• cart
Play video
Educator Appreciation Day
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.

The kindy team at Dr. Roberta Bondar (rm109) is simply exceptional! We had the pleasure of having Monica & Swaraj last year and we’re beyond thrilled to see that they would be there again this school year. They are caring, helpful and it is a joy to have them take care of my son.
From Lindsey
We would like to thank Ms. Jessica, Ms. Stella, Ms. Shirley, Ms. Irshad, Ms. May Lee, and every educator from Unionville Central Park YMCA Child Care Centre for all the love and support you’ve given to Arianna since she was just two years old and now as a happy three-year-old. She has learned to speak, communicate, and understand others with kindness. Arianna loves being at YMCA because of your patience, creativity, and big smiles, and she always looks forward to seeing her teachers and friends every morning. Thank you for creating such a caring and joyful environment, and for helping her grow with confidence every day.
From Arianna Yang Family
We would like to thank all the educators- especially the amazing ECEs in the toddler room - for their care and dedication.
Thank you for making Elliot feel welcomed and helping him transition smoothly into a new space. We are truly grateful for all you do!
From Elliot’s family
Thank you to all of Callan's teachers in Infant Room 1 (Shilpa, Shomi, Lilly and Shala) for your love and care for him! He loves being there and he's learned so much since he started. We are so grateful that he had received such great care and attention at YMCA STC. We look forward to seeing his continuing growth now that he's moved up to the Toddler room.
From Reaksmey Sockhak
My babies were the very first at the St. Augustine YMCA. The unbelievable trust I have for the group of women that work there is unbelievable. I wanted to thank all the ladies there but mostly Maryana! The love and care she has for my two little ones is out of this world .
From Ilenia C ( Francesco & Adriano )
Sana, Diljot and Saleeha, we cannot thank each of you enough for the love and care you provide to Jade daily. She genuinely looks forward to her days with you and often brings you up in stories.
From Catheryn
Thank you so much for all you do. Know that your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. You take such great care of our children each and every day. Thank you for all you do.
From Osmond's Family
Thank you so much for all you do. Know that your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. You take such great care of our children each and every day. Thank you for all you do.
From Osmond's Family
To the Russel Barber Y, we are truly appreciative of the care you have provided to all our children. Especially to the toddler room teachers, Jasjeet, Amanpreet and Sindhu, my boys love you guys! To the After-school teachers, Xtina, Hacoumo and Krysta, Jacob loves you guys!! And also to Brianna and Kathyrn who always goes above and beyond for the well being of all our children. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!
From Warner Family
We love our YMCA child care educators - they are truly dedicated to the learning, safety and growth of our child. As a first time parent placing their child in the care of others, I could not have asked for a more welcoming, reliable and safe environment where I know my child is in the best hands. We love our teachers and cannot say thank you enough!
From JK
Thank you for being a second home for my kids, Leo and Gia. They always talk about the fun activities and good time they had in their class.
From Ana-Maria Matei
Thank you so much to all the amazing educators for the love and care you show every day. Anna truly enjoys coming to daycare because of your warmth and kindness. We really appreciate the way you make her feel happy, cared for, and even take the time to make her hair look so cute! It means so much to us — thank you for everything you do :)
From Anna’s parents-Rachel and James
Hello, I would like to send my shout out and appreciation to the awesome and caring YMCA staff from Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School ❤️ Sol, Binnie, Nadia, Zeinab.
From Adam’s Parents
THANK YOU BINNY and ZAINAB! Binny, you are so kind, patient and caring of our little sassy Maddie. Zainab, you are such a warm welcome and really care for our Maiya! We feel so confident and happy with our favorite little people in your care. They are loved, well snacked.. and are provided with enriching playtime ! Shoutout to Nadia and the other caring providers too :) we appreciate you all! Thanks for everything!
From The McIntyre's
Good day to all, my family and i want to thank and appreciate you all for your dedication, patience and love that you all give to all the kids at YMCA especially at St Francis de sales.
From Hannah and Ezekiel Poleon at St Francis de Sales.
We love you all.
From Hannah and Ezekiel Poleon
You guys are doing great with our son Salvador —and the rest of the kids as well!!! Since he started attending Saint Jerome (North York) one year ago, we've seen such a gratifying and rewarding progress in him. We are very grateful for your hard work and dedication to all the kids you educate every day. Special thanks to Miss Kelisha, who has been a key piece in our son's growth.
From The Talledo family
I am thankful to my child educators for being there for my child. Special shout to Tripthi, Layla, Selvi and each and every staff for accommodating my son.
From Carren
Thank you so much to teachers and staff of Coledale YMCA. Your thoughtfulness, creativity and loving care has really made a difference in our kids. Harper has matured and moved seamlessly into JK and Kinsley has so much to say and is brimming with confidence. Your attention to detail and love has made such a difference in their lives and we appreciate all your hard work! Thank you once again!
From Harper, Kinsley, Tristan, Eunice and Brian
THANK YOU!! We wouldn’t be able to be where we are as a family without Child Care Educators! You are all so amazing and I can’t express our gratitude enough!
From Liann
Thank you so much for taking such good care of me every day! I love spending time with you at the YMCA. 🥰🥰🥰
From Termeh
I just wanted to express how much my son, Xavier C, loves being at the YMCA. The staff is wonderful, and every time I pick him up, I practically have to drag him out because he wants to stay!
Thank you for everything you do. I really appreciate the love and care you provide to all the kids!
From Xavier C and Family
Dear Morrish Child Care Team, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love, patience, and care you show our girls every day. It means so much to know they are in such kind, capable hands. Your warmth, dedication, and the joy you bring into their lives do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for all you do — not just for our kids, but for every child lucky enough to be in your care. With sincere appreciation...
From The Allen Family
Avir's educators Pooja, Jaipreet, Parwinder and every other staff working in toddler's room are super sweet and makes us feel so comfortable leaving Avir in their care. I couldn't have asked for better people to leave my child with. Thank you so much for taking care of Avir like your own.
From Himani and Ankush
I am so grateful to YMCA educators. They are simply the best. Both my kids, Alina and Emlyn loves their teachers and learning so much. All the teachers in Emlyn class (preschool 2) are so nice and patient, especially Hadiar, Michelle, Mariam and Wanisa. Alina loves her before and after school teacher so much, that she sometimes doesn't want to go home! Thanks so much Akila and Daisy. You guys always make my day. I can work peacefully knowing my kids are safe and sound in your care.
From Milka (Alina and Emlyn's mom)
Dear Educators,
On this special day of recognition, I just wanted to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for all that you do — not just for my daughter, but for every child in your care.
Your patience, creativity, and kindness make such a difference in her life. I see it in the new things she learns, and the joy she carries home. You help shape her world with love, and that means the world to me.
Thank you for the songs, the stories, the gentle guidance, and the endless energy you pour into your work. You are helping raise a generation with compassion and curiosity, and I’m so grateful for the role you play in her early years.
Wishing you all the recognition and appreciation you deserve today — and every day.
From Keisha
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful care and support you provide every day. Your kindness, patience, and dedication make such a positive difference in children’s lives. Thank you for creating a safe, loving, and fun environment where little ones can learn and grow with confidence. We truly appreciate all that you do Scarborough Precious Blood YMCA Before and After School Program.
From Dorothy Nababi/ Zion and Deborah
Many many thanks to our most loving and caring child care teachers. We understand they have put in a lot of effort in this hard work to help kids grow. They are all very dedicated and patient towards their work. Jasper is now in JK  and we are still very grateful for everything Woodhaven teachers have done for Jasper's early childhood. Tons of sweet memories. We would love to visit sometimes.
From Jasper Ho
Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Day! The Team at JMJ YMCA are truly the best! We appreciate you more than words can say. Thank you so much.
From Kimberly Wyllie-Alexander
To all the wonderful YMCA educators,
We really appreciate your patience, kindness, and all the love you give the children everyday. We’ve seen them grow more confident and happy under your care!
From Pan
We are so grateful to have Reagan and Erica as Katherine’s day care teachers. Their patience and dedication have provided a safe and supportive environment where Katherine feels seen, heard, and valued. Thank you Regan and Erica, for all that you do!
From Katherine’s Parents — Jennifer & Dennis


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