YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO

"You Are Appreciated!"

Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, October 21, 2025

The messages below were shared by families, coworkers, and community partners to celebrate and thank the incredible people who care for and inspire children.

Those who provide both care and programs for children bring light to every day—they ignite curiosity, confidence, and joy in the lives they touch. We’re deeply grateful for all that you do.

We’ve been with the YMCA St. Catherine of Alexandria for 8 years both always loving every day! Abby still with them, tells me every day at school drop off “remember mom I’m the last one to go home!” and everyone knows she is! The staff are truly amazing! kind, patient, fun, always treating the kids as their own, and making everyone feel welcome. I love how they make an effort to have a wide variety of activities for all kids to enjoy thinking of every child’s interests. They are a great team and of course that comes from a wonderful team Leader, thank you Janice!! We appreciate you all and are grateful for everything you do!

From Cordeiro family

Thank you all the Educators for the love ,care, dedication, kindness and generosity. We appreciate all that you do. You make a difference in so many lives. Happy ECE appreciation day to all. ❤️

From Lucy

I would like to take a share my deep gratitude for Brooklin St. Leo YMCA Child Care Centre and the educators. I couldn't ask for a better school for my children. My son in preschool 2 loves coming home and telling me about all fun things. And he always shares how kind and wise the educators are. He has made great progress with the help of his educators.

My daughter is in the infant room. I could see her truly enjoy school. The educators patiently told me everything about my daughter, even a little detail. The last time my daughter had a cough. And Ms. Roula suggested that It's better to take her to see a doctor and have her lungs checked. She was right! My daughter had timely treatment. I could feel the professionalism of the educators and their love for my child. Thank you all！🥰🥰🥰

From Camellia

To the Scarborough Fleming YMCA team. Thank you so much for all the love, patience, and care you give every single day. You make such a difference in the kids’ lives, and it’s clear how much heart you put into everything you do. Over the past year and a half, Theo has grown so much in confidence and happiness. It’s so great to see him excited to learn, share his day, and just be himself in a place where he feels safe and valued. Thank you for all you do! A special shout out to Ms. Bilge and Ms. Priyankah, you both go above and beyond to give the kids a space to explore, be curious, and discover new things every day. Theo truly enjoys all the programs and activities you plan, and it’s so great to see how excited he is to participate. We’re so grateful and thank you for everything you do!

From Vee, Sam and Theo ❤️

It means so much to us knowing that Akshiti is in such kind and capable hands. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for making YMCAA a place Akshiti loves to be. We are grateful for your efforts and going that extra mile to make our young one smile and feel loved

Thank you for being such a fantastic.

From Soni & Akhil Sukhija

My husband and I want to say thank you so much for taking a good care of the children in the infant class 1 like your own. Every time I drop off Jonathan in the morning, I see him so excited to see the teachers and friends. I can imagine he has a great day everyday with you :) Thank you, again, for all your efforts!

From Molina-Jang Family

Thank you YMCA ST. WILFRID for all that you do. You take care of the most precious things in our society, our children. They are the future, and your work is the foundation. We appreciate you and are grateful to you all!!!

From Vasquez Family

To the wonderful caretakers at Rouge Valley YMCA - Piriya, Udula, & Sophia, thank you so much for taking such amazing care of our Rose! She is truly so loved and seeing her arrive and come home so happy means the world to us. You all do such important work for our communities, and we are so thankful our child is in the best of hands. Rosie is taken care of like she is your own, and we are forever grateful! We will never forget the impact you have made on her life at such a young age.

From Sewrattan Family

Huge thank you to the YMCA at St Augustine! Almost one year my daughter has been in this child care center and we are very much pleased with the progress and care she has been receiving. Keep doing the great work as ECE’S and creating a safe environment, Everyone is appreciated by my family! Thank You!

From Kaisley’s Family

Dear Robin, Michelle, Monica, and all the wonderful educators at St. Peter’s YMCA. Thank you for making Eesa’s days so full of warmth, learning, and laughter. At just two years old, the world is still brand new to him — and you’ve made it feel safe, exciting, and full of song. Robin, your voice has become part of his little soundtrack — he sings your tunes at home with such joy. Michelle, your patience and playfulness help him explore and learn with confidence. Monica, your calm and steady approach keeps his days balanced and comfortable. And to everyone who helps out along the way — your kindness never goes unnoticed. You’ve turned Eesa’s early days into memories we’ll always cherish. Thank you for helping him grow, one happy song and smile at a time.

From Eesa and Family

To the team of Mississauga YMCA,

Thank you for making daycare a happy place for our son. You all have created a nurturing environment where he can thrive. Your influence on Viaan's early life is invaluable. Thank you so much for everything you do. We really appreciate it.

From Viaan's parents

Thank you Abby, Lana and Natalie for all your daily love, patience and care. Thank you to Doreida and all the lovely staff at the David Braley Child Care.

Me and my parents feel very blessed to have you all ♥️

From Oli and parents

Dear teachers,

Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of Marcus every day. We truly appreciate your kindness, patience, and all the love you show him. He talks about you at home with so much joy, and it means a lot to know he is in such caring hands.

With gratitude,

From Marcus mom and dad

To our amazing Shoba,

I don’t think I’ll be ever able to put into words the importance of you in our lives, specially in this past year.

Thank you for being this amazing Centre Coordinator, hands on Educator, for the calm and confident “it’s going to be okay, don’t worry!”.

There’s nothing cuter than the smile on our kid’s face when she says: “I played with Shoba today!”

Thank you for being you!

Lots of love and gratitude,

From Mendes Fam

Dear Leila, Hifa, Waqar, Irina and everyone else on the team in Infant room at YMCA Hanson Rd.

You are not just caregivers, you are guardians, and a friend to our Noah. Your passion for early childhood education shines through in everything you do. Thank you for creating a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and joy. We're lucky to have you!

From Noah’s Mom & Dad

A huge thank you to all the wonderful YMCA staff (Colonel JE Farewell) who dedicate their time, care, and energy to creating a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment for our little ones. Your patience, creativity, and kindness make such a lasting impact on children and families every single day.

We truly appreciate all that you do — for the smiles you inspire, the confidence you build, and the love you share. You make a world of difference! 🌈✨

With heartfelt gratitude

From Kaka Family

Thank you for all the great work you do! We appreciate your efforts making a fun, safe and educational space for children.

From Nick Croker & Alana Svilans

Thank you educators and staff YMCA Champlain trail. You are all incredible 🙏

From Ayush’s parents (Supriya and Aashray)

The lovely, kind and thoughtful educators at the Y have been supremely dialed in on the care for our daughter, Kriti at T1. Despite the challenges that the class has faced, the entire team has come together to provide continued learning, enablement and love. This is really what families do and so glad to experience this for our daughter and for the entire class.

Affectionately yours,

Kriti's Parents

From Kriti's Parents

Dear Michelle, we feel so lucky that you decided to dip your toes in Preschool right on Nina’s turn! Thank you for your amazing support, lessons and caring not only with her. Thank you for always checking in on each one of our family!

From The Mendes

Hi Jenny and Katherine, we wanted to send a huge thank you for everything you do for Isabel and for our family. We truly appreciate your hard work in making this transition easier for her. Most importantly, thank you for the kindness and care you consistently show us. Isabel always talks about her friends, and you two are always at the top of the list! Thank you so much!

From Isabel, David and Yuli

To our dear Kim, you’re caring, funny, kind, firm and goofy all at once. We love the way you have your own nickname for the girls, the fact you’ve been around our family so you see our boys and say: I can’t believe how big they are! We couldn’t have asked for a better first educator for our girls. You’ll always have a special place in our hearts!

From “Lizzy” and “Nins” Family

It’s hard to describe the work from the Milton YMCA team in a few words, or any number of words for that matter. On a good day, my daughter goes to school with a huge smile and n excitement for the day to come. And when I get her later, she giggles and laughs of all shenanigans she participated on the day. But even on worst days, when she gets to her classroom she seeks her educators for comfort and warmth. I see every day that the team knows her, her strengths and needs, and they make her feel welcome, understood and respected, and every one of her educators plays a different but converging role for her happiness.

From The SM Family

To all Markham Woodhaven YMCA childcare educators, I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the love, care, and dedication you show each day. Knowing that my child is in such a warm, nurturing, and encouraging environment means so much to me. The patience, creativity, and kindness you bring to your work truly make a difference—not only in their learning but also in their happiness and growth. Thank you for everything you do, both big and small. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed, and we are so thankful to have you as part of our child’s early journey.

From Sarmilan & Venika / Ahrushi Family 💫

To Amanda and team YMCA-St.Simon Stock. Thank you for all the effort and love, for taking care of Iana and all the children under your care. For making them safe and happy all the time. We appreciate your effort and hard work. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.. Thank you and we pray that God will bless your hearts and give you all good health!

From Apo Family

I know taking care of preschoolers are not easy, but your patience and care shine through my baby girl. I trust you with my most beautiful possession and your guidance has made a significant impact on her growth daily. She was learning new things and start communicating in English words. I really appreciate your extra care and Thank you for your hard work. A small selfie note from DIGVI.

From Ronitha

Thank you Ann Marie, Qian, Shazia and Sue from the Mississauga Valley Center for all that you do. Your kindness, patience and care while our daughter adjusts to the daycare makes a lot of difference. Knowing that she’s looked after, safe and smiling because of the positive environment you’ll create means a lot to us. Thank you for all the efforts you’ll put in to ensure a smooth transition and I already see so much progress in her. Lots of love to our extended family at the Y, we’re so grateful for all that you do.

From Pearl & Jude - Eliza’s parents - infant room

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

Thank you for all your patience, dedication, and all the love you pour into students. We truly appreciate the time and care you give to helping our child learn and grow every day.

From Tatum and his family

To the amazing staff whose been our biggest support in raising our kids, thank you so much. Thank you for creating a warm and nurturing environment where our child feels safe and love. Your dedication and kindness have made such a positive impact on our child's learning journey.We are so grateful in everything that you do.

From Diane De Vera

Dear Ms Tiffany , Ms Allison and Ms Janice ( YMCA teachers in Lydia Trulls P.S)

Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of Viaan every day. The warmth, patience, and kindness you show truly make a difference. Knowing he’s in such safe and caring hands before and after school gives us so much peace of mind. We appreciate all that you do — your energy, smiles, and the positive environment you create mean the world to us.

From Sandy, Rakesh and Viaan

These wonderful words from your warm wishes are sure to brighten the day of educators.

View messages from 2024 Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day