DARMSTADT, Germany — Family Child Care providers usually aren’t the ones being taken care of, but last week that all changed.

On Friday, military community leaders visited the homes of FCC providers, offering certificates of appreciation, bouquets of roses, sweets and candles.

“FCC providers do so much for the community,” said Lt. Col. Mark Landers, commander of the 233rd Base Support Battalion, during a visit to a playground on Lincoln Village.

“They expand our capabilities in child care as a team. They’re a great asset and we couldn’t do what we do without them.”

MarDee Spurgeon and her six young charges blew bubbles and chased each other around during the visit.

“I always say I have the best job in the world,” Spurgeon said to Landers after he thanked her for her work.

As part of National Child Care Provider Day, celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day, providers in Darmstadt were recognized for their efforts in caring for children of working military parents.

The commander, along with officials from Child and Youth Services and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation department, showed their appreciation by visiting homes, meeting with providers face-to-face and taking some time out to play with the children.

“This is my career, not just a job,” said Alma Bilbao, during a visit to her home in Jefferson Village early Friday morning. “I love it and I get rewarded for it. I can receive college credit for the work I do and I could get a scholarship through the military by being an FFC provider.”

Bilbao, who had transformed her home into a day-care center in the year she’s been working as an FCC provider, said she had never been visited by top military officials before and was honored by the time they took out to thank her.