Community Childcare Director

Dripstone Children`s Centre; City of Darwin; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early childhood education provider in Australia seeks a Director to oversee operations at Dripstone Children's Centre. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and comply with national standards, while fostering a nature-based learning environment. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, team management, compliance oversight, and community engagement. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in early childhood leadership and relevant qualifications.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Impact children's development

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership to educators and foster a professional team culture.
• Ensure compliance with NQF and NQS standards.
• Develop EYLF-aligned programs.
• Engage with families and build strong community relationships.
• Manage budgets and financial reporting.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership in early childhood

Interpersonal communication

Compliance knowledge

Financial management

Nature-based learning commitment

Education

Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Dripstone Children's Centre is a highly regarded early childhood education provider with a strong reputation for exceeding National Quality Standards. Our nature-based pedagogy fosters a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where children, families, and educators thrive.

At Dripstone, we believe in putting children at their best advantage—seen, heard, and unhurried. Our ethos shapes everything we do and drives us forward as sector leaders, requiring innovative approaches that recognise children as capable and wildly complex whole beings. We advocate for a childhood unhurried, where trust, freedom, and autonomy empower children’s growth.

About the Role

As the Director, you will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and educational leadership of the Centre. You will oversee compliance, staffing, financial management, and curriculum development, ensuring our service meets and exceeds ACECQA and National Quality Framework (NQF) standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and Inspire – Provide strong leadership to educators, fostering a collaborative and professional team culture.
• Ensure Compliance – Oversee operations in line with the NQF, NQS, and all relevant regulations.
• Drive Quality Education – Develop and implement EYLF-aligned programs that support children's holistic development.
• Engage with Families & Community – Build strong relationships with families, ensuring open communication and active involvement.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight – Manage budgets, enrolments, and financial reporting in collaboration with the Committee of Management.
• Promote Continuous Improvement – Lead the Centre’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and foster a culture of professional growth and excellence.
• Ensure a Safe & Supportive Environment – Maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management.

Our Philosophy at Dripstone

• 🌿 Natural Rhythm – We embrace the immense benefits of freedom and autonomy, allowing children to choose where and with whom they engage.
• 🌿 Attunement – We believe that relationships with attuned adults are critical for all children, every day. All behaviour is seen as communication, and we foster trust and understanding through meaningful connections.
• 🌿 Rituals – Our daily rituals provide emotional security and connectedness during key moments such as: Meals, Sleep and rest, Nappy changes and toileting, Farewelling and greeting families.
• 🌿 Risky Play – We trust children to explore and challenge their physical capabilities. Inspired by Angela Hanscom’s philosophy, we support activities like climbing, swinging, and spinning, crucial for growth, development, and postural control.
• 🌿 Loose Parts Play – We embrace open-ended exploration where materials can be manipulated, arranged, and reimagined. This approach fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, valuing the process over the final product.

About You

• Experienced Leader – Demonstrated experience in an early childhood leadership role.
• Qualified Professional – Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent as recognised by ACECQA).
• Passionate Educator – A strong commitment to nature-based learning and play-based pedagogy.
• Compliance Expert – Deep understanding of the National Quality Framework, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and Child Safety Regulations.
• Strong Communicator – Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with families, staff, and the community.
• Financial & Administrative Skills – Ability to manage budgets, rosters, and compliance documentation effectively.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a highly regarded early learning centre with a strong community presence.
• Work within a collaborative and supportive team that values professional development.
• Make a real impact on children’s learning and development in a nature-based setting.

See https://bit.ly/DripstoneDirector for the full job description.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?
• Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework?
• Have you completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care?
• How many years' experience do you have as a centre director?
• Have you completed a Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood?