Wait — You Forgot Someone This Teacher Appreciation Week...
(And No, You Don’t Need to Spend More to Show You Care)
Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner (May 5-9!) and it is one of my favorite times of the year.
I love seeing parents pull together little surprises, treats, and heartfelt notes to remind teachers how much they’re appreciated. And I love seeing the smiles on every teacher’s face as they hear those positive words of affirmation. But there’s one group I don’t want us to forget — the leaders at your child’s daycare.
They are the ones working behind the scenes every single day, making sure the teachers have what they need to create a happy, healthy classroom for your child.
They are educators too — the teachers of your child’s teachers.
They’re often working overtime to make sure those teachers feel appreciated- not just this week, but all year long. And they do it quietly, often without much appreciation for their work.
With their leadership and care, the whole system runs smoothly — keeping teachers supported, classrooms thriving, and the school community strong. They carry the weight so teachers can focus on the kids. They absorb the stress so the classrooms stay joyful. They build the foundation so your child’s school is a place you can trust.
So this week, as we celebrate the teachers who care for our kids, let’s remember the people caring for those teachers, too.
And I want to be clear — as a parent of three young children, I know Teacher Appreciation Week can get expensive fast if you try to buy something for everyone who deserves recognition. This is your gentle reminder: you don’t need to spend money to show appreciation! A small thank-you, a kind word, or a simple note can go a long way.
Easy Ways to Show Appreciation (No Big Budget Needed!)
💌 A note, card, or email from your family — heartfelt words matter more than you think
☕ A coffee or small treat — even a favorite tea or soda can brighten their day
👋 A quick word of appreciation when you see them at the front desk — a simple “thank you” goes a long way
🎁 A small group gift or shoutout from parents — team up with other families for a collective thank-you
🖍 Have your child draw them a picture — sweet, personal, and guaranteed to bring a smile
🌷 Drop off flowers from your garden — fresh and thoughtful without spending a dime
📱 Give them a shoutout on social media — tag the school or center and share your gratitude publicly
📸 Take a photo of something they’ve done well (like a fun event or a decorated space) and send it with a thank-you note
🎥 Record a short thank-you video — either from you or your child, emailed right to them
🎨 Help create a collaborative card or poster from several families — one big message from the whole parent community
🍎 Offer to help with something small — running a quick errand, setting up for an event, or coordinating snacks
They may not be in the classroom every moment, but they are making sure every classroom feels like an extension of home, and the very best environment for your child to thrive during some of the most critical years of their life. Let’s make sure they feel appreciated, too.
Are you a leader in early childhood education looking for more support? Be sure to subscribe for FREE access to the resources I create specifically for ECE directors! And if you’re a parent, share The Director’s Collective with your child’s daycare or preschool leader — we’re working hard to build a strong community of leaders, resources, and tools to help make this important work just a little bit easier.
