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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.

Add My Message

Every morning when I drop off my son at the Good Shepherd YMCA daycare, it fills me with joy to see how happy he is to greet his teacher, Ms. Setareh. He has developed such a wonderful bond with her and his caregivers, which gives me immense comfort knowing he is in great hands.

A huge thank you to Ms. Setareh and all the amazing teachers at the centre for your dedication, warmth, and care. Your efforts in nurturing our children and supporting their growth during these precious early years truly make a difference. We are so grateful for all that you do!

From Rannie

Thanks for all the you do in ensuring that children are engaged age appropriately. My children love YMCA childcare more than anything else.

From Arzoyi and Sachet

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of the educators in Markham Rouge Park YMCA Child Care Centre for the care, patience, and dedication you have shown to Owen since he started daycare in September.

It was not easy for him at the beginning — and I know it wasn’t easy for you either — as he took time to adjust and there were many tears along the way. But thanks to your kindness, encouragement, and gentle support, Owen has gradually settled in and now truly enjoys his time at daycare.

We're very grateful for everything you have done to make this transition smoother for him and for creating such a warm and nurturing environment.

Thank you once again for all your hard work and for the love you show every day.

From Owen's Parents

To an amazing team! Thank you for your hard work, collaboration and dedication! Together, we've achieved more than any one person could alone. I am proud to work with each of you!

From Jennifer Orr

A BIG thank you to the educators at St. Peter’s YMCA (toddler room)!!

My twins have been going for almost two months now and absolutely love it, It’s hard to leave our little ones, but Robyn, Michelle, and Monica have made my boys feel so comfortable, cared for, and happy. We’re so grateful for all the love, patience, and fun you bring every day! 💛

From Riggin & Boden’s parents

Both of my boys attend Dr Roberta Bonder YMCA, and we feel truly fortunate to have such wonderful educators who provide the best care and education for them. We deeply appreciate their love, dedication, and kindness. Wishing them all the very best — thank you!

From Khan Family!

To all staff at David Lewis YMCA, thank you all for taking care of my child throughout the year, you guys are thoughtful kind and patient, and most importantly, my child is happy staying at the daycare every single day.

A big Shout out to Alicia, you are the best!

From From Jessica (Liam’s mother)

A big shout out to all the educators at St. Jerome YMCA in Aurora for being so warm and loving to our son. He calls the center his second home and we can truly feel the love from everyone there. His Educators Kim & Violin have incredible programming activities to keep the children engaged. Thank you thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❤️❤️

From Stevie & Mac

Thank you so much to all of the educators at our YMCA! Elwin has so much fun at school and has made so many great friends. We trust that she is getting the best care! We appreciate you all and the hard work you do everyday helping our precious one’s grow!

From Elwin O’Hara

Shay aka “Shay Shay” is our daughter’s birthday twin and BFF when our daughter was at daycare a few years back and now our son is in her class! We are thankful for the whole YMCA team!

From Mel

A huge thank you to all the amazing staff in the infant and toddler rooms at YMCA Scarborough St. Columba. Mia has been with you since she was just one, and it’s been so special watching how much she’s learned and grown with your care. We’re so thankful for your kindness, patience, and all the love you show her every day. You’ve truly made her daycare days happy and safe, and we couldn’t ask for a better team. 💕

From From Mia’s Family 💕

Shout out to all the staff at Rouge Valley, special mention to my daughter's favourite educators Priya, Sophia, Uthala, Brenda, Asma, Carolina and Patricia!! You are all an amazing source of joy and love in our little human's life, we could not leave her everyday without the care, safety and fun you bring to your jobs. We are so grateful! Thank you to Priya and Sophia for making the toddler room feel like home for my daughter 💗. We celebrate and appreciate you everyday, thank you for all that you do!

From Abi and Sai

Thank you for being such an important part of my daughter’s early learning journey and your commitment is incredible .Thank you for all that you do 😊❤️

From Rathika

Dear EVERYONE at Shirley, I and my entire family are so incredibly grateful to all of you for the remarkable care and love and attention you give to all of us, but especially to our kids, whether it is Sommerset, Oma or Hyde. You always go above and beyond and our lives are so much better because you are in them. You do fantastic work, and we appreciate you so much.

Love,

The Niazi-Murphys (Amil, Matt, Sommerset, Oma and Hyde)

From The Niazi-Murphys (Amil, Matt, Sommerset, Oma and Hyde)

We are so grateful for the care, teaching and fun you provide our grandchildren Chloe and Natalie. Thank you so much! You are all very appreciated!

From Rhonda and Darren

We’re so grateful to Sam, Jenny, and all the teachers at Brownridge YMCA for their kindness, patience, and the genuine love they show every day. The teachers create such a warm and positive environment where the children feel happy, safe, and excited to learn. We truly appreciate all the care, attention, and heart you put into everything you do.

From Rylee’s mom

To everyone at St Leo YMCA preschool room 1 and 2. Thank you for taking such good care of our babies and being their home away from home ! I appreciate you all so very much !!

From Myra & Veds Mom

Dear YMCA Child Care Team,

Happy Child Care Appreciation Day! My husband and I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all that you do. Your kindness, patience, and dedication mean so much. It’s clear how much care and love you put into each day, and I’m so grateful for the positive impact you have on my daughter’s growth and happiness.

Thank you for everything — you truly make a difference!

With appreciation,

From Kadeisha & Theodore - Kaylee's Parents

Dear YMCA Childcare Team at Dr. Ross Tilley, Claudia, Nicole, Ruby, Monica, Ashleigh and more…

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the exceptional care and support you provide each day. Your dedication, patience, and positive energy make such a meaningful difference.

It’s clear how much thought and heart go into everything you do—from creating a nurturing environment to planning engaging activities that help the children grow and thrive. Your work is truly appreciated, and I’m grateful for the genuine connections you build with both my children.

Thank you again for the important role you play in our community and in our family’s life. We’re lucky to have you.

Warmly,

From Kim Sharpe

My son is in the toddler 1 class with Maria and Fernanda and they have been so great and welcoming and caring when Matteo started. Always taking care of him and keeping me updated through the day to give me piece of mind!

From Matteo’s family

Everyone in YMCA Lucy Maud Montegory was so nice, caring and patience

Our son have been in there infant room since 9 months and now he is 18 months

He was spending everyday there with love, teaching & learning everyday

Special thanks to Marilyn, Sonali, Merles and Natasha for being an important part of V’s childhood

From Kristal T

Big thanks to all the amazing teachers in preschool 2 of Aurora Hartman center! Because of your care and kindness, my kid has learned a lot and grow happily every day. We are so thankful to you all!

From Aria Wu’s family

Your patience, creativity, and compassion shape the foundation of every child’s growth and confidence. The love and care you bring each day nurture not only young minds, helping them feel safe, seen, and valued. Thank you for the endless energy, warmth, and dedication you pour into the children and families you support. Your commitment to care makes a difference!

From Adrianna

Thank you for all you do for the children in your care. Your love for them is so present and our son, Maxwell, is thriving. We are so happy and lucky to be a centre with such wonderful caregivers. Thank you for providing a supportive, trustworthy and learning environment. We truly appreciate it.

From The Hallidays

Thank you for caring for our little one with so much love and patience every day at Kettle Lakes YMCA. We truly appreciate how you help them learn, grow, and become more confident and independent. Your kindness and dedication mean so much to our family.

From Soren's Family

They say it takes a village to raise a child and a HUGE part of our village is our daughter’s educators in the toddler room and the rest of the YMCA staff! We are so grateful for all they do everyday for not only our daughter but all of the children in their care! I hope you know we appreciate you EVERYDAY! Happy ECE appreciation day! ❤️

From Everlynn & Family

I really appreciate all of the child care workers. The transition from my granddaughter went smoothly and the staff was very welcoming and made her feel comfortable to come everyday. Thank you

From From a proud grandmother

Hello YMCA Child care workers, I just wanted to share how grateful both me and my wife are for having such amazing educators at the YMCA. Special shout out to (Sir Sam B Steele educators). Ultimately, we just wanted to say thank you for making everyday special for my child - she loves her educators and the warm, welcoming, and playful experience the educators provide/create every day. THANK YOU

From PN

Thank you so much Melissa, Justine and Angela. You’ve made Aarna so comfortable, it gives us peace to work and focus on our career while we are comfortable with the thought that Aarna is taken care off.

We really appreciate all that she learns at the day care which is helping her become an independent girl every single day.

YMCA High park is a home away from home for us.

From Love Aarna, Anusha and Ashrith

Thank you to all the amazing educators who help take care of my son. He continues to grow, learn, and shine thanks to your love, patience, and care. I truly appreciate the energy and effort you put into making the preschool room such a fun, nurturing, and inspiring place to learn. Thank you for all that you do!! All your hard work and kindness never go unnoticed!

From From Zaydin and family


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.


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