YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO
"You Are Appreciated!"
Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, October 21, 2025
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.
Dear Anmol, Krupali, Amanda, and rest of staff,
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the love, care, and patience you show every day. It means so much to know that my child is in such a happy, safe, and nurturing environment.
Your kindness, attention, and the fun activities you plan make such a difference in their early learning and development. We truly appreciate everything you do!
With gratitude,
From Onir's parents
You’re all amazing, thank you for caring for our babies like your own while we’re away from them. The Y has become their home away from home with the most caring and loving teachers! Your job isn’t easy but you always have a smile on your face to greet and welcome our kids!
Special shoutout to Michelle, for being my girls “safe space” while at the Y, for being their role model and showing them the most love and patience!
Thank you isn’t enough! You all rock!!
From The Barretts
Shoutout to YMCA Alexander Muir in Newmarket! To Andrea and team over the years (now over 4 years and two kids later at the centre). We are so lucky to have you and thank you for being such a big part of our family. They say “it takes a village” and your centre is without a doubt a huge part of that.
From Eden & Toby
Thank you so much for all that you do every day for our children! They love YMCA so much :)
From Marika & Rob
We love Theresa, Rylie, Lisa and Stephan from the Orangeville Y. They are kind, caring and so supportive.
Happy ECE day!
From The Dunne Family
Thank you very much, for being part of the education of our children, taking care of them and knowing that they are the most important thing for us, thank you because without you we would not achieve our dreams, since we are confident to leave our children for their care, many blessings for such a beautiful job that they do, congratulations.
From family Suárez Pérez
BIG THANK YOU to the educators and staff at the Mississauga Meadowvale YMCA Child Care Centre that take such good care of the children, especially Ewa, and Renz in the toddler room. Thank you for all the love, patience, and care you have given to Miles. We appreciate you all so much!
From Miles Magdangal's Family
Big shout out to the entire YMCA family!
Special shout out to Ms. Sana. Her calm, loving and gentle approach is exactly what Sienna needed in her transition to YMCA. YOU made the process so easy for her and our entire family.
From Cortes family
Thanks for everything you do all for my children!
Erin, Miya, Tasha, Katie, and all other teachers !
My kids (Roy, Ellie and Lily) love Y so much :)
From Roy, Ellie and Lily
To Melissa and team
You all have been wonderful, we’re so happy we have put our son Aasim in Silverpines YMCA. Thank you all specially Rosa, Leanne, Emily and the other members for caring and providing so much support, we truly appreciate it! Aasim loves you all:)
From Sumayya and Ibrahim
Happy Child Care Worker and ECE Appreciation Day to our amazing infant room teachers!
Thank you for loving our little one like your own and for all the warmth, patience, and care you show every single day. It’s such a comfort knowing our baby is surrounded by such kind, nurturing, and joyful people. You make every day brighter—for our little one and for us as parents. We truly appreciate you more than words can say! 💕
From Yuvaan, Prannav & Chetna Chhabra
Dear After School Care Educators at MYCA Bayview heights,
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the care, attention, and support you provide to my son Ethan. during his time in after school care.
Your dedication to creating a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment plays an important role in his day. We are grateful for the way you encourage positive social interactions, support him learning, and offer a space where he can unwind, feel supported, and continue to grow.
Thank you for your commitment, patience, and the genuine care you show each day. Your efforts make a meaningful difference, and we are truly thankful for all that you do.
From Catherine
Happy Appreciation Day!
Thank you to all the amazing teachers and staff for your kindness, love, and support every day. We truly appreciate all the care you give to the children and the wonderful environment you create.
A special thanks to Mitra, Sibel, Norma, and Joowon for everything you do , you make such a difference and mean so much to our family. 💛
From Nasser and family
Dear YMCA Bayview Heights Pre- School Educators,
I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible care, patience, and dedication you show every day. It means so much to know that my daughter is in such a nurturing and supportive environment.
Your kindness, creativity, and the genuine love you bring to your work make a world of difference—not only in her life, but in ours as parents too. We've seen her grow, learn, and thrive under your guidance, and for that, we’re truly grateful.
Thank you for all that you do. You are truly appreciated!
From Catherine
“Early childhood educators and child care workers always go above and beyond. They are pillars in our community who ensure our children are nurtured. On behalf of the City of Mississauga, I applaud their daily devotion, constant accomplishment, and incredible tenderness that build our community and positively influence young lives.”
From Carolyn Parrish, Mayor of Mississauga
Thank you to the amazing YMCA Reesor Park team for all your kindness, patience, and dedication.
We truly appreciate the love and care you show every day to help children grow, learn, and feel happy.
Your hard work and warm hearts make such a difference — thank you for everything you do!
From Ruitong’s family
Today, my family and I want to take a moment to say thank you to the amazing educators and staff at the YMCA Child Care Centre in Milton.
We’re especially grateful for the wonderful team that cares for our daughter, Ocean. From the moment she walks in, we know she’s surrounded by people who genuinely care about her growth, joy, and well-being.
Marion, Wendy, Tara, Waheeda, Emily, Annesha, Chloe, Mikeila, and Haley — you’ve each made such a beautiful impact on her life. The patience, kindness, and love you show every single day don’t just help her learn — they help her shine.
We see the way you celebrate her little wins, comfort her when she needs it, and encourage her to explore and express herself. Those moments mean more to us than words can ever express.
Thank you for creating an environment where Ocean feels safe, curious, and confident to be herself. You’re shaping her early years in the best possible way — and we’re so grateful for all that you do.
With love and appreciation,
From The Fajardo Family
Thank you to the amazing team at Mazo for making it a fun and safe place for my daughters. We truly appreciate all that you do.
From The Lim family
Thank you very much for taking good care of my son Ahmad, you help building an inspired generation and help them to be an integral part of the community and teach them wonderful communication skills!
At the same time you help us with the burden of surviving while we go out to bring food on the table we know that our backs are covered and our children are taken good care of.
Thank you very much!
Abbas Hamze
From Abbas Hamze
Thank you to all the staff at Burnhamthorpe YMCA for taking such good care of Yatushan . He loves his teachers at the centre. Thank you the care and love ❤️
From Vaishnavi
We appreciate your patience in guiding our children on the path to being better human beings. Thank you to each one of you from the bottom of our heart.
From PR
To the educators at Good Shepherd in Port Perry,
Thank you to each of you for the care you provide to Lyla and previously to Leo!
It takes a village to raise a child, and we are so grateful to have each of you as a part of our village.
Happy CCW & ECE Day!
From Rachel & Greg
Thank you to all the educators and staff at YMCA Falconer for the incredible care and guidance you've given Leo. Your dedication, patience, and support have helped shape him into a better person, and I am so grateful for the positive impact you've had on his life. You are all truly a blessing!
From Nina
I can’t single out just one person everyone who has worked with my daughter, Isabella, has shown genuine care and kindness toward her. They’ve all been so warm and welcoming.
From Lucia Evangelista
Thank you to all the incredible staff at the Bolton YMCA who nurture, teach, and love our little ones each day. Your patience, kindness, and creativity make such a lasting difference in their lives (and ours!). It takes a special kind of heart to do what you do. Thank you for showing our children love, care, and encouragement every single day. Knowing they’re in such good hands means the world to us. We appreciate you more than you know!
From Malko & Family
Thank you to all the amazing educators at Credit Valley YMCA. You truly go above and beyond your duties, showing so much love and care for our daughter. From the warm hellos in the morning to the thoughtful activities that spark curiosity and encourage her independence, your dedication shines through every day. All your hard work is noticed and deeply appreciated. There’s no team quite like Credit Valley!
With love,
Mariana, Maria & AJ 💖
From Maria Jaramillo
Dear YMCA Vaughan City Hall Team,
On this special Appreciation Day, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible care and love you shower upon my son, Henry Z. Your dedication, kindness, and nurturing spirit have created a safe and joyful environment where he feels truly valued and supported every day.
It means the world to me to know that Henry is surrounded by such wonderful educators who inspire his curiosity, encourage his growth, and care for him with genuine warmth. Thank you for all that you do — your impact goes beyond words and is deeply cherished by our family.
With sincere appreciation and warmest wishes,
From From the Henry Z’s Family
We are very grateful to toddler staff at ymca champlain, especially Raspinder, Anjana and Paula for making Ruhaan feel at home. Raspinder was his primary teacher and Ruhaan developed a very good bond with her. Without these kind and caring ladies, I wouldnt feel comfortable sending Ruhaan to the daycare. Huge respect to all three for taking care of my son and encouraging him to be independent/ more bold. Also special shout out to Maddie, the director. She is very prompt on emails and her door is always open for communication. We always received timely updates so Maddie runs the centre very well!!
Lots of love,
Ruhaan, Manbir and Gaurav
From Ruhaan's parents
These wonderful words from your warm wishes are sure to brighten the day of educators.
View messages from 2024 Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day