Director of Early Learning Centre

Carey Baptist Grammar School; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Carey Baptist Grammar School in Melbourne seeks a Director of the Early Learning Centre (ELC). This hands-on leadership role shapes vision, leads a team of educators and co-teaches in the three-year-old program, grounding play-based learning in EYLF and VEYLDF.

The Director is Nominated Supervisor and Responsible Person under the Education and Care Services National Law, ensuring compliance, safety and wellbeing while partnering with families and the wider school community.

Qualifications

• Hold a four-year Early Childhood qualification approved by ACECQA.
• Strong understanding of EYLF and VEYLDF.
• Knowledge of child development and Reggio Emilia approach.
• Current Anaphylaxis and First Aid qualifications.
• Excellent rapport with children, staff and parents.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.
• Proficiency in information and communication technologies.
• Ability to lead and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and champion innovative teaching practices.
• Program, planning and preparation.
• Relationship Management with families and staff.
• Oversee Occupational Health and Safety.
• Policy and compliance duties.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic vision

Relationship management

Curriculum leadership

Collaborative teamwork

ICT literacy

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Four-year Early Childhood qualification

Job description

The Role:

The Director of the Early Learning Centre (ELC) is a dynamic leader who fosters a vibrant, inclusive and high-quality learning community where children, families and educators thrive. With a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to excellence, the Director shapes the strategic vision and daily operations of the Centre, ensuring exceptional educational experiences for children aged three to five years.

Leading a dedicated team of educators, the Director champions innovative teaching practices, continuous improvement and a culture of collaboration, curiosity and care. The Director will also co-teach within the three-year-old program. This is a hands‑on role, creating rich, play‑based learning experiences grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

As the Centre's Nominated Supervisor and Responsible Person under the Education and Care Services National Law, the Director ensures the highest standards of compliance, safety and wellbeing while nurturing a positive and engaging environment where every child is known and valued. Through visionary leadership, strong community partnerships and a deep understanding of early childhood development, the Director guides the ELC as a centre of excellence and a place where lifelong learning begins.

This is a key leadership position within the Junior School and this is the first time in over 30 years the position has been advertised following the founding Director deciding to step down and pursue other career opportunities.

The role is based at the Kew campus and commences in January 2027 with a three-year tenure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and champion innovative teaching practices
• Program, planning and preparation
• Relationship Management
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Policy and compliance

The Person:

• Hold a four-year Early Childhood qualification that is approved and recognised by Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development and early childhood teaching practices, particularly the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood
• Hold current Anaphylaxis and First Aid qualifications
• Demonstrate exemplary rapport and relationship with children, staff and parents
• Have excellent organisational skills, with accuracy and attention to detail
• Have excellent interpersonal skills
• Have a commitment to excellence in early childhood teaching and ongoing development of knowledge of new developments within the field
• Contribute to professional expertise of the Early Childhood field
• Be proficient in using information communication technologies
• Be able to maintain the confidence and respect of staff, students and parents
• Be able to lead and work as a team member
• Have demonstrated oral and written communication skills

A valid Victorian Institute Teaching (VIT) registration is a requirement of employment in this position.

The School:

At Carey, our staff are integral members of our vibrant community, embodying a deep commitment to learning and an innate ability to ignite the same passions within our students.

Grounded in the core values of Care, Growth, and Respect, our staff play a pivotal role in nurturing a culture where every individual is valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Want to find out more?

If you are interested in a career at Carey, we're excited to hear from you!

Let's work together to inspire young minds at Carey!

To find out more about this opportunity, download the Position Description here.

Carey Baptist Grammar School is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, acting in their best interests, promoting their wellbeing and keeping them safe at all times.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waters surrounding us and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.