Educational Leader (Joy Terranora)

Joy Early Learning; Terranora; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award base pay

Paid overtime or TIL

CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided

Loyalty bonuses: 1y $250, 3y $500, 5y$

7 & 10 year $1000

Refer-a-friend bonus $250 voucher

Job summary

Joy Early Learning is seeking a passionate Educational Leader to support fair pay, balance, and ongoing professional development. You will create engaging, play-based learning environments, build strong relationships with children and families, and lead developmentally appropriate programs that nourish curiosity and growth.

You will be supported by a centre team that values wellbeing, reflective practice, and clear pay bands while you contribute to meaningful programming and stay focused on

Qualifications

• A genuine love for early childhood education.
• Team-first mindset and warm, professional approach.
• Current Blue Card and relevant teaching qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging, play-based learning environments.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Contribute to meaningful programming and reflective practice.
• Lead developmentally appropriate programs for children.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and quality standards.

Skills

Love for early childhood education

Team-first mindset

Warm, professional approach

Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or ACECQA-approved equivalent

Current Blue Card

Job description

Joy Early Learning exists for families who believe childhood should be joyful, curiosity-led, and packed with play.

Our centres are built for movement, discovery, and connection, with nature-rich play spaces, engaging educators, and a sense of belonging you can feel from the moment you step inside. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all early learning. We believe in real moments, big wonder, and learning that happens naturally. Because when children feel happy, safe, and free to explore, the best kind of learning just happens.

Our first centre opened in 2025 in Ripley, followed by our Aura centre in 2026. We also have two more centres set to open in 2026 across Moffat Beach and Terranora.

About the role

At Joy Early Learning, we believe great outcomes for children start with educators and teachers who feel respected, supported and genuinely cared for. We don’t just talk about wellbeing and flexibility — we build it into how we operate every day.

We’re growing and looking for passionate Educational leader who want more than “just a job” — they want fair pay, balance, development and a workplace that actually walks the talk.

As part of the Joy Early Learning team, you will:

• Create engaging, play-based learning environments
• Build strong relationships with children and families
• Contribute to meaningful programming and reflective practice
• Lead and deliver an engaging, developmentally appropriate programs for children
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and quality standards
• Be supported — not stretched — to do your best work

About you

We’re looking for candidates who have relevant qualifications for the role:

• A genuine love for early childhood education
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Diploma of ECEC, or ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification
• Current Blue Card
• A team-first mindset and warm, professional approach

Why Joy?

• Above-award base pay with clear pay bands
• Paid overtime or TIL — your time matters
• Paid CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided
• Loyalty bonuses that genuinely add up
• 1 year - $250
• 3 year - $500
• 5 year - $750
• 7 & 10 year - $1000
• Refer-a-friend bonus — $250 voucher when your referral passes probation
• Lunch is on us

Joy Time & Flexibility: Real Work-Life Balance

• Fixed shifts with rosters set fortnightly in advance
• Extra paid programming time off the floor – 3 hours per week (not the standard 2)

Joy Career Pathways: Grow Without Leaving

• Study leave + paid placements

Secondments across Joy centres (Sunshine Coast

• Tweed Coast

Joy Wellbeing: Because Educators and Teachers Are Human

• Centre support teams — consistent extra hands in rooms
• Free, confidential EAP counselling

Joy Family First: We Get It

• 75% discounted childcare for staff children
• Priority placement at Joy centres
• Return-to-work transition plans (reduced days to start)

Joy Perks: The Fun Stuff Matters Too

• Paid birthday leave
• Centre-level budgets for quarterly team catch-ups, socials and joy-filled moments beyond the classroom

At Joy, you’ll find:

• A supportive organisation that values innovation and excellence in early childhood education
• A beautifully designed centre where play takes centre stage
• Modern, thoughtfully designed learning spaces and resources to support your teaching
• Opportunities to make a truly positive impact in a dynamic and welcoming community
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A collaborative team culture where your voice and ideas are valued
• A chance to shape a centre from the ground up and leave your mark in meaningful ways

This Is Your Sign

If you want to work somewhere that pays you properly, respects your time, invests in your future and genuinely cares about your wellbeing — Joy is ready to welcome you.

Child Safety Commitment

Children’s safety, wellbeing, and voices are our highest priority. Joy Early Learning has zero tolerance for abuse or neglect and responds promptly to all concerns in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

We are committed to a culturally safe, inclusive environment that respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Our practices actively support and strengthen cultural safety for children, families, and communities. All team members are responsible for upholding child safety and contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.