Shining Star - Chrissy Graham

In our Lifelong Learning Centres, many of our educators are also on their own learning journeys - and we're very proud to share the journey of Chrissy Graham, who recently completed her Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education. 

Chrissy began studying my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) in 2013, the same year she began working at Daisy's Child Care Centre in Cooma, NSW.
 
"When I began my work and education journey my daughter, Alexis, was six weeks old and I decided to follow my dream of becoming a teacher and leave the real estate industry, which I had worked in for ten years previously," says Chrissy.

"I had initially enrolled in a Primary School Degree and was working in Administration at Daisy's. However, after my first trimester I changed to a Dual Degree as I really enjoyed seeing the educational development in the younger years and I wanted to learn more about it."

"Within six months I became the Lead Educator in the Alpine Daisy's Preschool Room and juggled this role as I studied and also had my other two children; Xander and Beatrix."

In September 2019, Chrissy proundly accepted her Bachelor Degree, with her supportive family and the team at Daisy's applauding her all the way. 

"I really valued the opportunity that studying early childhood education gave me as I was able to learn so much about child development, which I found interesting and Affinity also allowed me to take my children to work with me, which enabled me to watch them grow while I worked!"

Chrissy credits Centre Manager Liz and the team at Daisy's Child Care for their support, guidance, suggestions and counselling.

"They have pulled me through all the teary "I can't do it" and "I will fail" moments I have had," says Chrissy.

The relationship between Daisy's and Cooma North Preschool really blossomed due to Chrissy's commitment - the centre and Preschool now work together on a range of early education initiatives.

"Cooma North Preschool are very well known in the industry for their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation Action Program (RAP) and education. They have assisted us in developing our own RAP and implementing it within the center," says Chrissy.

Chrissy says she is now better able to provide feedback for more authentic learning experiences for the children at Daisy's and a better understanding of what is needed for school readiness as they prepare to move onto their next stage of life. This reflects the lifelong learning approach. 

"Our community links are continually growing and I hope to see more opportunities for partnership appear. I also wish to develop my teaching skills further as I believe in the teaching profession you always need to learn more, as there is new information out there and research that helps our practice every day to grow. In a few years time I have a goal to complete my masters degree also."

The children at Daisy's are fortunate to have such a wonderful and committed teacher guiding their School Readiness year.