For immediate release: May 10, 2024
Contact: press@ocfs.ny.gov
Email: press@ocfs.ny.gov
Phone: 5184023130
New York State Office of Children and Family Services Celebrates Early Childhood Educator and Child Care Provider Appreciation Week
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State Landmarks Will Be Lit in Red, Yellow and Blue on May 10 for Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
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New York State Office of Children and Family Services today concludes the celebration of Early Childhood Educator and Child Care Provider Appreciation Week. State landmarks will be lit in the colors of red, yellow and blue this evening in recognition of the critical contributions of child care providers to the development of children throughout New York State.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), which licenses and regulates child care providers, marked Early Childhood Educator and Child Care Provider Appreciation Week by sending thank you cards to the approximately 18,000 child care providers that are state-licensed or registered during the week of May 6.
The appreciation week celebration comes as the state is in the midst of implementing the Governor’s sweeping, four-year $7 billion plan to transform the child care system to make services more affordable, equitable and accessible. The initiatives include providing multiple grant programs and resources to assist working families in finding and paying for child care and to support the current child care workforce and expand its capacity.
OCFS Acting Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “The New York State Office of Children and Family Services appreciates the unique role providers play in shaping children’s lives throughout the continuum of care. The impact is felt not only by our children, but also by the families who rely on high-quality supports and services. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the professionals in this field who consistently create and maintain safe, enriching environments of learning and exploration.”
Nora Yates, OCFS Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Child Care Services, said, “Safe, quality child care is vital to allowing families to work or attend educational programs that enhance their economic stability while their children are being cared for in a nurturing program. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all child care providers for their unwavering dedication to cultivating the creativity, curiosity and growth of the children in their care. Their impact on children’s lives is immeasurable.”
About the New York State Office of Children and Family Services:
The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York's public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services and is responsible for programs and services involving foster care, adoption and adoption assistance, child protective services, preventive services for children and families, and protective programs for vulnerable adults.
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