On Saturday, April 27 the Bay Area Professional Family Child Care Network (BAPFCCN) celebrated their second Annual Provider Appreciation Dinner. The event was a joyful and inspiring evening with over 100 attendees that included Family Child Care business owners, child care advocates, and leaders from multiple Bay Area Counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo Santa Clara, and Solano.
First 5 Contra Costa’s Executive Director Ruth Fernández and First 5 Contra Costa Commission Chair John Jones attended the event among other local leaders and shared words of appreciation for the critical role of early care and education professionals.
BAPFCCN President Benu Chhabra and Treasurer Khulood Kanan Jamil led an inspiring and energizing program that included an impressive lineup of elected officials including several City of Concord Councilmembers: Mayor Edi Birsan, Vice Mayor Carlyn Obringer, and Councilmember Laura Nakamura; City of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe, and representatives from the Office of Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson.
The evening showcased many recognitions, awards, and proclamations from legislative offices including a proclamation received from Congressman Mark Desauliner, Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson, and Senator Steve Glazer, as well as a City of Antioch Mayor’s certificate of recognition from Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe.
“Child Care is essential, and our families, our communities, our economy, and our nation are better off because of the essential role of child care providers,” said Ruth Fernández. “Young children need nurturing and positive relationships to reach their optimal development and we depend on the child care workforce to ensure young children and their families can thrive.”
About the Bay Area Professional Family Child Care Network:
The Bay Area Professional Family Child Care Network is a non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting family child care providers of Contra Costa County to reach higher standards consistent with current research in the early care and education field by providing resources, information and training to enhance a safe and healthy home environment for children and families. The organization is also a vehicle for developing a sense of community among family child care providers by promoting peer support and camaraderie through various programs and activities.
