46 saved#3,485 of 6,224

National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day

An appreciation day on March 20 honoring preschool teachers for their dedication in nurturing and educating children aged 3 to 5, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and social development.

Friday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEThird Friday in March

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYEducators

ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance began in the early 2000s, initiated by early childhood education advocates to honor preschool teachers for their work during children's formative years.

+ Know the story? Submit a founder Help us complete this holiday

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Calling all heroes of early education! March 15 marks the annual accolade for these MVPs - National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day. Celebrated since the early 2000s, this remarkable day honors the creativity, patience, and dedication of preschool teachers who lay the foundation for lifelong learning. They not only teach our little ones basic skills, but also instill in them the love of learning from an early age. So, let's come together and show our gratitude and appreciation with all the joy and enthusiasm these educating rockstars fill our children's lives with! Get ready to celebrate and give a big cheer for our preschool teachers!

TIMELINE

National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day Timeline

Emergence of Preschool Education

The first preschool institutions were established in the United States, marking the beginning of formal early childhood education.

Introduction of Head Start

The U.S. federal government initiated the Head Start Program to provide comprehensive early childhood education to low-income children.

Recognition of Early Childhood Education

Preschool education gains recognition, making early childhood educators an essential part of the educational structure in the U.S.

Establishment of Appreciation Day

National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day is set on March 15, creating a specific day to honor preschool teachers' contributions.

Advocacy for Preschool Education

Major advocacy and policy efforts are made to expand access to quality early childhood education, with preschool teachers at the forefront of these endeavors.

Preschool Teachers in Pandemic

Preschool teachers adapt to new teaching methods amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, amplifying their importance in early education.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day

Create a handmade thank you card

Let your creativity run wild and make a special thank you card for the preschool teacher in your life. You can use craft supplies like glitter, felt, and stickers to make your card stand out.

GIVE

Give a surprise gift

A small surprise gift can go a long way in showing appreciation. It could be anything from a picture frame, a book related to early education, or a personalized mug with a lovely message.

ORGANIZE

Organize a group gift from the whole class

Get together with other parents and collect funds to purchase a large gift that the teacher will certainly appreciate. This could be spa vouchers, a new bag, or even an e-reader for their leisure reading.

ARRANGE

Arrange a surprise classroom decoration

Decorate the classroom when the teacher is away. Balloons, banners, and posters expressing gratitude can surely make their day and remind them how appreciated they are.

PREPARE

Prepare a special meal

If the teacher has a favorite cuisine or dish, offer to prepare a special meal for them. A home-cooked meal can be a hearty way of expressing gratitude and appreciation for all their hard work.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day

Encourages creative ways to show appreciation

The day encourages students and parents to come up with unique and heartfelt ways to express their gratitude towards their teachers. Be it handmade cards, surprise gifts or even a special meal, they all symbolize a simple yet profound token of appreciation for the teachers.

Honors important education figures

National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day is a special occasion that dedicates gratitude towards preschool teachers who play crucial roles in a child's early education. It is their creativity, patience, and passion that foster a love of learning in children from an early age.

Raises Awareness about the value of early education

This day is a great opportunity to understand and spread awareness about the importance of early education. Recognizing the efforts of preschool teachers helps highlight the significance of this period in a child's educational journey.