City Proclaims May 9th Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

United Way of Southeastern Idaho and Early Learning Partners Celebrated as City Proclaims May 9th Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

click to read image notes:

The United Way of Southeastern Idaho team with local partners from Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Head Start, Portneuf Library, Dan-Vi Hoang M.A., Early Childhood Care and Education instructor at Idaho State University, Biggie and Smalls Learning Center, and Whoville Daycare, received the Child Care Provider Appreciation Day proclamation presented at Pocatello City Hall.

POCATELLO, ID, May 6, 2025 – On May 1, 2025, the City of Pocatello officially proclaimed May 9 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, recognizing the vital role early learning professionals play in the development and well-being of young children and families throughout the region.

The proclamation was presented at Pocatello City Hall, where local childcare providers and early learning advocates gathered in a show of unity and appreciation. Among those in attendance were staff and partners of United Way of Southeastern Idaho, who collaborate with these providers to strengthen early learning initiatives across Southeastern Idaho.

“Early learning providers have faced continuous challenges—from staffing shortages to public health crises—but they have never stopped showing up,” said Tennille Call, Director of Education at United Way of Southeastern Idaho. “They’ve remained a steady, nurturing presence for our children, adapting, innovating, and giving their best even in the most uncertain times.”

United Way of Southeastern Idaho partners with local childcare providers, school districts, and community organizations to support high-quality early learning environments through programs like Read Talk Play, as well as through funding, training, and resource sharing.

“These providers are not just caregivers, they are educators and community builders,” said Call. “They help lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning, growth, and possibility.”

As part of the May 9 celebration, United Way of Southeastern Idaho encourages community members to take a moment to thank a childcare provider. Small acts of appreciation, such as a handwritten note, a kind word, or a public shoutout, can go a long way in honoring those who support families and children every day.