Louisville City Wire

On June 10, more than 70 child care providers in Jefferson County are attending the second annual Nurturing the Nurturer Child Care Provider Self-Care Summit. The free event, put on by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) and Child Care Aware of Kentucky, supports providers (infant through pre-K) by helping them feel empowered, connected, inspired and celebrated.

“Child care providers are essential in building a strong, healthy and vibrant city. They are nurturing and educating our future generation, while also supporting parents so they can work to provide for their family and community,” said Connie Mendel, the city’s interim chief health strategist. “Often, these caregivers are so busy pouring energy into our children that they forget to fill their own cups. This summit aims to remind them that self-care isn’t selfish and the importance of taking care of their mental and physical health.”  

“The goal of Nurturing the Nurturer is to bring relief and acknowledgement to all the work child care providers accomplish under very challenging circumstances,” said Hans Petersen, Jefferson regional child care administrator of Child Care Aware of Kentucky. “We want to see them walk away with a great experience, useful tips to help them in their daily lives, and know that they are valued, heard and seen.”  

Today’s summit, held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Founder’s Union Building at the University of Louisville, Shelby campus, offers several training sessions. Topics include self-care, ways to reduce stress in the classroom, classroom management and the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Upon completion, providers will receive training hours that will go toward their required 15 hours of annual training. City leaders are also taking part in Nurturing the Nurturer to recognize the tough job child care workers have.

“Parents are a child’s first teachers, and being a parent is harder now than ever. There’s nothing like knowing that your child is in a safe place with someone who enjoys them and is helping them to be their best,” said Leanne French, director of Louisville Metro’s Office of Early Childhood. “Mayor Greenberg is committed to making sure that every family has access to that kind of place for their children -- where they can play, learn and grow.  A place where their teachers and caregivers have the supplies, support and training they need to help children thrive.”  

Nurturing the Nurturer also includes vendor and community resource tables, door prizes and a free breakfast. For a full schedule of events, visit our health education page at louisvilleky.gov.  

Original source can be found here.