Take a Flower to Childcare Day 2010 - Tuesday, October 19th
Thanks to an incredibly successful launch in 2008, the West Virginia KIDS COUNT fund has decided to make "Take a Flower to childcare Day" an annual event! This year's celebration of the importance of great childcare will take place Tuesday, October 19, 2010.
The goal of "Take a Flower to Childcare Day" is to raise awareness about the important role high-quality childcare plays in the healthy development of young children and the economic future of West virginia.
Taking part in the statewide celebration is easy. On October 19th, please join the thousands of parents, young children and community leaders who rely on great child
care every day and present a single flower of your choice to your favorite childcare provider.
In addition to the 10 ways businesses can help make the event a big success flyer, KIDS COUNT has created an easy-to-use, on-line toolkit to help make your local celebration of "Take a Flower to Childcare Day" a big success. Here are six more ways you can help and the tools to make them happen...
1. Put up posters in your community.
Click here to download the 'Take A Flower to Childcare Day 2010" poster in a printable PDF format.
2. Distribute flyers to parents and community leaders and ask businesses to "adopt" a childcare center for the day.
Click here to download the "Take a Flower to Childcare Day 2010" flyer in a printable PDF format.
3. Encourage creative flower choices by sharing great ideas.
Click here for a list of flower ideas from previous celebrations.
4. Send press releases to your local media.
5. Create an event designed for media coverage.
6. Share information about "Take a Flower to Childcare Day" on your website or your social networking sites.
Click here to download the "Take a Flower to Childcare Day 2010" logo.
Click here to view a gallery of photos from the 2008 celebration.
What Childcare Providers Told Us About Take a Flower to Childcare Day 2008...
What was the most unusual flower you received?
- Beautiful sunflowers!
- Homemade purple flower with silver pipe cleaner
- Our staff had a large bouquet of flowers from handmade, handpicked, floral arrangements, as well as a cookie and pretzel bouquet.
- I received gorgeous bright orange sunflowers.
- A silk rose sprayed with perfume
- My husband and I took them a box of candy instead of a flower, but added a pretty red card, and wrote that we appreciate their hard work.
- We received over 100 individual flowers for our staff and one Edible Arrangement of "fruit flowers." That was probably our most unique, however we had some huge tissue paper flowers that were made and brought in to us. We also received ink pens with flowers taped on the end making them both useful and decorative. Yesterday the WIC Program brought us a picture made by children with flowers drawn and decorated with cheerios.
- A sunflower(just loved that idea!!!)
-Each of our teachers received flowers. There were roses and carnations from florists. Some children made cards with a flower on it, and some chose to use a coloring sheet. I think the most unique flower was a foam flower with a smiley face and could be twisted to sit on the desk. The most unusual flower was flowers that looked like lilies but were actually writing pens. There were some children that brought a pumpkin and a candle in lieu of a flower but the thought was still the same.
-We had a wonderful turnout for the day. We received many different types of flowers from snapdragons to carnations. We also received one huge bouquet from one family thanking everyone at Little Eagle Child Care Center for their excellent work.
- I was very shocked to receive a dozen roses from one of my little ones on this thoughtful day. I also received many heart felt ' thank you's' from a couple of my other families.
- Each staff received 2 long stem roses, and a beautiful Fall arrangement for all the staff to enjoy. One young Mom who is also a student, crocheted flowers and made hair bows for the infant toddler teachers. I also gave each staff a potted mum, with a thank you card attached, and invited each one to the office for a personal thank you and a hug. They were very much appreciative.
- The response to our "Take a Flower to Childcare Day" was overwhelming. Every teacher received multiple flowers from children in their classrooms. Parents were generous in purchasing flowers for each individual teacher, not just their main one. Parents brought in fresh flowers and silk flowers. We had pictures of flowers colored by children.
- The sunflower I received was pink and I've never seen a pink one.
- I got a blade of grass.
- A sunflower
- The day was a huge success. Every teacher received at least a dozen flowers, some more. Even the Director, Asst. Director and Program Coordinator received flowers. The only regret that I had was I should have provided each teacher with a vase to hold their flowers. They got so many, we were sticking them in water pitchers, plastic buckets and anything we could find that was large enough to hold water and that many flowers.
- We had one mom tell us that she wanted to do something different other than to bring flowers. She said she knew everyone would do that. So the night before she made chocolate flowers on a stick and wrapped two to a package (one chocolate with a yellow middle and one yellow with a chocolate middle), she wrapped both candy flowers in a clear plastic wrap and gave each teach one. They were adorable. Another mom not only brought in flowers for the teachers but she also brought in Panera Bread pastries, spreads and coffee for the entire staff. The administrative staff took turns giving teachers breaks to go to the staff lounge and grab a treat.
- The most special was one that was hand picked and it was a mum.
- A dandelion flower wrapped in ribbons come straight from the heart of the child.
- 7 wooden flowers, a cupcake, a candy flower basket, a chocolate flower, a silk flower and a bamboo plant.
What was the nicest comment you got from a parent or community member? 
- Thank you for all you have done opening this wonderful school!
- Thank you for teaching my child, my child loves you.
- I got two thank you notes from parents telling me how much I mean to their children, and how they never worry about leaving their child in my care.
- My children are only 1 so they didn't really say anything; the parents did give them to the child to hand to me, which was cute!
- One of our Board Members and TV personalities said that it was such a successful event that we should make a point to do something at least bi-annually for the teachers at the academy. They definitely deserve it and it’s such a good exercise in helping the children to show and share their appreciation! Mayor Felinton also came to read to one of the classes and stayed for a while talking with the children.
- We as parents wouldn’t survive our day to day lives without you!!
- The mixed bouquet came from a parent of a child who is no longer in my room due to moving up to the next room and she told me that she appreciated everything I did for him when he was in my room and that I was secretly her favorite.
- I don’t know what I'd do if you guys weren’t here. I appreciate you so much.
-Not only did children express their appreciation, we heard even more from parents. They thanked us for all of our hard work. They told us things like, "We don't know what we would do without you." It was just a fun relaxed day. I think all my teacher's enjoyed the day.
- I told her thank you so much for the flower but she really didn't have to go to all the trouble and she replied, "Yes, I did because you really don’t have to give my daughter such wonderful and loving care but you do and I appreciate it." (She bought 12 carnations wrapped in tissue paper with baby's breath and greens, and it is a family that really doesn't have the money to do that which really touches your heart.)
- "Thanks for everything you do.” and "My son has learned so much since being in your room."
What was the cutest thing a child said when giving you a flower? 
- I stole this from my neighbor’s yard but I am not supposed to tell you!
- I received a cute smile and a hug.
- My son designated certain flowers for certain teachers. He said “This one is for Ms. Jessica with yellow hair (pronounced “lel-low”) who hugs me and loves me.”
- Love you!!
- One of the teachers received purple roses and a little boy named Kevin handed them to her and said, “I wuv you Ms. Pat.” Another child told his teacher, “I brought you two flowers and gave one to my mommy.” We thought this was very special and so cute.
- I love you Miss Dana.
- You flower (from a one-year old)
- A little girl gave me one flower and wanted to give me more
- The children came in with their flowers and they were so proud to carry them and give them to their teachers. As the children handed the flowers to their teacher's they said things like: "Thank you for being my teacher," "I brought this for you," and "Mom told me to give this to you."
- I got a real flower and the little boy said, “I planted it all by myself for you, miss Paula,” and "Here, Miss Paula, this plower if por you."
- "I made this for you." "Thank you." "Here you go.” “I love you." "Water." "Here, look flower!" (as child shook it) and "You can grow this."
Did your center do anything special to celebrate the big day?
- Displayed all the flowers!!
- Honor teachers by having signs posted honoring them
- Hello, my name is Shannon Windland, owner and administrator of Your Kids First Learning Center and Childcare in Belpre, Oh. Our center participated in Take a Flower to Childcare Day. Although it was for centers throughout WV we had our own version of this day.
- Joined with another center to celebrate and talked with parents about the importance of child care professionals!!
- Our center Board of Directors surprised the staff and sent them each a flower as a token of appreciation for a great job they do.
- We put the posters out several days before the event, created a large paper flower as a reminder, and put a vase in the foyer for the parents to place their flower. Some families choose to give the flowers to their child's teacher.
- I gave each staff a potted mum, with a thank you card attached, and invited each one to the office for a personal thank you and a hug. They were very much appreciative.
- I as the director also purchased flowers for my staff members to help show my appreciation for what they do daily. I have been in each and every one of their positions and I know both the challenges and rewards of our field.
- We didn't really do anything special for the event other than post the posters through out the center and remind families the night before not to forget to bring a flower to their teacher in appreciation. Next year we will probably get more creative with the idea. Since this was the first time we did it, we didn't know what to expect. I think even the families had fun with it.
- Our director gave us a flower.
What did Take a Flower to Childcare Day mean to you? 
- THOUGHTFUL!! All of my staff really enjoyed it!!
- Wow it was great. I am so thankful that childcare is finally recognized for the importance that we do. I love my profession I have been in childcare for 30 years. I think back but look forward to great things great beginnings. Thank you.
- The teachers really were excited to get the flowers. I could tell they appreciated all the flowers even though they told the parents they didn't need to buy flowers. Most parents said, "yes we do".
- I believe that centers all across the US need to understand the importance that our childcare providers are in the lives of our most precious gifts, our children.
- The staff saw just how much our parents appreciate all that we do for their children. I hope this catches on state to state it was a wonderful idea and a wonderful way to show childcare providers just how important they are.
- To me, it was a day set aside to honor child care workers who put their heart and soul into their work for very little compensation. It is a day set aside to show appreciation for all their hard work and dedication.
- It was a great idea, and thanks for promoting it. They deserve a lot of thanks for all they do.
- It meant a lot to me, I don't think enough people take our jobs seriously, especially when people hear that I teach one year olds. It is very frustrating, but I think that this was an important step to giving us more respect in people's eyes. I hope that this tradition continues!
- The morning with the news crew was a special event for staff and the excitement of receiving flowers from the children was great for the teachers. Take a Flower to Childcare Day gave the child and caregiver a shared moment of appreciation and adoration.
-It was so wonderful to witness the love and appreciation our parents, community leaders and the children have for us child care professionals!!!
-Our center Board of Directors surprised the staff and sent them each a flower as a token of appreciation for a great job they do.
-I wanted a large response because the childcare professionals are the reason LECCC has such a great reputation. They work hard everyday toprovide quality childcareto the children in their care and desire to be recognized. Thank you for setting aside a day to let them know they are appreciated.
- It feels good to be appreciated!!! My thanks goes out to whoever came up with this idea.
- Thank you for setting aside a day to recognize the hard working, caring staff that work in childcare!!!! It was a Great Day, and hopefully next year I can come up with some creative ways to let my staff know how much I appreciate them and the work that they do!!!!!
- Just when you think you can't do it any more something wonderful like this makes you feel like you can go on just one more year. I think the parents seeing the ads, billboards etc was the key, knowing the WV wants to celebrate the daycare centers means WV is proud of us too. That is a wonderful feeling for us all. Pride!
- All of the staff expressed how "happy" the flowers made them feel and they wished they could get them more often.
- It was a very unique day and it was good to see that what I do actually does mean something to someone.
- We loved feeling that people appreciated childcare providers. We were happy that the event was something that our children could see and touch and share. We appreciate the support we felt from our community. We enjoyed feeling our membership in the larger group of childcare professionals that serve children and families throughout our State.
- Thank you for creating this day it makes a difference to employees just to know that there is a day celebrating them and all they do.
- I think it was great and a very fun day. I do wish we could heighten awareness more of the importance that these teachers make in the lives of young children and families. This was one fun day, but I believe it needs to go beyond this. These teachers need to be recognized daily, their contributions and dedication is no different than other educators that are respected and paid at a much higher level. We are raising the bar on quality and we are willing to reach for that, but someone needs to help fund these programs that can not make it on just tuition revenue itself. A flower for one day out of the year is nice, but they deserve much more than that. Centers are folding because minimum wage increased and food costs have skyrocketed. Centers are not ableto pay their teachers salaries that they deserve with the revenue they bring in and teachers can't afford to work for that pay with rising gas prices If centers keep closing there is going to be a shortage of options for the family that needs to find a safe and enriching environment for their children under the age of 5. This is the first step in this awareness. I just hope it leads to bigger steps with more powerful people that can show that support and recognition at a much higher level.
- It really means a lot to me to feel appreciated and loved by the children and their parents. Thank you for organizing this event; it is such a wonderful gesture.
- A day for small children to get excited about giving.
- Showed that parents are thankful for the care given to their children and went out of their way to show that they care on this special day.
- It meant a lot to me.
- I was nice to see that some parents do care and are thankful for us.
- Are caring and do respect what we do.
- It was nice. But I think a lot of parents did not participate because of not having a lot of extra money to spend on flowers.
- It was nice to be recognized.
- What a wonderful day it was for staff at Morgantown Early Learning Facility to receive such an overwhelming "shower" of flowers on Caregiver Day, October 21st! The rooms looked and smelled like flower gardens and the variety of flowers was unbelievable. It was at a perfect time for them; as we had completed seven weeks with many new children and were a little worn down by the need to put extra efforts into being upbeat when Mommies and Daddies are being missed, new friendships are being formed, and a new schedule and new foods all take time to feel familiar! It was a truly happy day and very much appreciated. Thank you for your part in such a successful event.
Take a Flower to Childcare Day was successful because of the impressive grassroots efforts of people like you! With your help, communities all across West Virginia came together to show their strong support for our dedicated childcare providers and all the work they do. Bravo!
Take a Flower to Childcare Day is a signature event of the Kids First Communities Campaign, a statewide effort to build broad public support for a childcare quality rating and improvement system in West Virginia.