[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MAY 11, 2001: PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL FERGUSON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2001

  Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor childcare providers 
throughout the world on the eve of Provider Appreciation Day.
  Provider Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on the Friday before 
Mother's Day, was spearheaded by a group of volunteers from New Jersey 
in 1996. They saw the need for a day to show our appreciation to 
childcare providers. And as a result of their dedication and 
perseverance, Provider Appreciation Day has not only spread nationwide, 
it is also celebrated in Canada, Europe, and Asia.
  Early childhood is undoubtedly the most critical time of development 
for our children. Today, approximately 13 million children in the 
United States under the age of six, are in childcare at least part-
time. An additional 24 million school age children are in some form of 
childcare after school. Provider Appreciation Day recognizes the hard 
work childcare workers perform and the sacrifices they make in their 
dedication to the development of our children.
  I encourage all parents with children in childcare to join me in 
showing their providers how much they are appreciated. While the 
profession is one of the most under-recognized and underpaid 
professions in the country, providers bring compassion, patience, 
encouragement and love to our children each and every day.
  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Suzanne Williamson, 
Chairwoman of Provider Appreciation Day, for her commitment to 
establishing a national day of recognition for childcare providers. Ms. 
Williamson is also the Director for Monday Morning Child Care, Inc., a 
network of childcare providers located in Union County, New Jersey. Her 
endless efforts have made Provider Appreciation Day possible.

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