Provider Appreciation Day May 1 Published April 29, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Child care organizations and parents across the globe are joining together May 1, to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff, and all those who work with children in a variety of ways and are responsible for their education and care. It is estimated there are nearly 2.8 million child care providers in the United States and that nearly 12 million children under age 5 are in their care. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event have grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. "By applauding the dedication of child care providers on May 1, we remind our communities of the importance of high-quality child care, and let providers everywhere know we recognize and value their important work," said Linda Smith, executive director of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, the lead sponsor of Provider Appreciation Day. "It is important the care a child receives during the first five years of life be of high-quality because 90 percent of brain development occurs during those years." Military Child Care was recently awarded "top quality spot" through the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. "We are grateful to Air Mobility Command dedicated staff who care for more than 3,500 children daily," said Ivera Harris, AMC Airman and Family Services chief. "Caregiver's compassionate care and the guidelines that are in place help make the military system the best in the nation." Travis currently has 118 child caregivers at the Child Development Centers, 30 child caregivers at the school-age Youth Center and 20 licensed child care providers who provide care in their base homes. "We are in desperate need for more child caregivers on base," said Linda Wherry, CDC manager. "If you love children and are interested in earning an income from home, this may be the perfect job for you." Operating a Family Child Care Home is a privilege granted by the Mission Support Group commander. All people providing child care in their home for more than 10 hours per week must be licensed. "We provide the training they will need before they ever open their doors to care for children," said Mrs. Wherry. "By the time they open for business, they will feel comfortable in caring for children of all ages." The training includes first aid, infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Air Force training modules and more. This training is ongoing and is provided by a Family Child Care training and curriculum specialist. To honor their relentless pursuit of being accredited and total commitment to quality child care for all children, the 60th Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Services Flight, has planned themed recognition celebrations for all child care providers. This year, the theme is an all-expense paid "cruise around the world." The ship will depart May 8 at 7 p.m. from the Delta Breeze Club. This fantastic voyage will take the child care providers to Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, Antarctica and then back to North America. The child care providers may dress in attire that represents the continent of their choice. To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or for ideas on how you can thank your child care provider, visit www.providerappreciation.org. For more information on providing child care from home, contact Mercedes Camacho, Family Child Care coordinator, at 424-8104.