Full-Time Early Childhood Educator – Waratah Classroom (2-3 Years)

We are seeking a confident, motivated, and experienced Early Childhood Educator to join our team in the Waratah classroom, working with children aged 2-3 years. Our classroom accommodates up to 12 children daily and is supported by a dedicated team of four educators, including a qualified Early Childhood Teacher who leads the team.

At HEY, respectful relationships with children are central to everything we do. We are looking for a passionate educator whose personal values and philosophy align with our service’s commitment to nurturing and high-quality early childhood education and care. Our junior classrooms follow a Key Teacher approach, allowing educators to develop deep connections with their key children and families, and take responsibility for their care and learning journey.

We highly value collaboration and team work, therefore, our ideal candidate is someone who confidently contributes to the educational program, maintains thorough documentation of individual children’s learning, and actively supports the overall daily operations of the classroom.

Building strong partnerships with families and involving them in their child’s care and learning journey is our top priority. We are looking for an educator with proven experience working closely with families, someone confident in sharing meaningful insights about each child’s day, discussing each child's learning and development, and genuinely curious about getting to know both the children and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with team members to develop and implement an engaging educational program that supports each child’s development and learning.

Contribute to the documentation and assessment of children’s learning.

Support children’s active participation in the educational program.

Build strong partnerships with families, fostering a welcoming, inclusive community.

Contribute to the ongoing development and review of the service’s Quality Improvement Plan.

Have a commitment to following all our Child Safety policies and procedures and adhering to our zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.

About You:

You view all children as capable and competent learners and are passionate about supporting children’s early development through a play-based approach. You have a strong understanding of early childhood development and are confident

We are looking for an educator who sees all children as capable and competent and who wants to support each child to reach their full potential. You are passionate about supporting children in their earliest years, and have a strong understanding of early childhood development and supporting learning through a play based approach. You are confident in sharing your ideas and in creating and adapting learning experiences based on children’s interests.

You are a collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively with colleagues, families, and children. You see yourself as a lifelong learner, embracing continuous professional growth, are open to feedback, and regularly reflect on your practice to improve and innovate.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (approved by ACECQA)

Minimum of two years’ experience in early childhood education

Current First Aid qualifications

Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)

Valid Working with Children Check

Preferred Skills:

Growth mindset with a commitment to lifelong learning

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience contributing to documentation and educational programs

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative teams

Advocacy for respectful and child-centered practices at all times

If you are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in children’s early learning and eager to join a supportive, values-driven team, we would love to hear from you.

About us

Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is located in the Hawthorn Community Precinct in the Boroondara Council on Wurundjeri Land.

At Hawthorn Early Years we teach children to love learning so they never stop growing.

Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is a not for profit community based service that boasts spacious and light filled rooms with lots of natural light, large outdoor spaces, a beautiful peppercorn tree, vegetable gardens, mud pits and a communal area which houses pet turtles and fish. With a diverse range of cultural backgrounds amongst our teaching teams and children, we love exploring cultural differences, as well as embracing various holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Situated close to public transport, the local library and primary schools which provides opportunities to take the children out and about on excursions and to enjoy great connections with the surrounding community.

HEY values professionalism, and we are committed to investing in our staff and encouraging career progression. Our daily contexts and quality improvement practices also contribute to ongoing learning and development and therefore, professional identity as a team. HEY employs two full time Educational Leaders to support the teaching teams in recognition of the clear link between leadership and improved outcomes for children.

Our Philosophy

At Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) we recognise the importance of childhood in building the foundations for future learning and citizenship in an ever-changing world. We recognise children as bearers of rights, capable and competent of participating in society through their relationships with others. Our practices are influenced by the principles of Pikler and RIE. HEY prides itself on being recognised as a dynamic and innovative early childhood service that is responsive to all children, both as individuals and within groups. Our teachers and educators are supporting children to develop the skills and dispositions they will need to thrive in the 21st century.

Our Vision for Reconciliation

HEY’s vision for reconciliation is that we develop an authentic national culture that recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional owners of the land that is now called Australia. We want to be a country that represents equality and equity, historical acceptance of our shared history and removal of negative race relations. At HEY we believe that reconciliation is something that should live within all of us, heart, head, hands and spirit, actioning this throughout all programs and environments so that all Australians can keep moving forward to a strong, respectful nation which embraces all communities together.

Benefits of Working at HEY

Attractive remuneration packages with above CSA award pay rates.

Additional 10% above award ECEC Workers Retention payment

Highly committed staff with excellent retention and culture

Operate each classroom above ratio

Additional classroom planning for all educators

Childcare discounts and access to our employee assistance program

Access to paid innovative professional development, coaching and mentoring

High-quality, spacious, well-resourced environments for children and educators

Monthly RDO’s for full-time staff

Christmas closure for 2 weeks

2 Child free days one for pack up and one for set up per year

1 child free Professional Development days during the year

Paid first aid training

Subsided uniforms

Supportive of educators undertaking further studies

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Hawthorn Early Years has zero tolerance for child abuse and any harm resulting from discrimination based on disability, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, intersex status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

We are committed to the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of all children including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those with a disability.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact [email protected]/ 9819-2326. For more information about the service please visit our website www.hey.org.au