Timeline For Action
How can I celebrate Provider Appreciation Day?
Start by working with your colleagues to decide what kind of event you want to plan. Whether you plan a small event, like a Continental Breakfast for Staff, or a large event like a banquet or Community Walk-A-Thon, you will be most successful when your ideas emerge from within your group. Once you have decided on your theme you will be ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy. Plan time, place, and budget. Delegate jobs to each committee member; many hands make light work!
When do I have to begin?
The size of your project will determine how early you need to start making your plans. A small event may only take a month to plan and carry out, but you may want to do the advance work late in the fall or right after the winter holidays to avoid a last minute rush. We would suggest beginning your plans for a larger event no later than February to ensure success.
Do you have materials to help with our events?
Yes, visit the Provider Appreciation Day store on our secure website. Official logo items are available. We have kept all budgets in mind and offer quantity discounts. Can't find just what you want? Call our toll-free number, 1-888-334-7781. Our staff will be happy to brainstorm with you to order personalized or special order merchandise. We accept personal checks, purchase orders (over $100), Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. We are also happy to accept last-minute orders and will rush your delivery (additional shipping charges may apply).
How can I network with other groups?
Make new friends! Inviting other community programs to collaborate with you is a wonderful way to plan an event that will involve all the teachers and families in your area. Many times you will be able to attract in-kind or financial support for your project when two or three groups are working together. Make a list of contacts and decide who needs to know and who can help make this day a reality in your area.
Who else should I invite?
A Provider Appreciation Day event is the perfect way to honor the teachers who work in your childcare and early education program. Don't forget to invite parents who use your program. Invite board members, business leaders and local government officials, too. They will welcome the opportunity to salute teachers and providers and to show that early education is a priority for them.
What about media coverage?
Send press releases to local newspapers. Send them to the reporter responsible for local human-interest stories, often called the "metro desk". Press releases should be sent a minimum of 2 weeks in advance with follow-up one week before. Capitalize on press connections to educate your community on the vision of your program. Invite the press to take pictures at your event.
Contact local radio/TV stations to discuss possibilities of interviews or major coverage. Cable and radio stations may plan this kind of a story as much as 2 months in advance. We recommend that you contact them early, and then follow up with calls closer to your event date.
The Provider Appreciation Day national office will be sending out press releases to national newspapers and news organizations. Please let us know what events you are planning. Many times a reporter will call and ask for local contacts. Wouldn't you like to be the program highlighted on TV or on the front page of your state newspaper?
Can we use the logo for our event?
Please call the national office at 1-888-334-7781 for information about using the Provider Appreciation Day logo.
What are other programs planning?
We update the State Events list here on our site frequently. Many programs share their event ideas and would like to hear from you.
Besides planning an event, are there other ways I can support Provider Appreciation Day?
Provider Appreciation Day, a Non-Profit organization accepts tax deductible donations. We are a 501 (c)(3) corporation. All donations are used to further the work of promoting Provider Appreciation Day and to strengthen the role of early childhood caregivers and teachers in their work each day. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
How can I become a sponsor?
Contact us today for information on becoming a Purple Star or Teal Star Sponsor! All sponsorships are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Is there anyone else I can talk to?
We welcome your call in the national office! Our toll-free number is 1-888-334-7781.