Childcare Education Institute® (CCEI), an online child care training provider dedicated exclusively to the early care and education workforce, is honoring those in the childcare industry by sponsoring a Child Care Provider Appreciation Day Facebook Photo Contest May 8-May 12.

CCEI is asking those providers to post a photo and profile of themselves or to nominate a child care provider in their community on CCEI’s Facebook page between 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 8 and 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 12, 2017. CCEI will award the two lucky providers with the most photo and profile likes from the nominees submitted a scholarship for an early care education annual individual training subscription valued at $99 and a $99 Discount School Supplies gift certificate. A $199 prize package! The winners will be notified by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017.

The first Friday in May has long been recognized as the day to honor mothers and their commitment to children. The Friday before Mother’s Day, May 12, 2017, is Provider Appreciation Day, a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff, and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care. It is estimated that nearly 11 million children under age 5 are cared for by 2.8 million child care providers in the United States.

“Children and parents depend on our child care providers. May 12 is the day to recognize the hard work and dedication of these providers and to acknowledge their contributions to quality care ,” says Maria Taylor, CEO/President of Childcare Education Institute.

Provider Appreciation Day began in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey who saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year, and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

“Child care providers are central to a quality child care system and Provider Appreciation Day is the time to tell providers everywhere we recognize and value their important work,” said Lynette M. Fraga, Ph.D., Executive Director of Child Care Aware® of America, the host organization of Provider Appreciation Day.

To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or for ideas on how you can thank your child care provider, visit www.providerappreciationday.org.