In an effort to recognize child care professionals in all child care settings, including family child care homes, child care centers and preschools, and to recognize educators of young children for their dedication, commitment and compassion as caregivers, the Weld County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 10, 2024, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day at its scheduled meeting on Wednesday, May 8.
The proclamation cited child care as an element critical to the economic and social well-being of children and families as a whole. Environments where children begin to learn social and emotional skills are integral to their understanding of the world around them. Child care professionals have continuously been essential in keeping children safe while nurturing their curiosity and preparing them for a lifetime of learning and growth.
With partnership support in Weld County, licensed child care providers have grown to a total of 294, as of May 1, which is a 10% increase since 2020, according to United Way of Weld County. There are also 50 new recruits in the process of becoming licensed, many of whom speak Spanish.
Following the proclamation, each commissioner spoke to the importance of child care. Commissioner Chair Kevin Ross spoke at length about the impact of child care providers from personal experience.
“Both of my daughters went to a child care provider as my wife and I both worked,” Ross said. “That provider became a lifelong friend for my daughters. She taught them the earliest of things they could learn, and I attribute a lot of their behavior and good traits to her because she fostered that as they were growing up in her house.
“As parents we put our trust in these individuals,” Ross continued, “and they’re taking our most precious assets and many times spending more waking hours with them throughout the day than we get to. I want to say thank you to all of our child care providers.”
The board of county commissioners urges all citizens to recognize child care providers for their important work and the immense value they provide in the Weld County community.
For more information on child care in Weld County, please visit https://www.weldchildcare.com.
