[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4390-S4391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FAMILY CHILD CARE APPRECIATION DAY

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President last Friday, May 9, was ``Family Child Care 
Provider Appreciation Day'' in Utah and perhaps in other States as 
well. It is fitting to pay tribute to family-based child care providers 
who are an essential component of our child care system, both in Utah 
and throughout the United States.
  Family Child Care Providers are self-employed business people caring 
for up to six children at a time in their own homes for as much as 50 
hours per

[[Page S4391]]

week. Utah has over 2,000 family child care homes which service about 
half of the children in child care. Currently, it is estimated that 65 
percent of mothers with children under 5 work outside the home, so the 
need certainly exists for a variety of child care options. Child care 
provided in individual family homes is one such option.
  Some parents for a variety of reasons prefer home environments for 
their children. Debbie, a child care provider in West Valley City, UT, 
watched a 2-year-old who was on a feeding tube. It is often very 
difficult to find care for sick or disabled children; but, in the 
flexible setting of her home, Debbie was able to provide the personal 
attention and care needed, making this particular child's experience as 
positive as possible.
  Vicki is a family child care provider in Cedar City, UT. She has 
provided help for parents who are trying to rebuild their lives. In one 
case, she provided care for a little girl while her father was in jail 
and her mother was working, but not earning a lot. Vicki says this 
family is doing better now. The father is out of jail and holding down 
a job. Vicki is still caring for their son while his mother works. 
Vicki says she likes to help families to get off of welfare and to 
build a better future.

  Family child care providers help families like these to achieve the 
American Dream. Family child care not only helps parents in the work 
force with peace of mind, but it also provides a supplemental income 
for mothers who want to be home with their own children.
  But do not confuse family child care providers with babysitters. 
Family care providers in Utah follow the highest of standards; they 
renew their licences every year by taking 12 credit hours of classes 
and updating certification in both CPR and first aid on a yearly basis. 
Utah has over 2,000 family child care homes which service about half of 
the children in child care. These statistics as well as the level of 
professionalism in which family child care providers operate is very 
important when it comes to quality care for our children.
  The future of our country depends on the quality of the early 
childhood experiences provided to young children today. Family child 
care providers provide important choices for parents who must work. As 
a strong advocate for putting our children first, I am pleased to honor 
these outstanding citizens in our communities who are making such a 
difference. I am happy to join in recognizing their achievements as 
well as their importance as part of our child care system.

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