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.

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

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

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