CLEARFIELD – In order to show gratitude and give recognition, the County Commissioners proclaimed Friday, May 9 “Child Care Provider Appreciation Day” after meeting with many who offer these services Wednesday.
Jacqueline Amor-Zitzelberger, of the Penn State Cooperative Extension, said the Better Kid Care program in Clearfield County in cooperation with the Child Care Information Services, the League on Social Services and other organizations nationwide are recognizing Child Care Providers on this day.
“It’s always the Friday before Mother’s Day,” she said.
According to Zitzelberger, there are approximately 21 million children under the age of six in America, with 13 million in child care at least part-time. An additional 24 million school-age children are in some form of child care outside of school time.
She said the proclamation calls attention to the importance of high quality child care services for all children and families in our state and community. These groups hope to improve the quality and availability of such services.
“Our future relies on the experiences provided to these children,” Zitzelberger said.
Commissioner Mark McCracken said the local programs have been valuable for his family.
“We’ve utilized these programs ourselves,” he said.
Echoing the same thoughts, Commissioner Joan Robinson McMillen thanked the providers for their services.
“I appreciate everyone,” she said. “You’re doing a very important job.”