Child Care Provider Appreciation Ideas

May 6, 2011 is national Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.  The day was designated in 1996 as a way to recognize the often overlooked child care work force and is celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

Ideas to Show Your Appreciation

You don’t have to spend a fortune to say thanks to your child care provider.  Here are some low cost/no cost methods to show your appreciation.

• Get with other parents to create a surprise
• Help your child make a thank you card for his/her teacher(s)
• Send flowers from your garden or a handwritten note of appreciation
• Bring breakfast or lunch for the teachers
• Hang a banner saying “We love our teachers”
• Buy something for your provider’s play area
• Give your child care provider a subscription to a favorite magazine
• Ask local restaurants or movie theaters to donate gift certificates
• Key in on your provider’s hobby and buy an appropriate gift
• Don’t forget to thank the child care director, they set the tone
• Give the teacher an IOU for participating in the next field trip
• Tell your child care provider regularly how much you appreciate what they do.  Be sure your child hears you do it.