Dear Early Educator,
May 9 is Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the First Things First Board and staff.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Arizona’s youngest learners. You know, better than most, that the first five years shape a child’s future. Your care helps children thrive, supports families’ understanding that they are their child’s first teachers and creates lasting, meaningful early experiences.
We know your work often goes unnoticed, but we see you. You’re up early, preparing your classrooms and home-based settings with brain-building activities before children arrive. After children go home, you continue working—cleaning, organizing, completing paperwork and planning for the next day.
Your work is essential—not only to children’s development but to Arizona’s economy. Without your dedication, many families would not be able to work or contribute to our state’s economy. And the children in your care today will shape Arizona’s future.
Whether you work in a center or in your home, please know that your efforts matter deeply. Thank you for your hard work, your heart and your unwavering commitment to young children.
With gratitude,
Melinda Morrison Gulick