Each May, communities across the country mark Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Appreciation Day—a time to celebrate the educators who play a vital role in shaping the early years of children’s lives.
At the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association (HSCA), we marked the occasion with a fun and thoughtful display that invited families to share personalized messages with our educators. Throughout the week, children and families added paper tacos to a vibrant display titled “Let’s Taco ‘Bout How Awesome You Are.” Many also shared tokens of appreciation, notes, and kind words—some even celebrated all week long. It was a meaningful gesture that left our educators feeling seen and valued.
As Director of Programs Shannon shared, “ECEs lay the foundation for lifelong learning in children. Appreciation brings visibility to their essential work—nurturing emotional development, teaching foundational skills, and creating safe, supportive environments.”
Shannon also noted a recent moment of pride: the preparation our Daycare and Out-of-School Care teams put into HSCA’s AGM. Staff created posters, signage, and baked cookies to help showcase the work happening in their programs—another example of the care and commitment they bring to their roles every day.
Our Daycare Manager, Kerin, highlighted how much the team appreciated the recognition. She also shared her pride in the educators’ ability to balance the unique needs of children and families while navigating the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with the role. What makes her especially proud is the strong, trusting team culture—built on two-way communication, shared knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting one another.
Chelsea, our Out of School Care (OOSC) Manager, shared, “I'm always in awe of the all educators who are effortlessly dedicated to their work, creating a space that feels like a second home for the children. Every single day, this incredible team puts in their all to ensure that each child feels safe, happy, and valued. We are so lucky to have such a strong, committed team and forever grateful for the work they do.”
ECE Appreciation Day is more than a thank-you—it’s a recognition of the deep, ongoing impact early educators have on children, families, and our broader community. We’re grateful for all they do, every single day.