An exciting leadership opportunity to help lead one of the new government owned and operated early learning and childcare centres. Make an impact, grow your skills and be part of this exciting initiative.
Eaglehawk North Primary School Early Learning Victoria centre
Early Learning Victoria is seeking an experienced Assistant Centre Director to lead the new government-owned early learning and childcare centre at Eaglehawk North Primary School. Opening in 2025, this 102-place centre will offer childcare, and Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, eventually transitioning to include Pre-Prep.
The Assistant Centre Director and Centre Director are being recruited ahead of the centre's opening to support crucial establishment activity, including staff recruitment, building community relationships, and working with Early Learning Victoria to establish policies and procedures and shape the centre's culture and philosophy.
About Early Learning Victoria
The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres will offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres will provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.
Early Learning Victoria's central office is in the Victorian Department of Education. The central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and will support and oversee centre operations once they open.
Staff in the Early Learning Victoria centres will be part of a new Victorian government-employed early childhood workforce. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.
About the role
The Assistant Centre Director will work alongside the Centre Director to oversee the daily operations of the centre, ensuring compliance with regulations and organisational policies and procedures. This role will also support staff recruitment and development, and enrolment management, with assistance from the Early Learning Victoria central team.
Key responsibilities
1. Work closely and collaboratively with the Centre Director and the Early Learning Victoria central team to prepare the centre for opening in 2025 and establish excellence in early learning and care
2. Support the Centre Director to plan and overseeing the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, compliant and safe early learning and care services and programs
3. Support the Centre Director to oversee the day-to-day operation of the centre, including staffing and rostering, stakeholder management and centre related communications
4. Support the Centre Director in managing all aspects of staffing, including recruitment, rostering, performance, professional development and mentoring, safety and wellbeing and promoting a positive team culture that values diversity and innovation
5. Engages with staff on a variety of issues, fostering a collaborative centre dynamic that encourages communication and shared problem-solving
6. Assist in the development of the centre educational programs and pedagogical approach
7. Exemplify and embody the Early Learning Victoria philosophy and values
8. Establish and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including community groups, neighbouring early learning services, other early childhood and family services and local councils
9. Create a positive and welcoming experience for families
10. Manage all financial, administrative and other operations of the centre
11. Develop and implement strategies to maximise enrolments and occupancy
12. Ensure all legislative requirements, policies and procedures are met and maintained.
Experience required will include
13. Demonstrated management and leadership experience in early childhood education and care.
14. Extensive understanding of Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards, Quality Improvement Plan and the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework.
15. Financial management and administrative experience specific to early childhood education and care.
16. Ability to lead and guide teaching teams and competency in all aspects of staff management.
17. Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities.
18. Experience working with vulnerable children and families.
19. Proficiency in relevant administrative systems.
Specific skills/qualifications required
20. Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher (Bachelor of Education/Teaching (Early Childhood) will be highly regarded)
21. Current Police and Working with Children's Checks
22. First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications
How to apply
Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role. In your cover letter, please also respond directly to Key Selection Criteria outlined in the position description.
Further Information
For more details on this position please see attached position description.
For more information about the role and Early Learning Victoria please contact Helen Wolfe, Manager, Pedagogy and Practice, Early Learning Victoria via 03 8904 2693 or.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format ( large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 26 Aug 2024