Step inside a YMCA child care centre in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and you’ll notice children actively engaged, exploring sensory activities, immersed in dramatic play, and experimenting creatively based on their interests.

What holds it all together is the team of educators engaging with the children, supporting one another, and creating a calm environment.

In our In Conversation with Educators series, YMCA employees explain why teamwork matters so much in child care. Their stories show not only how they support one another, but also why that support is valuable for anyone starting in the field.

Listening and growing together

Vanessa, a YMCA supervisor who began her career as a child care educator, explained that strong teams are built on honest conversations.

"I usually sit down with my team and say, ‘Help me understand where you’re coming from so I can support you,’ or maybe, ‘Give me your ideas.’ It’s all about a partnership and compromising as well."

In child care, no two children are alike and no two situations are the same. One moment, a preschooler is proudly showing their artwork, the next a toddler is in tears.

Having a team that pauses to say to each other, "tell me your perspective," means you are never facing those moments alone. Children feel secure and the classroom feels like a community when educators are in sync.

Appreciation in small moments

Susan, a YMCA supervisor who has led toddler and preschool programs, said that small gestures, like thanking her team for their hard work every day, make a big difference.

“They have a very tough job. [It’s about] being aware if they’re having a challenging time, because it can get overwhelming."

When educators feel seen and valued, they can pour that same care into the children. Appreciation and humour are not extras. They are the glue that holds a team together, especially in a field where the work is demanding. "It’s OK to laugh and have fun — I’m cracking up all the time," said Susan.

Relationships that build trust

Jennifer, a YMCA supervisor who mentors new staff, compared working with colleagues to building trust with children.

“They’re not just our staff. They are people we work with every single day. We have to build a relationship in order to get their trust and for us to learn with each other."

Trust within the team creates consistency for children. When educators trust one another, transitions are smoother and classrooms feel calmer. 

Stepping in for each other

Denzel, a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in the YMCA Before & After School program, has worked at three different centres across the GTA.

”Every centre I’ve been to the team was strong. When you were down, you had somebody step in for you…because all of them are going through the same experiences together. And when you have that team, it gets to a point where it doesn’t feel like a job anymore. Everything just runs so smoothly."

In a field where the days can be unpredictable, this kind of support is everything. It means knowing you can lean on your team when you need it and step up for them when it is your turn.

Togetherness that keeps people here

Shianne, an RECE who has worked in several YMCA programs, shared that a sense of belonging is what made her want to stay in child care.

"When you find where you want to be and the team that you work with, your supervisors and coworkers, your room partners, there’s that sense of, we’re all in this together. That’s what drew me in and why I was so comfortable staying. Without that sense of family, of feeling I’m not alone, I don’t think I could come to work every day."

Spending several hours a day with children and colleagues creates strong bonds. That togetherness, she said, is what keeps the work sustainable and what draws other educators into the field, too.

Inspiration that lifts everyone

Valerie, an RECE who started as a supply educator, remembered a moment when her colleague Petra brought joy and energy into the preschool room.

"She was in the preschool on one of the little tricycles with the kids, knees up past the handlebars, pedalling and laughing. The children were chasing her, yelling, ‘I can get you, Petra!’ And I thought, I really like working with her. You weren’t only making an impact on the kids, Petra; you made a big impact on me. That’s what I want when I walk in."

For Valerie, that moment showed how one educator’s enthusiasm can set the tone for both children and colleagues. 

When someone brings that kind of energy, it reminds everyone why they are there and makes the work feel lighter. 

Teams are not just about covering duties. They are about inspiring each other to bring joy into the classroom.

Why teamwork matters

A great child care team listens, appreciates, trusts, steps in, and inspires. Families notice it when they walk into a YMCA centre and see educators working side by side. Educators feel it in the support that carries them through long days.

At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, teamwork is more than dividing responsibilities. It is a culture of togetherness that ensures children are surrounded by adults who feel supported, valued, and inspired.

Because when educators thrive together, children thrive, too.