Educational Leader and Second-in-Charge (2IC)

BPA Early Learning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MEA pay and conditions

Leadership and career development

Extensive professional development

Job summary

BPA Early Learning is seeking an Educational Leader and Second-in-Charge (2IC) for Alexandra Avenue Children’s Centre in Sunshine. The role focuses on guiding curriculum, mentoring educators and strengthening teaching and learning.

You will work with the Nominated Supervisor to ensure VEYLDF and NQF alignment, while promoting continuous improvement and high-quality outcomes for children.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in early childhood education and care or ACECQA-approved equivalent.
• Knowledge of VEYLDF, NQF and related regulatory frameworks.
• Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nominated Supervisor with day-to-day leadership and operation of the service.
• Lead educational program development, documentation and evaluation.
• Mentor educators and coach teams to improve practice.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful team culture and strong family relationships.
• Contribute to the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and risk management.

Skills

Educational leadership

2IC responsibilities

Mentoring educators

Communication skills

Organisation

Digital platforms

Decision making

Continuous improvement

VEYLDF knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification

Job description

Educational Leader and Second-in-Charge (2IC)

A leadership opportunity where you can make a real difference

BPA Early Learning is committed to providing safe, inclusive and nurturing environments where the safety, well-being and rights of every child are our highest priority.

As a not-for-profit early learning organisation, BPA Early Learning has supported children, families and communities across Melbourne’s west since 1998. Guided by the belief that every child deserves a strong start, we provide high-quality early learning environments where children can thrive.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Educational Leader and Second-in-Charge (2IC) to join our team at Alexandra Avenue Children’s Centre in Sunshine.

Alexandra Avenue Children’s Centre is a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child and family is respected, valued and supported.

A leadership opportunity where you can make a real difference

BPA Early Learning is committed to providing safe, inclusive and nurturing environments where the safety, well-being and rights of every child are our highest priority.

As a not-for-profit early learning organisation, BPA Early Learning has supported children, families and communities across Melbourne’s west since 1998. Guided by the belief that every child deserves a strong start, we provide high-quality early learning environments where children can thrive.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Educational Leader and Second-in-Charge (2IC) to join our team at Alexandra Avenue Children’s Centre in Sunshine.

Alexandra Avenue Children’s Centre is a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child and family is respected, valued and supported.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced early childhood professional with 4–5 years of experience in similar leadership roles to join our team at Alexandra Avenue Children’s Centre.

The Educational Leader plays a key role in guiding curriculum development, supporting reflective practice and mentoring educators to strengthen teaching and learning across the service. Working closely with the Nominated Supervisor and the broader team, you will champion continuous improvement and promote excellence in early childhood education and care.

You will help ensure that educational programs and practices align with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the National Quality Framework (NQF).

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Nominated Supervisor with the day-to-day leadership and operation of the service.

• Assume additional leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Nominated Supervisor, as required.

• Develop, implement, document and evaluate children’s educational programs.

• Promote children’s agency and respond to their interests, strengths, cultural backgrounds and individual needs.

• Provide coaching, mentoring and professional support to educators.

• Foster a positive, respectful and collaborative team culture.

• Assist with staffing and rostering to support continuity of care and effective service operations.

• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with children and families.

• Promote child safety, wellbeing, inclusion and regulatory compliance.

• Contribute to the development, implementation and ongoing review of the service’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).

• Support risk management, incident response and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Maintain effective communication with families, educators, management and relevant external professionals.

What We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will be someone who:

• Is passionate about delivering high-quality outcomes for children.

• Has experience in educational leadership and second-in-charge (2IC) responsibilities.

• Is confident in supporting, mentoring and guiding a team of educators.

• Leads by example, demonstrating respect, patience, integrity and professionalism.

• Has strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Is highly organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively.

• Has strong computer skills and is confident using multiple digital platforms for communication, documentation and administration.

• Is confident making informed decisions and responding effectively to challenges.

• Is committed to continuous improvement, reflective practice and professional development.

• Has a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standard (NQS) and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

• Works collaboratively with families, educators and external professionals to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Why Join BPA Early Learning?

As a member of the BPA team, you will contribute to creating welcoming, culturally responsive environments where children feel safe, valued and supported. Together, we are committed to child safety, inclusion, continuous improvement and helping every child reach their full potential.

You will benefit from:

• Pay and conditions in accordance with the applicable Multi-Employer Agreement (MEA).

• Leadership, mentoring and career development opportunities.

• Extensive professional development opportunities.

• Dedicated support from the Early Learning Operations Manager.

• Shared administrative support.

• Professional networking opportunities.

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• A diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or an equivalent qualification approved by ACECQA.

• A sound understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, National Quality Framework (NQF) and Child Safe Standards.

• A current Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

• Valid working rights in Australia.

• Current First Aid, CPR, asthma management and anaphylaxis management qualifications.

Child Safety

BPA Early Learning is committed to providing safe, inclusive and nurturing environments where the safety, wellbeing and rights of every child are our highest priority.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to ensuring the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disability, and children who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Every BPA employee shares responsibility for protecting children by acting in their best interests, maintaining professional boundaries and reporting concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. We expect all employees to actively contribute to a child-safe culture where every child feels safe, respected, included and empowered.