Angel Tots educator says farewell to ECEC sector after more than 20 years of service

Former special education teacher turned early childhood educator Lyn Coghlan has said her farewells to the children and families of Angel Tots (formerly Gumnuts) childcare centre in the New South Wales coastal town of Salamander Bay. 

Ms Coghlan has worked at Angel Tots for more than 16 years, and has been in the early childhood sector for more than 20. 

“It has been a humbling experience and I have cherished every day of my life as an early childhood educator,” Ms Coghlan told local publication Port Stephens Examiner. 

While the sector is not without its challenges, in terms of the work being undertaken by educators being undervalued, she continued, being part of the lives of so many local families was the highlight of her career.

“There have been times when parents of siblings of children approach me in the street or shopping centre to thank me for being part of their early childhood journey. That is the most rewarding part of the job,” she explained.

Ms Coghlan was drawn to the sector as the result of reflection on her own life as a mother. 

“Our role as educators is to be there for the children, to ensure they are much loved and safe. I also see it as our role to help the children better themselves while preparing them for their future,” she told the paper. 

As she retires, Ms Coghlan said she will miss the collegiality of the team she works with, and the children’s joy and laughter. 

“I will miss the children, it is their enthusiasm that keeps me young,” she added. 

During her retirement, she will focus on spending more quality time with her husband, children and grandchildren, as well as volunteering in the community to support the elderly. 

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