Did You Know That Friday, May 11 Is National Provider Appreciation Day?

Yes - I did know - our director let us know and every year we are given little cards in the shape of hearts where the parents - or kids - can write a little something nice about each of the teachers.

I cannot stress enough how important this is - I have said regularly how these wonderful people are my kids "daytime mommies" (or daddy's if there are males who work there too). I appreciate what they do and how so many of them are so enthusiastic about what they do.

@AK.....thats because Mothers day was May 9th in 2010...it changes each year. Provider Appreciation day is always the Friday before Mothers day, whatever day that falls on, the actual date will differ each year, just as Mothers day does. The link you provided shows the 2010 date, not for this year, 2012.

I have been a provider for 15 years and never have I had a parent acknowledge this. Oh well!

wait, I thought it was the 7th?

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day May 7, 2010

http://www.mnchildcare.org/families/prov_app.php

We got an email from the director of the daycare center letting us know. She's not looking for recognition herself, merely letting us know in case we wanted to do something for our child's teachers.

The timing is perfect for me. I am a teacher and will soon be off for the summer. I wanted to do a little "Thank You" for my boys' teachers, since they will not be attending this summer.

I think it's wonderful to have days like this. Yes we should be grateful everyday, but as humans it really helps to have days set aside for recognition (birthdays, Christmas, etc). My boys attend a fabulous daycare and really love their teachers. I want them to know how much my husband and I appreciate all that they do.

ETA: I read NBinMN's comment that no parent had ever acknowledged her, and that stinks. I'm so sorry, because what you do is invaluable!

I have to say, this is the first year my kids have been in daycare and I had never heard of this before. I'm often the last to know things (just not a very observant person in general), but it sounds to me like not enough people are aware of this. I'll definitely be mentioning it to people!

As someone who used to work in childcare, I want to share with you that childcare providers make very little money. To show your appreciation, it would be so great if you could collect money from each parent and give the teachers gift certificates (for massages, for Target, for a restaurant, or whatever).

At Christmas when I worked in daycare, I got a fairly large gift certificate to Macy's and it was so appreciated.