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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.

We are so very thankful for our wonderful educators at Derry Woods YMCA, who enrich our sons life and teach him so much. You are part of our village and we couldn't be more blessed. Thank you for all your love, patience and kindness.
From Joel and Joanna
To Ridgeway YMCA Mississauga,
Thanks you for nurturing the children with so much love and patience every single day. Knowing they are in such caring hands gives us complete peace of mind while at work. We have seen them grow and flourish so much under your guidance. Thank you for everything you do. Your endless energy, gentle heart, and creative activities make them excited to come to daycare every morning. We are so grateful for the positive impact you are having on their early years
From Moksha, Satish and Abhi
Teachers are the backbone of this daycare centre. The teachers across all age groups, whether in the infant, toddler, or preschool room, are just amazing. The best quality all the teachers share is the warmth and care they provide to all the children. We are blessed to have the YMCA as the daycare centre for my child.
From Anju Roy
Dear St. Hilary Toddler program (Neha, Sharanpreet, Misk, Zeenat, Samantha, and others)
Thank you for the incredible care, dedication, and kindness you show every day. Your patience, creativity, and commitment help create a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where my so can learn, grow, and thrive.
The positive impact you have on the children and their families goes far beyond the classroom. Your encouragement, warmth, and genuine love for what you do make a meaningful difference in each child's life.
My son absolutely loves Daycare and all the different and creative activities he experiences there.
We truly appreciate all the hard work, energy, and compassion you bring to your role as daycare educators. Thank you for being such wonderful role models and for helping shape bright futures every day.
With heartfelt gratitude, Thank You! ❤️🌷
From Gabriel M’s Parents
Thank you, dear educators, for loving our children so well! You bring them so bravely and caringly through the world, and we appreciate everything you do to support, celebrate, play, and learn with each of them in daily life. Thank you for being such a huge part of encouraging kindness, equity, and exploration in the next generation.
From Debra and family
🌟 Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day! 🌟
❤️Thank you for the care, patience, energy, creativity, and heart you bring to your work each and every day.
❤️Thank you for the countless little things you do that may sometimes go unnoticed...the comforting hugs, the encouraging words, the listening ears, the silly moments, the extra patience, and the way you make each child feel seen, heard, valued, and cared for.
❤️Thank you for creating spaces filled with belonging, curiosity, laughter, learning, and play.
❤️Thank you for supporting families, for supporting one another, and for continuing to show up with compassion and commitment, even on the challenging days.
❤️Most of all, thank you for being YOU. The relationships you build and the moments you create have an impact that reaches far beyond a single day in a child’s life.
From Sham D.
To all the wonderful educators,
Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of my daughter and for being such an important part of her journey. Every day, she looks forward to coming in and seeing all of you, which speaks volumes about the love, care, and warmth you provide. She has learned so much and continues to grow every day, and we are truly grateful for everything you do.
A special thank you to Kandeel, Sofiya, Aneesha, Hajra, and Suhaila for all your love and support along the way. A heartfelt thank you to her current educators, Waheeda and Chloe, for the care, patience, and encouragement you give her every day.
And a special thanks to Hayley for taking the time to observe her needs and ensuring she is placed in a classroom that is appropriate for her growth and development.
We truly appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for making her days so happy, meaningful, and full of learning. ❤️
From Zenab Wishiwala, Insiya's Mom
Hi, I am Esmie Mascarenhas, Hosanna Patros’ mom. She is a toddler under the care of Mavia and Yashdeep. Hosanna loves them! She is always excited to learn new activities and make friends while improving her social skills.
We are blessed to have such wonderful care and support. A special shout-out to Shawn, an absolutely amazing manager.
From Esmie Mascarenhas
To the wonderful Infant Room staff at Brooklin St. Leo YMCA Child Care Centre,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love, patience and care you have shown Jeremiah. Starting daycare was a big transition for him—and for us as parents—but you made that transition so much easier.
Seeing him go from tears at drop-off to no more tears and happily enjoying his days means more to us than we can say. Knowing that he feels safe, comfortable and cared for has given us such peace of mind.
Thank you for putting our hearts at ease and for reassuring us every day that Jeremiah is in such caring hands. We are truly grateful for everything you do for him. ❤️
From Mathew, Roshin and Jeremiah
Grayson spent three wonderful years at Derry Woods YMCA, and this September we sent him off to junior kindergarten, so proud of how far he's come.
To all the educators and support staff who were part of his journey: thank you for the care, patience, and genuine love you gave him every single day. You made this centre feel like a second home, and we are so grateful for everything you poured into him. He still talks about you, and he's already gone back for a visit with his dad because he missed you all so much.
Wishing every one of you a very happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day. You deserve it, and so much more!
From Karolina Phair
Thank you so so much for everything. Thank you for your help and dedication. You all shape the lives of people and you are very much appreciated.
From Lindsay, Shawn and Liana
A huge thank you and appreciation to all the educators at ymca at finch and sentinel. Thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding for my little DL. Each and everyone of you have been so helpful and I'm forever grateful.
From Irene
Happy Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day! Thank you to the incredible YMCA staff at Jean Hamlyn Orangeville Child Care for your dedication, care, and the positive impact you make every day for our children. As a mom, I couldn't be more grateful! ❤️
From Carina's Mom
To Madilyn’s wonderful YMCA educators,
Thank you for the love, patience, and care you give Madilyn every day. Knowing she is in a safe and caring environment means so much to me as her mother.
I appreciate the work you do to help her learn, grow, and feel included. Thank you for making a difference in her life and supporting our family.
Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day! ❤️
From Greeta, Madilyn's Mom
I would like to thank everyone at the Waverley YMCA Childcare program for all their dedication to these awesome children in the program. Without the educators , my granddaughter wouldn't be thriving the way she is. She has developed quite well. The educators are kind and patient and caring. Thank you for everything you all do.
From Renesmee and Nana
A huge thank-you to all of the educators and staff at the St. Veronica YMCA in Milton. We feel so lucky that our girls have had such wonderful care there so far. Those in the preschool rooms for our daughter who has now moved into kindergarten, and especially those in the infant room who cared for Tilly over the past 7 months. We couldn't be more grateful.
From Emma, Matt, Evie, and Tilly
A Thank-You Message to All the Educators at St. Samuel YMCA Child Care
Dear Miss Maryam, Miss Shamko, Miss Najera and all the wonderful educators at St. Samuel YMCA Child Care,
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every one of you for taking such wonderful care of our children. Thank you for making sure their needs are met, for loving and caring for them, for helping them learn new things, and for engaging them in so many fun and meaningful activities.
I truly appreciate the patience, kindness, and dedication you show every day. I know that being around so many toddlers and preschoolers is not an easy job, and it takes a great deal of patience, energy, and love. Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed.
As a parent, it makes me so happy to see that my daughter Sarah loves going to preschool. I truly believe that the love, care, encouragement, and appreciation she receives from all of you are a big part of what makes her excited to go to school.
Thank you for creating such a caring, welcoming, and positive environment for our children. I genuinely appreciate each and every educator for everything you do. You are making a beautiful difference in our children’s lives. 🌷
From Sarah’s Family
The Pickering Glengrove staff have been instrumental in the development of Elijah’s growth and learning the past 17 months. We are so grateful for everything they do and showing up with such a positive attitude. A huge thanks to Shandi, Maria and Ronke for being the best educators!
From Elijah and the Simbajon Family
To all preschool teachers,
Your patience, kindness, love, and dedication mean so much. It gives me so much peace of mind knowing that he is in such caring hands every day.
Thank you for making his days at daycare happy, comfortable, and full of fun. I truly appreciate all the little things you do for him. You have been such an important part of his growing journey, and I am so grateful.
Thank you for everything! ❤️
From Srishti (Yuveer’s Mom)
Joyce is a great teacher and helps Alina in many things including reassurances and self care that are invaluable skills :)
From Alina & Family


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

Let's celebrate YMCA Child Care Educators!


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