Play video
Educator Appreciation Day
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 truly appreciate all that you do for the children every day. Your care, love, and nurturing make such a big difference. It gives us peace of mind knowing our little ones are in good hands. Your role is so important, and we’re so thankful for the patience, kindness, and warmth you show.

A special thank you to Manreet, Maha, Zandra and Avneet,you are wonderful educators!

Thank you to everyone at the Mississauga Derry Wood centre for all that you do.

We appreciate you! ❤️

From Jeet' s Family

To the Educators of YMCA Sir Samuel B. Steele,

Our hearts are always so full of gratefulness because of the kindness, patience and guidance you’ve been committing to our child, and to the children of our community.

Our lives and the future that our children will grow into is made incrementally better day after day thanks to each and every one of you.

May your days be always filled with blessings.

From Terry’s family

Thank you to the amazing team at the Mary St. YMCA!

We haven't trusted anyone else with the care of our little guy until now and the staff in the Preschool room have blown all expectations out of the water. I can't tell you how impressed we are with their care and kindness. They've gone above and beyond to make sure our son, who has type 1 diabetes, is always safe and comfortable. We love Alisha, Whitney, Amber-Hope and all of the other awesome ECEs caring for him every day!

From Sarah

A big heartfelt thankyou to our amazing teachers — Ms. Eri, Ms. Alvina, and Ms. Janet!

Your warmth, patience, and endless love make such a difference every single day. Knowing that Norah is cared for and surrounded by kindness brings so much peace and gratitude to our hearts.

Thank you for every hug, every laugh, every moment.We see your hearts in all that you do.

You truly are our real-life superheroes!

From Norah's Family

Thank you for all the love, care, and teaching you share with our daughter every day.

We’re happy to see that daycare feels like a second home to her and her friends are like siblings.

We love watching her being supported as she finds her way.

We are infinitely thankful for this.

From Elisa Guido and family

Thank you for all the hard work of IRC YMCA educators! My son enjoys spending time here.

From Anna

Dear YMCA Hanson Team,

On behalf of our family, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation for all that you do. Your care, patience, and dedication make such a positive difference in Abdulrahman’s growth and happiness every day. We are truly grateful for the nurturing environment you create and the love you put into your work.

With sincere thanks and warm wishes,

From Abdulrahman Mahmoud’s Family

Many thanks to the Aurora Hartman YMCA team for making the very first months of our son’s daycare experience safe and joyful!

A special thank you to Jessica, Stevie, Shreya, Bibi, and Jessie for your kind and supportive care. He can’t wait for Mondays to see you again!

From Arvin’s Mom & Dad

The Thompson family thanks you all for your kindness and the dedication shown every day to the well being of our daughter and all the kids. She transitioned to JK and managed a room change without skipping a beat because of your support. She is happy to go to school every day and loves her rainbow scratchies!

From Thompson family

To the amazing educators at St. Kateri, thank you just isn't enough! Ellie’s success at school is because of the warmth, kindness and dedication from all staff!

From Courtney Gibson

Thank you to all of the amazing staff at YMCA Bolton for everything you do! It’s not easy leaving your kids all day but knowing they’re being cared for, loved, fed and challenged by wonderful people makes it a little bit easier. We see what you do every day and you do it with a smile despite the challenges. Thank you for being patient, caring and supportive to our littles!!

From River

Thank you to all the caring educators! I am s0 thankful for you and all that you do caring for my precious girls throughout the years! I have peace knowing that they are cared for while I am at work. Thank you Loan, Kate, Leila, Aneela, Ashanti, Davinder, Crystal, Leena and all the staff thay help out ! Thank you Melissa for always promptly responding to my questions. You are all truly amazing. Thanks again for all that you do, we appreciate you!

From Talia's mom
To the staff at Toronto Lamp YMCA,

Thank you Mrs. Tanveer, Mrs.Annakae, and Mrs. Gifty for being Cyera's first childcare educators along her academic journey in her early years of life! You are all appreciated!!! Thank you as well to all the other amazing staff at this centre who contributed to this aspect of her toddler years.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!

~Zaynab & Cyera~
From Cyera and Zaynab

Big shoutout to the amazing Early Childhood Educators at the Bolton YMCA! 💛

Thank you for everything you do for Jaxon — for playing with him, teaching him, and helping him grow every single day. Your patience, care, and kindness mean so much to us, and we’re so grateful for the positive impact you have on his life!

From Ashley Catalano Grimmer

As Mayor of the Town of Caledon, I want to share my heartfelt thanks to our incredible child care workers and early childhood educators.

Every day, through your care, patience, and unwavering commitment, you help nurture young minds and support families in ways that leave a lasting impact. Your dedication helps shape a brighter future for our children and builds a stronger, more compassionate community for us all.

From Mayor Annette Groves

Thank you to the wonderful humans at HighPark YMCA. We appreciate your kind, thoughtful and caring presence.

From Corey and Juanita

To YMCA St. Jerome,

I would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication that you do. We are so grateful that you make everyday a day of discovery and wonder for my child.Thank you for treating our child with such love and care, it’s comforting to know they are in such a wonderful hands.We are grateful for your kindness especially on tough days.Your compassion shines through.

From Shiela

Thank you for helping me learn new things, like how to share, be kind, and try my best.

You make me feel happy and safe, and I love when you read me stories and give me hugs when I’m sad.

I like playing, painting, and singing with you. You make school fun every day!

I will always remember your smile and how much you care.

Thank you for loving me while I grow.

Love,


From Khloe

Dear Sindhu, Jasjeet & Amanpreet at Brampton Russell Barber YMCA Child Care Centre, thank you for helping me grow, play, and learn this year! Your hugs, songs, and smiles make my days so happy. I may be little, but I already know you’re someone very special.

With giggles and love,

From Karson

To all Credit Valley YMCA educators, thank you for the laughter, lessons, and love you share. You’re making a lasting difference in our children’s lives, and we appreciate you more than words can say. A special thank-you to… ❤️Shannon, Jo, Linda, Chelsea, and Angie❤️ - your care, energy, and positive spirit mean so much to our family. You truly go above and beyond every day, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. We love you all <3

From Hansen & Joy & family

Dear Mississauga Burnhamthorpe YMCA Child Care Centre, toddler room 2. Thank you for your patience, dedication, and the nurturing environment you create for our child and all the children in your care. The love and attention you show makes such a difference in their early development and happiness. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

From Martínez family

Dear Staff of North York St. Gabriel YMCA Child Care Centre. ❤️ THANK YOU! 🙏 Your hard work, patience, and love don't go unnoticed. You're making a difference in the lives of children and families every day. You bring smiles, laughter, and learning to our little ones. Thank you for all efforts Keep Going.God bless.

From Rihaan’s Family

Thank you so much for taking such great care of my daughter Ava. Everyone is so kind and thoughtful. Our family appreciates you so much.

From Natalie

Happy Teachers’ Day! 🌷(North Etobicoke Jr YMCA) Dear teachers, we want to take this special day to say thank you for everything you do for our little Olivia. In just a few months, we’ve seen how much love, patience, and dedication you put into caring for her and all the children every single day. Your kindness, creativity, and attention make a wonderful difference in her growth and happiness — and we truly appreciate it. Thank you for being such an important part of her early learning journey!


From Marco, Thaisa & Olivia

Dearest YMCA Bolton staff, you are all wonderful and have a special place in Alexander’s heart. From day one you have all treated him like one of your own. We are beyond grateful and blessed to have such wonderful educators in our lives! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you, thank you!

From Alexander and Laina

Dear Stouffville YMCA Child Care Team,

Thank you for taking care of our little humans. You make a difference every day and we are extremely grateful.

We truly appreciate your love, care and endless energy.

Special shout out to Thanusha, Ed, Stanley, Sam & Shaian.

From Aneesa

Dear Grace, Nimoh & Tatiana, I just want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for the warmth, care, and love you show every single day. It means the world to know Kavya is spending her day in such a nurturing and joyful environment. Your patience, creativity, and kindness don’t go unnoticed. From the smiles at drop-off to the stories we hear at home, it’s clear you create a space where children feel safe, supported, and truly cared for. I am so grateful for everything you do — not just as teachers, but as guiding lights in Kavya's early years. Thank you for all the heart you put into your work. You make a real difference. Thank you again :-)

From Sharada & Kavya

Thank you Mesk, Nav, Dani and Bharti so much for everything you do! Your kindness, patience, and care while our son adjusts to the St. Hilary YMCA Toddler daycare makes such a difference. Knowing he’s safe, supported, and smiling because of you means the world. You’re not just caregivers; you’re part of our village, and we’re so grateful for you every single day.

From From Gabriel M's parents

Thank you Mesk, Nav, Dani and Bharti so much for everything you do! Your kindness, patience, and care while our son adjusts to the St. Hilary YMCA Toddler daycare makes such a difference. Knowing he’s safe, supported, and smiling because of you means the world. You’re not just caregivers; you’re part of our village, and we’re so grateful for you every single day.

From From Gabriel M's parents

Thank you to the Forest Manor before and after school educators for your positive energy, fun programs and patience!! You are an important and special part of Avery's school experience. Thank you for all that you do!!!

From Avery and the Adomaitis Family


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