Child Care Resources on May 10, 2002 from 10am to 8pm with food and take home goody bags. We will also have a free one hour workshop in the evening "31-derful ways to take care of yourself" at each of our 3 locations. The King County Executive is sending a proclamation. Kris Lowe, Child Care Resources www.childcare.org

The CCR&R of Snohomish County and Skagit County and the Department of Child Care and Early Learning, Region 3, are holding a special event on Friday, April 26, 2002. They are serving dessert and coffee compliments of the Snohomish County AEYC and prepared by the Job Corps. Contact: Keica Otto 360-416-8299

The Junior League of Tacoma will be holding a Provider Appreciation Dessert at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma from 7-8:30 PM. Two childcare providers will be awarded for their excellence and commitment to children. Anna Arthur, of Anna’s Daycare will receive an award for in-home daycare. Anna has over 1 million hours of childcare, over the past 30 years. Remarkably, she has focused most of her time and attention on special needs children. She has received several awards for her professionalism and dedication to these children. Linda Houlihan will be awarded for her excellence as a Director of three Child Care Centers, Assorted Tikes Day Care. She has over 20 years experience with childcare, ten of them as a center director. She estimated she has ´900 childcare years´ experience. tanya@westblocksystems.com (Tanya Hammer)

Fairchild Air Force Base

Child Care Resource & Referral, Tacoma

Naval Air Station Everett Child Development Center honored providers and teachers with mugs and tote bags

The Child Care Action Council, Junior League of Olympia, South Sound Association for the Education of Young Children, Division of Child Care and Early Learning, Regional Tapestry Conference, Thurston County Family Child Care Association, and Mason county Family Child Care Association banned together and held an evening celebration in Olympia with refreshments, door prizes and a live band. Thank you Charlotte Dedman, Associate Director of the Child Care Action Council for telling us about this amazing collaboration! www.familysupportctr.org/CCAC

The Child Care Action Council, Zonta, Junior League of Olympia, South Sound Association for the Education of Young Children, Thurston County Family Child Care Association, and Mason county Family Child Care Association has banned together and will hold an evening celebration in Olympia with refreshments, door prizes and a live band. Provider Appreciation Day! Thursday, May 6, 2004, 6:00- 9:00 PM, Olympia Center, 222 North Columbia, Olympia, WA, Refreshments! Great Door Prizes! Special Musical Guests– Midnight Sun! Charlotte Dedman, Associate Director, Child Care Action Council, Phone: 360-786-8907 Fax: 360-786-8960, Voice Mail: 360-528-649, Check out our website! www.familysupportctr.org/CCAC For Training Opportunities Call: 360-786-8907 Child Care Resource and Referral: 360-754-0810

Clark County Family Childcare Association leads the way in child care provider recognition! The association will be welcoming child care providers and their families to come and be honored at the Fort Vancouver Historical Site Museum and Visitors Center on Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. until noon. There will be refreshments, fun for the kids, and drawings every 15 minutes for a variety of prizes, ranging from gift cards for dinner at the Skamania Lodge to a limousine ride/lunch at McDonalds package for the entire daycare to enjoy. Licensed providers will also receive the opportunity to be registered with a newly developing resource and referral network. For more information contact Judy Peters at boogiepeters@aol.com.

Pacific Northwest Sailors Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Northwest
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Child Development Centers (CDCs) around Navy Region Northwest celebrated Provider Appreciation Day on May 11.
 
Provider Appreciation Day is a day where child care providers, teachers and educators are recognized in the challenging professions they choose as heroes to children worldwide.
 
"The whole purpose of this day is to just give appreciation and show thanks," said Cecellia Kitson, Jackson Park Child Development Center assistant director. "This is an opportunity parents and administrative staff have to give a big ´thank you´ to the people who care for the children."
 
Provider Appreciation Day, celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother´s Day, was begun by a group of volunteers in New Jersey. "Provider appreciation is for all the services caregivers provide to children of all ages," said Kitson. "Providers have to be qualified in CPR, first aid, food handling, bloodborne pathogen trained and be certified by the government to take care of children for the ages of the children they will be providing for."
 
Since Provider Appreciation Day started in 1996, it has grown to be recognized by individuals, organizations and governments all over North America, Europe and Asia, and by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and National Association for Family Child Care.
 
"We passed out decorated zip-lock bags with flowers and candy in them to the staff here as a token of our appreciation," said Kitson. "I see the enjoyment or the look on their face when they hear just a simple thank you."
 
The Jackson Park CDC provides care for more than 250 children from infants to 5 years old.
 
"It feels good to see the smiles on the children´s faces," said Rebecca Boudraux, Jackson Park CDC education technician. "That's where I feel appreciated most and the staff here really shows their gratitude too."
 
"My daughter has learned a lot since she has been coming here and the staff really helps," said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Sherwin Penaranda, Trident Inn leading chief petty officer. "My wife is on the Stennis (USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)) and on deployment now, so having these providers is vital to me."
 
"I really appreciate what the CDC does for my daughter," said Yeoman 2nd Class (SS) William Jackson of Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific. "They teach my daughter companionship and about different cultures instead of just watching her. It's not just a day care. The children are safe and they learn."

At McChord AF Base, WA, we celebrated Provider Appreciation Day by delivering a bouquet of flowers with a gift card attached to each provider's home. Mr. Roger Davis, Deputy Services Director, Bette Doelger, Family Member´s Program Flight Chief, Sheila Hayes, USDA Food Program monitor accompanied me in delivering the flowers. The providers were so surprised, very appreciative, and so thankful. In return, we got big hugs from each provider.