LINCOLN, Nebraska – Governor Jim Pillen has proclaimed Friday, May 8, 2026, Provider Appreciation Day in response to a request submitted by the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC). Nebraska will join several states nationwide in celebration of child care providers and early childhood educators for the invaluable care and education they provide to the young children and families in their communities.
According to the First Five Years Fund, in Nebraska, more than two-thirds of young children have working parents. A recent report from First Five Nebraska states that inadequate child care in Nebraska costs the state approximately $1.74 billion every year in lost business output and nearly 7,000 fewer jobs.
During the ceremony, Sarah Ann Kotchian, NECC’s CEO, read remarks on behalf of Taylor Furnas, a child care provider from Syracuse, NE.
“Child care providers are an essential part of Nebraska communities,” said Sarah Ann Kotchian, CEO at NECC. “They’re not only caring for future generations, they’re also supporting a thriving local workforce where parents, businesses, and economies all benefit. When families cannot find child care, it impacts us all.”
Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day and was established in 1995 by the National Association for Family Child Care. NECC encourages individuals and local businesses to join the movement to celebrate the dedicated child care providers in their communities.
“By proclaiming May 8 as Provider Appreciation Day, Governor Pillen is sending a clear message to providers across Nebraska: You are valued, you are essential, and you matter,” Taylor wrote. “To my fellow providers, thank you for the love, patience, and dedication you give every day.”
Ways to Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day in Your Community:
- Write a Thank You card
- Send a gift basket or gift card
- Donate supplies or toys to their program
- Post and tag them on social media using the hashtag #ThankYouChildCare
About the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative
At the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, we’re investing in the early childhood landscape through innovation, collaboration, and service – strengthening families, businesses, and Nebraska. Support our mission at nebraskaearly.org/donate