Yahia Williams, who owns a Bronx child care center, is hugged by her daughter. Williams, who was honored with a Community Champion Award, is immensely proud of child care providers’ hard work. “We get the children ready for the next stage,” she says. “Years after they leave you, when they go to higher education, they still keep in touch with you.”

Flanking the winners of the Outstanding Professional Services Award are UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter Leader Tammie Miller (far left) and Chapter Vice Chair Melissa Reed (far right).

UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter Leader Tammie Miller welcomes the crowd: “In a world increasingly challenged by the erosion of core values such as kindness, acceptance, truth and fairness, your role in shaping the future becomes even more critical.”

UFT President Michael Mulgrew salutes the attendees. Since the pandemic, he says, “It is no longer a question that we need to provide early childhood care for every family.”

Accepting their Chapter Leadership Awards from Chapter Leader Tammie Miller (second from left) and Chapter Vice Chair Melissa Reed (far right) are honorees Lashanda Fraser (far left) and Wanda Peguero (second from right).

Merit Award winners stand with UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter Leader Tammie Miller (far left) and Chapter Vice Chair Melissa Reed (far right).

Community Champion Award winner Nickashia M. London (seated, center) celebrates with her guests.

Manhattan Borough Advocate Curtis Young, acting on behalf of Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, presents a proclamation honoring Chapter Leader Tammie Miller.

Friends and family cheer for the honorees during the UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter’s 11th annual Provider Appreciation Awards Ceremony.

UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford (center) accepts a Union Leadership Award from UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter Leader Tammie Miller (right) and Chapter Vice Chair Melissa Reed (left). Addressing the crowd, Alford said, “As a working mom of four, you all were my saving grace.”