May 10, 2024, Proclaimed as Provider Appreciation Day

Elkins W. Va., May 9, 2024: City of Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco has officially declared May 10, 2024, as Provider Appreciation Day in a proclamation aimed to bring awareness to the invaluable contributions of child care providers across the nation.

Child care providers help in nurturing and shaping the lives of millions of children nationwide, serving as a cornerstone for their development and growth. Especially in the wake of the pandemic, the indispensable nature of child care providers has become more apparent, highlighting their role in supporting the well-being and economic security of West Virginia’s young children, families, and communities.

Stephanie Hoover, Provider Engagement Specialist for MountainHeart, emphasized the significance of this day, stating, “This is important because our child care providers are a vital part of the lives of children, and right now there is a need for providers and things just aren’t getting easier for them.”

“Funding is being cut and eventually there’s not going to be enough,” Hoover continued, “which means families can’t work, because they can’t afford the child care. So, it’s a big issue, but we’re hoping that we can show them how much we appreciate them and that they will stay with us.”

Norma Badgett, Day Care Provider for Norma’s Daycare, added, “The reason I do this is for the kids, because I want to see what they can do in the future. To help them succeed and be our future.”

In recognition of the dedication and commitment of child care providers, Mayor Marco proclaimed May 10, 2024, as Provider Appreciation Day in Elkins, West Virginia, asking all citizens to acknowledge and give thanks to the services that child care providers give to our communities.

Mayor Marco expressed his gratitude, stating, “I commend what you are doing because we need help, and it affects our entire community. With parents working the way they are, and sometimes you only have one parent working, we need somebody to fill those roles. Thank you for that.”

For more information on child care provider services, please visit:

MountainHeart Community Services, Inc.:
www.mountainheartwv.org

Child Care Aware of America:
www.childcareaware.org

Pictured from left to right: Stephanie Hoover (Provider Engagement Specialist MountainHeart), Hannah Myers (Parent Partner WV Birth to Three), Zandra Kelly (Case Manager MountainHeart), Jerry Marco (Elkins Mayor), Karina Shreve (Randolph Co. FRN Ex. Director), Norma Badgett (Elkins Norma’s Daycare)