The importance of child care providers to families, to communities and to Arizona’s economy has never been clearer than now.

Especially in uncertain times, early care and education providers offer families critical support when they need it most. Child care workers, preschool teachers and friend and family caregivers help our youngest children learn, grow and succeed. The nurturing relationships they build with our children are critical to the healthy development of babies, toddlers and preschoolers. More Arizonans are now realizing that the child care workforce is an essential family support and an engine of our economy. Over the next week, First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency, invites families to show their gratitude for the state’s early care and education providers through the #ShareTheCareAZ campaign.

Visit firstthingsfirst.org/sharethecareaz for simple ways to show support. One thing families can do is post a photo with their child sharing a written message of thanks to their child care provider. Post your photo on Facebook or Instagram using the #ShareTheCareAZ and tag us @AZFirstThingsFirst. Please also include your town or city in your post. At the end of the campaign, on national child care Provider Appreciation Day on May 8, FTF will showcase some of the posts from across the state. For those workers who must continue working outside their home during this public health crisis, knowing that their children are cared for by skilled, trusted child care workers means one less worry on their shoulders. Since the coronavirus crisis hit Arizona in March, child care providers have faced unprecedented challenges. More than two-thirds of the state’s licensed early childhood care and education providers have closed as so many families have lost jobs or are working from home. Providers who remain open are working hard to overcome obstacles, such as health and safety supply shortages, to serve children whose parents need to continue working. Please join FTF and the many partners in the early childhood community and share some gratitude for Arizona’s early childhood caregivers.

About First Things First –First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early learning, family support and children preventive health services to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit FirstThingsFirst.org.