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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.

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
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for working with such an incredible group of educators at Jean Hamlyn YMCA. Despite the various demands and challenges each day can bring, you each arrive with a smile on your face and greet each child with warmth and kindness as if they were your own. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the children’s development at Jean Hamlyn.
From Your very proud supervisor!
The staff at Parkinson Centennial YMCA in Orangeville have gone above and beyond to welcome Arlo into their program. They are kind, caring and passionate educators who provide unique and engaging experiences for the children. Thank you for all you do for the children and families
From The Saini Family
Harrison Y in Georgetown! Shout outs to Heather in school age for knowing what my son needs, and extending all of his interests daily. He has so much fun and you have such great activities for him that keep his attention and grow his curiosity. RacVen, you are not only a great leader but you are such a great educator to the children, B takes home all of the strategies you give him, I can tell when you guys have spoke about something and teach him, as he uses the words at home. He talks about all of the great conversations you two have and he loves going to the Y with you two and never wants to leave. That is all thanks to your amazing programming and relationships you have built with him. Thank you for all you do
From Janice :)
Thank you soo much for all the hardwork and efforts you put in to give the best care to all the kids at YMCA Brooklin St.Leo! We appreciate each one of you and are so grateful to have you as educators and our child's favorite person!
From Jayden Johnson
A smiling infant in a blue jacket crawls through an obstacle course tube in a playground.
Thank you to all the amazing educators at St. Leo YMCA!
Each day is filled with happiness, enriching learning experiences, and a true sense of belonging.
I love my YMCA child care educators!
Thanks again for everything you do. 💙
From Damian and Family
To the Wonderful Preschool Educators at Ridegway Centre
Thank you for the love, patience, care, and dedication you bring to my daughter every single day. Your kindness and enthusiasm create a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment where my little one feel valued, confident, and excited to learn.
We truly appreciate all the time and effort you put into helping each child grow, learn, explore, and develop.
Thank you for being not just educators, but encouragers, and caring supporters of my child. Your hard work and commitment are deeply appreciated.
From Aneela & Umer
We wanted to take a moment to tell you how much we appreciate you. Since Chelsey started in George Webster YMCA, we have seen her grow so much. She comes home singing new songs, showing us new dance moves, and talking about her friends and you.
We know that caring for a room full of little ones is no easy feat, but you do it with such grace, patience, and a genuine smile. Thank you for creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where Chelsey happy and confident. Knowing she is in your care makes our day so much easier.
Thank you for everything you do. You are truly making a difference. Thanks for all the teachers Joyce, Natasha, Nabanita, Michelle, Nohemy, Fatima, Ashley and Antonette! You guys made Chelsey's every day joyful. Thank you so so much! All your guys care hands made us go to work in a peaceful mood. We really appreciated all of you!
From Carol Zhang Chelsey and Sydney's mom


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

View messages from 2025 Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day