At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people, and here at Y Ballarat we provide a wide range of programs and services in close to 100 communities across Victoria, including rural and remote communities. We currently have over 600 staff across the state and continue to grow and develop our passionate workforce.

Our children’s services operations, Y Kinders, include the management of Kindergarten’s, Long Day Cares and Before and After School Care. Children. We enrich the lives of children and inspire them to reach their potential, with our Every Child, Every Service, Everyday approach to quality. Our youth specific programs have an increased presence in Ballarat through our Youth hubs, workshops and our amazing ReCranked and JumpStart programs. For further details visit: www.yballarat.org.au

Mission

Our Mission is to empower children, young people and communities Australia-wide to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world, where every person can thrive in body, mind and spirit.

Vision

A better world, with and for young people.

Values

Our core values are Honesty, Respect, Caring and Responsibility.

Purpose of Position

The Assistant Director will provide supportive leadership and work closely with the Centre Director to ensure the delivery of high-quality early learning programs that align with educational frameworks and regulatory requirements. They will monitor and maintain the quality aspects of service delivery, conduct compliance audits, and contribute to achieving and maintaining Quality Assessment and Rating for the centre.

The Assistant Director will promote the health and safety of staff and children, foster a supportive team environment, and assist with administrative tasks to ensure smooth daily operations. With excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the Assistant Director will support the Centre Director in leading a highly engaged and motivated team.

A full position description is available via our website at Yballarat.org.au/careers

Duties and Responsibilities

Centre Leadership:

Provide supportive leadership aligned with the Y values and professional standards.

Collaborate with the Centre Director to establish team priorities and work towards achieving objectives.

Foster a positive and inclusive team culture through effective communication and relationship-building.

Quality and Health/Safety:

Work collaboratively as a team member to implement, evaluate, and maintain high-quality educational programs aligned with the relevant frameworks and regulations.

Monitor and maintain quality aspects of service delivery, actively identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices.

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations related to education and care.

Create and maintain a safe and caring environment for children, implementing appropriate supervision measures and ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

Leadership and Administration:

Lead by example and support the development of strong teamwork skills among Educators, volunteers, and students.

Assist the Centre Director in developing initiatives to enhance attendance and engagement.

Provide efficient administrative support, including record-keeping, budget management, and procurement of supplies.

Contribute to the review and implementation of policies and procedures, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance.

Other Duties:

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by willingly undertaking additional tasks as required to support the successful delivery of Early Learning Programs.

Embrace opportunities for professional growth and development, seeking ways to enhance skills and knowledge in the field of early childhood education.

Contribute to discussions.

Other tasks as directed.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications:

Diploma qualification or higher in Early Childhood Education.

Experience:

Significant experience in early childhood education, with demonstrated experience in a leadership or supervisory role.

Proven experience managing teams and leading day-to-day operations within a centre or program-based setting.

Skills:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Proficiency in relevant computer applications and software.

Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations related to early childhood education and care.

First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).

Performance Goals

Program Excellence: Maintain high-quality educational programs aligned with relevant frameworks and continuously improve program outcomes.

Compliance and Regulations: Ensure full compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards through regular audits and proactive actions.

Team Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, promoting effective communication and professional growth.

Health and Safety: Ensure a safe and caring environment by adhering to health and safety regulations and actively mitigating risks.

Professional Development: Pursue ongoing learning opportunities to stay updated with the latest practices and apply them to enhance professional expertise.

Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the centre’s improvement by seeking areas for enhancement and suggesting innovative solutions.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications: Possess a relevant qualification in Early Childhood Education, such as a Diploma in Education and Care or higher.

Experience: Previous experience in a similar role or within the early childhood education industry, including implementing and evaluating high-quality educational programs.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish positive relationships with team members, parents, and external stakeholders.

Leadership and Management: Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to provide supportive guidance, foster a positive team culture, and implement initiatives to enhance attendance and engagement.

Health and Safety: Knowledge of health and safety regulations and the ability to create a safe and caring environment for children, including appropriate supervision and risk management practices.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a National Police Check and maintain a valid employment Working with Children Check whilst employed in this position.