Home away from home – Albyn Cottage Childcare in Bexley celebrates long legacy

Three of Albyn Cottage Childcare Centres employees know the service a little better than others, having had the privilege of experiencing life in the service as toddlers, before returning as adults to educate and care for a new generation. 

“We currently have three staff who attended the centre as toddlers,” Albyn Cottage owner Eget Milios shared with St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.

Jasmine, Navine, and Douaa all attended Albyn Cottage as children and have now returned there to work. Jasmine’s connection is extra special because she is Eget’s daughter, lending a family twist to the service. 

Having worked in event management and social work, Jasmine finds herself drawn back to her ‘home away from home,’ being with Albyn Cottage’s children and families and watching them grow. 

“Initially, I was only dropping in to help my mum, but I had become so attached to all the children,” she shared with the paper. 

“I became invested in their development and experiencing their journeys with them. I couldn’t imagine being without them.”

For Navine, it was her warm memories of her time with Albyn Cottage which brought her back, saying that watching children learn and grow just as she did makes her happy. 

Douaa’s memories are equally cherished, and she plans to bring her future children to the service too. 

“Eget has always been the best role model and very inspirational. I chose childcare as I love to make a difference in the children’s lives, watching them grow knowing I contributed to their growth and development is very rewarding,” she said. 

The small 29 place service has been in operation for 24 years, and being invited to the weddings of children who were part of the early days of the service has been a highlight for Eget. 

Of her three special staff, and indeed her whole staff team, Eget says “it’s like a family. Even when they move on they come back.” 

“I am honoured to have been a part of these girls’ lives from a very early age. Working with these beautiful ladies and still being a part of their life is my greatest reward. Hopefully in years to come they will take over the running of the centre.”

Learn more about Albyn Cottage here. For the original coverage of this story please see here.