Educator Appreciation Week and Provider Appreciation Day are special opportunities to thank teachers, providers, and caregivers who nurture and guide young learners every day. From May 5-9, our participants and teams from every corner of New York State took part in celebrating early childhood educators through community events, uplifting words, appreciation dinners, and more!
How did each region celebrate early childhood educators this year?
Capital District
The Capital District and Western New York teams put together cheery videos with notes of appreciation, quotes, and star confetti to send to local programs!
Western New York
Central New York
“QUALITYstarsNY is proud to support such an amazing group of child care providers in the Central New York region. Your dedication and commitment to providing high-quality early care and education for Central New York’s youngest learners does not go unnoticed. We thank you for the work you do and your selflessness is appreciated not just today, but every day!” – Central New York Team
Finger Lakes
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Day at the Toy Library in Rochester, NY
With a theme of “the Very Hungry Caterpillar”, the Finger Lakes team collaborated with the Monroe County Library to bring providers together for a day of training, giveaways, lunch, networking and celebrating the great work they do every day.
In Batavia, NY, the Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County invited providers and center-based leaders to a “Garden of Gratitude” dinner. QUALITYstarsNY participating programs in attendance enjoyed games, basket raffles, and mingling with fellow early childhood educators.
Garden of Gratitude
QUALITYstarsNY Specialist Meghan Pearce and Jennifer Hughes, family provider of Jen's Precious Gems in Medina, NY
Long Island
“We know how hard our Long Island early childhood teachers, leaders, and caregivers work—putting in immense effort, care, and time to make sure our little ones thrive, learn, and are happy. You are truly superheroes!” – Long Island Team
Mid-Hudson
The Child Care Council of Orange County hosted their annual Childcare Heroes Gala to celebrate early childhood educators in the area. QUALITYstarsNY participant Katia Kirkland of Messy Hands Happy Hearts, who serves as vice president of the board for the Child Care Council of Orange County, shared opening remarks. We were delighted to join in celebration with so many QUALITYstarsNY participants.
QUALITYstarsNY partnered with the Child Care Council of Westchester to host a light breakfast and provide access to a training for family providers on the COA-6 QUALITYstarsNY Standard in their native language.
Mohawk Valley
In the Mohawk Valley region, the Child Care Council of CCE Oneida put together an old-Hollywood themed Providers Night Out at the Yahnundasis Golf & Country Club in New Hartford, NY. We were thrilled to see so many QUALITYstarsNY participants enjoy a fun night of dinner, trivia games, and the star treatment they deserve!
New York City
The faces of family child care in New York City
“Family providers are the silent heroes—giving, sacrificing, and loving without pause so others can thrive.”
“Los proveedores familiares son héroes silenciosos: dan, se sacrifican y aman sin descanso para que otros puedan prosperar.”
– New York City Team
New York City’s family child care programs
Staten Island Highlight
Quality Improvement Specialist Simone Taylor brought providers together for a day of networking with opportunities to learn about innovative circle time strategies using literature, music, and movement activities. Attendees were provided with storytelling gloves and props that support children’s literacy and math development.
North Country
In the North Country, the Child Care Resource Center, a project of the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County, Inc, invited providers to a Provider Appreciation Dinner. Attendees and many QUALITYstarsNY participating programs enjoyed an evening of celebration, awards, and raffle prizes!
Southern Tier
“We truly appreciate your dedication and commitment to our children and their families. You are such a positive influence in their lives and your care and love make a world of difference.” – Southern Tier Team
Educator Appreciation from Central Office
“During Teacher Appreciation Week and Provider Appreciation Day, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate the skilled early care and learning providers who teach, encourage, and nurture young children. Thank you for fostering curiosity, promoting play and exploration, and cultivating learning environments where children feel safe and loved. You bring tremendous value to the children and families you serve and the communities you are a part of. Happy Provider Appreciation Day!”
– Dona Anderson, Executive Director at NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute
“A special thank you and recognition to our early chidhood educators on this special day and week. As an early care and education professional, you transcend many roles in the lives of our youngest learners. Your guidance, nurture, care, and early education help us build strong systems of support that strengthen the foundation for lifelong learning. I appreciate you for all that you do to make sure our youngest learners learn through play in welcoming, supportive, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments. Your participation and partnership with QUALITYstarsNY to promote and sustain high-quality early care and education highlight your continued commitment to meeting the needs of our children. Your dedication to the children and their families as an early childhood educator is greatly appreciated. Thank you!”
– Yessenia Rosario-Adon, QUALITYstarsNY Director of Quality Improvement
This week, we recognize the incredible dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our early childhood educators. Thank you for nurturing a love of learning in our youngest minds and offering parents the priceless peace of knowing their children are safe, cared for, and inspired each day.
A heartfelt thank you to all our incredible providers across New York State. The Coaching Team is so proud to be part of your journey. You inspire us every day with your resilience and unwavering commitment to the children and families you serve—you are truly an invaluable asset.
This week and always, your commitment and care deserve to be celebrated. We’re honored to continue elevating your voices and shining a light on the meaningful impact you make in children’s lives every day. Thank you for all you do!
Happy Provider Appreciation Day! Thank you so much for your dedication, patience, and for creating a fun and safe learning environment for the children. We love partnering with you and digging into data to demonstrate growth and the quality of education you provide to our little ones. We appreciate you!
Early childhood educators make it possible for children to grow and learn in supportive environments. You are appreciated and we’re here to provide the support, materials and resources you need to keep making a difference.
