A WAUCHOPE mum has been named the country's child care worker of the year.

Mother-of-three Coryl Reis accepted the national award in Melbourne on Thursday night and was back at Timbertown Child Care Centre on Friday morning.

While the 40-year-old is still trying to grasp what has happened, she admitted feeling very proud.

"I still can't believe I have won, the other state finalists were just so amazing," she said.

"It is fantastic to have a wonderful family that has supported me and given me the peace and quiet needed for my studies."

Mrs Reis was nominated for the Australian Family Fisher-Price Child Care Awards by Julie Langeveld, whose daughter Brooke attends the Wauchope centre, just west of Port Macquarie.

Brooke has special needs and her mum nominated the popular child care worker because of her dedication to her job.

"She's amazing, she goes above and beyond her call of duty," the mother said.

"Coryl helps Brooke out so much and you can see the difference she's made."

Mrs Reis started at Timbertown Child Care eight years ago with no qualifications.

Under the guidance of mentor Gayle Kee she has completed a range of TAFE certificates and is now half way through a Bachelor of Teaching degree, all done while working full-time.

No matter how busy life gets Mrs Reis says she could not imagine life any other way.

"The staff and children here are just fantastic," she said.

"I just love to know I've helped the development of children and encouraged a love of learning in them."

Her many prizes included money towards further training, a crystal trophy and Fisher Price toys.