Proclaiming and Celebrating May 7, 2026, as "Childcare Awareness Day" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, On May 7, 2026, a panoply of citizens representing myriad organizations and institutions from across our State will celebrate the th annual Childcare Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, This event is held to discuss the challenges and advocate for resources to meet the needs of Rhode Island's children and their families and to highlight the work of various organizations and programs in our State that work every day to improve the lives of children, youth, and families by providing high-quality care and education; and

WHEREAS, The world's healthcare crisis brought to the forefront our State's urgent and critical need and reliance upon safe and continuous child care; and

WHEREAS, Research on the human brain reveals that an overwhelming amount of a person's lifetime brain development occurs during early childhood, before the age of three; and

WHEREAS, To be prepared for success, our children must receive high-quality child care from caregivers who have the appropriate skills, education, and training; and

WHEREAS, A childcare teacher's day is spent interacting with children and caring for their needs, because it is through play, interaction, and socializing that children learn the fundamentals about others, as well as the world around them; and

WHEREAS, High quality child care is sensitive, responsive, personal, and developmentally appropriate. It provides the proper nurturing that children need at one of the most critical and vulnerable times in their lives; and

WHEREAS, It is of immense importance to our State's economy and to Rhode Island's families that their children receive the highest quality care and are challenged at an early age, in order that they may develop the necessary abilities to thrive in adulthood and someday lead our State into an even brighter future; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims and celebrates May 7, 2026, as "Childcare Awareness Day." We furthermore urge the citizens of Rhode Island to recognize the tremendous skills, dedication, diligence, and value of laudable childcare providers who protect and equip our children for future success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the Child Care Directors Association, the Director of Prevent Child Abuse RI, and the Chair of the Permanent Legislative Commission on Child Care.