Jess Coyne loves her job as an early childhood educator. It's a role she says is challenging but highly rewarding.
Ms Coyne is the director at the Cooma School of Early Learning and last week, the centre celebrated national Early Childhood Educator's Day. Ms Coyne said the day served as an opportunity to remind the Cooma community of the crucial role the sector plays in the development of children aged between one and five.
Cooma School of Early Learning educators said the day brought some much needed positivity.
"Our educators do a wonderful job and the national day is a good chance to thank them and remind people that there are good educators out there," Ms Coyne said.
"There has been a lot of negative media about the industry. It's hard being an early childhood educator but we love what we do.
"We might be a small part of the community but we deliver so much. The first 1000 days of a child's life is key to their development and we are a big presence in their lives."
In a profession where retaining staff beyond 12 months is often difficult, Ms Coyne said the centre benefits from its long-term educators.
"Our educators are passionate and professional. Many of us have been here three, four and even longer than five years," Ms Coyne said.
Tammy Fitzgerald, an educational leader at the Cooma School of Early Learning, praised the work of the centre's educators.
"It takes a strong willed person to be an educator. You need to be quick thinking, kind, and patient, among many other things," Ms Fitzgerald said.
"What we do is much more than changing nappies. We aren't babysitters, we are often some of the most significant people in a young child's early years."
