Seeing babies feel sand between their toes for the first time, and watching toddlers enjoy the novel texture of paint between their fingers is something Melissa Palmer revels in.

'Every day is different – depending on the children, what their interests are, you're not doing the same thing every single day,” says the Early Childhood Education teacher of 14 years.

'And every day is a challenge in a special unique way – it's really awesome.”

And for Melissa, this week is special and unique. She's been recognised for her oozing passion and dedication to her career by being named runner-up in the early childhood category in the New Zealand's Most Inspiring Teachers campaign.

Melissa, who has been working at ABC Central Tauranga for 13 years next March, has wanted to an ECE teacher 'since I was little”.

Her parents' friends had younger children, so interacting with them uncovered a yearning.

She first completed a certificate in early childhood education, then a national certificate, a diploma and a degree – a Bachelor of Teaching.

Does she freak out at the responsibility of looking after other's children? 'It is a huge responsibility – you're a looking after people's treasures every single day.

'But it's actually a privilege that they trust me with their most prized possession.

'I just absolutely love what I do.”

And you can tell. 'Each child is their own person, has their own interests that we like to extend and enrich their lives,” says Melissa.

She works with under twos at ABC Tauranga central as one of nine staff, including an admin person and cook, looking after the centre's 45 families. She's also worked with over-twos.

'The under twos – they're development is just at such a high rate. They are learning things constantly. And everything to them is new.

'Some haven't done a painting before or felt the texture of paint between their fingers, some haven't had the opportunity to go to the beach – so taking off their socks in the sandpit and seeing their toes wiggle in the sand for the very first time is magic!”

Parents can see their child's progress at ABC Tauranga Central through a video on each child's story page online. 'That I get to be a part of that is amazing – and being able to share these experiences with their parents is great too.”

Melissa was nominated for the accolade by fellow teacher Gemma Gilbert, who says her colleague is 'the most dedicated teacher I have met”.

'Melissa has made a positive difference in many children's lives through her constant positivity, respectful practice and enthusiasm for ensuring every child has the best start to life.

'I'm in awe of her respectful and nurturing teaching practice, which she demonstrates daily. 'Children love to be around Melissa, where they feel lots of aroha in her presence,” says Gemma.

'Absolutely, I am dedicated,” says Melissa. 'This is not a nine-to-five job. We don't walk out of the building at the day's end and that's the end of it.

'It's researching, doing after-hours at the centre, bringing in the families so they can network with each other. It's going the extra mile.”

For example, Melissa is one of many ECE teachers you'll regularly see at the beach – and not for their own enjoyment.

'For a teacher a beach isn't just a place where you swim in the water. It's a resources collecting opportunity. So you'll often see ECE teachers at the beach collecting resources.

'Our job is 24/7.”

Melissa says there's always change at the centre, with children going off to school, new and old families coming and going, and new faces. So is it hard to let go?

'You don't just become part of children's lives – you become part of their family. So yes, I have shed a few tears as they leave for school.

'It's not a job to us – it really is a passion.”

Her three children, now aged 12, 11 and nine, have all been at the centre. 'This means I can relate to the parents on their level – so I know communication in those first few months is really important.”

And how does her new accolade make her feel? 'I did cry a little bit – the overwhelming support from past and present families – yeah, it's appreciation.

'I thank all the teachers, parents, family and friends for all their support.”

Melissa also says it's nice to receive recognition for something that is her 'passion”.

'What I like about early childhood education is I have the opportunity to be a part of children's lives and really make a difference.”