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.

My kids two kids were all in YMCA child care centre before they went to JK. Now they are in school but they still miss the day they spend in this centre with the educators. Our kids came home each day excited, confident, and full of stories—proof of the care, patience, and creativity you pour into every activity.

Thank you for creating a safe, inclusive space where they could try new things, make friends, and grow. From teaching teamwork and resilience to sparking curiosity and kindness, your impact reached far beyond everyday child care. We’re so grateful for the smiles you sparked, the skills you nurtured, and the unforgettable memories you helped create.

From Dangren

Thank you so much for always being there and supporting us. It truly makes a big difference in our lives, and we really appreciate it!

From Cacia &Kayla 's family

We all are so glad to have YMCA staff taking care off Shrimayi during the week.. it feels so good to see her all happy and excited when we pick her up.. she loves you all.. thanks a ton for everything that you do to make our lives smoother and also take care of our daughter!❤️

From Catherine, Jenny & everyone else who make Shrimayi so comfortable at YMCA!🙂

We absolutely ADORE the entire staff at St Columba YMCA! The love and commitment they display to my daughter (and family) are incomparable. It was definitely fate that brought us to this centre and I couldn't be more grateful to have found them. You guys are truly the best, and my family and I thank you immensely.

From Mondragon Family

Thank you all for your support, you are the only reason we can do our jobs worry free to provide for our loved ones, leaving them in your care.

From Avyaan’s parents

Dear YMCA Child Care Educators,

On behalf of my whole family, I want to thank you all for ALL that you do every single day to ensure the well being of our children. You do so much! From educating, to comforting, to disciplining, you do it all with compassion and empathy. We see you, we appreciate you, and we wouldn't be able to work and have structured days without you!

From Anthony Podrezo and family

I just want to take a moment to share how truly grateful I am for all of our YMCA Child Care Educators. I see every day how much heart, patience, and dedication you bring to your work. You create a space where children feel safe, cared for, and inspired — and that means so much.

Thank you for keeping the children engaged and helping them grow into kind, confident, and responsible members of our community. Your hard work often goes beyond what’s seen, but it never goes unnoticed.

I appreciate each of you for the warmth, laughter, and consistency you bring to our program. You make such a positive difference in the lives of the children and in our team every single day.

From Ash

Thank you for all of the fun times and snacks!

From Leo Colletti

I appreciate the love, care and attention my daughter gets while at after-care. I trust the way they run the program and are consistently making changes to improve the level of safety and comfort of the kids. Sending Love to all the YMCA Child Care Educators

From Jessie

Thanks to all child care educators.

Lots of love from me to you all.

I appreciate you all for your care, love and support.

From Grace

Thank you so much for the love, care, and patience you show every day. We truly appreciate the positive impact you’ve had on our child’s growth and development. You make such a difference, and we’re grateful for all that you do!

From Fatemeh

Happy Educator Appreciation Day to all YMCA child care educators! You are the big-hearted heroes who nurture, protect, and inspire our children every single day. By creating safe spaces where children can grow, learn, and thrive, you give parents the priceless gift of peace of mind and comfort. Your patience, creativity, and compassion truly make the world brighter. Thank you for all that you do — I appreciate you not just today, but every day.

From Rori Caffrey

Thank you for being a second home to our child! Our daughter enjoys her time at after school care. She narrates at home her daily interactions with her teachers who provide a safe and secure environment for play and growth!

From Pooja Reddy

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