Early Childhood Assistant Educator

Wattle Early Childhood Centre; North Canberra; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development days

Christmas closure after 1 year

Staff discounts

Wellness-focused workplace

Job summary

Wattle Early Childhood Centre in Canberra is seeking an enthusiastic educator who holds, or is working towards, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care to join our junior preschool/toddler space, supported by a lead teacher with a Master’s in Early Childhood Teaching.

You’ll value children’s voices, support their curiosity and independence, and help them develop confidence in assessing and managing risks. Availability between 7:30 am and 6:15 pm, Monday to Friday, is required.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (mandatory) or studying towards.
• Availability between 7:30am and 6:15pm, Monday–Friday.
• Passion for early childhood development.
• Three references required.

Responsibilities

• Support engaging, responsive educational programs
• Foster a nurturing and inclusive environment
• Collaborate with your team to deliver high-quality care
• Participate in ongoing training and development
• Engage in excursions and special activities with children

Skills

Passion for ECE

Strong communication

Teamwork skills

Commitment to professional growth

Education

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Studying towards Certificate III

Job description

Dedicated professional development days

Wattle Early Childhood Centre – An Exceeding, Not-for-Profit Service

We’re looking for an enthusiastic educator who holds, or is working towards, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care to join our junior preschool/toddler space, supported by a lead teacher with a Master’s in Early Childhood Teaching.

You’ll be passionate about exceptional early childhood education and comfortable in a nature-based environment that embraces adventurous and risky play. You’ll value children’s voices, support their curiosity and independence, and help them develop confidence in assessing and managing risks.

Warm relationships, strong communication and a collaborative approach are essential. You’ll bring a commitment to inclusive, responsive practice, ongoing professional learning and exploring beyond the centre through excursions. Availability between 7:30 am and 6:15 pm, Monday to Friday, is required.

Important Eligibility Note:

This position is limited to Certificate III-qualified educators, in our junior preschool/toddler space, supported by a lead teacher with a Masters in Early Childhood Teaching. This is a six-month contract with opportunities to extend!

Why Choose Us?

Intimate Setting:

With a maximum of 33 children per day, and 15 educators have the space to deliver responsive and personalised education. We have additional centre support staff and a full-time chef and float educator.

Above-Ratio Staffing:

Enjoy a supportive environment with staffing well above minimum ratios, ensuring meaningful interactions and high-quality care.

Generous Programming Time:

Each room benefits from 5.25–8 hours of dedicated programming time weekly, supporting thoughtful planning. Educators are supported by three ECTs throughout each of our learning spaces.

Commitment to Professional Growth:

We offer ongoing training opportunities, including out-of-state programs, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Professional development days with centre closure
• Paid two week Christmas closure after one year of employment (permanent staff)
• RDOs, allowances, parental leave payments, study time, all professional development and time paid for.
• Above award wages and employment contracts.

Exciting Excursions:

Tobogganing at Corin Forest, zoo visits, Questacon trips and weekly learning on Country and more—we believe in learning beyond the classroom.

Sector Connections:

We value collaboration and maintain strong networking relationships across Canberra.

What We Offer

• Dedicated professional development days
• Paid Christmas closure (after 1 year for permanent staff)
• Staff discounts and priority enrolment
• A wellness-focused workplace with supportive leadership
• Benefits, including PD, leave entitlements, and study support

Responsibilities

• Support engaging, responsive educational programs
• Foster a nurturing and inclusive environment
• Collaborate with your team to deliver high-quality care
• Participate in ongoing training and development
• Engage in excursions and special activities with children

Requirements

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (mandatory) or studying towards.
• Passion for early childhood development
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to professional growth
• Availability between 7:30am and 6:15pm, Monday–Friday
• Three references

Certifications:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care — essential.
• Current ACT Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration, or willingness to obtain before commencing.
• Current first aid qualification relevant to an early childhood education and care setting, including CPR, emergency asthma management and anaphylaxis management, or willingness to obtain.
• Child protection and mandatory reporting training relevant to the ACT, or willingness to complete.
• Willingness to complete required national child safety training and service-specific induction.

Join us at Wattle Early Childhood Centre and make a difference in the lives of young children while working in a supportive, enriching environment.

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• Do you have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?