Casual Early Childhood Educator

Hawthorn Early Years; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is seeking passionate Diploma- and Certificate III-qualified Early Childhood Educators to join our not-for-profit, community-based service in Hawthorn. We provide long day care and kindergarten programs for birth to six years, guided by respectful relationships and reflective practice to support curious, capable learners.

You will collaborate with colleagues to deliver play-based experiences, document learning, and support children's development while upholding safety

Qualifications

• Certificate and/or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or ACECQA‑approved equivalent.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management qualifications as required.
• Understanding of the National Quality Framework, National Quality Standard and Victorian ELY Development Framework.
• Commitment to child safety, inclusion and respectful relationships.
• Strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
• Willingness to reflect, learn and contribute to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Building warm, responsive and respectful relationships with children and families.
• Supporting the planning, implementation and documentation of engaging, play‑based educational programs.
• Creating inclusive learning environments that encourage curiosity, independence and exploration.
• Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, social development and daily routines.
• Contributing to observations, critical reflection and continuous quality improvement.
• Maintaining active supervision, child safety and compliance with the National Quality Framework.
• Working collaboratively with your team to maintain consistent, high‑quality educational practices.
• Participating in professional learning, mentoring and ongoing development opportunities.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organisation

Adaptability

Education

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Job description

At Hawthorn Early Years (HEY), we believe early childhood is a time for curiosity, connection, discovery and belonging.

We’re looking for passionate, Certificate 3 and Diploma Qualified Early Childhood Educators to join our team and contribute to a nurturing, inclusive and engaging learning environment where children are respected as capable and competent learners.

As a not-for-profit, community-based early childhood service located in the heart of Hawthorn, we offer long day care and kindergarten programs for children from birth to six years.

Our approach is grounded in respectful relationships, reflective practice and meaningful partnerships with children, families and our wider community.

About the Role

As an Educator, you’ll work collaboratively with your colleagues to create meaningful learning experiences and support children’s development, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building warm, responsive and respectful relationships with children and families.
• Supporting the planning, implementation and documentation of engaging, play‑based educational programs.
• Creating inclusive learning environments that encourage curiosity, independence and exploration.
• Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, social development and daily routines.
• Contributing to observations, critical reflection and continuous quality improvement.
• Maintaining active supervision, child safety and compliance with the National Quality Framework.
• Working collaboratively with your team to maintain consistent, high-quality educational practices.
• Participating in professional learning, mentoring and ongoing development opportunities.

About You

We’re looking for an educator who genuinely enjoys working with children, takes pride in their practice and contributes positively to a collaborative team.

You’ll bring:

• A Certificate and/or Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, or an ACECQA‑approved equivalent qualification.
• A current Working with Children Check or other applicable clearance.
• Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management qualifications, as required for the role.
• An understanding of the National Quality Framework, National Quality Standard and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
• A commitment to child safety, inclusion and respectful relationships.
• Strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
• A willingness to reflect, learn and contribute to continuous improvement.

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who sees children as individuals, values their voices and understands the importance of creating safe, meaningful connections.

Why Join Hawthorn Early Years?

At HEY, we value the knowledge, experience and individuality that every educator brings to our community.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work within an established, community‑focused early childhood organisation.
• Collaborate with passionate educators and educational leaders.
• Contribute to meaningful, child‑centred educational programs.
• Participate in professional learning, coaching and reflective practice.
• Build lasting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Be part of a team committed to quality, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Hawthorn Early Years is committed to providing a child‑safe environment where every child is respected, heard, supported and protected.

Child safety is central to our recruitment processes, professional expectations and everyday practice. All successful applicants will be required to complete relevant employment screening and pre‑employment checks.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Hawthorn Early Years is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and culturally safe community where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to belong.

We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, ages, genders, identities, religions and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that diverse perspectives, experiences and strengths enrich our workplace and the learning experiences of the children and families we support.

We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals and are committed to providing a fair, accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout recruitment and employment.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you’re a dedicated Diploma Qualified Educator looking for an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful early childhood community, we’d love to hear from you.

We look forward to hearing from you!