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 would like to express our profound gratitude to the entire YMCA Dolson Brampton childcare team for providing what has truly become a second home for both of our children. We are incredibly grateful for the safe, nurturing, and joyful environment you cultivate every single day. The exceptional dedication, patience, and love demonstrated by your staff have had a monumental impact on our family, offering us immense peace of mind as we watch our children grow, learn, and thrive under your expert care. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts and feel incredibly fortunate to be active members of such a supportive YMCA Dolson Brampton
From Avani, Avi & Shivraj Family
Hi Sandy,
Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
Thank you for your leadership and for supporting the educators and children every day. Your care and dedication help create a welcoming, positive environment for everyone. We truly appreciate all that you do!
From Navjot Gahra
A huge thank you to the amazing staff at YMCA Centennial Hylands in Shelburne. We are so grateful for the care, kindness, and support that you have given our little family over the past 18 months. We are so blessed to have you as our village as we raise a strong and loving little boy.
From Laels Mummy & Daddy
To Nav and the Barney Toddler Room,
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.
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)
You have the best and the most important job in the world. You shape the future by helping kids. Many thanks for all that you do and your patience with them
From Abdul
To the wonderful staff at Pickering Biidaasige Mandamin YMCA,
Thank you for creating such a welcoming and nurturing environment for our children in the Before/After School program. We appreciate your dedication and all that you do.
From Ryleigh and Brielle's Mom
Hi Daneisha,
Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
Thank you for the kindness, patience, and care you show the children every day. Your encouragement helps them learn, grow, and feel confident. We truly appreciate everything you do and the positive difference you make in their lives.
From Navjot
My baby’s journey at YMCA STC has been one of the best things that has ever happened to our family. I knew from when I came for the initial tour that this is where I want my baby to be.
I want to start by saying a very special thank you to Aunty Hanna for reaching out to me when a spot became available for my baby. From the beginning, I could see the genuine love and care you pour into my baby and the other children, she calls my baby her friend which is so sweet, It means more to me than I can put into words, your kindness towards myself and baby is unmeasurable
Aunty Erin, thank you for your quick responses, your support, and for making sure I had everything I needed throughout the registration process. And honestly, there is something so comforting about walking through the doors every morning and being greeted with your bright smile. It makes such a difference.
Aunty Shilpa, thank you for your incredible attention to the smallest details,not only with the children, but with us parents too. Thank you for teaching me to slow down, breathe, and be patient. Your reassurance that everything will be okay has meant so much to me. You have helped me feel more confident as a parent.
Aunty Lily, thank you for your warmth, your welcoming smile, and your patience. You make the environment feel safe and loving.
Aunty Halimat, thank you for always reassuring me that everything will be fine. Your advice, encouragement, and kind words are truly appreciated.
To Aunty Angel and Aunty Ashia, thank you for all the love and care you give to my baby. Every person who contributes to my baby's day has a special place in my heart.
And to all the educators at YMCA STC, thank you for the beautiful photos, updates, and documentation of my baby's milestones. Those little pictures and updates mean so much to me.
YMCA STC is not just a childcare centre to me,it has become family. ❤️
I cannot possibly put into words all the amazing things you do every single day.
Thank you for loving my baby. Thank you for loving us.
With so much gratitude and love,
We love you, YMCA STC! ❤️
From Osebhaka's Mum
THANK YOU for all that you DO!
From Aleks
To the amazing staff at LAMP YMCA,
It is a pleasure watching Celina grow into the kind, smart, empathetic young girl she is becoming. Every day she comes home with a new positive trait and we know she learned it from you! We appreciate everything you do and the patience you show our children. We could never do your job! It takes a strong and talented person to do your work so we thank you. We hope you get all the rest and pampering you deserve today!
From Celina's Mom and Dad
Thanks for taking care of and teaching my kids. You are the light in their lives.
From Cacia & Kayla's Mom
Dear YMCA Team and Educators,
Our family has been with the YMCA child care since last December, and we recently moved to Woodstock. We are so incredibly grateful for the amazing YMCA network—special thanks to our previous supervisor in Toronto for helping with the transition, and to the wonderful educators at Woodstock YMCA for welcoming our 3-year-old with open arms. Thank you all for your dedication, love, and support in helping our child grow and thrive! Happy Appreciation Day!
From Coco Wu's Family
The educators at our YMCA are amazing. They bring so much energy into the day and my kids have thrived in this atmosphere. Soo appreciate everything you do!
From Emma
The ymca has not only been before and after for my children is also a safe place to come to after school ordeals, judgments free where they know they can unwind and calm their selves down, our teachers and educators make possible in such a positive way always bringing the best in our children; that even when there’s no school they still get up ready to go to Y” , they are making lifelong friendships with many others as well
Thank you Mrs Rina, Mrs Charita, and Mrs Jade !!! We are grateful to you all
From Yulia Abreu
Thank you so much to all the wonderful educators at YMCA Norseman for everything you do for the kids. We truly appreciate your patience, care, and dedication every day. It means so much to know that my son is surrounded by such supportive and caring educators. Thank you for all the time, effort, and kindness you put into making the school a positive place for him. We’re very grateful for everything you do!
Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead, and thank you again for all that you do.
From Eli
A child in a blue cap and orange shirt sits on a rug happily playing with toy trucks
A very special shoutout to Christina and Kim, Antonio’s amazing teachers. Thank you for the love, patience, kindness, and care you show him every day. Knowing he is surrounded by educators who genuinely care about him means so much to our family. ❤️
We also want to give a huge thank you to ALL of the educators and staff who went above and beyond following the flood. Having to relocate and create a temporary location was no small task, but everyone came together, worked incredibly hard, and made sure the children had a safe, welcoming, and happy place to continue their days.
From setting up classrooms and organizing materials to creating a sense of normalcy during such an unexpected situation — you all stepped up in such a big way. 👏🏼
Your flexibility, teamwork, dedication, and heart truly do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for everything you do for our children. We appreciate you more than you know! 💙🌟
From MaryGrace Sestito-Minetola, Antonios Parents
Happy Educator Appreciation Day to all the wonderful educators & staff at Walter Scott YMCA!
Thank you for inspiring, guiding, and empowering students every day.
Your patience, dedication, and passion make a lasting difference.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of your students through your kindness, wisdom, and dedication.
You are truly appreciated!
From Cece's mom & dad
Hello, St. Jerome Catholic School Child Care Educators! ❤️
I just want to say how proud and grateful we are for all of you.
Being a child care educator is not an easy job. It takes so much patience, understanding, kindness, and energy to care for and guide our little ones every day. We know how much effort you put into making sure the children feel safe, happy, loved, and supported.
Children get so much of their energy from the people around them, and we truly appreciate the positive energy, warmth, and encouragement you bring each day.
You are not only caring for our children—you are helping shape their confidence, character, and early experiences. You are role models to them, and we are so thankful for everything you do.
Thank you for your patience, dedication, and big hearts. We appreciate you more than you know! ❤️
Go, St. Jerome! 👏🎉
From April Mae Ofiaza
A young child with dark hair smiles as they play with small plastic toys in child care room
Thank you to Melissa and Ameera and all the wonderful educators at YMCA Central park. You make my son feel so loved and safe. You make me feel confident as a mom that my son is in the right place to nurture him emotionally and physically. You are doing such important work and I am so grateful to you.
From Zaina Ali
I am so SO grateful to the amazing educators at YMCA. The activities are always thoughtful, open-minded, and focused on relevant topics. I know my children are really learning about themselves and the world around them. THANK YOU!
From Pramita (mom of 3yo and 6yo)


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.