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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.

Keep on shining and making the world a safe and inclusive place!

"Dolours"

"Arani"

From Ava

Bahare and May in Pre-School Class at Kettle Lake YMCA:

Thank you so much for the care, patience, and kindness you show every day. We truly appreciate the love and support you give our child, and the positive impact you make in their growth and happiness.

From Bella's family

The YMCA administrators at St Peter's are all amazing and helpful. They always show a caring and friendly smile anytime we pick up our son.

We really appreciate all the work that you do and we hope you have a wonderful Appreciation Day.

From Andrea & Gord Turner

I started as an ECA under Masooma’s supervision three years ago, and I could not have asked for a better mentor. She was always kind, patient and supportive, guiding me through every challenge with encouragement and care. Masooma inspired me to keep learning and growing, and I truly appreciate everything she has done to help me become the educator I am today.

From Nisha

Thank you all child care educators for creating a cozy, safe and healthy environment for the children. You make me proud of being working at Y.

From Nicole

St. Francis YMCA Educators,

Thank you for all your hard work, care, and dedication!!

From Noah & Everett

Happy ECE Appreciation Day to my amazing Family Supports colleagues!

Annette, Diane, Dorothy, Jessica, Jodi, Jody, Judy, Leanne, Naeema, and Sherrie

Working alongside you is a true gift. Every day, I learn and grow because of your support, your guidance, and your unwavering dedication to the families and educators. Your compassion, insight, and laughter make our work not only meaningful, but joyful!

I’m so grateful to be part of a team that brings such warmth, wisdom, and heart to everything we do. Your encouragement has helped me grow in ways I never expected; deepening my understanding, broadening my perspective, and reminding me of the power of collaboration and kindness.

Thank you for being such a meaningful part of my journey. I appreciate you all!!

From Brandie

Happy ECE Appreciation Day to our wonderful FCAP Team!

Today, we celebrate the thoughtful, engaging, and impactful work you do in supporting both children and their families. Through your creative programs and meaningful parent-child interactions, you help foster strong relationships, build confidence, and support healthy development.

Your parent workshops offer valuable tools, insights, and encouragement; empowering caregivers and strengthening the foundation of family life. You bring compassion, knowledge, and a genuine passion for helping others into everything you do.

Thank you for your dedication, your warmth, and the difference you make in the lives of so many. You are truly appreciated today and every day.

From Brandie

Happy ECE Appreciation Day to our incredible DSAP Team!

Today, we recognize and honour the deeply meaningful work you do in supporting children and families through supervised access. You are a steady presence in moments that are often challenging, offering care, compassion, and a safe space where children can maintain important connections.

Your work is rooted in empathy, patience, and a selfless commitment to the well-being of families. You help create moments of healing, understanding, and hope; often behind the scenes, but always with a profound impact.

Thank you for your unwavering support, your professionalism, and the heart you bring to every interaction. You are making a difference in ways that truly matter, and today we celebrate you.

From Brandie

Happy ECE Appreciation Day to our incredible Licensed Home Child Care Providers!

Today, we honour the compassion, dedication, and heart you bring into your homes each and every day. Your caring nature, unwavering passion, and selfless commitment to nurturing young children create safe, loving environments where they can grow, learn, and thrive.

You play a vital role in shaping the early experiences of children, offering not only engaging activities but also emotional support, stability, and encouragement. Your work often goes unseen, but its impact is immeasurable.

Thank you for opening your homes and your hearts. You are appreciated more than words can express and today, we celebrate you.

From Brandie

Happy ECE Appreciation Day to our amazing PlayON Educators!

Today, we celebrate the incredible work you do in supporting school-age children through engaging, meaningful activities that spark imagination, curiosity, and joy.

Your commitment to nurturing growth and development in young minds is appreciated.

Whether you're guiding a creative activity, facilitating a fun group game, or simply being a steady, supportive presence, your impact is felt deeply by the children and families you serve. You help build confidence, foster friendships, and create a space where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

Thank you for your energy, your creativity, and your unwavering dedication. You make a difference every single day!

(this is for all PlayON educators!)

From Brandie

Happy ECE Appreciation Day!

Hi EarlyON Team, today, I want to take a moment to celebrate each of you! Not just for the incredible work you do, but for the heart and soul you bring to it every single day.

Your caring demeanor, thoughtful approach, and unwavering dedication to children and families make a lasting impact. The engaging programs you create spark curiosity, joy, and growth in young minds. Your support for families builds trust and connection, and your presence brings comfort and confidence to those around you.

You are the heartbeat of our EarlyON centres, and I am so grateful for the compassion, creativity, and professionalism you bring to our team. Thank you for everything you do, you are truly appreciated today and every day.

From Brandie

The EarlyON team is always there to help and support! I truly appreciate coming to program and seeing smiling faces welcoming me in! Thank you for all that you do!

From Mom

On behalf of the Town of Aurora, I want to thank all child care workers and early childhood educators. Your work is vital to so many families in our community, as you guide children through some of the most important years of their lives – helping them learn, grow and discover, while embracing the values of kindness and respect. You also give parents so much comfort knowing that their children are being cared for with patience and compassion every single day. We’re incredibly grateful for everything that you do.

-Tom Mrakas, Mayor of the Town of Aurora

From Tom Mrakas, Mayor of the Town of Aurora

Happy Appreciation Day!

A big thank you to everyone at Unionville Central Park for everything you do each day. The care, patience, and love you show truly mean so much to our family. It’s clear how much you pour into making each day fun, safe, and full of learning, and it shows in how happy and excited our little one is to see you all.

We’re so grateful for the difference you make in our child’s life. Thank you for all your hard work and kindness!

From Sunita and Shawn

I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible team at Palgrave YMCA. The compassion, communication, and support from the staff have been truly exceptional. Our family is so grateful for the way you’ve cared for and guided our children — nurturing not only their learning, but also their emotional, social, and developmental growth. Thank you for creating such a warm and positive environment where children can learn, grow, and truly thrive. We appreciate all that you do every single day.

From Steph Ruston

To. All YMCA Child Care Educators

Thank-you for all your hard work and dedication to the YMCA. We appreciate everything you do. You truly make a difference in each child's journey.

From Cinzia

To all of our amazing YMCA child care educators,

Happy Educator Appreciation Day! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you do. Your dedication, support, and love create a nurturing and enriching environment for all the children in our care. You make a real difference every single day! We are so grateful for your passion and commitment.

From Jaylen and J’s family

I am a supply staff and I want to just say thank you to all you do and supporting the communities. I see and feel how hard you work when some parents even can not take care of one child.

Love from the helper.

THANKS SO MUCH ❤️

From I want to thank Shahnaz!

Thank you Ms.Dj for everything you do to the children everyday. Your calmness and kindness bring a smile to everyone who talks to you! Hana loves you and I wish you all the best in your life ♥️ I also wanna thank Ms.Mena the other’s group teacher for her friendly welcoming everyday. Keep up the cheerful smile! ♥️

From Mariam Hana’s Mum


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

Add your appreciation for your YMCA Child Care Educators!


The information below is for internal use only and will NOT be shared publicly.