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 have sent all three of our girls to the YMCA Family Development Centre at the Central Y and we are always so impressed and comforted by the care that our children receive. Our kids love going and talk about their teachers all of the time and that is a testament to how wonderful the staff is. We are so grateful for the work that you do!
From Dianna M
To all the wonderful educators and staff at YMCA J.L.R. Bell,
I just want to say a big thank you to Ms. Fidan, Ms. Danny, and Ms. Simone for all the kindness, care, and support you show Maneli every day. ❤️
This is Maneli’s first year attending the before and after-school program, and we are so happy to see how much she enjoys going. She comes home happy and excited, and that means so much to us as parents.
Thank you for creating such a safe, caring, and welcoming environment for the children. We truly appreciate everything you do for Maneli and all the children! ❤️
With appreciation,
Maneli’s Mom
From Mona, Maneli’ mom
To all amazing and lovely educators and staff at Corpus Christi YMCA centre, as a mom thank you for all the care, patience, dedication, and love you give to the children every day. Your hard work and commitment make a meaningful difference in their lives. We truly appreciate everything you do! ❤️
From Lorayne
Thank you for always being so kind, caring, and patient with Aliyah-Rose. We truly appreciate everything you do to help her learn, grow, and feel loved and supported every day. We are especially grateful for the care you take with her allergies and all the extra precautions you make to keep her safe. It means so much to our family knowing she is in such caring hands. Thank you for all the love, patience, and kindness you give her — we are so grateful for everything you do. ❤️
From Priscilla Velasco
Dear educators of Ymca St. Kateri,
Thank you all much for creating a fun, warm and welcoming environment for Aharen. Our family is so grateful for everything you do and your devotion is truly remarkable.
Each and every one of you deserves to be spoiled on this day where your hard work is celebrated and recognized.
Thank you again!
From Thasa, Rajeith and Aharen
Thank you for all the child care educators for keeping our kids safe and entertained before and after school! We appreciate you and value you so much! Thank you for all your care and guidance.
From Anthony Podrezo and Family
To all the staff at Colonial JE Farewell PS. My family and I adore you all and we thank you for ensuring our children are taken care of and having a ton of fun while they're at it!! You're all incredible, loving and patient. Thank you 😊
From Luma Family
You are irreplaceable. You are the reason children want to learn. Your dedication and passion for nurturing children is why life is easier to mange. Thank you. For the times you pay extra extra attention and love on (y)our kids. I thank you. Keep being you. Keep showing up. Keep shining and God bless you.
From M. Watson
Happy Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Day, YMCA staff!
To children, you are caregiver, a play partner, a mindful mentor, a reliable friend.
To parents, you are a trusted voice, an ally, a blessing, a lifeline.
To communities, you are future-builders, possibility-makers, champions. guiding lights.
I celebrate you today and every day. Keep shining strong. Keep shining bright.
From Rori Caffrey
Two adults and a child, all smiling and dressed in blue, are in a room with gym equipment and giant boardgames
A big thank you to everyone at Unionville Central Park for everything you do each and every day. The care, patience, kindness, and love you show Ayala truly mean so much to our family.
It’s clear how much thought and heart you put into making each day fun, safe, and full of learning, and it shows in how happy and excited she is to see you all. Knowing that she is cared for, supported, and surrounded by people who genuinely care about her means the world to us.
We’re so grateful for the important role you all play in her life and for all the hard work, energy, and love you put in every day.
From Ayala, Sunita & Shawn 💕
A child care educator in a white sweater and a child in a grey sweatshirt play a boardgame in a child care centre classroom
A toddler wearing a pink shirt is playing with a colourfu shapes in a binl
A child in a pink hairband and grey dress plays at a table in a child care centre
To all the wonderful educators and staff at St. Jerome YMCA Child Care,
As a mom, I truly appreciate everything you do for our children every day. Thank you for your patience, kindness, care, and all the hard work you put into creating a safe, happy, and loving environment for them.
We are so grateful for the time, energy, and heart you put into your work. The love and care you show our children mean more than you know. Thank you for everything you do and for being such an important part of our children’s lives! ❤️
From Delveen’s Mom


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.