Thank your child care provider today Published May 5, 2011 Submitted by: 341st Force Support Squadron staff MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove ... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." -Forrest E. Whitcraft - All across Air Force Global Strike Command and the Air Force in general, today's child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children are unsung heroes. In today's demanding economy, more parents are working than ever before and as a result, more children require full or part-time child care. It is estimated that of the 20 million children under the age of 5 in the United States, 11 million are in child care at least part-time. An additional 24 million school-age children also are in some form of child care outside of school time. Air Force Airman and Family Services Programs make a positive difference in the lives of the active-duty military and civilian members not just here at Malmstrom, but worldwide, by providing quality childcare, programs and services at the Child Development Center, Family Child Care homes and Youth Programs. These avenues assist Team Malmstrom personnel and their families in balancing the competing demands of family life and the military mission. Airman and Family Services Programs enhance and support children and youth's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. The CDC provides center-based care in a safe and nurturing environment for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. FCC homes provide in-home care by licensed providers who offer daily, night, weekend, and unusual hours of care for children ages 2 weeks to 12 years. Youth Programs provide a wide variety of services and activities for youth ages 5 to 18 including before and after school care, summer day camp, instructional classes, youth sports and teen programs. Malmstrom's Child Development Center is the only program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children in Great Falls and the School Age Program at the Youth Center is the only program in the state of Montana accredited by the National Afterschool Association. May 6 is National Provider Appreciation Day. The early learning experience of young children is the most critical developmental period in a child's life. By applauding the dedication of providers and caregivers on Provider's Appreciation Day, we have the opportunity to let them know how important and valuable their work is. "It takes a special person to work in the child care field and their contribution to the quality of family life is invaluable," said Kathy Desy, Airman and Family Services Flight Chief. "This day offers an opportunity for parents to show their child's CDC caregivers, FCC providers, and Youth Program personnel their appreciation."