About Early Learning Victoria

The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres will offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres will provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities. Early Learning Victoria's central office is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and will support and oversee centre operations once they open.
Staff in the Early Learning Victoria centres will be part of a new Victorian government-employed early childhood workforce. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development. Early Learning Victoria is committed to Child Safety and the safeguarding of children from harm.

Location Profile

Early Childhood Teacher - Multiple roles available at Early Learning Victoria Clunes (interim name)

Salary band - $72,847 - $116,906

The anticipated start date of these roles is January 2026

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is seeking experienced Early Childhood Teachers to join the new government-owned early learning and childcare centre at Clunes Primary School. Opening in 2026, this 102-place centre will provide long day care and Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, eventually transitioning to include Pre-Prep.

ELV is committed to providing fair wages and conditions to attract and retain early childhood education staff and support them to deliver high-quality early learning and care. ELV provides early childhood teachers with 30 minutes of non-contact time for every hour of their teaching duties. In addition, each year early childhood teachers are eligible for two paid professional development days.

Role Purpose

The Early Childhood Teacher will deliver high-quality early childhood education, guided by evidence-informed, contemporary pedagogy and practice, which is aligned with the National Quality Standards, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and National Education and Care Law and Regulations. You will be responsible for leading the implementation of high-quality educational program in our funded kindergarten sessions. You will build positive, respectful and collaborative relationships with families, children and colleagues, ensuring an inclusive environment where each child's learning and development needs are met, and the service's policies and regulatory standards are maintained.

Capabilities

Educational Delivery - Leads planning, delivery and implementation of integrated teaching and learning strategies, guided by the individual learning and development needs of each child. Evaluates the effectiveness of teaching practices and their impact on children's learning and development. Conducts ongoing assessment of children's progress, providing insightful feedback on their learning trajectory and achievements, and maintaining clear communication with families regarding their child's development.

Compliance and Child Safety - Ensures the centre, educational program and practices is compliant with all aspects of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, National Quality Standards, Child Protection and Child Safe Standards, Approved Frameworks and all Early Learning Victoria policies and procedures.

Leadership and Mentoring - Develops and maintains meaningful relationships with staff, families, and children, fostering a supportive and collaborative centre environment. Drives service improvement by assessing strengths and areas for growth in accordance with the QIP. Supports students on placement by integrating them into the educational setting and providing guidance and mentorship. Promotes a learning culture by prioritising reflective practice and maintaining a continuous cycle of self-evaluation and improvement.

Personal Attributes - Demonstrates the public sector values of responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership and human rights.

Flexibility and adaptability: Operates effectively in a flexible and changing environment and manages workload efficiently to meet the centre's needs.

Working Collaboratively: Leads a culture of collaboration within the centre and builds relationships with stakeholders and the community to support operations and maximise impact of the centre.

High Quality Practice - Committed to providing an environment where children can flourish and thrive, supported by evidence-informed, pedagogy and practice that upholds all elements of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations and the National Quality Standards and is guided by the philosophy of Early Learning Victoria. Encourages reflective practice where feedback is used constructively to improve teaching and learning experiences.

Positive Learning Environment - Creates a positive learning environment by thoughtfully designing spaces which facilitate learning and rich interactions. Uses respectful communication to guide and support children's social, emotional and cognitive development. Engages in meaningful dialogue with families and staff, providing a supportive classroom where all children feel safe and valued.

Selection Criteria

Criteria 1: Demonstrates the skills and experience to fulfill the Role Requirements of Educational Delivery', Compliance and Child Safety' and `Leadership and Mentoring'.

Criteria 2: `Personal Attributes' - please see the Capabilities section above for more detail.

Criteria 3: `High Quality Practice' - please see the Capabilities section above for more detail.

Criteria 4: `Positive Learning Environment' - please see the Capabilities section above for more detail.

Conditions of Employment

For more information about the role and Early Learning Victoria please contact Amy Carr, Director Early Years Services, on 7022 0396.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 10 June 2025.

Who May Apply

Experience required will include:

· Demonstrated experience as an early childhood teacher, delivering a high-quality play-based educational program

· Extensive understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework, Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards

· Strong ability to lead, mentor and guide educational teams.

· Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities.

· Experience working with vulnerable children and families.

Specific skills/qualifications required:

· Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) or equivalent qualification

· Valid VIT registration

· Willingness to consent to a Police Check (to be arranged by Early Learning Victoria)

· International Police Check required if resided outside of Australia for 12 months or more during the last 10 years

· Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning

· First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications

· Food Handling Certificate and Safe Sleep Training is desirable.