Guardian Childcare and Education’s Paige Dobie crowned South Australia’s best childcare educator

From feeling lost to being crowned the best in the state, this childcare educator says she’s found her calling. See the top five educators in the state.

It’s hard to find your dream job straight out of high school but after a trip overseas, Paige Dobie knew that inspiring the next generation was her calling.

Guardian Childcare and Education at Croydon Park was crowned SA’s best childcare educator in our latest poll.

Ms Dobie, who received more than 23 per cent of reader votes, said the win was overwhelming.

Paige Dobie has been named SA's best childcare educator for 2022. Pic: Supplied

“I tend to not believe in myself so just to get this recognition is really rewarding and makes me love what I do even more,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be the educator I am without the influence I’ve had throughout my career.

“I have been shaped as an educator through all the knowledge that has been passed down to me from previous educators and directors.”

After graduating year 12 in 2017, Ms Dobie worked as a camp babysitter at an American summer camp before coming back and beginning a childcare traineeship.

“I was a little lost in what I wanted to do,” Ms Dobie said.

“Ever since I was young, everyone would always call me a ‘kid magnet’ and always encouraged me to work with children.

“The interest of teaching younger children and watching them grow was always there … I’m just really lucky to actually be able to do it.

“It’s so inspiriting to watch the kids grow into themselves, find their characters and who they are as they move though the ages.”