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Community Corner

Westchester Legislator Alfreda Williams Recognizes 'Local Heroes' on Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

Westchester Legislator Alfreda Williams (D-Greenburgh) marked “Child Care Provider Appreciation Day” this morning with a visit to the Lois Bronz Children’s Center here to thank the staff members and recognize their efforts and strong commitment to bettering the lives of children. 

“It takes a special person to work in the child care field, and these individuals are often unrecognized,” said Williams, chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) Community Services Committee. “Today celebrates an important group of our community members who I consider to be among our local heroes. In working with children, these professionals actually provide a stewardship and guardianship of our most precious resources, our children, during working hours, and thus help to shape our future well-being. I’m happy to show my appreciation for the good work of my friends here at the Lois Bronz Children’s Center and for child care providers across Westchester.”  

“Child Care Provider Appreciation Day” was started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey who saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents.

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The Friday before Mother’s Day was chosen as “Child Care Provider Appreciation Day,” and each year people impart a special “thank you” to child care providers, teachers, program staff, child care center directors and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care.

Momentum and support for this event has grown each year, and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. It is estimated that nearly 11 million children under age 5 are cared for by 2.8 million child care providers in the United States.

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Legislator Williams has long been an advocate for maintaining strong County support for child care in Westchester. Over the past several years she has tirelessly worked on the BOL Community Services Committee to protect child care subsidy programs, noting their value in keeping working parents in the workforce and contributing to the local economy, while delivering quality, regulated care to children.

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