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.
Thank you to all the incredible staff at the Waverly YMCA!
We appreciate every one of you. The level of care and support my daughters, Haven and Amara, receive is outstanding. From the manager to the kitchen crew and everyone else. you all make the difference. My girls don't want to come home, and that's the best compliment there is! Thank you!
From Amy
Thank you so much for all the love, care, and patience you show every day. We’re so grateful for the warmth and encouragement you give to Jayden — helping him learn, grow, and feel safe while having fun. It means the world to know our little one is in such kind and capable hands.
We truly appreciate all that you do — the smiles, the creativity, and the comfort you provide, even on the busiest days. Thank you for making such a positive difference in Jayden’s early years.
From Jayden’s family
I just want to say a big thank you to the amazing Educators in Preschool 2 at St. Elizabeth Seton YMCA. You’ve been so caring, patient, and supportive with my child, and it truly shows. My child always comes home happy, and neat, and that means so much to me. I really appreciate all the love, dedication, and effort you put into your work every single day. God bless you all.
From Obi’s mom
My daughter has been blessed with the warmth, care and due diligence of two beautiful souls as her Schools YMCA program. I now feel that her participation in the after school YMCA program has enriched her, improved her confidence and solidified deep friendships with her peers. The snacks offered are at no compromise in quality. Fresh fruits, high fiber sweet breads, yoghurt and more. Thank you YMCA Limehouse PS for offering such a positive experience for my daughter!!!
From Joanna Martin del Campo
Dear Toddler 2 Team from E.C. Drury
Jireh had so much fun and beautiful moments with you... !
Especially with Jaycee, Chloe, and Angela. You treated her like your niece.
I can see that your love and care was so special in her heart.
Jireh had some trouble with her digestion and passing and I was worried if that will only get worse if I send her to a center.
But I was wrong - their care was so in detail, remembered all the details that had to be done to help her. It really helped her and now she is getting better and better! (Now she is learning to potty :D )
I will always remember how much help that meant to me as well... leaving your child with a group of trusted professional individuals really means a lot to the parents! So, THANK YOU
Fun thing to remember is that when kids go to daycare, usually they end up having very messy hairdo - but when Jireh went to this daycare her hairstyle had got the best styling :D !!!
*** THANK YOU SO MUCH ***
From Jennice & Jireh
Shazia has been an important part of my boys' overall learning and social development. She, along with Alex and the rest of the staff, have been very patient and engaging as childcare educators. I'm very pleased with the work they've done and continue to do. I feel my boys were better prepared for school because of the experience and continue to develop positively thanks to their time at the YMCA.
From The Matthews family
Thankyou so much for everything you guys do to make our children’s days go better. Its so helpful that we can work at ease without getting worried about our kids. We are truly grateful for the care, passion and commitment provided by each one of you.
From Sangha family
Our kids have been going to St Elizabeth Seton YMCA daycare since 2023 and we couldn't be happier with the centre and its staff. We know our kids are cared for and safe. They come home fed and happy every day. Dilshad, Tammy, Vanessa and Anu care for our youngest in the Toddler room and cared for our oldest as well. They are so attentive and caring. We couldn't ask for better caregivers for our little one. Humaira, Humera and Fariell were amazing in the Preschool 2 room with our oldest. She learned so much from them and still misses that room! Shazia and Alex were wonderful over the summer and now before and after school. Our oldest always has stories she's so excited to share. Shazia also went out of her way to ensure we knew what school was going to be like in terms of drop offs and pick ups and how before and after school care works. We felt so much more at ease knowing our oldest would still be with her once school started since so many changes were happening. We're so grateful for Corinne who keeps the centre running smoothly and answers all of our questions, as well as all the other staff members who care for our children including Sandra, Parisa and Cathy. Thank you, everyone, for all that you do!
From Jennifer, Ryan, Ada and Audrey Tsuruda
Thanks to YMCA Child Care Educators!
From Edy Wei and his parents: William and Fang
To all our child care educators at Stonebridge, we don’t know what we would do without your care, commitment and love for not only my kids but all the families at Stonebridge. Thank you for giving the best of yourselves and for being there to help raise our kids along with us.
From Amanda, Ken (Hailey and Jamie)
Humaira & Fariell,
Thank you so much. Watching Damian grow, learn, and thrive under your guidance has been such a joy. Whether it’s the little stories he shares at home, the new words he’s picked up, or simply the excitement he shows when it’s time to go to daycare – it’s clear how much of a positive impact you’ve both had on him.
Thank you for creating such a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where he feels loved and supported. Knowing he’s in such good hands gives me incredible peace of mind at every drop off.
You’re helping shape not only his early learning but also his confidence and kindness.
Cheers!
From Damian
We want to take a moment to express our appreciation to YMCA Stonebridge PS team:
Thank you for caring for our children each day with such kindness, patience, and dedication. We truly appreciate how smoothly you coordinate with the school staff and how thoughtfully you organize a variety of engaging activities and provide healthy snacks. Your efforts create a nurturing, fun, and safe environment where children can learn, play, and grow with confidence.
We are so grateful for your commitment and the positive impact you make on our kids and families every single day!
From Jiao’s family
To all YMCA Educators,
Thank you so much for being friendly, kind, caring, and patient with my baby girl . I cannot thank you enough for always encouraging her to feel happy and comfortable with her peers. I just wanted to let you know how much we value your professionalism and the significant impact you have in her.
From From Mahsa, Rahil and Inez
I am so grateful for the wonderful staff at Kenollie YMCA. They are truly rock stars! The fun, engaging and safe environment they create for my children is deeply appreciated by our family. There are days I go to pick my kids up and then do not want to leave. This says so much about the friends and community, and the people who make it all possible. Thank you for all for the hard work that you do, your patience, understanding and kindness.
From Jenny
You likely spend more time with our kids than we do at home - thank you so much for all the care, patience and compassion you show our kids. It's not an easy job and takes someone really special to do. Your work is very much appreciated and doesn't ever go unrecognized.
From Francis Family
A big thanks to our incredible YMCA educators; Humaira, Fariell, and Humera for the amazing care they show to Kayden and the entire Preschool2 room at Seaton YMCA!! You guys are the best! ❤️
From Kayden
We are so grateful to all the wonderful educators at Rouge Valley YMCA who have made Carter’s transition and journey with daycare so positive! Carter has adapted so well and has found so much love and happiness at his centre. He has learned so many new skills and we are so proud of him and so grateful to his educators for their thoughtful and kind passion for their craft. Thank you, Sophia, Piriya, Patricia, and all the amazing educators at the centre.
From Natasha, Jon and Carter Phan
Everyone has been so welcoming and loving towards our son. I go to pick him up at the end of the day and he rarely wants to leave. You have created such a welcoming space that truly engages all the children you serve. Thank you all so much.
From Kevin’s family
Dear Mazo Team,
we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the love, patience, and care you show Julian every single day. The warmth and creativity you bring into the classroom makes it a place where he feels safe, happy, and inspired to learn and grow. Your guidance helps shape bright futures and for that, we are truly thankful.
Thank you for everything you guys do!
From Kyle, Kathleen and Julian
A BIG thank you to all the educators at David Braley YMCA! Each one of you are so caring and we appreciate everything you do for our family. Thank you for your hardwork each and every day! We’re so grateful to have our children in such wonderful hands!
From The Zambito Family
Thank you very much for the child care team at the Courtice North YMCA (Nicole and her team)for their caring ways to my kids.
From Ambily
Our family wants to say a big thank you- to all the amazing early childhood educators for taking care of our children. It is such a great opportunity that you give for all the parents who have to go to work or have other responsibilities at home. Your kindness, patience, care, and creativity mean so much to our family. We really appreciate everything you do everyday! ❤️
From Khimen Family
The YMCA before and aftercare has been nothing short of amazing.My daughter got off to a very rough start and Shazia was so patient and kind through the process! Thanks to Alex and Sandra for always being so pleasant and cheerful! You guys are all great. Thank you so much!
From The Muller Family
To YMCA OLF: We appreciate your kindness and patience. Your support and dedication are important to us! Thank you so much for all that you do!
A special shout out to Zoya! You are the best!
From Team Acenas
Shazia is great! Thank you so much for all your help! You’ve been absolutely amazing!
From Jaiden
The staff at Elizabeth Seton YMCA are amazing. They are the only daycare that I have trusted - toddler years through to school age. They are kind and really care about each and every child. The YMCA administrators are also excellent too - organized and extremely professional. Shout out to Corrine for leading such a great team of professionals!
From Nicole (Haiden's Mom)
To Everyone at McHugh YMCA!! Phaedra has loved being a part of the After School family. Phaedra talks about all of the activities you do, and has made so many friends. Thank you for being so engaged and welcoming!!
From Pariss Garramone and Steve Rhodes
To each and everyone of the beautiful staff members at the St. Timothy YMCA, who care for my 2 children everyday...I APPRECIATE YOU!!!
From Skyla & SIenna's Mom
Thank you to Ishrat, Fahmida, Georgia, and all the other great staff who take such wonderful care of Juliette.
From Juliette and family.
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