~Child Care Resource and Referral
Friday, May 6 is Provider Appreciation Day. This special day recognizes providers and teachers of young children everywhere. It is celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day.
“By valuing child care providers, we remind people that quality child care is important. We should recognize the hard work that providers and staff do,” says Carol Jensen, Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) parent specialist.
“Every day, about 750 programs in Southwest Iowa can care for almost 14,000 children. This does not include children who are in school or with family, friends or neighbors,” said Jensen. “The children, parents and employers depend on child care providers to take care of children’s needs.”
“For working parents, child care is an important part of their life,” said Jensen. “When a parent is happy with the person who is taking care of their child, they can be more productive at work. They must choose a child care arrangement that is a partner for the benefit of all, especially the child.”
For a referral or information on quality care, call CCR&R at 1-800-945-9778. CCR&R is a program of West Central Community Action. Funding is provided by the Department of Human Services through the Child Care Development Fund and local funds. To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or ideas on how to thank your child care provider, visit www.providerappreciationday.org.
CCR&R provides services in seventeen counties in Southwest Iowa. CCR&R helps ensure that all families have access to quality, affordable child care. To learn more, visit www.iowaccrr.org or call 800-945-9778.
