Who is Big Bear Academy?

Big Bear Academy started in 2019 by a young Aussie couple (Andrew & Maxine) who had a dream of providing high-quality care in an environment that is engaging, creative, interactive and most of all fun, giving children the best start to their educational journey.

6 years later, that dream has been fulfilled and going from strength to strength, Big Bear Academy has a fantastic reputation in the Macarthur area for delivering high quality care and education whilst maintaining an amazing working environment that allows team members to fulfil their passion for teaching, while having fun and actually enjoying life!

How large is the centre and what is the role?

Big Bear Academy Minto is a 120 place centre looking for a Director/Nominated Supervisor who is ready to make the centre their own.

We won't be opening the centre until later this year, but we are already on the search for our Director because we understand the importance of investing in our team and setting them up for success. The successful team member will have plenty of time to get to know the Big Bear way, setup their centre and learn off our sister centres.

You be involved and drive everything in each quality area - from office setups, environments, staffing arrangements, compliance - you name it, you will be across before we open our doors. All while being supported by Andrew & Maxine and your fellow Directors/leadership team - what a great once in a blue moon opportunity!

What makes us different to other employers?

Where do we begin? All the ads on SEEK say the same thing, where we are different is “the feeling”.

We asked our team members to describe “the feeling” they have at Big Bear Academy and these are the key points they came up with - hey, we must be doing something right, majority of our team members have been with us since we opened each of our centres:

Above award wages - we appreciate your hard work and your pay reflects this

Over ratio - we never operate to ratio and never use casuals

We set you up for success - we are investing months before the centre opens

Respect and appreciation - always!

Passionate and respectful team members - we are a genuine family vibe and everyone pulls their weight

Fun and relaxed working environment

Strong management team/peer group to collaborate with and bounce ideas off - why reinvent the wheel?

Paid for professional development - we don't just say it, we do it on a monthly basis (minimum)

Weekly off the floor programming, critical reflection & study time - no team member does work from home #happyteamhappydirector

Generous resource budget - so your vision can come to life

Zero tolerance for unprofessional behaviour

Encouraging further study and professional development

Rotating roster and flexibility to accommodate life commitments - work/life balance!

Ambitious team and owners - we strive to improve ourselves everyday in and outside of work with a strong focus on career development, mentoring and personal growth

Mental health awareness including access to Employee Assistance Program

Involved approved providers - always there to help out even on the floor or in a sticky situation

We genuinely care

Freedom to make it YOUR centre

About the Role - the serious stuff:

Your duties will include but not be limited to:

Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and industry best practices

Ensuring all educational programs and practices are in line with the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards

Overseeing the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and quality improvement plans

Marketing of the centre including Facebook/Instagram & driving community involvement

Administration including enrolments, fees, reports, notifications

Liaising directly and reporting to the approved providers on a daily basis

Building and nurturing respectful and meaningful relationships

Build on the amazing team culture currently at Big Bear Academy

Mentoring, coaching and guiding your team

Rather than write a long list, let's be real - you know the requirements as a Early Childhood Professional and if you don't maybe best not to apply

About You - more serious stuff:

Some key things we are looking for:

Diploma or ECT qualified - Birth to 6 years (actively working towards will be accepted)

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with families, children, and the team

Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities

Thorough knowledge of the National Quality Framework, Early Years Learning Framework, and relevant legislation

A genuine passion for early childhood education and a commitment to providing high-quality care and learning experiences

Hold all relevant qualifications (e.g. First Aid, Child Protection)

On another note, we value all of our team members no matter their role and we value each one of our families. Their respect is earned and we have a strong belief that to perform effectively in a leadership role you need to be able to lead by example.

How to Apply

If you love what you do and want a centre that actually appreciates you and provides you the room and time to grow and share your passion for Early Childhood - then this opportunity is the one for you, please apply via SEEK today!

*Please note that only short listed applicants will be contacted.