May 11 is Provider Appreciation Day

We’re launching a special effort this spring to support our region’s child care providers. Our community foundation partners are some of our strongest supporters and friends, and we hope you’ll be part of the celebration.

May 11 is child care Provider Appreciation Day, an international day to recognize the tireless efforts of providers in caring for children of working parents.

In southwest Minnesota, child care providers care for more than 10,000 kids. That’s huge. But there are an estimated 4,700 more kids who lack access to quality, affordable care in our region. Meanwhile, individual child care providers are leaving the field for many reasons, including feeling undervalued. We’re going to shower our providers with love and spread the word about how important these professionals are to local families, businesses and communities.

Here are two ways you can be part of the region-wide celebration:

Spread the word. If you know family-based providers or child care center staff, send them to swifoundation.org/childcare by April 4 to register for a free thank you gift from Southwest Initiative Foundation.

Celebrate on May 11. Snap a photo with your favorite child care provider, teacher or other educator who’s made a difference for kids in your life. Then post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the reasons they’re is awesome, and tag it  #providerappreciationday. Get more ideas for showing your appreciation.