Child Care Provider Appreciation Day!

 Mayor Bruce Botelho signed a proclamation on behalf of the City and Borough of Juneau declaring May 6th, 2011 Child Care Appreciation Day, in recognition of child care providers, teachers and other early educators of young children. Started in 1996, National Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day, and promoted by the National Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and other early childhood organizations. 

Deputy Mayor Merril Sanford presented the proclamation at a reception last night, May 5th hosted by the Association for the Education of Young Children Southeast Alaska, in partnership with thread, Best Beginnings, and United Way. 

“Most parents of young children are in the workforce, and while they are out there earning, hard working child care providers are doing all they can to ensure children are learning,” said Nikki Morris, Family Services Coordinator for AEYC. According to AEYC, there are over 100 child care providers serving over 800 of Juneau’s youngest citizens in 36 licensed child care programs. 

Also recognized at the event were Blue Shibler, owner of Discovery Preschool, who was one of 50 individuals recognized as National Child Care Teacher of 2011 by the Terry Lynn Locke Foundation at an award presentation in Philadelphia last month. Ms. Shibler opened Discovery Preschool in 2009 with the support of the Alaska Legislative Affairs Council to provide care for children of legislators, legislative staff, state employees, and the City and Borough of Juneau.

 Samantha Adams, owner of TLC Childcare was given a round of applause for her recent recognition as one of three Outstanding Early Childhood Educators and Advocates of 2011. Ms. Adams currently operates a group home for 12 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and is working toward opening a nature-based program for school age children this summer.  The City and Borough of Juneau proclamation urges all citizens to recognize Child Care Providers for their important work.