2019 Regular Session ENROLLED SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 128 BY SENATOR MIZELL A RESOLUTION To recognize Friday, May 10, 2019, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in the state of Louisiana. WHEREAS, it is estimated that nearly 11 million children under age five are cared for by 2.8 million childcare providers in the United States; and WHEREAS, the Child Care Association of Louisiana is a statewide, nonprofit organization that represents the interests of licensed childcare providers and the children they serve; and WHEREAS, the mission of the Child Care Association is to educate, advocate, and collaborate to build a premier and proactive childcare industry for Louisiana families; and WHEREAS, by calling attention to the importance of high quality childcare services for all children and families within the state, the Child Care Association of Louisiana and other advocacy organizations hope to improve the quality and availability of such services; and WHEREAS, our future depends on the quality of the early childhood experiences provided to our children; and WHEREAS, providing high quality early childcare services represents a worthy commitment to our children's futures; and WHEREAS, in the words of Jonathan Pearce, the president of the Child Care Association of Louisiana: "Every child should have access to a high quality early childhood educational program and be prepared to enter kindergarten ready to learn"; and WHEREAS, the second Sunday in May has long been recognized as the day to honor mothers for their commitment to children; and Page 1 of 2 SR NO. 128 ENROLLED WHEREAS, May 10, 2019, the Friday before Mother's Day, has been nationally designated as Child Care Appreciation Day; Child Care Provider Appreciation Day began in 1996, when a group of volunteers in New Jersey saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for the children of working parents; and WHEREAS, Child Care Appreciation Day is a day set aside to recognize child care providers, teachers, child center directors and staff, and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care; and WHEREAS, momentum and support for this event has grown each year as both individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia are recognized for their dedication in providing care to children. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize Friday, May 10, 2019, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in the state of Louisiana and does hereby urge all citizens of our great state to recognize licensed childcare providers for their important work. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Jonathan Pearce, president of the Child Care Association of Louisiana, and Cindy Bishop, executive director of the Child Care Association of Louisiana. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE Page 2 of 2