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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.

Melissa, Linh, Marisol, Genevieve,
It takes a big heart to shape little minds, a whole lot of patience, caffeine (lots of caffeine) so THANK YOU!!! Myles is so happy and thriving under your care. Thank you to your dedication and care to all the students and parents. You shape young minds with love and care.
From Stephanie & Karl Manuel
Thank you so much to Marija and Natalie.
You both have been a true blessing and two amazing educators for my children.
Over the past few years in the YMCA before and after school programs, you've helped my sons grow and learn so much. Your patience, understanding, creativity, and love for your work shine✨️ through in everything you do and can't be missed!
I am so incredibly grateful for the positive impact you've had on their lives.
From Tijuana & the Twins
To Hala and Estella,
Thank you for being patient, loving and bubbly with me. Thank you for feeding me 3 times a day. Thank you for putting me to nap. Thank you for wiping my runny nose. Thank you for comforting me eveytime I cry. Thank you for showing me your love…
You’re the people I see the most even more than my daddy and mommy everyday. You’re my family… Even though I don’t know how to speak yet, giving you a hung, touching your hands meaning I love you and I feel safe with you.
Thank you, my very first teachers!
From Landon K
The team from Windham Ridge PS, have provided exceptional care in the before and after school program. My kids have gone through the ranks there. The teachers provide a warm, playful and structured program that allows the kids to have fun and grow. So, just want to thank you all ( Jace, Sagel, Zakia, Olivia, Kristina …). Sorry for any misspelled names. ☺️
From Andrea
Our dear educators!
I sincerely want to thank you for your boundless love, support and safety for my special boy David. He loved you very much and my heart is at peace and I am happy.
You proved it through your kindness, patience, and professionalism.
I am so grateful for the way you take care of my son. I am so grateful that he loves you so much and feels happy with you, it is priceless.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!🌹🌹🌹
From Christina Ivaniv
Dear YMCA Kedron Oshawa Team,
Thank you for taking such wonderful care of my children every day. Your patience, kindness, and dedication make a big difference in their lives. We truly appreciate all that you do to help them grow, learn, and feel happy! 💖🌟
From Rute
I’m super grateful that I chose the best daycare for my son, Jeremy. Everyone at the center are so kind and caring. They're always speaking softly with every child, with a lot of patience. I would like to thank May for teaching me how to slowly transition my son to the toddler program, keeping me updated with the info clearly, reassuring me about the safety of the environment and quality of the teachers. The third day when I took my son in, he was already having so much fun playing with one of the amazing teachers, Claudine, and I can hear him laughing and playing with her from the other side of the room which makes me so relieved and happy. The other teacher, Vanitha, is also so sweet and kind. She is treating all the kids as her own. She is like a mom for all the kids at the center. Teacher Aven is also very nice and professional. She always keeps the room tidy and clean, and makes sure the kids are washing their hands properly.
Thank you everyone for making me feel reassured that my son will have the best care at the center. Thank you for doing what you do.❤️
From Winnie Wu (Jeremy’s mom)
Happy Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
On this special day, we’re so grateful for everything you do for our little one. You make each day brighter with your patience, kindness, and big hearts. From the songs and stories to the learning and laughter, you help our kids grow, feel safe, and have fun.
Thank you for all that you do — today and every day! 💕✨
From Alvin's Family
Dear Pre school William Burgess Staff,
I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you for the love, care, and dedication you show every day. It means so much to us as parents to know that our son is in such a safe, nurturing, and happy environment.
We truly appreciate the patience, kindness, and effort you put into helping him learn, grow, and feel comfortable away from home. The positive impact you’ve made on his early development is already so clear, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Thank you for everything you do your work does not go unnoticed, and we’re lucky to have such a wonderful team supporting our child.
With heartfelt thanks,
From Asier's parent
To all the amazing educators within our organization,
Thank you for everything you do each and every day! Today, we celebrate you — for the incredible dedication, patience, and kindness you bring to every moment spent with the children in our care at the Y.
Your passion and commitment make a lasting difference, and we are so grateful for all that you do.
With love and appreciation,
From Andrea Nascimento
We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for everything you do for Chloe. Your care, patience, and creativity mean so much to us — it’s wonderful to see how happy and confident she’s become under your guidance.
A special thank-you to Lana for all the kindness and attention you show Chloe every day — we truly appreciate your warmth and support.
And to Kelly, thank you for helping translate Chloe’s mother language — it’s such a thoughtful gesture that brings her extra comfort and connection.
Our very best wishes to Husbana, Natalie for the upcoming joyful journey ahead! And to all the amazing care members, thank you for the love and effort you put into making each day fun, safe, and full of learning.
With appreciation,
From Chloe, Olivia and Edward
To all the incredible educators at St. Hilary YMCA,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We are so grateful for all the love, patience, and dedication you bring to your work each and every day. The care you show for every child, the creativity that fills your classrooms, and the many lessons Amelia has learned are all a reflection of your passion for early childhood education.
You truly are our village — nurturing, guiding, and inspiring with so much heart in everything you do. We can’t thank you enough for the difference you make in our child’s life and in the lives of so many others.
Happy Early Childhood Educator Day!
With endless appreciation and love,
From The Ierullo Family, Amelia, Andrea and Anthony!
Big shoutout to H.G. Bernard!! Thank you so much for everything you do for the kids. Your patience, kindness, and warmth make their classroom a happy and safe place to learn and grow. We are so grateful for you!
From Lubbi and Chris
Dear St. Matthew YMCA Daycare Team,
I just want to take a moment to sincerely thank each one of you for the incredible care, love, and support you give to Ayaan every single day.
It truly warms my heart to see how loved he is by all of you. Knowing that he is surrounded by such kind, patient, and attentive caregivers brings me so much comfort and peace of mind. I can tell that Ayaan genuinely enjoys being there, and that means the world to me.
A special thank you to Kisha, Chloe, and Josh for being so supportive and understanding of Ayaan’s unique needs. Your compassion and commitment don’t go unnoticed, and I am so grateful for the way you care for him with such kindness and respect.
And to Kamila — thank you for being such a wonderful supervisor. I always see how attentively and lovingly you care for Ayaan, and it truly shows how dedicated you are. Your leadership creates a space where both children and parents feel safe and supported.
Thank you all for making the daycare not just a place of care, but a place where Ayaan is happy, understood, and thriving.
With heartfelt appreciation,
From Roya and Monir
To everyone at the Unionville Central Park YMCA,
We’re so grateful for the entire team - you’re all truly amazing! Every one of you brings warmth, patience, and care that make each day special for the little ones. Oliver is growing, learning, and thriving because of the love and guidance you share.
A special thank-you to Claudine, Vanitha, Aven, Prabhjot, and May, for being such a big part of his days - your kindness, creativity, and encouragement mean the world to us. We appreciate everything you do to help Oliver shine!
Happy Educator Appreciation Day!
From From Oliver’s family
To the incredible baby wranglers in the AMG infant room!
It’s been nearly 4 months and you’ve become such a special part of our son’s little world — and ours, too.
Thank you for keeping him happy, safe, fed, clean(ish), and somehow more social than both of his parents combined. We honestly don’t know how you do it — caffeine? Sorcery? Whatever it is, we are forever grateful.
Your patience, care, and ability to handle tiny humans vomit, food spills and exploding diapers is nothing short of heroic.
We’re so lucky to have all of you in his (and our) life! You’re our village.
From Zev, Miranda & Grant
Big shout-out to all the amazing staff at St. Jerome YMCA!
Thank you so much for all the love and care you’ve given our boys, Maui and Quincy. Even though Quincy has moved on, the impact you had on him is still so clear. He still talks about his time with you, and we know those early experiences helped shape who he is today.
We’re so grateful that Maui is still in your care. It gives us great comfort knowing he’s in a place where he feels safe, supported, and happy. We also really appreciate how carefully you all handle Maui’s allergies. Thank you for the kind approach, thoughtful learning activities and the open communication.
Happy child care worker and ECE day!
From Liselle and Anthony
Dear Rachel, Alesha, Zoe, Ben, Ginette, Monica, Izzy, Sharon, Adita, Aaya, and Faiqah, — Thank you for caring for Eva Shree with such love, patience, and gentleness every single day. Your warmth, creativity, and nurturing guidance make the daycare at Bowmanville YMCA John M James feel like a second home for her. We are so grateful for the way you comfort, teach, and celebrate every milestone with such sincerity. You truly make a difference in her world, and in ours too. ❤️
From Eva Shree’s mom and dad
Dear Wahija,
We’re so thankful to have you as Khemari’s teachers and guides during this important stage of his journey.
Your kindness, patience, and care have made his transition to preschool such a positive experience. It means so much to see him excited to learn, explore, and share stories from his day — a true reflection of the nurturing environment you’ve created.
Thank you for all that you do each day to support, encourage, and inspire him.
With appreciation,
From Khemari’s Mom and Dad
One night I asked my daughter Arya to tell three moments she felt loved and she mentioned her first day in YMCA after school program. Heartfelt thanks to the amazing educators in Stonebridge YMCA. You are so loving, patient and helpful. You are awesome!
From Arya’s Family
One night I asked my daughter to tell three moments when she felt loved. She mentioned her first day in YMCA after school program because the educators were so loving and patient. Here are our heartfelt thanks.❤️
From Arya
I just want to say how truly grateful I am for everything you’ve done for my Sophia! She came from a daycare where she used to cry every day, and now she begs to go to daycare — even on weekends! Since her very first day at this school, we’ve noticed an incredible difference in her. After just two months, she’s a completely different child — more social, happier, and lighter.
I’ve said this before, but I’ll never get tired of saying how much I admire your work and how deeply you’ve changed my daughter’s life — and mine as well. It’s so clear how much love Sophia receives at this school. She’s welcomed with care, embraced with affection, and has the freedom to be exactly who she is. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my daughter so joyful.
Suemi has become Sophia’s best friend — everything she does, she wants to show and tell “Teacher Suemi.” It truly warms my heart to see their bond.
A special thank-you to Suemi, Humaira, Mais, and everyone who is always close to Sophia, showing her such kindness and love. I really appreciate it.
Thank you, YMCA, for everything.
With love and gratitude, 
From Juliana Souza, Sophia’s mom
We would like to thank all the staffs at YMCA (Morningstar) for all their kind gesture that was given to my child throughout the year we love you guys and appreciate you all. 💞💞
From Joyann and family
We would like to convey our sincere gratitude to all the educators, support staff and centre leaders who are taking extremely good care of our child and providing a safe environment for him to learn. We want to give a Special Thank you to Tayo, Maansi, Sambita and Maha. You all are so kind and caring. Your warmth and encouragement mean so much to us. You made a big difference in a small amount of time. You see the potential in every child and help them realize it. Sincerely appreciate all your efforts you put while the child is in preschool. Thank you once again for your above-and beyond care. Kudos to the entire team!
From Nipun's mumma and dadda
We love the Y staff! Our kids look forward to seeing them everyday. They are so kind and awesome!
From The Desjardins Family
Thank you so much for being an amazing educator! Your patience, creativity, and kindness make a world of difference in the lives of your student. You inspire young minds, help them grow, and shape their futures. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we're so grateful to have you making learning fun and accessible for our daughter. Keep shining and making a difference, 🌟.
From Mr. and Mrs. Adegbite.
❤️ I love u ❤️
From Omar Abdelaal
Happy ECE appreciation day to all the wonderful staffs at Rouge Park YMCA! Thank you for taking such great care of my boy Alan! With your caring, patience, love, and all the fun learning activities, he feels confident and comfortable to explore the world! Shout to Diana, Domenica and Aisha for nurturing my boy when he was in toddler room and now to Anjana, Katty and Luvi, Vanessa, and Siyamala in preschool room! Lastly, thank you Ashlee for leading a great team! I know it’s not easy job, and you’re all appreciated! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
From Alan He’s family
A huge shout out to Steph, Paven, and the entire team at the Humberview YMCA program. Thank you for creating such a fun, engaging, and warm environment for my son, Rory. He absolutely loves the after school program and looks forward to it every day.
From The Mitchell's ❤️
Paul and Amita, we want to take a moment on this special day to express our deepest gratitude. It is amazing to see how much Connor has grown and learned thanks to your patience, creativity, and dedication. You don't just watch our children; you help them flourish. Thank you for being such an important part of his life.
Happy Appreciation Day!
From The Mitchell's ❤️


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

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