Orrin Hatch: “Mr. President last Friday, May 9, was ``Family Child Care Provider Appreciation Day'' in Utah and perhaps in other…”

“Mr. President last Friday, May 9, was ``Family Child Care Provider Appreciation Day'' in Utah and perhaps in other States as well. It is fitting to pay tribute to family-based child care providers who are an essential component of our child care system, both in Utah and throughout the United States. Family Child Care Providers are self-employed business people caring for up to six children at a time in their own homes for as much as 50 hours per week. Utah has over 2,000 family child care homes which service about half of the children in child care. Currently, it is estimated that 65 percent of mothers with children under 5 work outside the home, so the need certainly exists for a variety of child care options. Child care provided in individual family homes is one such option. Some parents for a variety of reasons prefer home environments for their children. Debbie, a child care provider in West Valley City, UT, watched a 2-year-old who was on a feeding tube. It is often very difficult to find care for sick or disabled children; but, in the flexible setting of her home, Debbie was able to provide the personal attention and care needed, making this particular child's experience as positive as possible. Vicki is a family child care provider in Cedar City, UT. She has provided help for parents who are trying to rebuild their lives. In one case, she provided care for a little girl while her father was in jail and her mother was working, but not earning a lot.…”