Provider Appreciation Day is May 9

  • Published
  • By 341st Services Squadron personnel
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere 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 21 million children under the age of 6 in the United States, 13 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 Services Family Member Programs make a positive difference in the lives of our 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. We assist Team Malmstrom personnel and their families in balancing the competing demands of family life and the military mission.

Family Member Programs enhance and support children and youth's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. The Child Development Center provides center-based care in a safe and nurturing environment for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Family Child Care 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 one of only two programs 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.

"By applauding the dedication of child care providers May 9, we remind our communities of the importance of high-quality child care and let providers everywhere know that we recognize and value their important work," said Linda K. Smith, Executive Director of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, the lead sponsor of Provider Appreciation Day. In fact, a recent survey completed by NACCRRA gave the U.S. military the highest marks in the regulation and oversight of child care centers.

"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, Family Member Programs Flight Chief. "This day offers an opportunity for parents to show their child care providers their appreciation."

The Malmstrom Parent Advisory Board is honoring the providers, caregivers and staff from the Child Development Center, Family Child Care program and Youth Programs with a special dinner May 8 at Aces High Bowling and Entertainment Center.