Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

The Cottage Preschool and Early Learning Centre; North Rothbury; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Two-week Christmas closedown

Ongoing professional development

Discounted childcare

Uniform supplied

All programming and resources supplied

Supportive leadership and mentoring

Positive, collaborative team culture

Purpose-built learning environments

Job summary

The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre in North Rothbury, NSW, invites applications for an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) in a part-time role. You will lead planning, mentor staff and deliver high-quality programs aligned with EYLF and NQS, while fostering strong partnerships with families and the community.

The successful candidate will bring leadership, a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education, current First Aid/CPR and WWCC, and a commitment to child safety in a family-owned setting with

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education or at least 50% completed.
• Experience in an ECEC service under the NQF.
• Proven ability to develop and evaluate programs and lead planning.
• Strong understanding of EYLF, NQF and NQS.
• Leadership to mentor and support staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Current First Aid and CPR qualifications.
• Current Working With Children Check.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate engaging EYLF-based educational programs.
• Lead planning cycle: observation, documentation, assessment, reflection.
• Mentor co-educators to build collaborative practice.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children, families and staff.
• Maintain records in line with NQS and legislation.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.
• Participate in the Quality Improvement Plan and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively as a team and support colleagues.

Skills

Leadership qualities

Mentoring educators

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organisational & time management

Education

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Active progress toward degree (50%+)

Job description

The Cottage Preschool and Early Learning Centre – North Rothbury NSW

Inspire Young Minds | Lead Learning | Make a Lasting Difference

We have an exciting opportunity for an inspiring Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) with a genuine passion for early learning and a strong personal philosophy for working with children to join our wonderful team at The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre (PELC) in a part‑time role.

We are looking for an experienced educator who is passionate about delivering high-quality educational programs, confident in leading the planning cycle, and committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire children to thrive.

This role is ideal for someone who demonstrates strong leadership qualities, enjoys mentoring and supporting colleagues, and values working collaboratively as part of a positive, professional and supportive team.

About Us

The Cottage PELC is a beautiful, purpose-designed Early Childhood Education and Care service catering for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

Proudly independently owned and family run, we have over 40 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care. Our experienced leadership team is passionate about supporting educators, fostering professional growth, and creating a workplace where collaboration, respect and quality practice are at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to providing exceptional early childhood education in a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment where children develop the confidence, curiosity and skills to become lifelong learners.

At The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre, we strive to exceed the National Quality Standard (NQS) through reflective practice, continuous improvement and an unwavering commitment to child safety, wellbeing and inclusion.

About the Role

As our Early Childhood Teacher, you will play a key role in leading educational practice and delivering engaging, intentional learning experiences that support every child's development.

Extensive experience in educational programming is essential. We are seeking someone who confidently leads the planning cycle — from observation and documentation through to critical reflection and evaluation — and uses this knowledge to create meaningful learning opportunities aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

You will also be a positive role model within our team, supporting and mentoring educators while fostering strong partnerships with children, families and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate engaging educational programs based on each child's strengths, interests and developmental goals using the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

• Lead all aspects of the planning cycle, including observations, documentation, assessment and critical reflection to achieve meaningful learning outcomes.

• Mentor, guide and support co-educators to build a collaborative culture of high-quality educational practice.

• Create warm, respectful and trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues, ensuring everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.

• Foster a safe, secure, inclusive and stimulating environment where every child can learn and flourish.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with the National Quality Standards (NQS) and relevant legislation.

• Contribute to maintaining a clean, organised and welcoming learning environment.

• Work collaboratively as a team player, contributing equally to daily routines and supporting colleagues wherever needed.

• Actively contribute to The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre’s Quality Improvement Plan and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

You are an experienced and enthusiastic Early Childhood Teacher who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young children.

You will bring:

• A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or be actively working towards your degree with a minimum of 50% completed.

• Demonstrated experience working within an Early Childhood Education and Care service under the National Quality Framework.

• Proven experience developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs and confidently leading the planning cycle.

• A thorough understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standards (NQS).

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to mentor, inspire and support fellow educators.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Outstanding relationship-building skills with children, families and colleagues.

• A positive attitude, professional presentation and a genuine commitment to teamwork.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• Current First Aid and CPR qualifications.

• Current Working With Children Check.

• Full working rights in Australia.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre, the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child are our highest priorities.

We are committed to providing a child-safe organisation where children feel respected, valued and protected, and where every team member shares responsibility for safeguarding children.

We promote a culture of respect, inclusion and accountability and expect all employees to uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

Mandatory Requirements

Successful applicants will demonstrate a genuine commitment to child safety and must have:

• Current Working With Children Check, or willingness to obtain where applicable.

• Completion of the National Child Safety Foundation Training through the Geccko platform, or willingness to complete the training prior to commencement.

• A commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every child.

• Willingness to participate in all required child safety screening, induction and ongoing professional learning.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory child safety screening and relevant employment checks.

Why Join The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre?

When you join our team, you'll become part of a supportive, family-owned service that values your ideas, celebrates your achievements and invests in your professional growth.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours

• Two-week Christmas closedown

• Ongoing professional development opportunities

• Discounted childcare

• Uniform supplied

• All programming and educational resources supplied

• Supportive leadership and mentoring

• Positive, collaborative team culture

• Purpose-built learning environments with high-quality resources

Make a Difference at The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre

If you are passionate about early childhood education, confident in leading educational programs, committed to child safety, and enjoy working as part of a supportive team that values excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Join The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre and help inspire young minds, lead meaningful learning and make a lasting difference in the lives of children.

Submit your application today and become part of our dedicated team.