May Newsletter 2026

Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center

Dear Center Families,

Did you know May is the month that educators and childcare providers are nationally recognized?

Teacher Appreciation Week this year is May 4-8. It was Eleanor Roosevelt, back in 1953, who persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim such recognition. The National Education Association describes what was the first Tuesday of the month, and now has expanded to a full week, as one “for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”

National Provider Appreciation Day, observed on the Friday before Mother’s Day, is dedicated to celebrating early childhood teachers and childcare providers. This special day occurring on May 8, recognizes how childcare providers and early educators equally deserve a huge “thank you” for their dedication, commitment, and compassion during the earliest years of a child’s life.

Provider Appreciation Day was started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey who recognized the tireless efforts of those who care for children of working parents. Many Governors sign proclamations each year recognizing the providers in their states. Roughly 20% of children under the age of 12 in America have a full-time stay-at-home parent. The rest rely on family members or child care providers. This “workforce behind the workforce” is essential in keeping our children safe, nurturing their curiosity, and preparing them for a lifetime of learning and growth. 

Our amazing team at The Children’s Center will be recognized and thanked each day the first week of May by the board of directors. Please join me and our board in thanking your children’s teachers, our office team, the support staff, and coordinators too, who all work tirelessly to make The Children’s Center the kind, inclusive, and fun learning environment that it is.

With many thanks,

Teri Ann

P.S. And to our moms and women who love with a mother’s heart, Happy Mother’s Day to you all on Sunday, May 10!