Arizona Recognizes May 8 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

View the 2026 Child Care Provider Appreciation Day Proclamation

The following is the text of the proclamation.

Whereas, early childhood is one of the most critical periods in a child's life; and

Whereas, children who attend high quality early learning programs have better outcomes in elementary school, stay in school longer, and have higher individual and household earnings; and

Whereas, early childhood professionals are critical to ensuring safe, quality, and enriching experiences for children, creating a return on investment for our future economic success; and

Whereas, the availability of child care affects parents' employment and financial choices, and is an integral pillar in a thriving economy, attracting businesses, homebuyers, and allowing parents to work, knowing their children are safe and cared for; and

Whereas, annually 2,194 child care providers contract with the Arizona Department of Economic Security to serve 40,534 children, providing high quality care to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of Arizona's children; and

Whereas, the State of Arizona has invested resources to increase the capacity and quality of child care providers, and support new providers to address critical child care supply gaps, offering parents choices for their child's early learning; and

Whereas, Arizona's families and communities are encouraged to show our child care providers, teachers, and educators how much we appreciate their dedication, commitment, and compassion for the education and care of Arizona's young children.

Now therefore, I, Katie Hobbs, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2026, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and
caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Arizona

Governor

Done at the Capitol in Phoenix on this thirteenth day of April in
the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America, the Two
Hundred and Fiftieth.

Attest:

Secretary of State