Picture starting your workday to the sound of waves, a relaxed 10 am start, and the freedom to design engaging programs for a small, 100-year-old community-based kindergarten that has been rated exceeding 7/7 for multiple A&Rs!

We are looking for an experienced Lead Educator or aspiring ECT with some experience to come on board as a Programs Leader with one of the most reputable community-managed Kindergartens in Melbourne.

Benefits include

Excellent salary well above award (up to $43 per hour, depending on experience)

The possibility of an annual bonus

Work in harmony with nature, literally located on the foreshore itself, and parklands at the front. Working with nature forms a significant focus on the philosophies of this Kindergarten, and is where children learn the best!

Generous time for planning, documentation, reflection and collaboration

Mentoring from highly accomplished, approachable teachers

Free on-site parking

Closed over Dec-Jan holidays, with potential for extra leave during the year

Weekly bush and beach walks with the children - rain, hail or shine!

Set shifts from 10 am to 6 pm, no early mornings

Over educator-to-child ratios in both rooms

Abundant, high-quality resources

Ongoing internal and external professional development opportunities

About the opportunity

This 100+ year-old kindergarten runs both sessional and extended-hours programs for -3-5 year olds in a stunning foreshore location. With an excellent reputation around the community for over 100 years and exceeding ratings across all seven Quality Areas, it offers an inspiring setting to bring your creative programming skills to life.

You will:

Lead the closing team in Extended Hours Kindergarten (Monday-Friday, 3 pm- 6 pm)

Support weekly bush/beach walks (Mon/Tues)

Develop and lead the Friday Care Program (during term time)

Create and manage the Holiday Program each term break, with a small team of Educators

This role is ideal for:

An experienced Diploma-qualified educator

A graduate teacher seeking leadership experience

An ECT wanting a fresh challenge outside the traditional classroom

Our ideal candidate will have:

Three+ years of experience in an early childhood setting (ideally in a leadership role) and preferably within a community-managed not-for-profit service

ACECQA-approved qualifications: minimum Diploma or part-way through a Bachelors

Current First Aid, CPR, Mandatory Reporting and other compliance requirements

Strong communication skills, organisational ability, and a knack for inspiring others

Confidence in engaging with families, mentoring educators, and documenting learning

A fun and engaging personality eager to make an impact!

Not 100% sure this is the one? That is OK.

Please apply anyway, and we can discuss it further. Sometimes the perfect role begins with exploring a maybe.

About Early Years Talent

Early Years Talent partners exclusively with early childhood educators, teachers, and leaders to match them with permanent roles that align with their goals and values. Our clients include exceeding-rated early learning centres, community-managed not-for-profits, independent K-12 Schools and more. Let's find the right fit for you now and for the future.