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Seth Vann, age 3, (facing the camera, front) enjoys the antics of Hallelujah the Clown at Cherokee Nation Stand for Children Day.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Cherokee Nation Capitol Square recently hosted hundreds of children running from booth to booth amidst brightly colored balloons while they, along with several volunteers, celebrated ''Stand for Children Day''.

''Stand for Children Day'' is an annual event held across Oklahoma to celebrate children and recognize childcare providers and facilities. Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Hastings Shade taught children, their providers and parents about Cherokee culture. Children also learned how to ‘drop and roll’ from the Tahlequah Fire Department. Providers were recognized for their achievements in reaching certification goals of One Star+, Two and Three Star facilities.

According to Bridget Tobey, of the Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Center, there are 31 childcare centers and 53 family home childcare centers in Cherokee County. These combined centers care for more than 2,500 children.

"Child care is an important issue", Tobey said. "Studies show that quality child care can positively effect children’s reading and math skills. Children in quality care consistently outperform other children in academics, are more likely to attend college and less likely to drop out of school. Studies have even shown that children who have quality child care are less likely to be arrested for criminal activity."

"I'm proud of the work we do at Cherokee Nation", said Laurie Hand, director of child care and development for the Cherokee Nation. "Through our licensing and monitoring, technical assistance and financial support we've been able to help children have good childhood experiences. We know those experiences effect the way they think, learn and behave for the rest of their lives."

For more information on the Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Center, please call 918-458-7613.