5 Ways to Thank Your Childcare Provider

GUEST BLOGGER: CHRISTINA PAY, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

​May is the month for remembering those who nurture, with a day set aside that singles out and honors them. Showing appreciation to your childcare provider is one of those days. And, really, shouldn’t there be a day set aside for the person, who other than your family, may be the most important person in your child’s life?  Much of the time what they do goes unnoticed.  You can change that unnoticed status to noticed and it doesn’t have to break the bank.  Here are five ideas that will get you thinking about the best way you can honor your child’s care provider this month. 

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1.  Personal note from you and your child.  Having worked with child care providers for many years, I can tell you that the things they treasure most are the little messages and drawings from the children they care for and the sincere notes of appreciation from parents. Trust me, they keep a file with those treasures in it.   These notes and drawings can be pulled out and read and re-read to help boost a day that may feel lagging in appreciation. 
2. Join forces with other parents.  I can guarantee that other parents, like you, are feeling clueless and wondering what they can do to show appreciation to their child care provider.  Talking and working together can help you discover things you’ve not thought of. If you decide to purchase a gift, this group can organize efforts and increase purchasing power.  It’s a win-win for all. 
3. Gift certificates.  There are many varieties and prices when it comes to gift certificates and they can be chosen based on best fit for your provider and best fit for your budget. Gift certificates let your provider know that you care and are thinking of them.   
4. Something for the child care program.   Child care providers purchase things for their child care program out of their own pockets so that they may have items available to enhance your child’s learning and fun.  Ask them for a “wish list” of items they would love to have for use in their child care program.  These items can range from inexpensive to expensive so you may want to give your provider an affordable price range to choose from.  
5. Volunteer.   If you are able, offer to volunteer to spend time in your child’s child care program. There are a range of activities that volunteers are always needed for and the bonus is that you get to spend time with your child.  Volunteering lets your child care provider know that you care about what they do.  It is also especially beneficial for your child to see that you have a respectful and friendly relationship with their care giver. 

 
​Christina appreciates the many opportunities for learning that Extension provides.  Her favorite topic is teaching about the healthy development of young children and the importance of loving, supportive relationships in their lives.  She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, a nice walk or hike in nature, and reading a good book.