She has wonderful memories of the institution and her life has taken a complete 360 degree turn – and she is back there again – this time as an assistant.

“I have always loved children so it just seemed like second nature to work with them when I left school,” said the now 19-year-old.

“I remember getting dressed up as a fairy for a preschool fete, it was great fun, and now I get to enjoy it all over again.”

Jacqui has completed Certificate 111 in Childcare and prior to her employment at the preschool three and a half days a week, had been working at other centres on a casual basis.

Joining Jacqui is Tina Overton who is assisting on Thursday and Friday.

Tina studied in Sydney, receiving her associate diploma in childcare.

“I worked in day care centres in Sydney before moving to Hong Kong with my husband for 10 years,” she said.

“I worked as a preschool teacher at an international kindergarten over there before moving back to Australia last year.

“We had a tree change and moved to a property just outside Dungog and I am really enjoying being here at the preschool with the children.”

The school has received additional funding from the Department of Community Services which has allowed them to substantially reduce their fees.

“We will also be paying for children to travel on buses to and from the preschool,” said director Kelly Meehan.

“We will be holding an open day on October 26 and 28 for next year’s enrolments.

“And to help with our fundraising we will be holding a shopping trip to Sydney on September 29.”

For more information contact the preschool on 4992 1875.