Ms Watters has been selected as a state finalist in this year’s Australian Family Early Education & Care Awards in the Early Childhood Educator of the Year category.

It follows hot on the heels of her being named 2013 Regional Educator of the Year award for the North West district in the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

But the difference this year is that Ms Watters is unsure who of the 10 families she does day care for has nominated her – and she can’t seem to squeeze it out of anyone, even though she keeps dropping leading hints to try and tease out a response.

“They all nominated me last year but this year I’m not sure who did or how many,” she said.

“It’s nice to know that what you do is appreciated.”

Ms Watters loves what she does and has been doing it for four years.

“What you put into it you get out of it,” she said. “Sometimes it can be challenging. You run lots – you don’t need the gym, put it that way!”

At the moment, she’s looking after children ranging in age from eight months to 11 years.

Twenty seven NSW finalists have been selected in this year’s Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards -– which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

There are 88 finalists across the nation, with more than 1260 nominations received in the categories of Director of the Year, Service of the Year, Educator of the Year and the Rising Star Award (under 25 years). 

From the NSW finalists, three state winners will be chosen, on May 20, to represent their state. 

Each state winner will then meet with the judging panel to do a presentation as part of a three-day professional development event in June. 

National winners will be announced on June 20 and share in more than $75,000 in prizes including $40,000 in training and professional development grants.