Kootingal and District Preschool director Kathryn Kinson is in the running for the awards, after the school’s administrative officer, Kim Parkins, nominated her for the honour.

It is the first time she’s been nominated.

“It’s very exciting,” she said.

“I love early childhood because of the challenge.

“Every day there are challenges and every day it’s different – there is always something wonderful, new and exciting.”

Mrs Kinson has been working in early childhood education for 20 years, all of those at Kootingal Preschool, meaning she’s taught generations of community members.

“I have children of children who I’ve looked after coming through now, which is part of the lovely connections we have in the community,” she said.

“I don’t believe my job as director is just about me as a sole person – any accolades that come to me are passed on to my team, because I’m part of a team and input comes from everywhere.”

Nominees are judged on improving the wellbeing of the children, improving the children’s program, improving the early childhood service, ongoing professional learning and development and improving inclusive interactions and partnerships with families.

Nominator and preschool administrative officer Kim Parkins said she had worked there for 18 months and had noticed the contribution Mrs Kinson had made to the preschool.

“When she started, it was only very small and she’s been able to grow with the school,” she said.

“It’s also her ability to think outside the box, like placing pictures at the children’s eye level as stimuli that can create conversation with the parents and develop the children’s personality and skills.”

Mrs Parkins said Mrs Kinson was also proactive in gaining grants for the preschool, as it was a not-for-profit community preschool.

The finalists will be announced on April 18, state winners will be revealed on May 17 and the national winners will be announced on June 17, with more than $75,000 in prizes, including $40,000 in training and professional development grants, on offer.