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Child care provider Jeanne Wallace sees that A.J. Washington and Jason Trotter get the attention they need.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation joins child care organizations nationwide to declare Friday, May 10 as ''Provider Appreciation Day''.

"Child care providers play a tremendous part in molding children's lives and the future of both the Cherokee Nation and the entire country", said Principal Chief Chad Smith. "Today, most mothers with children younger than six are in the workforce and most preschool children spend time in some type of care outside their own home. It's important to find the best provider for our children. I'm proud to say that the Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Center is one of the best organizations in the state at supporting child care providers and families."

According to Laurie Hand, Director of the Cherokee Nation Child Care programs, there are more than 48,000 Indian children in Oklahoma under the age of 13. The high demand for care and high costs of providing licensed care creates difficulty for parents needing child care.

"The annual cost to an Oklahoma family for enrolling a three-year old in a full-time child care center is higher than public college tuition", Hand said.

While these costs seem high, licensed child care providers and facilities are governed by federal, state and tribal regulations that significantly impact the cost of providing care. For instance, regulations determine inside and outside space needs, staffing, meals, snacks, the number and types of toys and equipment, safety requirements and standards, as well as hours of training for certification.

According to the Governor's Task Force on Early Childhood Education Report, child care program teachers earn around minimum wage with few or no benefits.

"It takes a very special person to work in this field", said Hand, "and these individuals are often unrecognized and under-appreciated."

The Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Center encourages parents with children in child care to take this day to show their child care provider how much they are appreciated. Parents can send flowers or cards, take breakfast or lunch to the provider, help their child create a memento or gift, purchase toys or equipment, or give their provider a bonus. For more information about the Child Care Resource Center, please call 918-458-7613 or toll-free 888-458-6230.