Educational Leader

Explorers School of Early Learning – Lismore NSW Explorers School of Early Learning is a locally operated childcare and preschool service in South Lismore. We are dedicated to fostering curiosity and confidence in young explorers so they become lifelong learners and get the best start in life. Our nature-based pedagogy and expansive outdoor environments create rich opportunities for play, exploration, and discovery. Our collaborative and professional culture means we prioritise professional growth, critical reflection, and communication - because great early education begins with a supported and inspired team. We are now looking to appoint an experienced Educational Leader to support and develop our strong and dynamic team of educators with pedagogical leadership and close coaching and mentoring. We offer above-award pay, flexible benefits, and exceptional learning and development opportunities in a nurturing and professional environment. Role Overview Our Educational Leader is a key member of our Leadership Team, responsible for advancing the educational outcomes of children who attend our service. The Educational Leader designs and implements the service’s educational programme, leading service-wide initiatives such as incursions and professional development and supporting educators to prepare and implement a rich planning cycle, tailored to children’s goals and interests. The role is supported by significant off-the-floor time, with 1-2 days per week protected for administration and research, and 3 days per week allocated to coaching and mentoring educators’ practices across the service. Key role responsibilities: Implementing and promoting the Explorers Educational Philosophy Leading quality improvement initiatives, targeting QA1 of the NQS Overseeing implementation of the planning cycle in accordance with EYLF Co-creating and supporting professional development plans for educators Coaching and mentoring educators to advance professional practice Accessing and promoting professional development opportunities and materials Organising enhancements to the educational programme, including incursions and ordering resources Auditing and reporting on the educational programme Advocating for Explorers being an organisation of ongoing learning, where reflective practice and continuous improvement is embedded in our daily practices What makes us an incredible place to work Market leading pay : we value and reward our team through leading pay and benefits, including above award and retention grant pay and bonuses Flexible benefits : we offer the opportunity to choose from a comprehensive range of benefits. For example: Rostered days off for work-life balance 70% discount on childcare gap fees for working parents Additional professional development funding Professional and career advancement : We place the quality of our educational programme at the heart of our service. The Educational Leader role is strongly supported by the Approved Provider and Director. We want you to grow with us, so we actively fund and encourage ongoing professional and leadership development. Strong professional practice : our service has a wonderful community of settled children, enabled by our thorough orientation procedures and deep relationships with families and colleagues, resulting in opportunities for rich learning and development About you You are a dedicated early childhood professional with a strong understanding of curriculum, reflective practice, and child development. You are energised by the opportunity to empower and develop others, lead professional practice, and sustain a culture of learning and collaboration. You have a natural inclination towards leadership, valuing the opportunity to shape the professional growth of others to see them thrive. You will lead the educational program and practice with vision, professionalism, and warmth. You will build strong relationships with educators, children and families, which will underpin leading the service’s educational programme to be meaningful, impactful and engaging. You will set a strong vision and support your team to achieve a high level of professional practice. You’ll bring: Diploma or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (ACECQA-approved qualification) At least 2 years’ experience in an Educational Leader, Lead Educator or ECT role Strong knowledge of the EYLF, NQF, and current early childhood pedagogy Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and lead educators Excellent interpersonal and communication skills A positive, professional and collaborative approach which aligns with our team culture and makes us an incredible place to work Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certifications Current Working With Children Check and Child Protection qualification How to apply If you share our passion for the role, pleaseClick Apply or give Michaela a call on 5*** or email us on *****@explorers.school for more information. Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr