Provider Appreciation Day is a chance to say thanks

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  As the title of the book suggests, "All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten." Since that saying holds a lot truth and meaning, then those people who teach and care for young children have a huge responsibility to carry.

That's why Provider Appreciation Day is a chance to recognize and say thanks to child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children.

The special day is set for May 7 -- appropriately the Friday before Mother's Day -- but Hanscom Air Force Base is honoring child care providers throughout the week with special celebrations. The celebrations will wrap up when the parent advisory board hosts a luncheon for all providers on May 7.

And Hanscom has a lot of providers to thank. Approximately 250 children, from six weeks old up to kindergarten are cared for at the Child Development Center each weekday by 60 staff members. Five licensed family child care providers care for 35 children in their homes. These children range in age from two weeks to 12 years. The school age program staff of ten takes care of 72 kids after school and hosts a variety of camps throughout the summer.

The provider staff doesn't take their responsibility lightly. All staff must go through 24 hours of training prior to beginning their job, plus 24 hours of additional training each year. Family child care providers are trained and licensed before they may begin caring for children in their home.

Robin Morris is a program assistant at the Child Development Center. She has worked there for more than 10 years. She began caring for infants and now has the responsibility for watching 2 and 3 year olds.

"I get to see the changes in a child's growth and development," she said. "I know I had an influence on that, and I help both children and parents gain a foundation for later in life."

Jessica Gilbert is the lead School Age Program Assistant. She has worked for the School Age program for a year and enjoys working with 5 to 12 year olds. Ms. Gilbert especially enjoys a jazzy jewelry arts and crafts activity where the children can make jewelry using beads and wire.

"Working with the kids, there's always something new," she said. "You wouldn't believe some of the things children this age can create."

Ms. Gilbert also said they make sure to focus on kids with parents who are deployed so they feel a connection to their parent while they are away.

Jessica Franklin takes care of 6 kids in her home as part of the family child care program. She has been doing this for a year and half and decided it was an ideal working situation after she had twins.

"I stay at home with my own kids," she explained. "I help develop the children and get to be a part of their lives."

Provider Appreciation Day began in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey. These founders saw the need to recognize the efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum for this event has grown over the years and recognition now takes place throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

"Hanscom's child care professionals are our unsung heroes," said Col. Charles Thompson, commander of the 66th Air Base Wing. "It takes a special person to work in this field and the contribution these individuals make to the quality of our military children's and their families' lives sometimes go unnoticed. Provider Appreciation Day allows us to say 'thank you' for your unselfish dedication, commitment and compassion you demonstrate every day."

Parents say: Thanks!

"The staff at the Child Development Center is so fantastic! When I drop my child off in the morning, they are always so welcoming and friendly, and I can leave for work knowing that my daughter is going to have a fun filled day with caring teachers."
-Kathryne Friess

"We send our child to the center each day for the wonderful education, learning and growth opportunities. The professional staff is dedicated to the best development for our child, and they give us confidence that she is receiving the best care possible. We will always be grateful."
-Barry and Dana Geise

"I send Katie to the CDC every day because, as a single parent, I have to. BUT, I really like her teachers. Danielle is especially wonderful. She always recounts stories to me about what Katie says about me when she's at school. My favorite was the day that Danielle explained they'd been doing pictures of their families and Katie had her ma'amma, her poppy, her dog, Daisy, herself, and "my mommy the princess." Since I wear fatigues and combat boots every day, and rarely feel like a girl, not to mention a princess, I thought it was really cool that she thinks about me that way, and I was grateful to Danielle for sharing that with me."
-Lt. Col. Tamara B. Schwartz

"Room 13 simply rocks! It is comforting to know Ms. Rezina, Ms. Kristin and Ms. Krystyna have the best interest for my child. It makes it easier being at work! My daughter kept talking about a teddy bear in room 5. I finally figured it out. It was Mr. Steve. He is extremely lovable and huggable!"
-Gina Beinhaur

The professionalism, personal touch, playful attitude and genuine concern of the SAC staff has created a safe, welcoming environment for my son, Brett. He looks forward to coming to SAC each day, and the staff at the SAC are like family to him. Robyn and the folks at SAC have taken a personal interest in Brett and welcomed him to Hanscom just over a year ago. It is a great feeling to walk away from the SAC each morning, knowing my child is surrounded by caring professionals who have his best interest at heart. Thanks so much for all you do!"
-Tracy Sands

"We know our son is in a fun and loving environment when we come to pick him up and he is disappointed that it is time to go home already. It is because of people like Ms. Robyn, Ms. Dee, Mr. Greg, Ms. Amy, Ms. Jessica and Ms. Danielle that clubhouse is a great place."
-Brandi Ruiz

"Leonor is a good person with a good heart. She is very understanding and loves kids!"
-Melinda Atterberry

"I like the environment my child is in with provider Catherine Gilbert, and I'm happy to feel that I have my child in the best care."
-Senior Airman Rachel Betts

"Tamara Harris is one of the best home daycare providers I have ever been with. She takes such good care of our daughter. Tamara makes us feel that Hanabell is part of her family and we consider her part of our family."
-Lesa Benjamin