• $79,000K per annum, plus car allowance
• Make a significant impact on our early childhood workforce
• Additional role within our team of Practice Partners
• Part time – 30.4 hours per week, work life balance, hybrid model working across the services and at home

Bring your coaching skills and SRF expertise to join Sparkways, a Social Purpose organisation supporting children and young people since 1883. Trusted by thousands of families, we work together to spark curious, creative and confident children through our 40+ high quality Early Childhood Education and Care kindergartens, preschools and childcare centres across Melbourne.

In the dynamic and trusted Quality, Practice and Programs Department, you will be part of the Practice Partners team.

The work of the Practice Partners

The role of the Practice Partners is to support service leaders and educators deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate and inclusive early childhood education and care programs, through the provision of mentoring, coaching and professional development.

The Practice Partner will support teams to build their capacity, reflect on their own practice and learning styles, and share knowledge across teams.

The Practice Partner will support and guide service leaders and educators to identify and understand the needs of children and families. You will use the development of reflections and assessments throughout the year, to help develop School Readiness Funding plans and ensure the plans remain on-track and relevant to the attending cohort of children.

The role will be focused on supporting service leaders and educators in regards to 0-3 age groups (pre-kindergarten) within our Early Learning Centres (ELCs), however will include support to kindergarten age groups as required.

What you will need to succeed

To be successful with Sparkways you will be a passionate team player who enjoys stakeholder engagement and thrives in hands-on training and coaching.

We’re looking for individuals with:

• Ability to work confidently in partnership with services and stakeholders to gain best outcomes for children
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care preferably at Bachelor or above level, and VIT registered
• Extensive and recent experience as Early Childhood Teacher with strong knowledge of early year learning frameworks and National Quality Standards
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (desirable)
• Completion of Coach and Mentor Training Program or Effective Mentor Program or similar (desirable)
• Proven leadership skills to effectively coach and empower groups of people
• Creative and proficient in using remote communication tools (Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc) with educators, families and associated service providers
• Own car and drivers licence essential
• Strong communication skills with a proven ability to positively influence through effective engagement, facilitation and negotiation
• An approach to work that is flexible and able to embrace and respond effectively to change

What we offer

A flexible environment which encourages you to bring your whole self to work. As the successful applicant you’ll be joining an organisation where you will be supported to lead your functional area and continue to grow, learn and enhance your skills

Work life balance - visiting your portfolio of services across Melbourne, attending meetings at either of our hubs, Carrum Downs, Thomastown or Flemington and working from home

How to apply

Apply through the Application link, or send your application to [email protected]

Attach your current resume and include a cover letter / email responding to the following:

• Describe some of your experiences and achievements that illustrate your practice coaching in the Early Learning Sector
• Describe your exposure to the School Readiness Funding planning process
• Tell us why you are interested in this position

Any questions?

Email Nancy Green, Head of Pedagogy, Practice & Family Support, to answer any questions

• [email protected]

Child Safety and inclusiveness

Sparkways and all our services are committed to child safety. The protection and wellbeing of children and young persons is reflected in our zero tolerance for child abuse. All staff and volunteers have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that young people are safe whilst involved in our care and programs. All children have the right to safety and security and the protection from physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse and neglect.

Sparkways is a child safe and equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from people with a disability.