In honor of Provider Appreciation Day on May 9, thread is proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible early childhood educators across Alaska. Your unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and hearts is deeply appreciated—not only today, but every day.
Honoring the Heart of Early Learning
Provider Appreciation Day is a National Day of Recognition held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day, celebrating the teachers, child care providers, and early childhood professionals who provide an essential service to young children and their families. These heroes are the backbone of quality child care and early education—laying the foundation for a lifetime of success.
Our Deepest Gratitude
As Alaska’s statewide Child Care Resource and Referral Network, thread is honored to support your work. Whether through helping families access licensed child care, offering professional development, or advocating for stronger early learning policies, our mission is rooted in your success. We know the work you do is not just about care—it’s about connection. It’s about creating safe, nurturing spaces where children can grow, learn, and thrive. And in doing so, you support families and strengthen communities all across Alaska. Your impact is profound and lasting.
A Small Token of Thanks
To show our appreciation, thread mailed every licensed program a special set of stickers created just for you and the children in your care. We hope they bring a smile to your face and serve as a reminder that you are seen, valued, and celebrated. Please wear them proudly—and share them with your little learners!
How You Can Celebrate an Educator Today
Whether you’re a parent or a community member, there are so many simple and meaningful ways to show appreciation for child care professionals. Here are a few heartfelt (and low-cost) ideas to make an educator’s day brighter:
- Help your child create a handmade thank-you card
- Drop off coffee, tea, or a favorite snack
- Write a personal note or email of appreciation
- Share a social media post thanking your teacher
- Coordinate with other families to create a thank-you banner
- Offer to help with simple classroom needs like organizing or cleaning
- Donate books or art supplies
- Record a short thank-you video from your child
- Post a review online to highlight the positive impact your provider has made
- Write a letter to the editor of your local paper spotlighting the importance of early childhood education
No gesture is too small—what matters most is the recognition of the love, time, and effort these educators pour into their work.
Celebrating 10 Years of the thread Awards
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the thread Awards, a special event that honors excellence in early childhood education across Alaska. We’re especially excited to introduce a new category: the Legacy Award, celebrating longstanding commitment and impact in the field. Join us on May 9 for a virtual award ceremony recognizing the 2025 thread Award recipients. RSVP and get updates on our Facebook page here.
Supporting Those Who Support Alaska’s Future
From wellness initiatives to financial resources, thread is committed to helping child care providers take care of themselves—because your well-being matters too. To all of Alaska’s early childhood educators: thank you! Your compassion, resilience, and dedication make a world of difference in the lives of children and families. You are true heroes in our communities.
Happy Provider Appreciation Day!