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On May 11, the CNMI will be
celebrating Provider Appreciation Day to recognize child care providers,
teachers and educators of young children everywhere.
In 1996 it was started by a group of volunteers in New Jersey and was
celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The founding organizers
saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for
children of working parents. Momentum and support have grown for this
event and this year will mark the 12th Annual Appreciation Day throughout
North America, Europe and Asia and the second year for the CNMI to participate.
There are at least 2.8 million people who earn their money by teaching
and caring for young children or by working in directly related jobs.
Over the past decade, the demand for child care services has increased.
The child care profession not only plays a critical role on supporting
healthy families and children but is a key part of our entire national
economy.
Today’s child care providers are the world’s unsung heroes.
Children spend at least 8-9 hours a day and 5 days a week with a provider
while parents are at work or attending school. The child care profession
is one of the most underpaid occupation in the country, yet early childhood
is the most critical developmental period for all children. Child care
providers don’t “baby sit” anymore. They promote a child’s
Social emotional development, physical development, cognitive and language
development. They ensure that no child is left behind and prepare children
for school.
It takes a special person to work in this field and their contributions
to the quality of family life goes unnoticed. It takes a dedicated person
to be successful in the demanding world of child care professionals.
Provider Appreciation Day is held so that everyone can appreciate the
importance of child care workers. Let’s take time out to recognize
and commend the unselfish dedication, compassion and strong family values
that child care providers demonstrate everyday.
JOANN T. AQUINO
Program Director
Little Darlings Early Childhood
& Respite Care
Chairperson
Provider Appreciation Day
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