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News Release

04-22-2026 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (Photo) - 04/22/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2026

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were pleased to issue a proclamation in honor of National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day during their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.  The proclamation recognized that observing this day offers an important opportunity to express gratitude to childcare educators, teachers, centers, and home-based caregivers in Douglas County, across the United States, and around the world. These professionals are dedicated to creating safe, nurturing, and enriching environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.  It also highlighted the vital role childcare professionals play in fostering children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, helping prepare them for success in school and in life. Additionally, they are an essential part of Douglas County’s workforce, economy, and community infrastructure, supporting economic stability by enabling businesses to retain employees and contributing to a productive, resilient local workforce. A copy of the live video from the presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

Established by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) in 1995, National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is observed annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of childcare providers, teachers, and early childhood educators.  In 2026, National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day will be celebrated on Friday, May 8.

 

Commissioner Kress opened the proclamation presentation by thanking the full room of attendees for their dedication to supporting children, families, and businesses throughout Douglas County and stated, “On behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, it is our pleasure to welcome you to this special gathering in recognition of National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.  Today, we are here to say thank you, not just in words, but in recognition of the lasting impact you have on our community. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and your contributions truly make Douglas County a stronger, more vibrant place to live and work.  We are honored to celebrate you. Today is about more than recognition—it is about connection. It is about taking a moment, in the midst of busy schedules and long days, to pause and acknowledge the people who make it possible for our families, businesses, and communities to function and thrive. Childcare providers are often the quiet backbone of our local economy—showing up early, staying late, and giving their full attention, care, and heart to the children entrusted to them.”

 

Commissioner Chris Boice read the official proclamation, followed by Commissioner Freeman recognizing the attending guests with National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day proclamation certificates, honoring their unwavering dedication to the children and families of Douglas County.  Attending the proclamation presentation today was Julie Hurley, Douglas ESD; Heather Freilinger, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral/Care Connection; Nicole Martin, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral; Harrison Bent, Douglas ESD; Danielle McKiddy, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral; Cherry Camonayan, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral; Robin VanWinkle, Douglas ESD Early Learning/Biz4Kids/Douglas County Childcare Coalition; Sarah Wheelock, Douglas ESD Early Learning/Biz4Kids/Douglas County Childcare Coalition; Michelle Bassett, Douglas ESD/Care Connections & Education; Barbara Lynch, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral/ Care Connections & Education; Sarah Pytalski, The Ford Family Foundation; Michelle Martin, The Ford Family Foundation; Kelly Warner, The Ford Family Foundation; Brian Warner, The Ford Family Foundation; Natasha Atchison, Umpqua Homes Inc; Sheila Ullom, CCPT/CPCC/Lily’s Pad Childcare; Rochelle Van Slyke, YMCA of Douglas County; Aimee Tenbrook, UCAN Head Start; Carissa Bent, COBB Children’s Learning Center; Scott Swanson, COBB Children’s Learning Center; Anne-Marie Halloway, Miss Ann’s Kiddie Corner; Dana Garza, Country Kids Christian Learning Academy; Debi Hollander, Umpqua Health Alliance; Joy Whitcomb, Phoenix Early Learning Center; Jennifer Taylor, Phoenix Early Learning Center; Sidnee Hedrick, Adapt Integrated Health Care; Theresa Tucky, Child Care Resource & Referral and Troy Johns, Boys & Girls Club of Umpqua Valley. 

 

Commissioner Kress then invited guests up to the podium and talk about the work they do in our community.  “I have worked in early learning for over 30 years, and I can say with certainty that childcare and early learning are not peripheral to a community, they are foundational.  I am honored to represent the Child Care Resource & Referral Center here in Douglas County and work alongside Robin VanWinkle whose leadership and collaboration continue to strengthen childcare advocacy in our community.  Across all childcare program types, providers nurture children’s growth, ensure their safety, partner with families, meet licensing and training requirements and manage complex operations – often while navigation staffing challenges and limited resources.  Across all settings, early learning does not just happen, it’s intentionally designed, carefully supported and made possible through ongoing training relationships and experience.  We see how essential it is to invest in this workforce, not only through funding but through respect, visibility and partnership.  Children benefit when providers are supported.  Families benefit when childcare is stable and accessible.  And communities benefit when the early learning system is strong.  Today’s proclamation sends an important message, that childcare and early learning matter in Douglas County.  Commissioners, we are grateful for this proclamation and even more grateful for the people it honors.” - Heather Freilinger, Douglas ESD, Child Care Resource & Referral, and Douglas County Child Care Coalition.

 

“Today’s proclamation is a powerful reminder that our community sees the value of early childhood education and the people that make it possible.  When we support childcare providers, we are supporting families, strengthening our workforce, and investing in the future of our community.  To our Commissioners, community leaders and partners, thank you for taking the time to recognize this work and for standing with us.  It is truly an honor to be part of this field and this community.” - Aimee Tenbrook, UCAN Head Start Program.

 

“As a working parent here in Douglas County, childcare isn’t just a convenience for my family, it is essential.  Beyond that, what matters the most to me is not just that care exists, it is the quality of that care.  Every day we bring our son to people that don’t just watch him, they teach him, comfort him, play with him and help him grow.  They are part of his development, his sense of safety, and his early understanding of the world,” – Sidnee Hedrick, ADAPT Integrated Healthcare and the Douglas County Child Care Coalition. 

 

“When I became HR Director, I wanted to do something for our employees regarding childcare.  We have about 500 employees, and I have always had the idea of opening an on campus childcare facility.  I never got any traction with that idea until this present Board of Commissioners.  This is beyond just a proclamation today, beyond just words this is actually an action they put in place.  Not only did they say this was a good idea, but they also said, ”How can we help and how can we make this happen?”  So, we now have an on-campus Child Care Provider that provides great quality childcare that is affordable, accessible and a great advantage to our employees.” - Michael Kurtz, Douglas County Human Resources Director.

 

“Thank you Commissioners.  It is with a lot of gratitude that we get to come here today.  The word unbelievable comes up a lot.  But I think when you meet the people who are involved in providing and supporting childcare in this community the word changes to believable.  The passion and the care that the professionals in this room provide through the Douglas County Child Care Coalition is just really incredible and off the charts.  You recognizing this group and bringing attention to this effort is so important.  It is often the first question that people who want to move to our community ask.” – Troy Johns, Boys & Girls Club of Umpqua Valley. 

 

“When I was leaving the legislature and getting ready to start as a County Commissioner, I had an opportunity to request a State Commission appointment and I requested to be on the State’s Early Learning Council.  I selected that council because I knew that no matter what the importance of the justice system and everything else in our community, if we could not find solutions for families with young children, the rest did not matter.  I was privileged to serve on the Early Learning Council for a while and in that time, I learned a lot, especially the importance of the work you all do every day.  So, I sincerely thank you for doing that work.” – Commissioner Tim Freeman.   

 

The Commissioners proclaimed Friday, May 8, 2026, as National Child Care Providers Day in Douglas County and encourage all residents to recognize and thank childcare providers for their dedication, professionalism, and the vital role they play in supporting children, strengthening families, and building a brighter future for our community.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 |

Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached.  Individual photos are available upon request. Photo © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County

 

Attached Media Files: 04-22-26ChildcareProvidersDayCollage.png, 04-22-2026NationalChildCareProviderDayProclamationSigned.jpg,

04-22-2026 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (Photo) - 04/22/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2026

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were pleased to issue a proclamation in honor of National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day during their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.  The proclamation recognized that observing this day offers an important opportunity to express gratitude to childcare educators, teachers, centers, and home-based caregivers in Douglas County, across the United States, and around the world. These professionals are dedicated to creating safe, nurturing, and enriching environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.  It also highlighted the vital role childcare professionals play in fostering children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, helping prepare them for success in school and in life. Additionally, they are an essential part of Douglas County’s workforce, economy, and community infrastructure, supporting economic stability by enabling businesses to retain employees and contributing to a productive, resilient local workforce. A copy of the live video from the presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

Established by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) in 1995, National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is observed annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of childcare providers, teachers, and early childhood educators.  In 2026, National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day will be celebrated on Friday, May 8.

 

Commissioner Kress opened the proclamation presentation by thanking the full room of attendees for their dedication to supporting children, families, and businesses throughout Douglas County and stated, “On behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, it is our pleasure to welcome you to this special gathering in recognition of National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.  Today, we are here to say thank you, not just in words, but in recognition of the lasting impact you have on our community. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and your contributions truly make Douglas County a stronger, more vibrant place to live and work.  We are honored to celebrate you. Today is about more than recognition—it is about connection. It is about taking a moment, in the midst of busy schedules and long days, to pause and acknowledge the people who make it possible for our families, businesses, and communities to function and thrive. Childcare providers are often the quiet backbone of our local economy—showing up early, staying late, and giving their full attention, care, and heart to the children entrusted to them.”

 

Commissioner Chris Boice read the official proclamation, followed by Commissioner Freeman recognizing the attending guests with National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day proclamation certificates, honoring their unwavering dedication to the children and families of Douglas County.  Attending the proclamation presentation today was Julie Hurley, Douglas ESD; Heather Freilinger, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral/Care Connection; Nicole Martin, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral; Harrison Bent, Douglas ESD; Danielle McKiddy, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral; Cherry Camonayan, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral; Robin VanWinkle, Douglas ESD Early Learning/Biz4Kids/Douglas County Childcare Coalition; Sarah Wheelock, Douglas ESD Early Learning/Biz4Kids/Douglas County Childcare Coalition; Michelle Bassett, Douglas ESD/Care Connections & Education; Barbara Lynch, Douglas ESD/Child Care Resource & Referral/ Care Connections & Education; Sarah Pytalski, The Ford Family Foundation; Michelle Martin, The Ford Family Foundation; Kelly Warner, The Ford Family Foundation; Brian Warner, The Ford Family Foundation; Natasha Atchison, Umpqua Homes Inc; Sheila Ullom, CCPT/CPCC/Lily’s Pad Childcare; Rochelle Van Slyke, YMCA of Douglas County; Aimee Tenbrook, UCAN Head Start; Carissa Bent, COBB Children’s Learning Center; Scott Swanson, COBB Children’s Learning Center; Anne-Marie Halloway, Miss Ann’s Kiddie Corner; Dana Garza, Country Kids Christian Learning Academy; Debi Hollander, Umpqua Health Alliance; Joy Whitcomb, Phoenix Early Learning Center; Jennifer Taylor, Phoenix Early Learning Center; Sidnee Hedrick, Adapt Integrated Health Care; Theresa Tucky, Child Care Resource & Referral and Troy Johns, Boys & Girls Club of Umpqua Valley. 

 

Commissioner Kress then invited guests up to the podium and talk about the work they do in our community.  “I have worked in early learning for over 30 years, and I can say with certainty that childcare and early learning are not peripheral to a community, they are foundational.  I am honored to represent the Child Care Resource & Referral Center here in Douglas County and work alongside Robin VanWinkle whose leadership and collaboration continue to strengthen childcare advocacy in our community.  Across all childcare program types, providers nurture children’s growth, ensure their safety, partner with families, meet licensing and training requirements and manage complex operations – often while navigation staffing challenges and limited resources.  Across all settings, early learning does not just happen, it’s intentionally designed, carefully supported and made possible through ongoing training relationships and experience.  We see how essential it is to invest in this workforce, not only through funding but through respect, visibility and partnership.  Children benefit when providers are supported.  Families benefit when childcare is stable and accessible.  And communities benefit when the early learning system is strong.  Today’s proclamation sends an important message, that childcare and early learning matter in Douglas County.  Commissioners, we are grateful for this proclamation and even more grateful for the people it honors.” - Heather Freilinger, Douglas ESD, Child Care Resource & Referral, and Douglas County Child Care Coalition.

 

“Today’s proclamation is a powerful reminder that our community sees the value of early childhood education and the people that make it possible.  When we support childcare providers, we are supporting families, strengthening our workforce, and investing in the future of our community.  To our Commissioners, community leaders and partners, thank you for taking the time to recognize this work and for standing with us.  It is truly an honor to be part of this field and this community.” - Aimee Tenbrook, UCAN Head Start Program.

 

“As a working parent here in Douglas County, childcare isn’t just a convenience for my family, it is essential.  Beyond that, what matters the most to me is not just that care exists, it is the quality of that care.  Every day we bring our son to people that don’t just watch him, they teach him, comfort him, play with him and help him grow.  They are part of his development, his sense of safety, and his early understanding of the world,” – Sidnee Hedrick, ADAPT Integrated Healthcare and the Douglas County Child Care Coalition. 

 

“When I became HR Director, I wanted to do something for our employees regarding childcare.  We have about 500 employees, and I have always had the idea of opening an on campus childcare facility.  I never got any traction with that idea until this present Board of Commissioners.  This is beyond just a proclamation today, beyond just words this is actually an action they put in place.  Not only did they say this was a good idea, but they also said, ”How can we help and how can we make this happen?”  So, we now have an on-campus Child Care Provider that provides great quality childcare that is affordable, accessible and a great advantage to our employees.” - Michael Kurtz, Douglas County Human Resources Director.

 

“Thank you Commissioners.  It is with a lot of gratitude that we get to come here today.  The word unbelievable comes up a lot.  But I think when you meet the people who are involved in providing and supporting childcare in this community the word changes to believable.  The passion and the care that the professionals in this room provide through the Douglas County Child Care Coalition is just really incredible and off the charts.  You recognizing this group and bringing attention to this effort is so important.  It is often the first question that people who want to move to our community ask.” – Troy Johns, Boys & Girls Club of Umpqua Valley. 

 

“When I was leaving the legislature and getting ready to start as a County Commissioner, I had an opportunity to request a State Commission appointment and I requested to be on the State’s Early Learning Council.  I selected that council because I knew that no matter what the importance of the justice system and everything else in our community, if we could not find solutions for families with young children, the rest did not matter.  I was privileged to serve on the Early Learning Council for a while and in that time, I learned a lot, especially the importance of the work you all do every day.  So, I sincerely thank you for doing that work.” – Commissioner Tim Freeman.   

 

The Commissioners proclaimed Friday, May 8, 2026, as National Child Care Providers Day in Douglas County and encourage all residents to recognize and thank childcare providers for their dedication, professionalism, and the vital role they play in supporting children, strengthening families, and building a brighter future for our community.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 |

Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached.  Individual photos are available upon request. Photo © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County

 

Attached Media Files: 04-22-26ChildcareProvidersDayCollage.png, 04-22-2026NationalChildCareProviderDayProclamationSigned.jpg,