Every year, child care providers are given the recognition they deserve by dedicating a day in May to them.

This year, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is on Friday. A “thank you” car parade is being held to honor child care providers, a critical component of the frontline workforce.

Without access to high-quality care, parents cannot work. For essential workers during the pandemic — who are being asked to work long hours — child care is needed. These Early Childhood Educators are the backbone of the economy. These child care programs provide safe, quality care and education in a place where families feel comfortable leaving their children while they are working.

Child care workers across the county are going to work every day, taking care of the children in their care, often at great cost, personal and financial.

These small businesses remain open even though they are now operating at a deficit becuase they can provide only for essential workers.

While the child care centers and child care facilities are not often mentioned in the news as a part of the frontline workforce, Beth Starks (Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center executive director), Sue Marker (Child Care Council director), and The Child Care Council of Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. want to provide a fun and creative way for parents, families and community members to show their appreciation for these frontline, essential workers who are giving their all each and every day.

On Friday, the public is invited to join a “thank you” car parade for licensed and registered providers. Community members, families and children can join the parade anywhere along the route throughout the county.

The car parade will begin at 9 a.m. at 402 Chandler St. in Jamestown, be in the Mayville area around noon and the Dunkirk area around 2 p.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their cars, bring signs and boldly show their appreciation.

For more information on the event, call 661-9430 ext.2290 or visit facebook.com/chautauquaopportunities/ on Facebook for the routes.