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.
I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the amazing care and positive energy you brought to Tito and Hanah every day at the YMCA program at Martin Street PS — they always come home smiling, excited to share what they did, and it’s clear how much warmth, patience, and enthusiasm you put into making their days fun and meaningful. Thank you for everything you do and for creating such a wonderful environment for the kids — it truly makes a difference!
Happy Child Care Worker Appreciation Day Ryley! We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the incredible care, kindness, and creativity you bring to your role every single day. It means the world to us to know that Gavin is not only well looked after, but truly seen and valued. He absolutely adores you, and it's easy to see why. You're warm, friendly, empathetic, and endlessly imaginative—whether it’s organizing epic PA day adventures like a trip to “Disneyland Paris”, or gently and discretely helping him when he needs a little extra support at the end of a long day. Your thoughtful communication and connection with both the Kindergarten team and with us never goes unnoticed. And the fact that you’ve known every parent’s name since day one is just one of many ways you make everyone feel welcome and cared for. It’s clear how much heart you bring to your work, and we’re so grateful that Gavin gets to learn and grow in your care.
YMCA Child Care Educators have been taking care of my little ones for 4 years now, each one has brought their kindness, love and passion every day. I trust them with the most important little people in my life, and know that they are in safe hands. I can never put into words how much it has meant to me and how grateful I am to have had them watch my two babies grow with me and see them through their class transitions. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, these educators will forever be a part of our lives.
Thank you Anbreen and all other educators at the Preschool 2 room, at St Veronica YMCA location for contributing to Sean’s learning everyday. On weekends he asks if he’s going to school and on longer weekends, we can tell that he misses school. It is a pleasure knowing Sean has this positive experience. Thank you for your efforts and care each day. We appreciate you.
We are so thankful for the amazing staff . They are always so kind, supportive and caring.
Dear Mayram, Trisha, and Delores,
I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for all the care, kindness, and support you show every single day. You’ve created such a warm and nurturing environment at the YMCA program at Sir Samuel B. Junior Public School, and it truly feels like a second home for my son.
Your compassion, patience, and genuine love for the children make such a difference. It’s comforting to know that he is surrounded by educators who not only guide and teach but also care for him as if he were part of your own family.
We are so grateful for everything you do!
With appreciation and warm regards,
Domenica! He was slower in learning how to speak but he learned how to call you Nica which was one of his first words. During his early years at YMCA, you were his comfort and one of his biggest supporter. He always have the biggest smile and the loudest cheer when he sees you in the morning. We're so lucky that you were part of Matias' early years including Adelie's early years at YMCA!
Diana!
There's always a smile on your face and all the kids love to either be on or near you. There's a reason for that, you simply have the biggest heart.
I see your love and passion for all the kids at YMCA. Especially with your thoughtful craftmenship to celebrate special milestones for YMCA kids and family.
You are the best!
Thank you!
Diana! There's always a smile on your face and all the kids love to either be on or near you. There's a reason for that, you simply have the biggest heart. I see your love and passion for all the kids at YMCA. Especially with your thoughtful craftmenship to celebrate special milestones for YMCA kids and family. You are the best! Thank you!
A special shout out to Anjana, Katty and Vanessa! Adelie never starts her day well yet you all greet her with a smile and patience. She comes home happy all the time, ready to share her day spent with all of you! Some times, she even comes home with a new hairstyle that she wears proudly! It is heart warming and comforting to trust that Adelie is in amazing hands all day. Thank you all!
I’m so thankful for the amazing educators at Mazo. You could tell how much love and dedication is poured into all the kiddos there through the various activities, crafts and special moments. The educators are always smiling and happy to be there which in result makes the kiddos happy to be there too.
My daughter loves going to daycare so much she even asks to go on the weekends!!!
To all the staff at YMCA Rouge Park!
Every single time we walk through the doors to Rouge Park, we are always greeted with kindness and care.
We feel very blessed and are grateful for the level of care you provide to the children. YMCA is enriching my kids' childhood and in their learning journey as they navigate these early milestones.
For Brittany(Extended Day West),
Thank you for supporting our whole team each day. You take the time daily to listen to all of us and provide words of encouragement and stories that help us to find solutions for all the challenges we run into, and celebrate the happy moments with us as well, cheering everyone on from the front row like a proud parent! Not to mention the time and effort you put into every training you host! Your creativity shows through the range of activities and displays that you come up with help to keep us engaged and make each training different and fun filled. You have so much passion for your position and I appreciate how much love and joy you guide our team with! You are a huge part of the reason that the West is the Best ;)
Thank you very much for looking after Rudraksh so well at the daycare. He really enjoys coming there.
To the YMCA Mazo Team! We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work you do every single day. Your passion, patience, and dedication create a nurturing environment where Remi feel safes, supported, and inspired to learn and grow.
Eiden, now almost three, has been part of the West End Y Child Care community since I returned to work when he was just 14 months old. The YMCA Child Care Educators instantly made both of us feel comfortable — no small feat when you’re leaving your child with someone other than family for the first time.
It takes incredible skill, compassion, and resilience to care for a room full of toddlers — to meet each child where they’re at, while also helping them grow, explore, and connect. What the educators at the Y do every day goes far beyond supervision; it’s education, socialization, and heart work.
The Y’s unique balance of learning through play, structure, and joy shines through in everything they do. It's truly special.
As the GM of a YMCA myself, I’m deeply proud and endlessly grateful that when it’s time to leave the house each morning, Eiden smiles and says it’s time for me to go to “my Y,” and for him to go to “his Y.”
Thank you very much for all the love and care you share with the little minds to help them grow to be a great humans. It takes a big heart to shape little minds. You are making this world a better place :)
Thank you very much for all the love and care you share with the little minds to help them grow to be a great humans. It takes a big heart to shape little minds. You are making this world a better place :)
For my EB Phin Team!
Thank you for being supportive and kind throughout the year!! Your hard work and dedication to the program does not go unnoticed and the work you put in to engage the children everyday really shows. Thank you for all that you continue to do and all the ways you continue to shine!!
-Shannon <3
Happy ECE APPRECIATION DAY ROUGE VALLEY! Your warmth and genuine care make every day brighter for children and all the Staff at Rouge Valley. Thank you for leading with heart, compassion and the kind of joy that reminds us why we love what we do.
View messages from 2024 Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day