Ms Devine completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Gunnedah TAFE because looking after people with needs is her "passion".

The local said she herself has a child with needs, which inspired her to help other children with special needs.

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After completing her two-week placement at L'il Achievers, Zoe was offered a full-time position as a child care educator in January, which was "a dream come true".

"I enjoy being able to watch the children progress - witnessing them grow, develop and learn, and forming bonds with the children and their parents is very rewarding," Zoe said.

"I would encourage anyone considering early childhood education and care as a career to go to TAFE - it helped change my life."

Li'l Achievers' Jade Bartlett said Zoe was "amazing" with the children when she spent time at the centre in late 2018.

"We knew we wanted her working here - she's excellent with the children who have special needs and all the children just absolutely love her," Ms Bartlett said.

Li'l Achievers director Linda Gallagher said a new role would be created at the centre to best utilise Zoe's skill set.

"Zoe will be working with children who need additional learning support doing one-on-one and small group teaching," Ms Gallagher said.

"[She] will have her own case load and she can implement speech and occupational therapy programs devised by specialists."

TAFE NSW early childhood education and care teacher Penny Bryen said Zoe was a "wonderful, compassionate educator with outstanding leadership qualities".

"Throughout her study Zoe's strengths were her perseverance and willingness to commit and learn," Ms Bryen said.

"She always showed professionalism in the classroom and her workplace."

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