Announcing Child Care Appreciation Day – A New Day to Honor the Heart of Our Communities

We are thrilled to announce Child Care Appreciation Day, a brand-new holiday dedicated to honoring the hardworking and passionate child care professionals who make an enormous impact on the lives of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. Set for May 12th, this special day offers us all a chance to come together and show our appreciation for the essential role child care providers play in shaping the future of our children.

Introduced in 2023 by Senator Reginald Thomas, Child Care Appreciation Day is a new initiative designed to spotlight the dedication, love, and care that child care providers pour into their work every single day. While this day is still new, it has already begun to grow into an important tradition that highlights how vital child care professionals are to the success of our state, our economy, and our children.

What is Child Care Appreciation Day?

Child Care Appreciation Day will be observed every year on May 12th. This day is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of child care professionals. The goal is to create a moment in time where families, communities, and businesses come together to honor child care workers and acknowledge the important role they play in early childhood education.

Whether they’re providing educational activities, emotional support, or simply offering a safe place for children to grow, child care providers deserve to be recognized for their tireless efforts. This day is not only about saying “thank you” but also raising awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by those in the field, and working together to create a future where child care professionals are valued and supported.

The Impact of Child Care Appreciation Day

Though Child Care Appreciation Day is a new holiday, it has the potential to make a lasting impact. By publicly celebrating the work of child care professionals, we send a strong message that we value the people who care for and educate our children. It’s not just about saying “thank you,” it’s about ensuring that these professionals are seen, heard, and supported in their critical work.

This day will also help bring attention to the challenges faced by those in the child care industry. From low wages to lack of resources, many child care providers struggle to make ends meet despite their significant contributions. Celebrating Child Care Appreciation Day helps us open conversations about how we can improve conditions for these workers, ensuring that high-quality child care continues to be accessible to families across Kentucky.

Additionally, by recognizing the efforts of child care providers, we are encouraging a future where more individuals will choose to enter the profession. If we want to ensure that children receive the best care and education, we must make sure that child care professionals are not only appreciated but also supported through fair wages, proper training, and recognition.

KACCO's Commitment to Child Care Professionals

At KACCO, we are passionate about advocating for the rights of child care providers and supporting them in every way we can. Child Care Appreciation Day is just one part of our ongoing commitment to improving the child care sector in Kentucky. Through this initiative, we aim to create a wave of appreciation that extends beyond one day, inspiring year-round recognition and support for those who work tirelessly to provide quality care for children.

As we move forward, we hope that Child Care Appreciation Day becomes an annual tradition that grows in size and impact each year. We encourage everyone—families, businesses, community organizations, and government officials—to join us in making this day a memorable occasion that truly honors those who shape the future of our children.

Mark Your Calendar: May 12th, 2025

Child Care Appreciation Day is just around the corner, and we invite you to be part of this exciting new holiday. On May 12th, 2025, let’s all take a moment to reflect on the critical work done by child care professionals and celebrate them for the incredible difference they make in our communities. Whether through a small gesture or a big celebration, your involvement will help make this day a meaningful one.

Together, we can make Child Care Appreciation Day a day of recognition, support, and change—creating a future where child care providers are celebrated not just on one day, but every day.