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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.

Childcare workers play such an important role in shaping young minds with patience, kindness, and dedication. Their work goes far beyond supervision—they nurture curiosity, build emotional resilience, and create safe, loving environments where children can thrive. With tireless energy and genuine care, they support not only the children but their families as well. We love and appreciate every single one of you!

From With love, Breanna, Jovani and Anthony.

Dear Najma,

Thank you for your hard work, kindness, and dedication. We truly appreciate all that you do for the children at Kettle Lakes YMCA.

Happy Educator Appreciation Day!

From Mitra Nikbakht

To all YMCA Early Childhood Educators,

Today and every day, we celebrate you! Thank you for your dedication and the incredible impact you have in shaping the lives of children. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.

From Natalie Iapaolo

Dear Bayview Heights Toddler Staff,

Thank you for everything you do and ensuring my son is well taken care of. He loves his childcare friends and educators. You make a difference daily with your warm interactions, caring hearts and welcoming smiles. We appreciate you!

From Laura Nagapen

Miss Riddhi from St. Leo is absolutely wonderful! She has been caring for our child for over a year, and our little one adores her. Miss Katherine is equally amazing—fun, warm, and nurturing. We feel completely confident and at ease knowing our child is in such caring and capable hands.

From Bernie’s Parents

To Avani and Avi Shivraj's second family and home.

Dolson YMCA Child Care Centre Amazing Teachers and Team.

Thank you for your above-and-beyond care. Whether it's changing diapers, getting the children fed, or assisting them on the potty, you never get upset when they make a mistake, allowing them to feel at ease exploring the right and wrong ways of doing things on their own, Thank you for creating an environment where learning and other fun activities are easy and fun for young children. I appreciate the services you provide for my kids, and I'll always be thankful for the peace of mind and comfort you give me while at work. Every morning, I see how happy my child is to come into your room. It’s clear how much they love you and the environment you create.

Thank you for your patience and kindness over years Watching Avi and Avani grow under your guidance has been inspiring. We are grateful for all you do to create a caring and stimulating environment. #Dolson YMCA Child Care Centre #Best Dolson YMCA Child Care Centre #worldbestChild Care Educators!

From Avani , Avi Shivraj

I wanted to take a moment to thank Nisreen and Alicia, who are truly the best YMCA ECEs we could have ever dreamed of for our son, Wes.

They go above and beyond every single day — not just supervising or teaching, but genuinely caring for him, showing him kindness, patience, and encouragement in ways that have made such a difference in his life. It’s so clear that they love what they do, and that love shines through in how they connect with every child, especially Wes.

He comes home every day talking about how much fun he had and how much he loves his YMCA after-school care (and summer camp too!). Seeing how excited he is to go, and how comfortable and happy he feels there, means the world to us as parents.

We are just so grateful for the energy, heart, and compassion that both Nisreen and Alicia bring. They’ve created a space where Wes feels safe, seen, and celebrated — and that’s such a gift.

Love,

Wes Jess and Anthony Hajsan

From Wes, Jess and Anthony Hajsan

Theresa and Rylie,

Thank you both for everything you do! Your care, attention and kindness ensure that Piper feels safe, happy and included every single day. We're so grateful for your support!

From Jenn & Piper

Dear Kettle Lakes YMCA Team,

I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Kettle Lakes YMCA. As a parent, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing your child is in a safe, supportive, and caring environment — and that’s exactly what you’ve created.

And a special thank you to Peggy Cheung — your leadership shines through in everything the team does. It’s clear how much thought and care you put into making sure every child has the best experience possible. We’re so grateful for your dedication.

We’re so glad we found Kettle Lakes YMCA — it’s been amazing!

From Annie Chen

Happy Educator Appreciation Day!!!!

Your dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds make a lasting impact every single day!!!!

You all empower, uplift and IGNITE curiosity helping children grow, explore and thrive!

Thank you for ALL that you do for children and families!

From Lisa Paulo-Alberto

Dear Ghosi,Ka Man, Alexcia, Fariba

We want to sincerely thank you for all the love, care, and patience you show every day to the children in toddlers class at Kettle Lakes YMCA. Our daughter, Royssa, is growing, learning, and feeling happy and safe because of your dedication. We truly appreciate everything you do. Thank you

From Azi

Thank you to the wonderful Kettle Lakes YMCA educators. My daughter loves the program and always comes home happy and with creative artwork. Your hard work and dedication is very appreciated. Keep up the amazing work! You are all incredible!

From Jane Segal

Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of children and families every day. You are such an important part of the YMCA and we are grateful for the work that you do. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all that you do.

From Suzy Moreira

Thank you Morrish YMCA educators from the bottom of our hearts! You have meant so much to our family and played a pivotal role in our children’s early development and cherished childhood memories. From toddler to school age, the care, guidance, and love you provided helped shape who they are today. Though we’ve moved on, the time spent at your centre will always hold a special place in our hearts.

From The D'Rocha Family

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

Dear Ms. Hira and Ms. Nooshin,

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful care, kindness, and dedication you show every day. Arianna is happy so much under your guidance—she comes home excited, happy, and full of stories about what she’s learned. Your patience, creativity, and warmth make the classroom such a special place for her.

Thank you for everything you do to nurture and inspire your students. You truly make a difference!

With appreciation,

Arianna and her family

From Arianna and her family

To all the incredible educators in our YMCA:

I am truly proud to work alongside such an exceptional group of professionals. Your commitment, dedication to children and families and support for one another sets you apart. As children grow and develop because of the work you do, your warmth, kindness and generosity shines through every day!

By laying the groundwork for future learning, you make a lasting difference in the lives of children and provide incredible support for their families. You create a place where children want to be - where they feel safe, valued and inspired. Thank you for everything you do, and for making our communities stronger!

Happy Educator Appreciation Day!!

From Linda Cottes - Senior Vice President Child & Family Development

Special shout out to Fahmina and Zoya! Thank you and your team for taking care of my Arlo while he is in your care.

He always enjoy his time there.

From Arlo's Parents

Thank you to the EarlyON Richmond Hill and Stouffville staff for your unwavering dedication and hard work in supporting our families and children. You truly make a meaningful difference in their lives.

From Leyan

Today we recognize YMCA Child Care Educators, the dedicated professionals who nurture, guide and inspire our children every day. Their commitment to creating safe and enriching environments help families thrive and communities grow! Happy Child Care Educator Appreciation Day! Thank you for all you do.

From Lee Anne McCarthy

We always thank to teach and educate for our child. Moreover, we appreciate to teacher for how much you guys care our kid and family with nicely advised difficult situations in raising a child. It is always working and helpful. Once again, we feel so grateful every single day. Love so much❤️

From From Jennifer’s mother💕


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

Add your appreciation for your YMCA Child Care Educators!


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