Larry Pressler: “Every morning, millions of parents kiss their children goodbye as they trade the hat of parent for the hat of teacher…”

“Every morning, millions of parents kiss their children goodbye as they trade the hat of parent for the hat of teacher, police officer, waitress or doctor. When they leave home to work, they must leave their precious young ones in the care of someone else. Sometimes, parents find a relative. More often, they rely on strangers. As a parent myself, I know how difficult it can be to trust someone else with the well being of your child. Fortunately, most parents have reliable child care providers to depend on. We hear occasional horror stories of abuse and mistreatment by child care providers, but the majority of child care workers always have the best interests of the child at heart. April 21-28 will be the Week of the Young Child. During this important week, South Dakota will recognize Child Care Provider's Day on April 22. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize these hard working child care providers who support millions of American families each day.”