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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.

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
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


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