EUGENE, Ore. - Quality Care Connections proudly announces its participation in the national celebration of Provider Appreciation Day on May 10, underscoring the pivotal role of child care providers, teachers, and educators in nurturing the youngest members of our communities. This year, the focus intensifies on virtual celebrations, inviting individuals everywhere to join a chorus of gratitude on social media using the hashtag #ThankYouChildCare and submitting their thank you messages to lanecc.edu/qccstory in the days leading up to this significant day.
Cheryl Henderson, Child & Family Education Director, Quality Care Connections said, “On this Provider Appreciation Day, we pause to recognize the immense dedication and passion of child care providers who are the cornerstone of children's early development in our community. Their commitment to nurturing the potential of each child lays the foundation for a brighter future for all of us."
Provider Appreciation Day, observed the Friday before Mother’s Day each year, stands as a testament to the dedication of child care professionals who ensure the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our children. Through a nationwide collaborative effort with child care resource and referral agencies, as well as nonprofit and business partners, the day offers a platform to extend heartfelt thanks and recognition to these indispensable caregivers.
In alignment with the spirit of Provider Appreciation Day, Quality Care Connections, serving as a Child Care Resource and Referral agency for Lane County, is set to enhance this year's celebrations by hosting a Provider Appreciation Professional Development and Resource Fair. Scheduled for Saturday, May 4, at Lane Community College, the event promises an array of training and resources tailored to the child care and early education sector, emphasizing the continued support and development of these vital community members.
The inception of Provider Appreciation Day in 1996 by New Jersey volunteers marked the beginning of a growing movement to acknowledge the relentless efforts of child care providers. With each passing year, the observance has garnered increasing support from various sectors, including Child Care Resource & Referral agencies, child care advocates, community organizations, government entities, and the business community, all convened by Child Care Aware of America.
This year, Quality Care Connections encourages the community to take part in the virtual celebration with #ThankYouChildCare, creating a wave of online appreciation that highlights the immeasurable contributions of child care providers to our families and society. Additionally, the community is invited to express their gratitude directly to the Lane County child care and early education workforce through an online form, contributing messages, signing a card, or submitting videos of thanks to be shared in the lead-up to Provider Appreciation Day at lanecc.edu/qccstory.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 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.