Gilly McLean was awarded for 10 years service, and Carrie Leader and Rose Payne both received recognition for five years of service.

All educators received certificates for their commitment to quality improvement in relation to training.

They also received a scheme memento to recognise their outstanding service to the education and care of children within the community.

Family Day Care celebrated a busy but rewarding year. The service was named the 2014 NSW Service of the Year.

Family Day Care provides a personal service featuring smaller groups of children, safe home environments, flexible programs that are designed to help individual children learn and develop, as well as regular play groups.

Childcare benefit can significantly reduce the cost of childcare, and the care provided also qualifies for eligible parents to apply for the government’s 50 per cent rebate.

There were smiles and giggles all round as the children and educators of Gunnedah Family Day Care got together and celebrated their last play group for 2014 recently.

A range of water activities were organised, with party food and a visit from Santa.

Caring people who enjoy working with children and would like to know more information about becoming an education with Family Day Care should contact the office at the Sugar Gums Centre, near TAFE, or phone 6740 2281.