We are a highly motivated, experienced and innovative team and we support our people to be their best. We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Diploma or Early Childhood Teacher Qualified Childcare Centre 3rd-In-Charge/Room Leader to join our team.

As the 3IC, you will provide leadership and support to the team, ensuring the delivery of a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children. You will step into leadership duties when the Centre Manager & Manager Assistant are unavailable, assisting with administration, staff mentoring, and compliance with early childhood education standards.

This role requires a full-time commitment, and you must have the flexibility to balance Room Leader Responsibilities for our 2-3 year old room, with being able to step away from this into the 3IC position when required - in order to support the centre’s overall operations, administration, and compliance.

This role is the perfect hybrid balance between a hands on and leadership role!

About the Role

Create a Positive, Safe & Inclusive Learning Environment for children in our 2-3 year old room.

Act as a key support for the Centre Manager & Manager Assistant in managing the daily operations of the centre, including stepping into the role of Manager Assistant when required.

Assist in rostering, staff management, and centre administration as required.

Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and state regulations.

Maintain a strong and positive workplace culture, supporting educators in their professional growth.

Work in partnership with the Educational Leader, Centre Manager, Manager’s Assistant, and fellow Room Leaders to ensure consistency in programming and quality outcomes.

Within your designated room, lead the development of educational programs that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with EYLF and the NQS.

Facilitate meaningful learning experiences based on children’s interests, strengths, and developmental needs.

Guide your team through the full cycle of curriculum planning observation, documentation, analysis, planning, implementation, and reflection.

Provide clear guidance, coaching, and feedback to support educators within your room.

Foster respectful, reciprocal relationships with families and support open communication about their child’s learning and wellbeing – coaching Educators in how to do this too.

Ensure daily practices align with all policies, including child safety, supervision, mandatory reporting, and WHS protocols.

Benefits

Participate in paid, customised professional learning around educational leadership, pedagogy and practice, team culture and philosophy development.

Workshops and ongoing mentoring with our pedagogical consultant, KG Learning

Generous childcare discounts

Wellbeing initiatives: fully stocked staff kitchen, wellness areas for relaxation during rest breaks, annual subscription to the ‘Calm’ mindfulness app, access to our in-person EAP service

Internal career advancement opportunities across our network of centres

Recognition for hard work and contributions to children's learning, relationships, and team culture

Above award remuneration, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About You

We are particularly keen to consider applicants who have;

Diploma in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Teacher qualified

Minimum 2 years' experience as a Room Leader or Senior Educator in childcare

Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor

Strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management certifications

Eligibility to work in Australia and a working with children check.

About Us

Wantirna South Early Learning Centre is a leading provider of high-quality childcare and early learning services in the community. We believe that it takes a village to raise a child, therefore we are active partners who create collaborative relationships with families and the local community.

Our purpose-built centre offers a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive and develop to their full potential. We embrace a tailored and holistic approach to education, focusing on each child's developmental needs and interests.

We offer a secure and safe environment where curiosity is encouraged, concepts are explored and discovery is celebrated. Across our centres, we have additional programs shaped by the local community. These may include the;

Playground to Plate ® program with a dedicated Horticulturalist embedding nutrition, sustainability and environmental awareness

Cooking classes

Art classes

Language classes

Music classes

Bush kinder program.

You will be joining a small group of family owned and operated centres across Melbourne. We are truly committed to supporting the education and growth of young children and our team.

Wantirna South Early Learning Centre values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We are committed to providing a workplace where every person is valued, respected, and supported to progress.
We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.
The safety and wellbeing of children will always be our top priority, Wantirna South Early Learning Centre has a zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or harm.