EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College and Quality Care Connections will join community organizations across the country in observing Provider Appreciation Day on May 6 to celebrate the efforts of local child care providers.
Celebrated the first Friday in May, Provider Appreciation Day recognizes childcare providers, teachers and other educators of young children. Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) has convened Provider Appreciation Day annually since 1995 to amplify the nation’s collective gratitude for those who support the social, emotional and physical care of the youngest children.
“Child care providers were ‘essential’ long before the pandemic. They keep our children safe, nurture their curiosity and prepare them for a lifetime of learning and growth,” said Lynette M. Fraga, Ph.D., CEO of Child Care Aware® of America. “Together with our network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, nonprofit and business partners, we invite you to join us in thanking and celebrating child care providers across the nation.”
Quality Care Connections (QCC) is Lane County’s child care resource and referral agency. QCC supports child care and early learning professionals through coaching, continuing education, and resource navigation with a goal of increasing the quality and supply of child care in our community.
Lane Community College provides both learning opportunities with a two-year associate of applied science degree in early childhood education, as well as a one-year certificate program for future educators. Additionally, LCC offers a child development center that serves as a lab school for students in the program and a cooperative where student/parents can work to reduce their fees. Enrollment is open to LCC student families, community and staff.
Families and community leaders are encouraged to show their appreciation for child care and early learning professionals by using the hashtag #ThankYouChildCare on social media and send a card, video or small gift to their family child care provider.
Lane Community College educates over 25,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.