Community-managed, not-for-profit, exceeding-rated service in Elwood

If you are an experienced Educational Leader looking to find yourself a part-time role at an exceeding rated community-managed not-for-profit service in the heart of Elwoods Educational Precinct, then look no further! 

Whats on offer

• Pay and conditions covered by VECTEA, funded professional development
• Community impact Join a purpose-driven organisation where your work supports children, families, and staff, not shareholders.
• Supportive leadership Partner with some of the most proactive,  charismatic, positive leadership teams in the services history and a proactive, values-led Management Committee.
• Professional growth Enjoy access to a well-funded PD budget that supports your leadership journey as well as networking opportunities
• Built-in autonomy and support, including access to a dedicated wellbeing champion
• Conditions that reflect our values Staff enjoy above-ratio classrooms, additional leave days, child-free planning and Professional Development days, and team gatherings.

About the service

Located a short walk from the beach, this 105-place service is part of the Elwood Educational Precinct. With outdoor creek beds, bridges, and mud play areas, plus innovative programs such as Canal Kindergarten and primary caregiving in the Nursery, it is a service renowned for its creativity, inclusion, and exceeding quality standards.

Seven well-resourced rooms serve children from birth to five, with groups capped at 16. During its most recent Assessment & Rating, the service achieved Exceeding in five out of seven quality areas. Families and educators experience unusually high retention rates, reflecting the strong relationships and positive work environments.

One of the signature programs is Canal Kindergarten a play-based, outdoor learning program that connects children with the local canal environment. This unique initiative enriches pedagogy, providing educators and leaders with the opportunity to integrate sustainability, ecology, and Indigenous perspectives into their everyday practice. It offers Educational Leaders a unique platform to guide reflective practice, mentor staff, and showcase innovation in the services Quality Improvement Plan. 

About the role

As our co-Educational Leader, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to and strengthen our Canal Kindergarten program supporting colleagues to design and deliver high-quality, outdoor, place-based learning experiences. This is a unique professional growth opportunity not commonly available in Victorian services.

This part-time Educational Leader maternity leave contract offers 17 hours per week; however, there may be the possibility to obtain more hours.

You will:

• Collaborate with a co-Educational Leader to guide pedagogy, curriculum, and reflective practice.
• Teach one day per week in a multi-age kindergarten group (5 hours), with 2.5 hours allocated to child-free planning (from 2026).
• Lead, mentor, and coach educators in inclusive practice, programming, and quality improvement with both an inwards and outwards lens. 
• Contribute to the Quality Improvement Plan and ensure compliance with NQF, EYLF, VEYLDF, and industrial agreements.

About you

• ACECQA-approved Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Current VIT Registration
• Minimum 2 yearsof  experience as an Educational Leader or senior pedagogical role, along with several years of teaching experience. 
• Strong knowledge of inclusive practices as well as NQF, EYLF v2.0, and VEYLDF
• Preference for candidates with a long daycare background who are confident working across multiple age groups
• Relational leadership style with a passion for mentoring and building educator capacity
• Certifications: First Aid, CPR, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, and Child Protection
• Be committed to ongoing professional learning and development

Why apply through Early Years Talent

We do more than advertise jobs;  we champion educators.

When you apply through us, you receive:

• Access to exclusive opportunities with high-quality, trusted services
• Career coaching and interview preparation, so you feel confident and ready
• Insider insights into centre culture, leadership style, and professional growth pathways
• Confidential advocacy we never share your details without consent
• Ongoing support through your offer and beyond

It will never cost you a cent our clients invest in this service to ensure they attract the very best educators.

At Early Years Talent, our mission is simple: to connect passionate educators with services where they can grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact.