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
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.
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
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.
Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead, and thank you again for all that you do.
From Eli
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! 💙🌟
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!
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! 👏🎉
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
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)
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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 💕
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! ❤️
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.
View messages from 2025 Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day