Provider Appreciation Day - May 12, 2023

Dear Child Care Provider,

You are a critical part of our state. Your expertise, your empathy, and your effort shape children’s health, well-being, and academic outcomes, as well as their ability to contribute to the workforce and our communities for the rest of their lives.

Child Care Aware of Kansas thanks you for your service to families and communities across Kansas. See more words of gratitude from our partners below.

Learn More About Provider Appreciation Day
“We are with you and thank you for all you do every day. You are the foundation for our communities.”
Jackie CountsCenter for Public Partnerships and Research, University of Kansas
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the children in your care!
Adrienne LaddCity of Wichita Child Care Licensing
A huge THANK YOU goes out to every Kansas child care provider!
- Betsy McKinneyFairfield USD #310
Thank you to all our hardworking child care providers! We couldn't have made it through this year without you!
Jamie Roberts and Danielle SprinkleFlint Hills Community Health Center
Thank you to the incredible, dedicated people who care for and teach our youngest children. You are changemakers at work, daily, on behalf of our families and communities!
Kari MaillouxHutchinson Community Foundation
Thank you, providers, for working with us through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate your willingness to strive to do the right thing and do what is in the best interest of your staff and the kids. You are essential and appreciated.
Eldonna ChesnutJohnson County Department of Health and Environment
The relationship between child care providers and their communities deserves a celebration! Words cannot truly express the impact your dedication, care, and commitment has on children and families as we reflect on the past, live in the present, and look forward to the future. We would like to take a moment to say “thank you” for continuing to seek professional development opportunities that increase your knowledge and understanding of children and the safe learning environments they thrive in, and that provide them the greatest potential for future success. Your efforts do not go unnoticed! The work of a Child Care Provider is truly a calling. We appreciate you!
Patty Peschel Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities
We want to thank all child care providers in Kansas for your dedication in working with children and families during the pandemic. Your commitment and compassion to providing valuable services and care to families is greatly appreciated and recognized. Your efforts are helping to make Kansas a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Debbie DeereKansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund
“We are so grateful for all of the great work you're doing preparing children for their future during these difficult times.”
Rebecca Stewart,Kansas City Area Parents as Teachers Consortium Supporting Care Providers
Dear Kansas Child Care Providers: Thank you for your incredibly hard work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. You have faced unprecedented levels of stress, fear, uncertainty, and hardship for well over a year now, yet you keep showing up — every. single. day. — to be the consistent, loving, and stable presence in the lives of thousands of Kansas children and their families. There is no doubt that without your dedication, Kansas children and families would not have fared as well as they have through this pandemic. Words cannot express how much you are appreciated!
Jennifer AdhimaKansas Head Start Association
Thank you for all you do to nurture Kansas children. You play a critical role in helping us reach Kansas’ vision of leading the world in the success of each student.
Denise KahlerKansas State Department of Education
We sincerely appreciate the Herculean efforts you put forth every day for Kansas families and communities.
Bradford B. WilesKansas State Research and Extension ARCHER Lab
We could not be more proud of your hard work! During this pandemic, you really showed our community what you are made of. When many doors closed, you did everything you could to keep yours open. You adapted at every turn, constantly working to find safe ways to have children in your care so that parents could go to work. We know that this impacted you financially, it impacted your morale, and we can't even imagine how tired you are. Please know that WE know that YOU are always essential. You have one of the very most important jobs, and you make a difference in the lives of children every day. Thank you so much for caring for and educating the children in our community!
Jenny BrandtKC Metro ECE Community Collaborative
Child care providers are always essential, but especially during the pandemic. Because of their dedication, many health care workers and first responders were able to continue to care for COVID-19 patients. The medical community is grateful for the support of child care providers.
Phillip BrownleeMedical Society of Sedgwick County
Thank you to all the dedicated child care providers on behalf of all the employers in our county.
Jack AllstonPottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation
You are the true heroes, and we can't thank you enough for being there for children and families in our state!
Paula NethThe Family Conservancy
Thank you for your hard work and all that you do to support Kansas kids during these challenging times.
David JordanUnited Methodist Health Ministry Fund
We appreciate childcare centers for staying open to provide quality, safe care to the children of Reno County during this time. We value and appreciate all childcare centers for your critical public service.
Ken JohnsonHutchinson Regional Medical Center
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Families - How to Thank Your Provider

Here are some ideas and materials to help you say, “Thank You” to your provider on May 12th! 

Coloring Pages – print and have your children color and take to their provider. 

Social Media – post on your social media accounts and tag your provider. 

Videos and Images – take a picture of your child(ren) holding a “Thank You” sign or record a video of your family saying “Thank You”. Print it, post it on social media, or text it to your provider.

Download Coloring Pages

Easily download and post these social media tiles to your networks. Don’t forget to tag your provider so they can see your words of gratitude. 

Communities- How to Thank Providers

Here are some ideas to help you say, “Thank You” to providers on May 12th! 

During this live event, Child Care Aware of America showcased the new features added to their PAD website, including Spanish resources. They explored ways to advocate for Providers and were inspired by CCR&Rs in the community who have thrown successful PAD events. 

Become a Child Care Supporter by signing up for the Child Care Aware of America #ThankYouChildCare toolkit for more templates and ideas! 

Visit Child Care Aware of America

Social Media – post a thank you message on your social media accounts thanking providers for the impact they are making. Find ideas here. 

Proclamation – contact your local governing body to learn how to declare Provider Appreciation Day in your community. Find a template proclamation here. 

Virtual Meetings – change your Zoom and Teams backgrounds to spread awareness of Provider Appreciation day. 

Learn about child care in your county and how you can help support early childhood education.