Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Child Development: School-Age Child Care Providers

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, observed annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day, falls on May 9, 2025. This important day recognizes the invaluable work of child care providers, teachers, and caregivers across the country. While early childhood educators often receive well-deserved attention, this day is also an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital contributions of school-age child care providers, a group too often overlooked in public conversations about child development and family support.

School-age child care providers care for children ages 6 through 12 during critical times before and after school, during school breaks, and on in-service days. Their role is foundational to child development, family stability, and economic security. They create environments where children are not just supervised, but nurtured, inspired, and supported through academic help, social-emotional learning, physical activities, and creative exploration.

As David Koch, Childcare Director at the YMCA of Alaska, says,

As children transition from early childhood to adolescence, the hours outside of school, such as before and after school, during seasonal school breaks, and school in-service days, become a critical window of opportunity. High-quality school-age child care provides a safe, structured environment that bridges the gap between school and home, offering children enrichment opportunities, social development, and academic support. For working parents, this care ensures peace of mind, knowing their children are supervised, engaged, and learning in positive ways rather than being left unsupervised during potentially vulnerable hours.

Organizations like the YMCA of Alaska have long recognized and responded to this need. With a commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA offers diverse school-age programs that include homework help, physical activity, creative arts, STEM, and character-building initiatives. Importantly, they also foster inclusion and community, helping children from different backgrounds learn to cooperate, lead, and build confidence by implementing the four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty. The YMCA's community-focused mission makes it a cornerstone in the effort to provide equitable access to quality childcare.

The impact of school-aged child care programs go beyond individual children. Communities with strong school-age child care networks often see reduced juvenile crime rates, better academic outcomes, and increased parental workforce participation. These benefits collectively contribute to healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. School-age child care also acts as a preventative measure, providing early intervention and support for children who may struggle socially, emotionally, or academically without it.

Programs like those offered by the YMCA of Alaska demonstrate the transformative power of investing in children’s out-of-school time, creating ripples that extend well beyond the classroom walls. Through the positive relationships that they build, the safe environments they provide, and teaching youth social-emotional skills that promote self-efficacy and self-regulation, school-aged child care providers can foster protective factors for youth that help shape their development throughout adolescence. It nurtures the potential of children while supporting families and bolstering community well-being.

On this Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, we honor the incredible dedication, creativity, and compassion of child care professionals—especially those serving school-age children. To truly recognize their value, we must do more than offer gratitude. We must invest in their programs, expand access to families in every corner of Alaska, and eliminate the barriers that keep quality care out of reach. These providers are not just caregivers - they are community builders, educators, and protectors of our future. Let’s ensure they have the resources, recognition, and respect they deserve.