Certificate III Full-time Educator

Full-time permanent role with a 9-day fortnight

Community-based, Exceeding Not-for-Profit Centre

16% above award pay and conditions

Starting as soon as possibl

About Merri

Merri Community Childcare Centre & Kindergarten Inc. (Merri) is a parent-managed, not-for-profit community childcare and kindergarten service offering 54 places. We provide high-quality education and care for children aged 6 months to 6 years and are guided by the Department of Education (DET) frameworks, offering both registered and funded three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs.

Located in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne (City of Darebin), Merri operates 50 weeks per year, Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. We are closed on public holidays, for staff professional development days, and over the Christmas break.

At Merri, we are committed to nurturing every child in a warm, inclusive, and educational environment. We take pride in being a Child Safe and Equal Opportunity Employer and actively adhere to the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.

Child Safe Commitment

The safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority. Merri CCCK Inc. has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and harm. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful space where children feel supported, protected, and valued.

About the Role

We believe in fostering continuity and meaningful relationships between Educators and children. All our Educators are employed on a full-time basis to ensure consistency and familiarity. With the exception of our Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs), Educators remain in the same room for two years before rotating, providing children with stable and nurturing education and care.

This Certificate III Educator role will begin in our Three-Year-Old Kindergarten room, working alongside the ECT until the end of 2025. In 2026 and 2027, the position will move into the Four-Year-Old Kindergarten room, before rotating into younger age groups.

Both of our Kindergarten rooms participate in our Bush Kindergarten Program, which offers valuable outdoor learning experiences.

If you're passionate about working with children over three and are excited about joining a supportive, values-driven team, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer

An Exceeding-rated service

Small group sizes and above Educator to Child ratios

Fortnightly Rostered Day Off (RDO)

Three hours per week for planning alongside the ECT/Room Leader

Monthly supervision sessions with ECT/Room Leader

Access to excellent professional and room resources

Ongoing training and professional development

A supportive and engaged parent committee and Director

A passionate, experienced, and collaborative team

Competitive salary and conditions in line with:

Professional Community Standard 2025 – Level 3.1–3.3

Worker Retention Payment

Interested applicants are welcome to visit the Centre prior to applying.

About You – Key Requirements

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care (approved under National Regulations)

Strong written and verbal English communication skills

Competence in using technology, including StoryPark and Microsoft Word

Demonstrated experience working with young children

Sound knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Genuine passion for Early Childhood Education and Care

Unrestricted working rights in Australia

Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment

Current (within 6 months) National Police Check

Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Valid First Aid Certificate, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis training

Two professional referees – including your current or most recent employer

How to Apply and what to provide

Please ensure your application includes:

A detailed cover letter addressing the key selection criteria

A current resume

Contact details of two professional referees (one must be your current or most recent employer)

Applications that do not include both a cover letter and resume will not be considered.

Applications close: 29 August 2025 (or sooner if the right candidate is found)

Submit your written or hard copy application to:

Attention: President
Merri Community Childcare Centre & Kindergarten Inc.
313 St Georges Road
Thornbury VIC 3071

Please note: We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.