Child care providers provide an invaluable service to the parents who rely on them to care for their children. So why are they disregarded, overworked, and underpaid? According to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies “The average wage for providers is only $8.68 an hour or $18,060 a year - close to the national poverty level.”
While there is little you can do to change the pay rate of daycare workers, you can let your child's daycare provider know you appreciate and value her contributions to your kid's life by celebrating Provider Appreciation Day.
This year, Provider Appreciation Day will be celebrated on May 8th to recognize child care providers everywhere for their dedication to our children.
Listed below are some things you can do to celebrate the child care provider in your family's life.
- Buy her some flowers.
- Give her a gift card to a local restaurant.
- Treat her to a pedicure via gift certificate.
- Invite her to have dinner with your family.
- Thank her for providing your child with a safe environment to learn and grow each day.
- Bake her some cookies.
- Help your child make a special gift to give to his teacher.
- Have lunch delivered to your child’s daycare center for the child care staff to enjoy.
The job of a child care provider is a thankless one, so on Provider Appreciation Day, take the time to let your child's daycare teacher know you're aware of all the hard work that goes into her job.