Sometimes, child care providers are so skilled they make their jobs look easier than they are. Don't be fooled, it takes an intelligent and caring person to work with very young children. If you're lucky enough to have a child care provider that you feel good about, why not let them know?

With national US child care turnover rates as high as 40%, you'll want to be sure that if you have a quality situation for your young child or children, you do whatever you can to help your providers feel appreciated. Continuity of care if a hallmark of quality.

Here are some things you might want to consider saying to your favorite provider to help them feel a little bit better about sacrificing pay and possibly other important benefits for the sake of their profession.

She talks about you a lot at home.

How was he today?

I admire your energy and patience.

Have you noticed..........

You must be exhausted by the end of the day!

What happens when you get sick?

How can I help her learn that at home?

I labelled his coat, mittens, boots and hat labels with permanent marker

I know you're so busy. I'm sure those mittens will turn up. No problem.

Feel free to call me if he's not feeling OK today and I'll pick him up.

How often does she .............. here?

I noticed........Is there any way you could...........?

I brought in some extra clothes for fall weather and brought home the shorts and tank tops.

He woke up at ....... That's 1 hour earlier than usual.

He had a hard night and was up a lot due to bad dreams.

How does she act when playing with friends?

Do you think she's ready to........?

I need to bring him in late because of an appointment. When's the best time?

What are you working on these days with her. I'll try to be consistent at home.

Do you make a living wage?

In other words, be honest, appreciate, care,

and try to make things as easy as possible. A good provider understands that you have a lot to deal with, too.

If you’re a parent or a teacher looking for support with issues like whining, cleaning up, hitting, biting, separation or gifted children, you’ll find lots of free resources here.

Thanks for stopping by!  I try to keep my articles short because we’re all so busy. I hope you come back for more soon! If you could use a laugh, you're not alone. Click on the Illustration to enjoy a joke on us!

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She has presented at statewide and nationwide conferences. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.