Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week: Ideas for Childcare Center Leaders!

Teacher Appreciation Week is more than just a moment of recognition—it's an opportunity to celebrate the heart of your childcare center: your educators. These passionate individuals are shaping little minds every day, creating safe, engaging environments that support learning, development, and joy.

As a director or administrator, your leadership plays a vital role in making this week meaningful. Here are creative and impactful ways to celebrate your team, boost morale, and show genuine appreciation during May 5–9.

• Personalized Thank-You Notes from Leadership

Take time to write handwritten thank-you cards to each educator. Mention specific moments you’ve observed—how they comforted a child, built a great parent relationship, or introduced a clever learning activity. A personal touch goes a long way in making staff feel truly seen.

• Surprise Treats Throughout the Week

Keep the week exciting with daily surprises:

• Monday: Coffee and breakfast to start the week right

• Tuesday: "Sweet Treat Day" – cookies, fruit trays, or cupcakes

• Wednesday: Small self-care gifts (hand creams, candles, bath bombs)

• Thursday: Lunch provided by the center

• Friday: A “Staff Shoutout Wall” celebration

• Feature Educators on Social Media

Use your center’s website or social media pages to spotlight your team. Post short bios, fun facts, or quotes from children (with parental permission). Publicly sharing your appreciation adds visibility to their amazing work and boosts pride in what they do.

• Memory Board or Video Montage

Create a board or short video showcasing fun memories from the past year—field trips, celebrations, classroom activities. Invite families to contribute thank-you messages or drawings from their children. It’s heartwarming and unites your entire community.

• Use Digital Tools to Highlight Achievements

If you're using platforms like kidsday, take this opportunity to post daily highlights from classrooms or send extra messages of appreciation to parents. Let them see how dedicated your educators are, and invite them to join in the celebration with kind words or notes.

• Host a Recognition Ceremony

End the week with a small, in-house event. Recognize each staff member by name, perhaps with fun awards like “Creativity Champion” or “Most Inspiring Morning Circle.” Include certificates or even a small gift. If parents can attend, even better!

• Give the Gift of Time

Consider lightening the load—whether by offering extended breaks, hiring a temporary assistant, or closing early one day. Even an extra 30-minute break during nap time can feel like gold to a teacher.

• Encourage Peer Recognition

Create a “Staff Compliment Jar” where team members can drop notes of appreciation for each other throughout the week. Read them aloud at the end of each day—it fosters connection and a positive work culture.

Appreciation isn't just about one week—but Teacher Appreciation Week is a perfect time to go the extra mile. Your leadership in recognizing educators’ efforts builds a culture where staff feel valued, motivated, and inspired to continue their amazing work.