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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Millions of us start most workdays by dropping off our children with a teachers, caregiver or daycare center on our way to work. The Cherokee Nation would like to remind those of us who trust our children with someone else, to say “thank you” for all of their hard work.

“Today’s child care providers are the world’s unsung heroes,” said Laurie Hand, director of Cherokee Nation Child Care and Development.

The Cherokee Nation encourages parents to celebrate National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day by thanking those people that care for their children. National Childcare Provider Appreciation day is always celebrated the Friday before Mother’s Day and this year is on May 7. This Day was organized by a group of New Jersey volunteers in 1996 and is now recognized throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

“Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize childcare providers, teachers and educators of young children for their tireless efforts providing care for children of working parents,” said Kim Phillips, Cherokee Nation child care resource and referral specialist.

“Over the past decade the demand for child care has increased dramatically and still continues to rise,” Hand said. “The child care profession is one of the most underpaid occupations in the country; yet early childhood is the most critical developmental period for children. It takes a special person to work in this field and their contribution to the quality of family life many times goes unnoticed.”

If you would like information on how to recognize your children’s child care provider, contact the Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Center, phone: 1-888-458-6230 or visit Provider Appreciation.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org