Commissioners Recognize Douglas County Child Care Providers With Appreciation Day Proclamation

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Douglas County Board of Commissioners recognized local child care providers Wednesday, issuing a proclamation for National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day during the board’s April 22 weekly business meeting.

Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman proclaimed Friday, May 8, 2026, as National Child Care Providers Day in Douglas County, honoring the work of child care educators, teachers, centers, and home-based caregivers who support children and families across the county.

The proclamation highlighted the role child care providers play in creating safe and supportive learning environments for children, while also helping families participate in the workforce. County officials said child care is connected not only to early childhood development, but also to local economic stability, workforce retention, and community infrastructure.

National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day was established by the National Association for Family Child Care in 1995 and is observed each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day. This year’s observance falls on May 8.

Commissioner Kress opened the presentation by thanking providers and early learning advocates in attendance, saying their work has a lasting effect on families, businesses, and the broader community.

“Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and your contributions truly make Douglas County a stronger, more vibrant place to live and work,” Kress said during the meeting.

Kress also described child care providers as “the quiet backbone of our local economy,” noting the long hours and care they provide for children.

Commissioner Boice read the official proclamation, and Commissioner Freeman presented certificates to those attending on behalf of child care programs, early learning organizations, family support agencies, and community partners.

Those recognized during the presentation included representatives from Douglas ESD, Child Care Resource & Referral, Care Connections & Education, the Douglas County Child Care Coalition, The Ford Family Foundation, UCAN Head Start, YMCA of Douglas County, Boys & Girls Club of Umpqua Valley, Umpqua Homes Inc., Umpqua Health Alliance, ADAPT Integrated Health Care, COBB Children’s Learning Center, Phoenix Early Learning Center, Miss Ann’s Kiddie Corner, Country Kids Christian Learning Academy, and other local child care and early learning organizations.

Several speakers addressed the board after the proclamation, describing child care as both an educational foundation for children and a practical necessity for working families.

Heather Freilinger, with Douglas ESD, Child Care Resource & Referral, and the Douglas County Child Care Coalition, said early learning programs are central to a healthy community.

“Childcare and early learning are not peripheral to a community, they are foundational,” Freilinger said.

She said providers are responsible for nurturing children’s growth, keeping children safe, partnering with families, meeting licensing and training requirements, and managing complex operations, often while facing staffing challenges and limited resources.

“Children benefit when providers are supported. Families benefit when childcare is stable and accessible. And communities benefit when the early learning system is strong,” Freilinger said.

Aimee Tenbrook, with UCAN Head Start, said the recognition reflects the community’s understanding of the value of early childhood education.

“When we support childcare providers, we are supporting families, strengthening our workforce, and investing in the future of our community,” Tenbrook said.

Sidnee Hedrick, with ADAPT Integrated Health Care and the Douglas County Child Care Coalition, spoke from the perspective of a working parent. She said child care is essential for her family, but quality care is what matters most.

“Every day we bring our son to people that don’t just watch him, they teach him, comfort him, play with him and help him grow,” Hedrick said. “They are part of his development, his sense of safety, and his early understanding of the world.”

Michael Kurtz, Douglas County Human Resources Director, also spoke about the county’s work to support employees through child care access. Kurtz said he had long wanted to see an on-campus child care option for county employees, but the idea gained traction under the current board.

“This is beyond just a proclamation today, beyond just words this is actually an action they put in place,” Kurtz said.

He said the county now has an on-campus child care provider offering care that is affordable, accessible, and beneficial to employees.

Troy Johns, with the Boys & Girls Club of Umpqua Valley, said recognition from county leaders helps bring attention to a key issue for families and employers. He said child care is often one of the first questions asked by people considering a move to the community.

“The passion and the care that the professionals in this room provide through the Douglas County Child Care Coalition is just really incredible and off the charts,” Johns said.

Commissioner Freeman also reflected on his previous service on the state’s Early Learning Council, saying he chose that appointment because of the importance of finding solutions for families with young children.

“I learned a lot, especially the importance of the work you all do every day. So, I sincerely thank you for doing that work,” Freeman said.

The commissioners encouraged residents to recognize and thank child care providers for their work with children, families, and the community.