“I just sort of chose it on a whim,” Miss Knight said.

“I love it, it’s the best thing ever.”

Miss Knight of Koroit’s Honey Pot child care centre has been nominated for this year’s rising star honour at the Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards in May.

Miss Knight said she was surprised by the recognition.

“I didn’t know that anyone had nominated me”, she said

“I’ve only been at the Honey Pot centre since the start of 2015.”

The rising star award is open to people who have worked in early childhood for five years or less – regardless of their age.

Miss Knight said it was a desire to see children grow and develop that inspired her to enter a career in childcare.

“I want to support and encourage kids to have confidence,” Miss Knight said.

“I want them to grow up to be individuals.”

Miss Knight said the best part of her job was seeing children grow up and their characters emerge.

“I love seeing children develop into their own personalities,” Miss Knight said. 

“I just love it, it’s the best job.”

Each finalist who was nominated in a variety of categories is expected to have demonstrated their achievements in practice and commitment to five key areas aligned with the National Quality Standards.

Those five areas are improving the well being of children, improving the children’s program, improving the early childhood service, ongoing professional learning and development and improving inclusive interactions and partnerships with families.

Each of the nominees is reviewed by representatives of Australian Family including judging chairman and Australian Family managing director Paul Clancy.

Mr Clancy said it was critical that Australian children were in the very best of care.  

“There are so many committed and caring directors, educators, rising stars and services in Australia entrusted in the development of young lives,” he said.

“It is our job as parents and guardians to thank and praise their efforts.”      

State winners will be revealed to successful nominees on May 17.