Early Childhood Room Leader

Overview Department of Education Victoria – Frankston VIC 8d ago , from Department of Education & Training 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 offer childcare, Three and Four‑Year‑Old Kindergarten and Pre‑Prep. They 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 is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The ELV central team is leading the roll‑out of the 50 centres and supports and oversees 4 centres that have recently opened. 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. Early Learning Victoria is committed to Child Safety and the safeguarding of children from harm. Location Profile Early Childhood Room Leader (Diploma qualified) – Early Learning Victoria Ngawak (Frankston) Salary band – $73,078 – $75,417 Early Learning Victoria is establishing a government‑owned early learning and childcare centre at McClelland Secondary College. Opening in 2026, this 102‑place centre will provide long day care and Three and Four‑Year‑Old Kindergarten, eventually transitioning to include Pre‑Prep. Centres may operate with a rotating roster to provide flexibility across the workday whilst maximising the continuity of care for children and families. Depending on centre needs, staff may have the flexibility to work compressed hours in a flexible arrangement. A comprehensive range of professional development and training opportunities is also on offer for staff to support their career growth and development. Each year staff are eligible for two paid professional development days. Full‑time Room Leaders will have 4 hours of planning time throughout the week. Early Learning Victoria has an application in progress with the Australian Government Department of Education for the Worker Retention Grant. Role Purpose The Early Childhood Room Leader will lead the team to deliver high‑quality early childhood education and care, guided by evidence‑informed, contemporary pedagogy and practice, aligned with the National Quality Standards, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, and National Education and Care Law and Regulations. The role will be responsible for leading the planning and programming in consultation with other educators to uphold the centre's educational program and philosophy, ensuring practices are in line with national standards and regulations. The Room Leader collaborates with the management team to role‑model pedagogical practices aligned with the educational philosophy, foster a positive work culture by mentoring educators, and plays a key role in engaging with families to nurture a supportive environment. Capabilities High Quality Practice: Coordinates an environment where children can flourish and thrive, supported by evidence‑informed pedagogy and practice that upholds all elements of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations and the National Quality Standards. Delegates tasks to team members consistent with qualifications to manage workload efficiently. Demonstrates regular reflective practice strategies and provides constructive feedback to staff to support professional development improvements. Compliance and Child Safety: Has a high‑level understanding of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, National Quality Standards, Child Protection and Child Safe Standards, Approved Frameworks and all Early Learning Victoria policies and procedures. Ensures these are embedded in centre practices and are adhered to by team members. Educational Delivery: Develops plans, delivers and coordinates integrated teaching and learning strategies, guided by the individual learning and development needs of each child. Encourages reflective practice with all members of the team to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching practices and their impact on children's learning and development. Completes documentation in relation to children's learning in line with organisational philosophy and evaluates the impact of teaching practices on children's learning. Plays an active role in providing clear communication with families regarding their child's development. Communication: Utilises effective communication skills to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with staff, families, and children, fostering a supportive and collaborative centre environment. Motivates staff and provides encouragement, promoting a positive learning culture. Has ability to model respectful relationships with children, staff and families. Personal Attributes: Demonstrates the public sector values of responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership and human rights. Flexibility and adaptability: Operates well in a flexible and changing environment and manages workload efficiently to meet the centre's needs. Demonstrates initiative and seeks guidance and direction from senior colleagues when unsure. Working Collaboratively: Supports a culture of collaboration within the centre and builds effective relationships with stakeholders and the community to maximise impact of the centre. Positive Learning Environment: Achieves a positive learning environment by empowering staff to facilitate meaningful and rich interactions. Uses respectful communication to guide and support children's social, emotional and cognitive development. Builds and maintains respectful relationships with families and staff and ensures that all children feel safe and valued within a supportive classroom. Selection Criteria Criteria 1: Demonstrates the Child Safety and Compliance – see the Capabilities section for more detail. Criteria 2: Personal Attributes – see the Capabilities section for more detail. Criteria 3: High Quality Practice – see the Capabilities section for more detail. Criteria 4: Positive Learning Environment – see the Capabilities section for more detail. Diversity and Inclusion The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms – culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability. Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au. Applicants seeking part‑time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if successful, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case‑by‑case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school. Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at: DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: Conditions of Employment 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 the key selection criteria. Please note, applications will only be reviewed after the job ad close date. We will not be contacting applicants before this time. For more information about the role please ***************@education.vic.gov.au. 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 (e.g., large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements. Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday, 17th December 2025. Who May Apply Experience required will include: Demonstrated experience as an Early Childhood Room Leader, delivering a high‑quality play‑based educational program High‑level understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework, Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards Effective communication and relationship‑building skills with staff, children, families and communities. Experience working with vulnerable children and families is desirable. Specific skills/qualifications required: ACECQA approved Diploma level qualification or actively working towards a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Valid Employee Working with Children Check Willingness to consent to a Police Check (to be arranged by Early Learning Victoria) International Police Check required if resided outside of Australia for 12 months or more during the last 10 years First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications Protecting Children – Mandatory Reporting online learning Food Handling Certificate and Safe Sleep Training is desirable #J-18808-Ljbffr