AFTER 13 years at Phillip, childcare centre Precious Momentz is making the move to Queanbeyan.
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Owner Leanne Crisp was left with no choice but to find new premises after their current building was sold at the end of 2013.
But it's been somewhat of a blessing in a disguise as the centre moves into its new home at Bayldon Road, Queanbeyan.
"The new owners are hoping to redevelop and unfortunately their plans don't accommodate a childcare centre," Miss Crisp said.
"Someone mentioned Queanbeyan as a possible new location. We saw the building and we had the fight of our lives to get it. It's just perfect and has a beautiful feel to it.
"It hasn't been purpose built but we haven't had to do much work to transform it into a childcare centre."
Precious Momentz Childhood Learning and Development Centre has 14 staff members who look after 60 children per day. The new building has three rooms divided into baby, toddler and pre-school categories and also a outdoor play area.
Miss Crisp said there were limited vacancies for new families with locals expressing plenty of interest.
"We did lose about 50 per cent of our existing families who can't make it to our new location. However, we've had a lot of interest from families in Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra as well as families in Googong," she said.
Miss Crisp said she loves working with children and described the centre as her own "baby".
"I find working in childcare really rewarding. No two days are the same. We love being involved in each child's life and being core to their education and wellbeing," she said.
"I love coming in of a morning and seeing the children smiling. I love hearing them so happy and laughing, it's a wonderful thing to come to work and have that.
"The centre is my baby; it's not just a job. Some of the children are here five days, 51 weeks a year so it's not just a job but my life and baby."
Miss Crisp said the centre's point of difference was offering diverse activities including Yoga, a dance program and weekly storytelling session. Visitors to the centre include Aboriginal dancers, African drummers, a reptile handler, the tooth fairy and Constable Kenny Koala.
"I believe every child is an individual and they learn at a different pace," Miss Crisp said. "That's why we offer a wide variety of experiences and activities at the centre."
Precious Momentz Childhood Learning and Development Centre is located at 88 Bayldon Road, Queanbeyan. It will be open for business from April 14. For enquiries please call 6281 2001 or email preciousmomentzccc@bigpond.com.