The Highlands resident has built rapport with children and their families for over 10 years, and has been at Little Seedlings Family Day Care in Renwick for almost two years.

Her efforts have been recognised in this year's Family Day Care Australia Excellence in Family Day Care Awards, the only award which commemorates family day care educators across Australia.

"I have enjoyed working with a smaller group of children in family day care, because I have found it more relational and rewarding," she said.

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Her love for laying solid learning foundations for young children started when she worked in a local day care centre as a teenager.

Mrs King has since strived to create a safe and fun environment where children "have felt like they belonged, and where they were encouraged to develop and become their own person."

"I have encouraged children to learn through play, and believed that children learn best when they were free to be themselves," she continued.

"I was very passionate about my service, and have worked hard alongside families to ensure children in my care have great learning and play experiences every day."

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The childhood educator and care professional discovered that she received national accolade on September 14, and was also named as a finalist last year.

She is also in the running to be named as one of the four National Educator Finalists later in October.

"I was already so blown away, thankful and honoured to be recognised at a national level for my work," she said.

"I was excited to see what I could achieve with Little Seedlings Family Day Care next, maybe it would be National Educator."

Samantha King was one of 69 regional educators across Australia who received an award.

Highlanders can learn more about Samantha and Little Seedlings Family Day Care on their the family day care centre's Facebook page.

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