Alocal educator has been recognised in the National Family Day Care Awards.

Rachel Smith is being recognised for her meaningful and unparalleled work in early childhood education and care in the 2023 Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

In its 12th year, the awards showcase the unique benefits of family day care, which is the natural choice of early childhood education and care for many families across Australia.

The FDCA Awards program is the only national event of its kind for family day care educators, who make up one of the largest national networks of women in small business, turning their passion for childcare into a rewarding career.

Ms Smith, from Foundations Family Day Care, was last week recognised as the Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast Educator Winner in the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

Family Day Care Australia chief executive Andrew Paterson outlined Ms Smith’s “incredible achievements”.

“Rachel’s unique and nurturing approach to early years education and her dedication to children and families is the reason why so many choose family day care,” he said.

“Educators are the lifeblood of our sector.”

Mr Paterson said the awards promoted the valuable contribution family day care educators make to more than 85,000 children across the country each day.

“With over 5000 nominations, this year’s awards continue to play a key role in recognising the achievements of educators on a national level and provide an opportunity to promote the unique benefits of family day care to Australian families,” he said.

Ms Smith is now in the running to be named as a National Finalist for the 2023 Educator of the Year Award.

Four National Educator Finalists will be announced on October 17 with FDCA’s Educator of the Year Winner being announced on November 25 at the FDCA Excellence in Family Day Care Awards Gala Dinner in Adelaide.