WHERE IT STARTED
Child care provider appreciation is a day of recognition celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The day was spearheaded by a group of volunteers in New Jersey in 1996. These individuals saw the need for a day of appreciation and recognition for child care providers and initiated a pilot program within their local network that was met with great enthusiasm by parents and providers. Now in its 11th year, this day has been supported by groups in all 50 states as well Canada, Europe and Asia. Supporters have initiated proclamations that have been signed by many local governments and governors, gained media coverage, and planned events where business and community leaders as well as parents have honored child care providers on this important day.Â
LITTLE WAYS TO SHOW YOUR PROVIDER THEY ARE APPRECIATED
We recently polled some of the providers in the dayhome community and asked them what kinds of things make them feel appreciated by their dayhome families.Â
Not surprisingly, hardly any of the answers we received had a monetary figure attached to them.Â
Instead, providers really appreciate when they are recognized for the work they do – either through a verbal expression of gratitude or through a written note or card.Â
SOME OF THE THINGS PROVIDERS SAID MAKE THEM FEEL APPRECIATED:
- When a parent says thank you at the end of the day
- Paying on time without reminders
- Bringing coffee at drop off
- Showing up before regular pickup time every once in awhile
- Paying early
- Sending pictures of the craft wall at home with all the crafts I've made with their kiddos
- Homemade cards from the dayhome children
- Telling friends and moms groups about my dayhome
- Shoveling for me when they know I'm stuck inside for a few more hours
- Getting dinner invites
- Little notes inside gifts I've received
- Getting invited to my dayhome children's activities
- When they trust my instincts and check on things that I'm concerned about
- Appreciation for the extras that I do
- Asking for late pickups instead of expecting it
If you prefer to show your appreciation with gifts - here are some ideas:
- Gift Cards (Coffee, Wine, Spa, etc)
- Personalized Items (Mugs, Tumblers, etc)
- Pamper Items (Lotions, Bubble Bath, Bath Bombs, etc)
- A Starbucks Treat
- Gift Baskets (Chocolate, candy, chips, etc)
- Handmade gifts (framed pictures, crafts, cards, etc)
IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH - BUT IT MEANS A LOT
At the end of the day, your provider really just wants to know that they make a difference and that they have had a positive impact on your family. Letting your provider know they are appreciated on a regular basis can really help them maintain their self-care and stave off burnout.Â
Taking care of up to six children day in and out is no walk in the park. Your provider works really hard to take care of the children that are entrusted to their care. Let them know they are doing a great job!
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