Provider Appreciation Day Recognizes Work of Child Care Providers

For more information, contact
Sarah Wayne at NAEYC
202-232-8777 ext. 8841 or swayne@naeyc.org

Washington, May 12, 2006 - May 12th is Provider Appreciation Day, a day to recognize the importance of child care teachers and staff who provide care and early learning to young children. Child care organizations across the country are hosting celebrations to recognize the role child care teachers play in nurturing and supporting young children's learning and positive development.

"Today's child care teachers are unsung heroes who are instrumental in caring for and teaching our nation's young children," said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., Executive Director of NAEYC. "The early years are a critical time in children's growth and development, and child care teachers play a crucial role in preparing young children to succeed in school and in life."

An estimated 13 million children under the age of six are in child care at least part time. Research shows that quality child care and preschool help prepare young children for school, especially young children from low-income families. Child care providers provide children with early education opportunities that will prepare them to succeed in school and beyond.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there more than 500,000 child care teachers in the U.S. Yet only 18 occupations out of 770 surveyed reported having lower average wages than child care workers. Roughly one third of child care staff leave the field each year, primarily due to low wages. Such high turnover creates lack of continuity for children, and makes it more difficult for programs to continually ensure high quality.

Provider Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognize the work of child care and preschool teachers and bring attention to the need for better compensation for child care teachers across the country.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through age eight. Founded in 1926, the organization now has nearly 100,000 members, and a national network of over 300 local, state and regional affiliates.

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