Early Childhood Educator (Room Leader)

Early Learning Victoria; Koo Wee Rup; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria is opening a new 57-place centre in Meeniyan, near Melbourne, offering long day care and 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder. As Centre Leader you will lead the team to deliver high-quality early childhood education in line with the National Quality Standards and Victorian frameworks.

You will plan and program in consultation with educators, mentor staff, engage with families, and uphold child safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading an early childhood education team.
• Strong understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework and National Quality Standards.
• Ability to mentor staff and engage with families.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care, guided by evidence-informed pedagogy and aligned with NQF and regulations.
• Plan and program in consultation with educators to uphold the centre's educational program and philosophy.
• Collaborate with the management team to role model practices, foster a positive work culture, and engage families.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Communication with families

Education

ACECQA-approved Diploma

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Job description

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 Commonwealths Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.

About the Role

Opening in 2027 and located near Meeniyan Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Durrupal is a 57-place centre located in Meeniyan offering long day care, and 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder programs.

This centre is located 152KMs from Melbourne and 15KMS from Leongatha.

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 Kate Tripodi, Centre Director on ************@education.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 22 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. OurStaff 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.