Educational Leader

Explorers Early Learning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above Award rates

Childcare fee discount

On-site parking

Professional development

Culture club events

Team culture

Job summary

Explorers Early Learning in Melbourne invites an Educational Leader to join the Mount Cottrell centre. You’ll lead curriculum programming, mentor teachers, and shape learning spaces where children thrive in a Reggio Emilia-inspired environment.

In this off-the-floor leadership role, you’ll collaborate with leaders, ensure compliance, document child progress, and champion safety and wellbeing while supporting ongoing professional growth and culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Commitment to children’s development and safety; leads programming.
• Experience implementing Reggio Emilia-inspired curricula; EYLF/NQS knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Centre Director to implement Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum.
• Mentor and support educators in every room.
• Develop learning environments that spark creativity.
• Ensure regulatory compliance while upholding company values.
• Maintain accurate documentation of children’s growth.
• Lead child safety and promote positive learning outcomes.

Skills

Reggio Emilia approach

EYLF & NQS knowledge

First Aid training

Asthma & Anaphylaxis training

Child safety

Leadership & mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Job description

Lead, Inspire, and Create as an Educational Leader at Explorers!

Are you ready to ignite a lifelong love of learning and shape the future of education? As an Educational Leader at Explorers Mount Cottrell, you’ll play a pivotal role in a supportive, innovative leadership team. With your expertise in curriculum programming and mentorship, you’ll inspire educators and create exceptional learning environments where children thrive.

In this exciting "off-the-floor" leadership role, you will:

• Collaborate with the Centre Director and Director-in-Training to bring our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum to life.
• Mentor and support educators in every room, helping them shine in their roles.
• Develop learning environments that spark creativity and curiosity.
• Ensure compliance with regulations while championing our company values.
• Maintain precise, meaningful documentation of children’s growth and achievements.
• Lead the charge on child safety and foster positive learning outcomes for every child in our care.

We Are Looking For

• A Bachelor’s or Diploma qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• A deep commitment to children’s development and safety.
• A knack for creating and implementing outstanding educational programs.
• A solid understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach to early education.
• Expertise in the EYLF and NQS frameworks.
• First Aid, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis Training.
• A valid Working with Children Check (Employee) and Mandatory Reporting.
• Australian working rights (Visa/Passport).

Benefits That Set Us Apart

• Above Award rates for your exceptional contributions.*
• Generous childcare fee discount*—because we care for your family too.
• Convenient on-site parking.
• Professional development, training, and career growth opportunities.
• Exciting Culture Club events that celebrate your hard work.
• A vibrant, supportive team that feels like family.
• Access to a generous resource budget to fuel creativity.
• Dedicated Quality and Education Mentors to help you succeed.
• Recognition, rewards, and referral bonuses*.
• Fully funded first aid courses and renewals.

About Explorers

At Explorers Early Learning, this isn’t just another job in childcare. It’s the beginning of a career with a founder-driven, women-led organisation created to raise the standard of early learning in Australia. When Lynda Salvo founded Explorers in 2004, her mission was simple but powerful: to build centres where children and educators could thrive together. That same mission continues today, with every decision focused on investing in the people who bring our centres to life

Explorers is designed around people first, with a culture where belonging and joy are as essential as curriculum. Here, you’ll find mentoring, leadership development, and the encouragement to stretch into new opportunities. It’s not just about compliance or ticking boxes; it’s about giving you the tools, trust, and community to grow into the educator and leader you want to be.

When You Join Explorers, You’re Stepping Into

• A career pathway, not just a role - with leadership programs, mentoring, and funded professional development.
• A thriving peer community - collaborative, passionate, and connected across our centres.
• A values-driven culture - where curiosity, creativity, and care are celebrated every day.
• A joyful environment - where children’s wonder inspires your own.

Here, you’re not just shaping children’s futures. You’re shaping your own - with the best opportunities to grow, belong, and lead in early education.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and culture.

Explorers Early Learning is a child-safe organisation. We are committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and expect all team members to uphold our child-safe responsibilities.

Build your career with Explorers. The future starts here.

T&Cs apply.