Early Childhood Educator (Room Leader)

government schools; Barwon Downs; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Education Victoria is seeking an Early Childhood Educator - Range 2 for the Barwon South West region. The role leads the team to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care at the co-located Portland South centre.

You will plan and program with educators, ensuring alignment with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and Child Safe Standards, while mentoring staff and engaging families to support a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• ACECQA-approved diploma level qualification or working towards a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Working with Children Check, First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications and National Child Safety Training

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care in line with national and state standards
• Lead planning and programming in consultation with other educators to uphold the centre's educational program
• Collaborate with management to model practices and engage with families to foster a positive work culture

Skills

Leadership

Pedagogical planning

Communication with families

Education

ACECQA-approved diploma level qualification

Job description

Grade: Early Childhood Educator - Range 2

Occupation: Education and training

Location: Barwon South West - Glenelg

Reference: 1551305

Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines ).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [e-mail]

Child Safe Standards

Early Learning Victoria (ELV), as part of the Department of Education, is rolling out new early learning centres. There are 18 currently operating with 6 more opening in 2027. Our centres offer long day care, 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder, with more hours of 4-Year-Old Kinder over time and play-based environments connected to local communities. We are committed to creating enriching work environments, encouraging professional growth, and maintaining the highest standards of child safety.

ELV is approved for the Commonwealth¿s Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.

About the Role

Opened in 2026 and co-located with Portland South Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Thookay Yarkeen (meaning children dreaming) is a 57-place centre located in Portland South offering long day care 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder programs.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the team to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care, guided by evidence-informed, contemporary pedagogy and practice aligned with the National Quality Standards, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and National Education and Care Law and Regulations
• Be responsible for leading the planning and programming in consultation with other educators to uphold the centre's educational program and philosophy, ensuring practices are in line with national standards and regulations
• Collaborate with the management team to role model pedagogical practices aligned with the educational philosophy, foster a positive work culture by mentoring educators, as well as playing a key role in engaging with families to nurture a supportive environment

More information about this role can be found HERE .

About You

• Demonstrated experience as an Early Childhood Room Leader, delivering a high-quality play-based educational program
• High-level understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework, Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities
• Experience working with children and families experiencing vulnerability

Qualifications and Experience

• ACECQA-approved diploma level qualification, or actively working towards a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Valid Working with Children Check, First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications and completion of National Child Safety Training
• Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years

Applying and Further Information

For more information about the role, or to request adjustments for participation in the recruitment process, please contact Centre Director on [e-mail]

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 15 November 2026.

ELV is a child-safe organisation committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued, and respected. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, or discrimination in any form. All staff are required to uphold the Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture of child safety. Our Staff Code of Conduct policy outlines expected standards of behaviour for all staff and defines appropriate interactions with children; adherence is mandatory.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions, visit the Department website.

Applications close Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm