County declares Child Care Appreciation Day

Resolution 9, passed by the county board, marks Friday, May 12, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in Kanabec County.

Comissioners are taking a page from Child Care Aware of America and other organizations that are honoring providers on that day.

In its resolution, the county board indicated that child care workers provide “a safe, nurturing place for the enrichment and development of millions of children nationwide, and is a vital force in our economy.”

Additionally, the resolution notes that the pandemic “illuminated how indispensable child care providers are for the well- being and economic security of Kanabec County’s young children, families, and communities.”

The language of the resolution also acknowledges that child care programs —primarily run by women — are small businesses that were affected financially by the pandemic. Workers also had to risk their own health to provide care to children.

The resolution also addresses steps the county is taking to continue to support workers. 

“Kanabec County recognizes that child care has been a lifeline for families, communities, and the economy and as such, has provided much-needed support to providers to help sustain the viability of child care by including childcare growth opportunities as a strategic priority for the Kanabec County (Economic Development Authority),” the resolution states. “The Kanabec County EDA supports a Child care Capacity Committee which has led the region in child care capacity research, supply planning, and supporting growth and sustainability.”

Finally, the resolution states that the future “depends on the quality of the early childhood experiences provided to young children today; support for high-quality child care represents a worthy commitment to our children’s future.”

The board adopted the resolution at its May 2 meeting and urges Kanabec County residents to recognize child care workers for the important work they do.