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.

The staff at Queensville YMCA are amazing! They’re so welcoming and put a lot of effort in everything that they do. Thank you for being patient and creating a safe pleasant environment for the kids. We truly appreciate all your hard work!
From Sarmini, Kajan & Akshayan
To Educators in Escarpment view center:
Thank you so much for the wonderful work, endless patience, and incredible love and support you give to our child every single day.
Knowing our little one is in such a safe, warm. And nurturing environment brings us so much peace of mind. Your dedication helps our child grow with confidence and joy. We appreciate everything you do more than words can say!
Hazel&Alan
From Hazel&Alan
An adult with blond hair and sunglasses on their head is smiling and lifting a small child with blond hair and leopard print sweater. They stand in front of cubbies at a child care centre
To the educators of Meadowvale YMCA,
Thank you for your support with transitioning our daughter to the infant room! While it’s only been a little over a month of care, we confidently drop her off each day knowing she is surrounded by caring educators who support her and provide her a place of belonging. Having a child who is so excited to go each day is such a blessing and everyone we meet knows her by name. She truly feels like she belongs and is learning new things each day. It’s truly the best feeling as a new parent!
From The Day Family
Just want to take the time out just to let the my child teachers know how much I really appreciate them..since my daughter started I've seen a big change in her development skills....her teacher her so hands on with her..they never miss a beat..they keep you upto date with her daily activities..so I just want you all to know that has not been unnoticed..a special shout out to you all in the infant room..appreciate you all..God bless you...
From Kahlani Brown
YMCA Child Care Educators are amazing! We are so grateful for the wonderful, fun, safe, and nourishing environment they create for my child and all the children in our school. Child Care Educators are essential members of our community. They inspire and care for our children, help them grow, and support families.
From Manuela Murillo Conde
Dear Teresa and Tamara,
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you both for the love, care, patience, and kindness you show Aniyah, Julian and Jeremiah every day. ❤️
It means so much to us as parents to know that they are in the hands of educators who genuinely care for them, encourage them, and make them feel safe, valued, and supported. Your dedication and the little things you do each day do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for nurturing their growth, celebrating their uniqueness, and creating an environment where they can learn, grow, and simply be themselves. We are truly grateful for the positive impact you have on their lives.
From Tenisha Williams
The YMCA Team at Dr. Roberta Bondar is amazing!
We had 2 wonderful years in the Kindie Room and now in the School Age room and still very pleased.
Keep up the fantastic work!
From Lindsey, Adam & Perrin
Welcoming
From Woolridge
Impactful
From Monique
A young child with pigtails runs by a large sign advertising ice cream
To all the lovely educators at Thornhill Brownridge YMCA Child Care Centre,
We just wanted to take a moment to say a very heartfelt thank you to each of you. ❤️
As parents, leaving our little one in someone else’s care is never easy, but knowing she is surrounded by people who genuinely care about her has given us so much comfort. We can see how happy and excited she is to come to daycare, and that says so much about the love and care you give her every day.
THANK YOU💕🌹
From Tiana D. Family
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for giving my daughter the opportunity to be part of the YMCA family at Hanson Road. We feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have such wonderful educators caring for her.
The educators are so friendly, caring, and responsive. They have taken care of my baby with so much love and attention, just like she is their own. A special thank you to Lakmali, who has become my daughter’s favourite teacher. ❤️
Thank you to the entire team for all the love, patience, and care you give every day. Keep doing the amazing work, guys—you truly are the best YMCA branch! We are so happy to be part of this wonderful family. ❤️
From Vigneshwar
Words cannot express enough how greatful I am for the team at St. Catherine of Siena's before and after school program! Elicia C, is the most awsome Mentor I have ever met! With the perfect balance of kindness, compassion and leadership driving children of all ages to thrive, learn and have fun before and after school! Thank you so much for making our first experience in Jk so special, my son and I will always be greatful for your approach and support in both our transitions from daycare to Jk. You are everything YMCA should want in a team member! Keep shining and sharing your light with our little ones ♡ You can always tell when someone loves what they do and that is what I see every single day when I drop and pick up my son from this team! Thank you for all that you guys do, you're role in our children's lives makes all the difference, the smile and happy stories I get when I pick up my son is all because of the dedication of this team!
From Vanessa Poloniato
A young child sits between two adults. They are in front of neon sign that says Toronto.
Thank you to all the wonderful educators and staff at St. Peter’s YMCA! Leo joined St. Peter’s just recently, and we are so grateful for how warmly you welcomed him and helped him settle into his new environment. As parents, it means so much to know that he is spending his days with people who are patient, caring, and genuinely excited to see him. We really appreciate all the little things you do every day to make him feel safe, happy, and loved. Thank you for taking such good care of Leo and for making St. Peter’s such a special place for our family. ❤️
From With love, Leo & Family ❤️
Thank you for creating such a safe, warm, and happy environment for our child at Toronto YMCA Family Development Child Care Centre. Knowing that our child is in such good hands gives us so much peace of mind. Happy Educator Appreciation Day!
From Henry’s family
Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day! 💙
Today, we celebrate and honour each of you for the incredible difference you make in the lives of children and families every day.
Your commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments helps lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Your kindness, patience, creativity, and dedication help shape children's earliest experiences and create environments where they feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. The care you provide, the relationships you build, and the countless moments of encouragement and support you offer do not go unnoticed.
Working in early learning and child care is more than a profession. It is a commitment to nurturing potential, fostering belonging, and helping children develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. The relationships you build with children, families, and colleagues make a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
We are grateful for your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and the warmth you bring to this important work. On this special day, we want to acknowledge the difference you make in the lives of children and families every day.
Today and every day, we celebrate you and all that you contribute. Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
From S. Santos
A young child sits on a rug and plays with plastic animals
On the occasion of Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Scarborough CD Farquharson YMCA Child Care Centre.
We are truly grateful for the amazing care, patience, kindness, and attention you provide to my daughter and all the children every day. Your dedication creates a safe, nurturing, and happy environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported.
Thank you for the wonderful work you do and for the positive difference you make in the lives of so many families. Wishing the entire team continued success, happiness, and all the very best. Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
From Varnika’s family
Dear Amutha ,Amanda and all the educators ,
Thank you so much for all the love, care, patience, and kindness you show Ryan every day.
We truly appreciate everything you do to help him learn, grow, and feel happy and comfortable.
Thank you for being such an important part of Ryan’s little journey. We are so grateful for each of you! ❤️
From Ryan zhang’s family
We are so happy with your YMCA Child Care Educators at Queen of Heaven in Mississauga, Shannon and her team are absolutely amazing! They have helped my 4 year old daughter really transition well into JK; and she absolutely loves them already in such a short period! We are so grateful and lucy to really have educators that care. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
From Kemi and the A Family
A young smiling child with curly shoulder-length hair and purple sweater
Thank you so much to the entire Mazo team for always treating Remi like one of your own. ❤️ We are so grateful for the love, care, and patience you show her every single day. It means so much to us knowing she is surrounded by people who genuinely care about her, celebrate her, and make her feel so loved and safe. We appreciate everything you do for Remi more than you know! 💕
From Remi Taylor Sam
Thank you to the Orangeville Princess Elizabeth YMCA team for your ongoing creativity and support for children’s learning. You go above and beyond to plan exciting activities and experiences for all the children after an exhausting day at school. Thank you for all you do
From Your supervisors J & C


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

Let's celebrate YMCA Child Care Educators!


The information below is for internal use only and will NOT be shared publicly.