Coonabarabran educator awarded for her dedication


Castlereagh Family Day Care educator Ellen Mahne has been named as a regional winner in the 2018 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards for the Dubbo
and Central region and is thrilled with the honour.

“Family Day Care has opened so many doors for me in my life, both professionally and personally,” Ellen said.

Since becoming an educator, she has been able to continue further study including attaining a Diploma in Children’s Services through TAFE.

Ellen has also nearly completed her third year of a Bachelor of Education through UNE.

Her new working life has given Ellen more flexibility with her own family and the opportunity to play a rewarding part in the lives of others.

“This career has allowed me to raise my child while earning a good income, further my study and help other children grow and develop into our leaders
of the future,” she said.

She is enthusiastic about continuing making a difference in the future.

“Some of the families that utilise my service are onto their third child with Ellen’s Early Learning and anyone that walks through my doors becomes
part of my family.”

Enabling children to feel safe, secure and supported in their care environment is of paramount importance to Ellen, who uses the Early Years Framework
(EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) to guide both practice and pedagogy.

“Community engagement, play-based learning and respect for inclusion and diversity are areas that I am so passionate about and these important life
skills are modelled and programmed in my service daily.

“I want to show my children that you can make a difference in this world and that anything is possible.”

Ellen will attend the FDCA Excellence in Family Day Care Awards national presentation on the Gold Coast as part of her award.