May 12th is Child Care Providers Appreciation Day, and I would like to encourage parents and other caregivers to say a special thank you on that day to show child care providers how much we appreciate the loving care Nebraska s children receive as a result of their efforts year round. People who work in the field of child care share the special qualities of caring, nurturing, patience and a love of teaching. Unfortunately, their contributions to the quality of family life frequently go unnoticed. Child care providers make a positive difference in the lives of our children and families each and every day. They touch the lives of our youth, and the impact is enormous.
Early childhood is the most critical time of development for our children.
Our future depends on the quality of the early childhood experiences provided for young children today. Sixty-eight percent of the women in Nebraska who work have children six years old and under. The reality of these statistics is that the demand for child care has never been greater. A program that is licensed ensures families that minimum health and safety requirements are met. Children are one of our state s most important assets, and their health, safety and success is a high priority for my administration.