If first impressions are anything to go by, Cobar Early Learning Centre’s new coordinator, Danae Pryce, is going to enjoy working and living in Cobar.
The Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher with nine years’ experience in the childcare sector started work at the ELC on Thursday.
Danae said the opportunity to make a “tree-change” from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to experiencing life in a small country town was a major attraction when she decided to make the move.
“I’ve always been a bit of a city girl, growing up on the Sunshine Coast, but I always enjoyed visiting my grandparents in Stanthorpe,” Danae said.
“I wanted to have that small town experience, so when the opportunity came up, I thought, if we’re going to do it, let’s do it now.”
Danae arrived in Cobar last Monday with her partner, Cody, and said they were both looking forward to becoming part of the local community.
“The money is obviously an added bonus, but it’s more so the experience,” she said.
“We don’t have children or other commitments as yet, so it was a lot easier to be able to pack up and just do it.”
Danae brings extensive experience to the coordinator role, having spent the past three years as an Assistant Director and Educational Leader at a large long-day-care service on the Sunshine Coast.
She was involved in opening the 75-place centre and remained there for four years, helping to establish and grow the service before making the move to Cobar.
Danae said her first few days at ELC had been positive, with staff, children and families making her feel welcome.
She has spent much of her time on the floor with educators and children, including meeting parents at the centre’s Father’s Day event.
“I think it’s just important to settle in and build those relationships,” she said. “I’m not coming in here to change things. “I’m here to support them.”
Danae said the most rewarding part of working in early childhood was the influence educators could have on children during their formative years.
“It’s knowing that you’ve helped them achieve that, especially when you send them off to school,” she said.
“It’s not just a babysitting service. You’re coming here and you’re having a big influence and impact on them, on their day, their week and basically their lives.”
She hopes the children’s time at the centre is filled with fun, positive learning experiences and strong relationships, while providing them with a safe place to grow.
Danae also believes the centre has an important role to play in connecting children and families with the wider Cobar community.
“Especially in a town like this, it’s very important,” she said.
“Everyone knows everyone in a small town and it’s a perfect opportunity to be able to connect.”
Danae said having a chef or cook at the centre to provide meals and make use of its well-equipped kitchen is one area she’d like to further explore. She also hopes to build on efforts to connect the centre with allied health and other community services.
Danae said she was grateful for the warm welcome she had received so far and was looking forward to building relationships within the community.
Cobar ELC has also acknowledged the support of Early Childhood Consultant Nichole Jenkins, who has travelled hundreds of kilometres each week to assist the service over the past 12 months.
Nichole will continue to provide mentoring and guidance to Danae during the transition as the centre moves into its next chapter.
