Early Childhood Teacher

Early Learning Victoria; Warrnambool; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15% wage increase via Worker Retention

Flexible leave options

Incentives may be applicable

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Teacher to deliver high-quality play-based programs and support children and families within a new centre in Portland South.

You will lead a team of educators, contribute to reflective practice, and uphold the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards. The role offers ongoing professional development and alignment with Victorian education standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) with valid VIT registration.
• 12+ months experience as an ECT.
• Knowledge of National Quality Framework and VEYLD Framework.
• Ability to lead and mentor educational teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality early childhood education aligned with NQF and VEYLD.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with families, children and colleagues.
• Support a team of educators through reflective conversations to strengthen pedagogy.
• Promote an inclusive environment meeting policies and regulatory standards.

Skills

Early Childhood Teaching

Leadership

Communication

Policy knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)

VIT registration

Job description

Early Learning Victoria (ELV), as part of the Department of Education, is leading the roll‑out of 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032, with 18 currently operating. Our centres offer long day care, three and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep in accessible, 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

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 Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.

Early Learning Victoria is approved to receive the Commonwealths Worker Retention Grant, which funds a 15% wage increase above modern award rates for eligible employees.

Incentives may be applicable (subject to eligibility). Flexible leave options can be considered.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver high-quality early childhood education, guided by evidence-informed, contemporary pedagogy and practice aligned with the National Quality Framework and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
• Build positive, respectful and collaborative relationships with families, children and colleagues.
• Support a team of educators through reflective conversations and targeted support to build capability, strengthen pedagogy, and achieve strong outcomes for children.
• Promote an inclusive environment where childrens learning and development needs are met, and policies and regulatory standards are maintained.

More information about this role can be found HERE.

About You

• Demonstrated experience as an early childhood teacher, delivering high-quality, play-based educational programs
• Extensive understanding of National Quality Framework, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and Child Safe Standards
• Strong ability to lead, mentor and guide educational teams
• Effective communication and relationship‑building skills with staff, children, families and communities

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) or equivalent qualification and current VIT registration
• 12 months+ experience working as an ECT, post qualification and VIT registration
• First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning
• Experience working with children and families experiencing vulnerability is desirable
• 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
• Food Handling Certificate and Safe Sleep Training are desirable

Applying and Further Information

For more information about the role, or to request adjustments for participation in the recruitment process, please contact Lisa Smith, Workforce Development Coordinator, on ************@education.vic.gov.au or Emma Carr, Centre Director on *********@education.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 27 September 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.