RELEASE: May 12, 2001

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Human Services Commissioner Michele K. Guhl visited the Little Friends child care center in Trenton today to commemorate the fifth annual Provider Appreciation Day, a national child care worker recognition effort that began in New Jersey.

The commissioner presented a proclamation signed by Gov. Christie Whitman declaring Friday as Provider Appreciation Day to Nanci Fasanella, director of the Little Friends at the Trenton Office Complex. Little Friends cares for about 60 children of state employees, including Department of Human Services workers.

"It is important for us to cherish these workers and the essential service that they provide," Guhl said. "They nurture our most precious resource -- our children. We know that the care and stimulation children receive in their early childhood is vital, and we should always take time to recognize the quality and dedication of child care workers."

In New Jersey, there are more than 3,700 licensed child care centers with a capacity for more than 250,000 children. There are also about 5,100 registered family day care homes.

Surveys show that about 13 million children under age 6 are enrolled in child care programs nationwide. Another 24 million school-aged children attend some form or before- or after-school care.

Provider Appreciation Day began in 1996, spurred by the efforts of Monday Morning Inc., a child care management agency in Bridgewater. The group sought to establish the Friday before Mother's Day as a national day of recognition for child care providers. This year, the day will be recognized by groups in all 50 states and in parts of Canada, Europe and Asia. Various state governors and local officials have issued proclamations commemorating the day as well.

Commissioner Guhl said Governor Whitman’s Bright Beginnings initiatives have recognized the crucial need for professional development and support for providers who are caring for the children of New Jersey. The nationally-lauded program increased the number of registered child care providers and offers professional development to these providers.

Gov. Whitman also recently awarded nearly $700,000 to 19 registered family day care providers to expand and open their own child care centers.

The Whitman administration has also proposed legislation that is currently pending that would require all child care center staff to undergo nationwide criminal history background checks. Gov. Whitman dedicated $7.8 million to pay for the checks so that the centers will not have to absorb the high cost of fingerprinting their entire staff.

The Department of Human Services operates a toll-free hotline (1-800-332-9227) for parents seeking child care referrals in their area.