National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

Provider Appreciation Day was started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey who saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year, and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

In recent years, local governments across the United States have joined many Governors in proclaiming this day of recognition. Around the globe, Department of Defense installations celebrate Provider Appreciation Day by recognizing those who care for the children of military parents living both at home and abroad. 

Events such as luncheons, parades, dedications, and other recognition celebrations are planned throughout the United States to honor and thank child care providers for their hard work and commitment to children.

The second Sunday in May has long been recognized as the day to honor mothers and their commitment to children. The Friday before Mother’s Day, May 10, 2013, is Provider Appreciation Day, a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff, and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care. It is estimated that nearly 11 million children under age 5 are cared for by 2.8 million child care providers in the United States.

Sun, Sand and Beach Experience for Your Child

Splish, splash, bubble, bubble, pop!

Water play, both indoor and outdoor, is a unique activity for children because it’s always available, open-ended, and provides opportunities for extended learning. Water play fosters learning in all developmental areas. It provides opportunities for children to experiment with math and science concepts, strengthen their physical skills, advance their social and emotional skills, and enhance language development.

If your baby is younger than six months, keep her out of the sun altogether and in the shade. If you have an older baby or toddler, keep her out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, which is the hottest part of the day. 

The safest way for you to provide your kid with water experience is to set up the home center as a beach. Use child-sized lawn chairs or drape colorful denim over regular chairs. Provide beach towels, sun hats, sunglasses, empty suntan cream tubes, plastic pitcher of water, and plastic or paper drink glasses. 

Set out a conch shell, dried starfish, and basket of sea shells. Fill a washtub with sand and stock it with toy sand-building tools (or use the sandbox).

Outdoor Water Play Ideas

Listed below are some outdoor dramatic play themes as well as a list of suggested play materials.

1. Fun in the Sun– Add water to the sandbox, towels, beach bags, containers for sand molding, child-size beach chairs, and sunglasses. 
2. Bath Time– Warm, sudsy water, clear water, dish tubs or water table, washable baby dolls, washcloths, bath toys, and towels. 
3. Bakery– Sand or mud, dirt, water, pie tins, plastic spoons, plastic knives, craft sticks, grass, small sticks, leaves, and cottonwood. 
4. Firefighter– Water, hats, boots, gloves, windbreakers, garden hoses or plastic tubing, and buckets. 
5. Paint Shop– Buckets of water, different sizes of brushes used to paint houses, rollers, sidewalk, walls, fence, etc. 

You will need the following clothing:

1. Several changes of swimwear, if possible. Babies and toddlers like to get in the water, out of the water, in the water, and out again. But they don't like putting on wet swimming gear! 
2. A sun hat. Make sure it has a wide brim or is a Legionnaire-style cap with a flap on the back to cover the neck. 
3. Several long sleeved T-shirts, sweatshirts, leggings or trousers, socks, and shoes. Babies and toddlers can lose heat quickly after they have been in the sea, particularly in cooler climates, and will need to be dressed warmly afterwards. 

Equipments needed :

1. Towels 
2. Sun screen 
3. First aid 
4. Blankets 
5. Armbands, rubber ring, or float suit.,Bucket, spade, and beach ball.