With 1100 nominations for the awards, Mrs Reis’ elevation to the best in Australia in the industry typifies her dedication and passion for teaching.

“I really am overwhelmed. This is an awesome feeling and it really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Mrs Reis said.

“But I am feeling very special. When it got to work this morning all the kids gave me hugs and kisses and all the parents congratulated me … one parent was actually in tears.

“So this is really an achievement that I am proud of.

“My husband and kids have been really supportive of me with the additional study and bringing work home and also working fulltime too.

“It nice to be valued and appreciated for the work you (child care workers) carry out in the community.

“I think it is great for the child care industry to have these awards because it raises the professionalism another level.

“And you don’t always get that acknowledgement.”

Mrs Reis said the award criteria was broad-based which meat it was difficult to pinpoint any one aspect of her nomination that stood out.

“But it does confirm that I, along with all other staff members, are doing the right thing which, again, helps lift the industry’s professionalism,” she said.

The Australian Child Care Worker of the Year was nominated by Julie Langeveld whose daughter, Brooke attends Timbertown Child Care Centre.

Mrs Langeveld said she had nominated Mrs Reis for her dedication to her job.

“She’s amazing, she goes above and beyond her call of duty,” she said.

“Coryl helps Brooke out so much and you can see the difference she’s made. “She absolutely deserves the recognition and pampering.”

Mrs Reis commenced work at Timbertown Child Care just eight years with no qualifications in the industry.

She plans to complete her Bachelor of Teaching degree and hopes to eventually operate her own child care centre.