I knew how lucky we were to have Taniel in our lives when my daughter started saying "I just wish you were Taniel" every night when I tucked her in to bed.
From Eleanor & Family
YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO
"You Are Appreciated!"
Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, October 21, 2026
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.
Thank you so much to Jojo and Laura at Reesor Park for helping with the JK transition and for making sure the kids are always having fun!
From Wells & Family
To my team at Windham Ridge YMCA,
Thank you so much for all that you do each and every day to provide a fun, safe, and engaging program for the children in our care. Your dedication, passion, and commitment are truly remarkable, and I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing group of educators.
Thank you for the positive impact you make in the lives of our children and families every day. Your hard work and care do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for all that you do each and every day to provide a fun, safe, and engaging program for the children in our care. Your dedication, passion, and commitment are truly remarkable, and I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing group of educators.
Thank you for the positive impact you make in the lives of our children and families every day. Your hard work and care do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.
From Sejal
Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day! To all the staff members at the YMCA HANSON RD LOCATION! ❤️
Today, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to the incredible ladies in the infant room, Haifa, Leila, Irina, and Belle.
As a mother, entrusting your infant to the care of others is never an easy decision. However, from the moment my daughter began attending childcare at just three months old, these wonderful ladies have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that she feels safe, comfortable, loved, and cared for.
They have played such an integral role in my daughter's growth and development, and I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact their dedication, patience, and compassion have had on her. What I appreciate most is that they have always been mindful of her young age, her individual needs, and her comfort, ensuring that she receives care that is both nurturing and developmentally appropriate.
Every day, I have had the peace of mind of knowing that my daughter is in capable and loving hands. She has always been clean, well-fed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. As a mother with an infant in childcare, I truly could not ask for anything more.
Haifa, Leila, Irina, and Belle, please know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. You are so much more than childcare educators. You are an essential part of the lives of the children you care for, helping to build the foundation for their confidence, security, learning, and development.
The love, kindness, and attention you have shown my daughter mean more to me than words can adequately express. It takes a very special person to care for someone else's child with such genuine warmth and dedication, and I feel incredibly fortunate that my daughter has all four of you in her life.
Thank you for treating my daughter with the same tenderness, patience, and consideration that every parent hopes their child will receive. Thank you for being part of her earliest milestones and for making her first childcare experience such a positive one.
On this special day, I hope you all feel as appreciated and valued as you truly deserve. Your work makes a lasting difference, not only in the lives of the children you nurture but also in the lives of the families who place their trust in you.
With heartfelt gratitude and appreciation,
thank you for everything you do. ❤️
Today, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to the incredible ladies in the infant room, Haifa, Leila, Irina, and Belle.
As a mother, entrusting your infant to the care of others is never an easy decision. However, from the moment my daughter began attending childcare at just three months old, these wonderful ladies have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that she feels safe, comfortable, loved, and cared for.
They have played such an integral role in my daughter's growth and development, and I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact their dedication, patience, and compassion have had on her. What I appreciate most is that they have always been mindful of her young age, her individual needs, and her comfort, ensuring that she receives care that is both nurturing and developmentally appropriate.
Every day, I have had the peace of mind of knowing that my daughter is in capable and loving hands. She has always been clean, well-fed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. As a mother with an infant in childcare, I truly could not ask for anything more.
Haifa, Leila, Irina, and Belle, please know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. You are so much more than childcare educators. You are an essential part of the lives of the children you care for, helping to build the foundation for their confidence, security, learning, and development.
The love, kindness, and attention you have shown my daughter mean more to me than words can adequately express. It takes a very special person to care for someone else's child with such genuine warmth and dedication, and I feel incredibly fortunate that my daughter has all four of you in her life.
Thank you for treating my daughter with the same tenderness, patience, and consideration that every parent hopes their child will receive. Thank you for being part of her earliest milestones and for making her first childcare experience such a positive one.
On this special day, I hope you all feel as appreciated and valued as you truly deserve. Your work makes a lasting difference, not only in the lives of the children you nurture but also in the lives of the families who place their trust in you.
With heartfelt gratitude and appreciation,
thank you for everything you do. ❤️
From Mulki Hezekia
To The Y Staff at Bondar,
My daughter and I want to thank you for being a family away from home! The attentiveness, love, kindness and care you have shown not only my daughter but myself is beyond exceptional! We’ll forever be a Y family because of you all.
Happy ECE Appreciation Day!!
Thank you Kora, Sam, Anastasia and Dawn! You have been amazing since the beginning and I am forever grateful for you.
My daughter and I want to thank you for being a family away from home! The attentiveness, love, kindness and care you have shown not only my daughter but myself is beyond exceptional! We’ll forever be a Y family because of you all.
Happy ECE Appreciation Day!!
Thank you Kora, Sam, Anastasia and Dawn! You have been amazing since the beginning and I am forever grateful for you.
From Estrada Family 💙
It takes a special kind of person to care for and nurture someone else’s little one, and we are so grateful for each of you. Thank you for welcoming our daughter with so much warmth, helping her learn and grow, and making her feel safe and loved. Seeing her come home happy and excited about her day means more to us than you know. Thank you for everything you do! ❤️
From From Isla's Family
To the Toddler team at Good Shepherd YMCA,
Thank you for helping Leo adjust to his new daycare and for making him feel safe, loved, and happy every day. We appreciate you so much!
Thank you for helping Leo adjust to his new daycare and for making him feel safe, loved, and happy every day. We appreciate you so much!
From Leo’s Family ❤️
A Little Thank You from Trishan’s Family ❤️
Dear Ishani, Mehak, Jowena, and Meena,
Thank you so much for all the love, care, patience, and happiness you bring into Trishan’s little world. 🥰 As parents, it means so much to know that our little one is surrounded by people who make him feel loved, safe, and happy.
Ishani ❤️ — Trishan is always ready to come to you! It melts my heart when he tells me, “Ishani will do it,” whenever I try to do something with him. And when he asks, “Ishani will give momos?” it makes me smile every time! These little moments show just how much he loves and trusts you. ❤️
Mehak 💕 — Trishan loves having fun and doing masti with you! It’s so sweet to see how much he enjoys your company and all the fun moments you share with him. Thank you for making his days so joyful and full of laughter. 😊
Jowena 🌸 — Thank you for being part of Trishan’s little journey and for all the care, kindness, and support you give him. We truly appreciate everything you do for him.
Meena ❤️ — Even though you’re no longer part of Toddler 2, Trishan still remembers you and tries to tell me little things about you in his own adorable way. That really shows the special bond you’ve created with him. Thank you for leaving such a lovely mark on his little heart.
At just two years old, Trishan may not always have the words to express his feelings, but the little things he says and remembers tell us so much about the people who make him feel special.
Thank you all for being such a beautiful part of his growing-up years. We feel truly grateful to have you in his life. You’re not just his teachers; you’re people he loves, trusts, and will carry sweet memories of as he grows. ❤️
With lots of love and heartfelt appreciation,
Trishan’s Family 💕
Dear Ishani, Mehak, Jowena, and Meena,
Thank you so much for all the love, care, patience, and happiness you bring into Trishan’s little world. 🥰 As parents, it means so much to know that our little one is surrounded by people who make him feel loved, safe, and happy.
Ishani ❤️ — Trishan is always ready to come to you! It melts my heart when he tells me, “Ishani will do it,” whenever I try to do something with him. And when he asks, “Ishani will give momos?” it makes me smile every time! These little moments show just how much he loves and trusts you. ❤️
Mehak 💕 — Trishan loves having fun and doing masti with you! It’s so sweet to see how much he enjoys your company and all the fun moments you share with him. Thank you for making his days so joyful and full of laughter. 😊
Jowena 🌸 — Thank you for being part of Trishan’s little journey and for all the care, kindness, and support you give him. We truly appreciate everything you do for him.
Meena ❤️ — Even though you’re no longer part of Toddler 2, Trishan still remembers you and tries to tell me little things about you in his own adorable way. That really shows the special bond you’ve created with him. Thank you for leaving such a lovely mark on his little heart.
At just two years old, Trishan may not always have the words to express his feelings, but the little things he says and remembers tell us so much about the people who make him feel special.
Thank you all for being such a beautiful part of his growing-up years. We feel truly grateful to have you in his life. You’re not just his teachers; you’re people he loves, trusts, and will carry sweet memories of as he grows. ❤️
With lots of love and heartfelt appreciation,
Trishan’s Family 💕
From Trishan’s Family
There not like us !!!! YMCA Norman G Power !!!I To the amazing educators that I’m so blessed to work side by side. I thank you for making my day better and the love that you show to our children in our care and the parents. I so appreciate all of you and it’s a pleasure to be your supervisor. Thank you to the wonderful colleagues that are like family. ❤️
From Dal lanteri
My daughter loves coming to YMCA and playing with her friends. Zahra always makes her feel loves and a fun environment where she can grow and develop. Thank you
From Cyra
To all of the amazing educators at Milton St Veronica Y-
Hudson has been with you since he was hardly over a year old. I have watched him grow from the infant room, to toddler two to preschool two… and the care, passion and dedicated from the educators in each room has never wavered. He loves going to “my big school” every day, and that is because of all of you! You do so much more than meets the eye and I’m so thankful for the love you give our Huddy each and every day. We will be sad to leave next September when he goes to his real “big school”, but I know that you have all set him up for nothing but success when he gets there.
Another shout out to Cristina, who runs the centre amazingly. She had my older son, Gavin, with her at Milton EC Drury years ago and I was so happy to see her once again at this location for Hudson when we enrolled him.
A special shout out to my former colleagues at the Y- working out of a couple different sites in Mississauga. Vanessa, Jenny and Shahed are three of the very best educators and I have learned so much from each of them as colleagues and friends.
Hudson has been with you since he was hardly over a year old. I have watched him grow from the infant room, to toddler two to preschool two… and the care, passion and dedicated from the educators in each room has never wavered. He loves going to “my big school” every day, and that is because of all of you! You do so much more than meets the eye and I’m so thankful for the love you give our Huddy each and every day. We will be sad to leave next September when he goes to his real “big school”, but I know that you have all set him up for nothing but success when he gets there.
Another shout out to Cristina, who runs the centre amazingly. She had my older son, Gavin, with her at Milton EC Drury years ago and I was so happy to see her once again at this location for Hudson when we enrolled him.
A special shout out to my former colleagues at the Y- working out of a couple different sites in Mississauga. Vanessa, Jenny and Shahed are three of the very best educators and I have learned so much from each of them as colleagues and friends.
From Jordan, Gavin and Hudson
To the wonderful teachers who have been a part of Anayat’s little world, ❤️
Thank you for loving her, caring for her, comforting her on the difficult days, celebrating her little achievements, and making her feel safe and happy away from home.
As parents, leaving our little one in someone else’s care isn’t always easy. But knowing she had teachers who cared for her with patience, warmth, and genuine love gave us so much peace.
You have been part of so many of her firsts, little discoveries, giggles, friendships, and growing moments—and that makes you a special part of her childhood that we will always remember.
Thank you for helping our little girl grow, one beautiful day at a time. We are truly grateful for each of you. ❤️
With love and appreciation,
Anayat & Family
Thank you for loving her, caring for her, comforting her on the difficult days, celebrating her little achievements, and making her feel safe and happy away from home.
As parents, leaving our little one in someone else’s care isn’t always easy. But knowing she had teachers who cared for her with patience, warmth, and genuine love gave us so much peace.
You have been part of so many of her firsts, little discoveries, giggles, friendships, and growing moments—and that makes you a special part of her childhood that we will always remember.
Thank you for helping our little girl grow, one beautiful day at a time. We are truly grateful for each of you. ❤️
With love and appreciation,
Anayat & Family
From Anayat kaur ghotra
A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful toddler educators at Newmarket Alexander Muir YMCA Child Care Centre!
My daughter is very sensitive and usually takes a long time to feel comfortable in a new environment. Thanks to your kindness, patience, and care, she settled in within just a few days. Now, every time I drop her off, she happily waves and says “bye-bye” to me!
Seeing her feel so happy and comfortable means so much to our family. Thank you for making her feel safe, loved, and welcome.
My daughter is very sensitive and usually takes a long time to feel comfortable in a new environment. Thanks to your kindness, patience, and care, she settled in within just a few days. Now, every time I drop her off, she happily waves and says “bye-bye” to me!
Seeing her feel so happy and comfortable means so much to our family. Thank you for making her feel safe, loved, and welcome.
From Elaine‘s Mom
Thank you to all the wonderful educators at Reesor Park YMCA!
We truly appreciate the care, patience, and kindness you show the children every day. It’s wonderful to see Max growing, learning, and enjoying his time at daycare.
Thank you for creating such a welcoming and caring environment for the children.
We truly appreciate the care, patience, and kindness you show the children every day. It’s wonderful to see Max growing, learning, and enjoying his time at daycare.
Thank you for creating such a welcoming and caring environment for the children.
From Max and Family
Happy Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day to all the amazing educators at Cedar Glen YMCA! ❤️
We just want to say how incredibly grateful we are for each of you who has been part of Antonio’s journey. From the Infant Room, to Toddler 1, and now Preschool 2, it has been so beautiful watching him grow, learn, become more independent, and gain so much confidence.
Thank you for all the love, patience, support, and care you have given Antonio along the way. He truly loves and cares for all of you, and we are so thankful for the special bonds he has created with his educators. ❤️
The Preschool 2 educators have already been amazing, and I’m in awe of how much Antonio has grown since joining the room. 🥹
Thank you for everything you do each and every day and for making Cedar Glen feel like a second home to Antonio. We appreciate all of you more than you know! ❤️
We just want to say how incredibly grateful we are for each of you who has been part of Antonio’s journey. From the Infant Room, to Toddler 1, and now Preschool 2, it has been so beautiful watching him grow, learn, become more independent, and gain so much confidence.
Thank you for all the love, patience, support, and care you have given Antonio along the way. He truly loves and cares for all of you, and we are so thankful for the special bonds he has created with his educators. ❤️
The Preschool 2 educators have already been amazing, and I’m in awe of how much Antonio has grown since joining the room. 🥹
Thank you for everything you do each and every day and for making Cedar Glen feel like a second home to Antonio. We appreciate all of you more than you know! ❤️
From Antonio Martins & Family
To Sherry and Susie, and all of the amazing YMCA educators.
Thank you for everything you do each and every day. ❤️ Your patience, kindness, encouragement, and dedication mean more than you know. Thank you for creating a safe, welcoming, and happy place where children can learn, grow, laugh, and simply be themselves.
We truly appreciate all the little things you do that make such a big difference. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have such caring educators helping our children along the way.
Thank you for being such an important part of their lives! 💕
Ashley & Olivia
Thank you for everything you do each and every day. ❤️ Your patience, kindness, encouragement, and dedication mean more than you know. Thank you for creating a safe, welcoming, and happy place where children can learn, grow, laugh, and simply be themselves.
We truly appreciate all the little things you do that make such a big difference. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have such caring educators helping our children along the way.
Thank you for being such an important part of their lives! 💕
Ashley & Olivia
From Ashley and Olivia
To the team at Oscar Peterson YMCA in Stouffville,
You are amazing, and we can't think of anywhere else we'd rather have our child be! We've only been at the Y for a short time, but the care you provide is second to none. Our child has already learned so much, and we know this is just the beginning.
Thank you for everything you do! ❤
You are amazing, and we can't think of anywhere else we'd rather have our child be! We've only been at the Y for a short time, but the care you provide is second to none. Our child has already learned so much, and we know this is just the beginning.
Thank you for everything you do! ❤
From Nikki, Jesse and Lukas
We are incredibly grateful for daycare in Missisauga (Hanson Rd) and for all the wonderful people who have been part of our son’s journey.
I brought my son Nazar here when he was only 7 months old, and leaving my baby for the first time was not easy. But Leila, Hifa, Irina, and all the other caregivers in his first room made this transition so much easier for us.
I will always have a very special place in my heart for his first caregivers. They cared for my little baby with so much warmth, tenderness, patience, and love. They comforted him when he cried, celebrated his little achievements, and made him feel safe and loved. As a mother, there is no greater gift than knowing that your child is in caring hands when you cannot be there yourself.
I could see how happy and comfortable he was with them, and that gave me so much peace of mind. His first caregivers were such an important part of his early months, and I will always be thankful that they were the ones caring for him during that special time.
Now he is in the toddler room, and we are very happy with his experience there as well. It is amazing to see how much he has grown, learned, and developed since those first days.
Thank you to the entire team for everything you do for the children every day. And a very special thank you to Leila, Hifa, Irina, his first caregivers, and to the director Sajia for making our experience so positive and meaningful.
We truly appreciate you more than words can say ❤️
I brought my son Nazar here when he was only 7 months old, and leaving my baby for the first time was not easy. But Leila, Hifa, Irina, and all the other caregivers in his first room made this transition so much easier for us.
I will always have a very special place in my heart for his first caregivers. They cared for my little baby with so much warmth, tenderness, patience, and love. They comforted him when he cried, celebrated his little achievements, and made him feel safe and loved. As a mother, there is no greater gift than knowing that your child is in caring hands when you cannot be there yourself.
I could see how happy and comfortable he was with them, and that gave me so much peace of mind. His first caregivers were such an important part of his early months, and I will always be thankful that they were the ones caring for him during that special time.
Now he is in the toddler room, and we are very happy with his experience there as well. It is amazing to see how much he has grown, learned, and developed since those first days.
Thank you to the entire team for everything you do for the children every day. And a very special thank you to Leila, Hifa, Irina, his first caregivers, and to the director Sajia for making our experience so positive and meaningful.
We truly appreciate you more than words can say ❤️
From Nazar’s family
Happy Educators’ Appreciation Day! 🌸❤️
We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt THANK YOU for everything you have done for Saanvi at YMCA Middlebury Daycare.
It feels like just yesterday that Saanvi was in the toddler room, and now she has grown into a happy, curious little preschooler. Watching her grow and become more confident, independent, and comfortable has been such a joy for us as parents, and we know your love, care, patience, and guidance have been a big part of that journey.
Thank you for taking care of Saanvi with so much warmth and kindness, for making her feel safe and loved, and for all the little things you do every day that make such a big difference.
We are truly grateful that Saanvi has had such wonderful educators by her side during these important early years. ❤️
Thank you Alecia, Earlyn, Ghada and Andrea for being such a special part of Saanvi’s journey! 🌷
With heartfelt appreciation,
We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt THANK YOU for everything you have done for Saanvi at YMCA Middlebury Daycare.
It feels like just yesterday that Saanvi was in the toddler room, and now she has grown into a happy, curious little preschooler. Watching her grow and become more confident, independent, and comfortable has been such a joy for us as parents, and we know your love, care, patience, and guidance have been a big part of that journey.
Thank you for taking care of Saanvi with so much warmth and kindness, for making her feel safe and loved, and for all the little things you do every day that make such a big difference.
We are truly grateful that Saanvi has had such wonderful educators by her side during these important early years. ❤️
Thank you Alecia, Earlyn, Ghada and Andrea for being such a special part of Saanvi’s journey! 🌷
With heartfelt appreciation,
From Saanvi’s parents
These wonderful words from your warm wishes are sure to brighten the day of educators.
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