A house RESOLUTION

 

to proclaim May 8, 2026, as Provider Appreciation Day in South Carolina and to urge all citizens to recognize child care providers for their important work and how valuable they are to our communities.

 

Whereas, Child Care Aware® of America and organizations nationwide are recognizing Child Care Providers on this day; and

 

Whereas, the child care system supports children's growth, development, and educational advancement while creating positive economic impacts for families and communities; and

 

Whereas, child care providers are essential to the health of our communities by fostering safe and welcoming spaces, supporting working families, and creating enriching environments where children develop lifelong skills; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina recognizes that child care has been and continues to be a lifeline for families, communities, and the economy. As such, it has provided much-needed support to providers to help sustain the viability of child care, primarily through the Department of Social Services. Examples include providing free virtual training for child care providers and offering assistance to child care facilities impacted by inclement weather; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina recognizes that our community benefits from comprehensive, well-resourced Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) organizations, like SC Child Care Resource & Referral, which builds the supply and quality of child care and supports child care providers through coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance as well as through the Department of Social Services; and

 

Whereas, support for affordable, accessible, high-quality child care represents a worthy commitment to help families work, support children's healthy development and learning, and keep our economy growing. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, proclaim May 8, 2026, as Provider Appreciation Day in South Carolina and urge all citizens to recognize child care providers for their important work and how valuable they are to our communities.

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