Today is National Child Care Provider Day. Intentionally celebrated on the Friday before Mother?s Day, it is a time to show gratitude for those who take care of children.Child care providers are educators, nurturers, and small business owners. In homes and centers they guide children and teach them many skills they will use in life.There are more than 9,644 home based child care programs serving more than 113,000 children in Minnesota, and more than 1,633 child care centers serving more than 92,700 children in our state.Child care providers play intricate roles in the families they serve. Far too often, child care providers spend more time with children during the week than their own families. Communities couldn?t successfully operate with them.Thank you to all the child care providers who work hard every day to provide children and families with the support they need!
