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Participants from last year's Stand for Children Day.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation will sponsor Stand For Children Day on Friday, May 31, at the Cherokee Courthouse from 9:00 a.m. until noon. This year’s theme is "Quality Child Care Produces Quality People."

"At Cherokee Nation we’re proud of our partnerships with day care providers and centers throughout our jurisdiction", said Principal Chief Chad Smith. "We realize that children are our greatest tribal resource have designed programs to nurture and protect our children."

Stand Across Oklahoma for Quality Child Care is an annual event that is sponsored by early care and education advocates across Oklahoma. This year’s theme focuses on caregivers who have earned a One Star Plus, Two Star or Three Star rating for quality child care. Caregivers in child care centers and family child care homes will be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication to children and families.

"This is a day to get the community together to rally for children’s education, safety and health needs", said Kim Phillips, who works with the Cherokee Nation Child Care Development Center. "We're expecting this year’s turnout to be larger than last year’s and encourage everyone to come out."

Cherokee Nation EMS and Tahlequah’s police and fire departments will join Hallelujah the Clown and others for a morning of games, face painting and refreshments. Tahlequah radio station KTLQ-KEOK will be broadcasting live from the Courthouse. There will also be educational material available and child care specialist on hand to answer any question you may have about childcare.

In case of bad weather, Stand For Children will be held at the Tahlequah Community Building at 300 W College.

The public is invited to join in celebrating and honoring quality child care providers at the Stand Across Oklahoma for Quality Child Care event. For additional information, please call the Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Center, phone: 1-888-458-6230 and visit the Stand For Children web site.