Finlay’s Story: A Calling Found in Connection
For Finlay, becoming an Early Childhood Educator wasn't part of a carefully planned career path. It began with a high school volunteer hours and the realization that helping children grow, learn, and discover the world was more than just enjoyable. It was what he was meant to do.
"I [first worked at the Y] in 2011 when they opened the YMCA in Grimsby," he recalls. “I was doing child minding; it was a good part-time job during high school.”
Finlay went on to do the Leader in Training program with the Town of Grimsby to get his high school volunteer hours and realized how fun working in camps could be.
"The logical next step was to go into teaching," he says.
That's when he discovered where his heart truly belonged.
"I was having the most fun with the younger years. Early childhood education was the real calling, and I've been doing that ever since."
Today, Finlay is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at St. Timothy's YMCA Child Care Centre, where he has worked for the past year and a half.
His passion is something Jennifer Dwyer, centre manager at St. Timothy's, sees every day.
"Finlay consistently demonstrates what it means to lead with his heart," she says. "He has created a program where children know they belong, where their voices matter, and where they can be themselves."
She describes him as an educator who never rushes interactions with children, taking the time to listen, join in their play, and celebrate their accomplishments.
"The children are naturally drawn to him because they know he is someone they can trust," says Jennifer. “He doesn't just work with children; he connects with them.”
For Finlay, those connections are what make every day worthwhile.
“One of my favourite parts is just how dynamic it is. Every day is different," he says. "There's always a fresh challenge. You're always on your feet. You get to inspire and be taught, [and you] develop these awesome friendships and relationships.”
Sometimes, those relationships reveal themselves in unexpected ways.
"One of the moms came up to me and said, 'Beth got a goldfish and we were trying to decide what to name it.' They decided to name it Mr. Finn," he says with a laugh. "At first, I thought it was because it's a fish, but the mom said, 'No, they wanted to name it after you, Mr. Finn at St. Timothy's.' Those are the stories that make it worth it."
Finlay says this photo encapsulates his vibe as a Child Care worker.
For Finlay, being able to make those connections is tied directly to the support he feels as a YMCA employee.
"There's never a day where going to work feels like a chore," he says.
"You can tell the Y stands behind their program, and they strive for high quality," he explains. "If your employees aren't feeling supported coming to work every day, you inherently can't have a high-quality program."
"You have that collective feeling across the YMCA, and everything just comes together,” says Finlay.
As Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day reminds us, the impact of educators like Finlay extends far beyond the classroom. They help children develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, and the skills they will carry throughout their lives.
Too often, he says, early childhood educators are misunderstood.
"I think the biggest thing people don't realize is just how important and integral we are to raising decent, well-adjusted human beings," says Finlay.
"We get the stigma of glorified babysitters; people don't always understand how important those formative years from zero to five are."
For the children who run to greet him each day, for the families who trust him with their most precious people, and yes, even for one little goldfish named Mr. Finn, the impact is undeniable.
For Finlay, that's exactly why he keeps showing up each day to ignite potential in every child who walks through the door.
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