Celebrate our children's caregivers Published April 16, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Larnetia Skipps 354th Civil Engineer Squadron EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Provider Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognize the work of child care providers and bring attention to the need of support across the country. National Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother's Day; this year it is May 11. Child care providers are much more than baby sitters; the majority have training and education to promote growth, development and education in our children. Everyday we trust these people with our jewels, our inheritance, yes our children. These early years are crucial to our children's development and growth. Based on information from the Providers Appreciation website, "It is estimated that of the 21 million children under age 6 in America, 13 million are 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." Show your support to your child care provider. Suggestions are to: send flowers, create a surprise, buy something for your providers play area, create a special gift, the list goes on and on. To help out with some activities planned here on Eielson where your children go contact the following individuals: Child Development Center, Nanette Smith 372-4151, School Age Program, Laura Ericson 377-5451, and Family Child Care, Larnetia Skipps 377-4261. Provider Appreciation Day is May 11. Express your provider how important they are to you and your child.