EUGENE, Ore. — In collaboration with Quality Care Connections, Lane Community College is set to participate in the national Provider Appreciation Day on May 12, honoring the dedication and contributions of local child care providers.
Held on the first Friday in May, Provider Appreciation Day acknowledges the efforts of child care providers, teachers, and early childhood educators. Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) has been organizing the annual event since 1995, uniting the nation in expressing gratitude for those who facilitate the social, emotional, and physical development of young children.
"Child care providers have always been essential, even before the pandemic. They ensure the safety of our children, foster their inquisitiveness, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and development," commented Dr. Lynette M. Fraga, CEO of Child Care Aware® of America. "Together with our Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, nonprofit and business partners, we encourage everyone to join us in expressing appreciation and celebrating child care providers across the country."
Quality Care Connections (QCC) serves as Lane County's child care resource and referral agency, offering child care and early learning professionals support through coaching, continued education, and resource guidance, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the quality and availability of child care within the community.
Lane Community College delivers learning opportunities through a two-year associate of applied science degree in early childhood education and a one-year certificate program for aspiring educators. The college also features a child development center that functions as a lab school for students in the program and a cooperative for student/parents to work towards reducing their fees. Enrollment is open to LCC student families, community members, and staff.
Families and community leaders are encouraged to demonstrate their gratitude for child care and early learning professionals by using the hashtag #ThankYouChildCare on social media and sending a card, video, or small gift to their family child care provider.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.