[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 76 (Thursday, May 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              NATIONAL CHILDCARE PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY

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                           HON. BARBARA CUBIN

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2008

  Mrs. CUBIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize May 9th 2008 as 
National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day. Started in 1996 by a 
group of volunteers, this is an occasion to recognize the tireless 
efforts of providers who care for the children of working parents. 
Today, I join a chorus of state and local government proclamations, 
business and community events and the personal acknowledgment of 
providers by the parents themselves.
  It takes a special kind of person to work in the childcare field, 
which is so critical to quality family life and the early childhood 
development of millions of Americans. Our Nation's childcare providers 
are all too often unsung heroes, making the recognition of National 
Child Provider Appreciation by this body that much more important.
  Childcare is also an important component of our Nation's economy. The 
National Child Care Association has estimated that there are nearly 2.8 
million childcare providers in the United States and that nearly 12 
million under age 5 are in their care. Moreover, healthy families 
contribute immeasurably to healthy workplaces.
  Many regions in my home State of Wyoming are experiencing population 
increases due to growth in the energy sector of our economy. Like other 
aspects of Wyoming's infrastructure, Wyoming's childcare community is 
being challenged by this growth and the increased demand for childcare 
services. I am proud to recognize Wyoming's childcare providers for 
their valuable contribution to Wyoming's communities in this time of 
transition.
  With that, I commend our Nation's childcare providers and invite my 
colleagues to do the same on National Childcare Provider Appreciation 
Day.

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