Each year, ACCORD Corporation’s Early Childhood Division takes time on May 7th to appreciate all their child care providers for their hard work and dedication to our communities’ children and families. These providers dedicate themselves to providing high quality child care. This year providers will be getting a special delivery in the mail full of love and appreciation thanks to the wonderful efforts of ACCORD.
“What a whirlwind year and just saying “Thank You” to the child care community does not seem enough! Words alone cannot express our sincere gratitude. Behind the scenes, this past year many child care providers have put in unseen hours, continually adapting, making program changes, updating, and implementing policies/procedures to ensure staff, children and their families have a safe and healthy environment that welcomes them every day,” explains Christine Cole, Child Care Director at ACCORD.
Child care providers were “essential” long before the pandemic, and the past year has highlighted the lengths to which they are willing to go to keep their doors open to serve the children of other essential workers. Child care providers work very long days, and wear many hats juggling the health, safety and positive development of our children, grandchildren, and kiddos across our communities.
During the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, providers have been working extra hard supporting their communities, providing nurturing care to children during challenging times, helping school-age children with remote learning, following new health and safety guidelines and teaching children how to stay physically distanced, all while facing the risk of exposure to the virus. Please make sure to let your provider know how much you appreciate all they do for your child, family, and community. After all, what would families do without them?
“Our country and economy rely on childcare providers to function. Making them feel appreciated for all their hard work each day is crucial and more than necessary,” said Robin Fuller Coordinator for the Allegany County Early Childhood Development and Education Coalition.
Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Support for this event has grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout the United States. In 2021, efforts are ramping up more than ever to recognize the difficulties that providers have gone through during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“ACCORD greatly appreciates each child care program’s commitment and dedication to the communities and families they serve. We thank each of them for their courage, patience, and commitment to understand, motivate and inspire our children. They are our heroes. We will continue to move forward together and push through all challenges with grace and positivity,” continued Cole.
Senator George Borrello joined in and sent the providers a letter of appreciation. “Professional child care providers are essential to the well-being of our families, giving parents and caregivers priceless peace of mind as they go to work. The quality child care they provide, which nurtures the learning and development of our youngest New Yorkers, is a pillar of our workforce and economy. We should thank them and recognize their critical role on Child Care Provider Appreciation Day and every day,” said state Senator George Borrello of the 57th Senate District.
ACCORD and the Early Childhood Development and Education Coalition invites community members to join us in thanking all childcare workers for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. To learn more about child care opportunities or how to become a licensed child care provider, please contact Christine Cole at 585-268-7605, Extension 1231 or at ccole@accordcorp.org.
