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 Room Leader (Diploma Qualified) - Multiple roles available at Early Learning Victoria Clunes (interim name)

Salary band - $73,078 - $75,417

Early Learning Victoria is seeking experienced Early Childhood Room Leaders 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.

The anticipated start date of these roles is January 2026.

Role Purpose

The Early Childhood Room Leader will lead the team to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care, 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. The role will be responsible for leading the planning and programming in consultation with other educators to uphold the centre's educational program and philosophy, ensuring practices are in line with national standards and regulations. The Room Leader collaborates with the management team to role model pedagogical practices aligned with the educational philosophy, foster a positive work culture by mentoring educators, as well as playing a key role in engaging with families to nurture a supportive environment

Capabilities

High Quality Practice - Coordinates 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. Delegates tasks to team members which are consistent with qualifications to manage workload efficiently. Demonstrates regular reflective practice strategies and provides constructive feedback to staff to support professional development improvements.

Positive Learning Environment - Achieves a positive learning environment by empowering staff to facilitate meaningful and rich interactions. Uses respectful communication to guide and support children's social, emotional and cognitive development. Builds and maintains respectful relationships with families and staff and ensures that all children feel safe and valued within a supportive classroom.

Educational Delivery - Develops plans, delivers and coordinates integrated teaching and learning strategies, guided by the individual learning and development needs of each child. Encourages reflective practice with all members of the team to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching practices and their impact on children's learning and development. Completes documentation in relation to children's learning in line with organisational philosophy and evaluates the impact of teaching practices on children's learning. Plays an active role in providing clear communication with families regarding their child's development.

Compliance and Child Safety - Has a high-level understanding 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. Ensures these are embedded in centre practices and are adhered to by team members.

Communication - Utilises effective communication skills to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with staff, families, and children, fostering a supportive and collaborative centre environment. Motivates staff and provides encouragement, promoting a positive learning culture. Has ability to model respectful relationships with children, staff and families.

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

Flexibility and adaptability: Operates well in a flexible and changing environment and manages workload efficiently to meet the centre's needs. Demonstrates initiative and seeks guidance and direction from senior colleagues when unsure.

Working Collaboratively - Supports a culture of collaboration within the centre and builds effective relationships with stakeholders and the community to maximise impact of the centre.

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

Please note, applications will only be reviewed after the job ad close date. We will not be contacting applicants before this time.

For more information about the role and Early Learning Victoria please contact [email protected].

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 Friday 13 June 2025.

Who May Apply

Experience required:

Demonstrated experience as an Early Childhood Room Leader, delivering a high-quality play-based educational program

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

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

Experience working with vulnerable children and families is desirable.

Specific skills/qualifications required

ACECQA approved Diploma level qualification or actively working towards a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Valid `Employee' Working with Children Check

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

First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications

Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning

Food Handling Certificate and Safe Sleep Training is desirable.