Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day
March 19, 2027
About Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day
Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day is observed annually on the third Friday of March in the United States, honouring the educators who shape the earliest and most formative years of children’s lives. In 2027, it falls on Friday, 19 March. The day recognises the dedication, patience, and skill that preschool teachers bring to their classrooms every day.
What is Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day?
Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day celebrates the professionals who provide early childhood education to children typically aged three to five. These educators lay the groundwork for a child’s academic, social, and emotional development, helping them build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, communication, and cooperation. The day encourages parents, communities, and institutions to express gratitude and recognition for this essential work.
When is Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day?
Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day is observed on the third Friday of March each year. In 2027, it falls on Friday, 19 March. Because the date shifts annually, here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Friday, 19 March |
| 2028 | Friday, 17 March |
| 2029 | Friday, 16 March |
| 2030 | Friday, 15 March |
| 2031 | Friday, 21 March |
Why Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day Matters
Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood education has a lasting impact on a child’s development. A landmark study by Nobel laureate economist James Heckman found that every dollar invested in quality early childhood programmes yields a return of up to $7-$12 in long-term benefits, including improved academic outcomes, higher earning potential, and reduced rates of crime. Preschool teachers are central to delivering these outcomes, yet they are often among the lowest-paid educators in the profession. The average preschool teacher salary in the United States was approximately $35,000 in 2024, well below the median for other teaching roles. Appreciation days like this help draw attention to both the value and the challenges of the profession.
How to Get Involved in Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day
There are many thoughtful ways to show appreciation for the preschool teachers in your community:
- Write a thank-you note — A heartfelt, handwritten note from a parent or child can mean the world to a teacher. Be specific about what you appreciate — their patience, creativity, or the way they helped your child grow.
- Gift a small token of appreciation — Flowers, a gift card to a bookshop or coffee shop, or a personalised item shows that you recognise their hard work. Classroom supplies are also always welcome.
- Help with classroom activities — Volunteer your time to assist with a craft project, reading session, or field trip. Extra hands in the classroom make a teacher’s day easier and more enjoyable.
- Share a social media tribute — Post a photo or message (with permission) honouring your child’s preschool teacher. Public recognition can boost morale and raise the profile of early childhood education.
- Advocate for fair pay — Use the day to raise awareness about the pay gap faced by early childhood educators. Contact local representatives or support organisations campaigning for better wages and conditions.
- Organise a class-wide appreciation event — Coordinate with other parents to arrange a special morning tea, a group card, or a small celebration during drop-off or pick-up time.
- Encourage your child to express gratitude — Help your child draw a picture, make a card, or simply say thank you to their teacher. Teaching children to appreciate their educators reinforces valuable social skills.
History of Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day
Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day grew out of a broader movement to recognise early childhood educators alongside their primary and secondary school counterparts. While the exact founding date and creator are not widely documented, the day has been observed in the United States for over a decade and is now recognised by schools, childcare centres, and education organisations across the country.
The day complements other teacher recognition events, including National Teacher Day (the first Tuesday of May during Teacher Appreciation Week) and World Teachers’ Day (5 October). However, Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day specifically highlights the unique demands and rewards of working with the youngest learners, who require a particular blend of educational skill, emotional intelligence, and seemingly limitless patience.
Early childhood education itself has a long and distinguished history. Friedrich Froebel established the first kindergarten in Germany in 1837, and Maria Montessori developed her pioneering educational method in Italy in the early 1900s. The Head Start programme, launched in the United States in 1965, brought publicly funded preschool education to disadvantaged communities and helped establish early childhood teaching as a recognised profession.
Noteworthy Facts About Preschool Education
- Approximately 5 million children attend preschool programmes in the United States each year.
- Research by James Heckman showed that quality early childhood education yields a return on investment of $7-$12 for every $1 spent.
- The average preschool teacher in the US earns around $35,000 per year — significantly less than the average elementary school teacher, who earns approximately $63,000.
- Friedrich Froebel coined the term “kindergarten” (children’s garden) in 1840 to describe his educational approach of learning through play.
- Children who attend quality preschool programmes are 30% more likely to finish secondary school and 25% more likely to pursue higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day?
Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day is an annual US observance on the third Friday of March honouring the educators who work with young children in preschool and early childhood settings.
When is Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day in 2027?
Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day 2027 falls on Friday, 19 March.
How can I thank my child’s preschool teacher?
A handwritten thank-you note, a small gift such as flowers or a gift card, or simply taking a moment to express your gratitude verbally at drop-off are all meaningful ways to show appreciation.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #PreschoolTeachersAppreciationDay and #ThankAPreschoolTeacher2027 on social media. These educators shape the future one child at a time, and they deserve to know it. For further opportunities to celebrate educators, mark World Teachers’ Day on 5 October.
Related Awareness Days
- World Teachers’ Day — Celebrated on 5 October, a UNESCO-led global event honouring teachers and the vital role they play in education and society.
- National Teacher Day — Observed on the first Tuesday of May in the US, recognising teachers across all levels of education.
- National Early Years Teacher Day — Held on 16 April in the UK, a day dedicated to those working in early years education.
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