Early Childhood Practitioner

Play Matters Australia; Gatton; On-site; AUD 32,000 - 46,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP Support

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Play Matters Australia is seeking a part-time Early Childhood Practitioner to deliver the Pathways to Early Learning & Development program in Gatton, QLD. The role is fixed-term (Sept 2026–Dec 2027) and based on-site with occasional travel.

You will organise activities, create an inclusive environment for families, and develop engaging session material within SCHADS guidelines. Applicants should have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (or higher) and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education (minimum), with a preference for a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Experience in group facilitation that requires the ability to model positive strength-based strategies.
• Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds is desirable
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Holds or is eligible to hold a Working with Children Check

Responsibilities

• Organise and plan activities to achieve program outcomes, ensuring alignment with early childhood frameworks and funder specifications.
• Create an inclusive and welcoming environment for families and children, enhancing participant engagement during sessions.
• Develop and deliver session material that is relevant to group needs and interests, moderating sessions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Communicate with parents about their children's specific needs within the program's scope, maintaining professional boundaries and directing families to appropriate resources as needed.
• Collaborates with partnering organisations and monitor program deliverables, including stakeholder engagement, time, and budget, to ensure alignment with program outcomes and continuous improvement.

Skills

Group facilitation

Strong communication

Diversity awareness

Professional boundaries

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Job description

At Play Matters Australia, we enrich lives through connection and play. We value collaboration, inclusivity, creativity, fun, accountability, and contemporary practice. Recognising parents and caregivers as a child’s first teacher is central to our programs.

Join us in creating playful, nurturing environments where all children thrive.

About Us

At Play Matters Australia, we enrich lives through connection and play. We value collaboration, inclusivity, creativity, fun, accountability, and contemporary practice. Recognising parents and caregivers as a child’s first teacher is central to our programs.

Join us in creating playful, nurturing environments where all children thrive.

Commitment to Child Safety

Play Matters is committed to the safety of children and young people across the organisation. Our recruitment practices include Working with Children Checks and reference checks to support theselectionof suitable people.

Your New Role

Part time, fixed-term role with 51 hours per fortnight from September 2026 until 31 December 2027. The role is based in Gatton, Queensland with some travel required.

In partnership with Mercy Community Services Staff, the Early Childhood Practitioner will be responsible for the delivery of the playgroup program to children and families within the Pathways to Early learning & Development (PELD) program.

This role is classified at SCHADS Award Level 4.1. Applicants with relevant tertiary qualifications, including Early Childhood Teaching qualifications, and significant relevant experience may be considered for a higher classification where this is supported by the duties of the role and the SCHADS Award.

Your Key Duties

• Organise and plan activitiesto achieve program outcomes, ensuring alignment with early childhood frameworks and funder specifications.

• Create an inclusive and welcoming environmentfor families and children, enhancing participant engagement during sessions.

• Develop and delivers session materialthat is relevant to group needs and interests, moderating sessions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Communicate with parentsabout their children's specific needs within the program's scope, maintaining professional boundaries and directing families to appropriate resources as needed.

• Collaborates with partnering organisationsand monitor program deliverables, including stakeholder engagement, time, and budget, to ensure alignment with program outcomes and continuous improvement.

Culture and Benefits

• Flexible Work Arrangements

• Purpose and community impact

• Inclusivity and belonging

• Work in a small and supportive team

• EAP Support

Your Skills Profile

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education (minimum), with a preference for a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

• Experience in group facilitation that requires the ability to model positive strength-based strategies

• Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds is desirable

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Holds or is eligible to hold a Working with Children Check

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

At Play Matters Australia, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As part of our core values, we embrace inclusivity and actively uphold our Reconciliation Action Plan through a dedicated working group. We strive to ensure that every team member feels valued, respected, and supported. We have also introduced cultural leave to honour and recognise the diverse cultural backgrounds of our employees. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and communities to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

If you would like to request any adjustments so you can participate in this recruitment process, please let us know so that we can accommodate you.

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process for shortlisted candidates will include,

• A telephone interview,

• A face-to-face interview and,

• Two reference checks from previous managers (with one from your most recent manager).

If there are any concerns with the above requirements, please discuss these with Ainsley so that we can consider appropriate accommodations.