Lead Educator

Affinity Education; Darwin; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% childcare discount from day one

Fully funded courses via Affinity Lear

Scholarships for Bachelor's or Master

30% gym membership discount (12 months

Wellbeing programs with TELUS Health/B

Retail discounts and employee perks

Job summary

Affinity Education is seeking a Lead Educator with Educational Leader responsibilities at Milestones Early Learning Palmerston. You will mentor staff, lead curriculum planning, and support continuous improvement to deliver high-quality learning experiences for children aged 0–5.

You will work with the Centre Leadership Team and families to implement the EYLF/NQS, foster reflective practice, and drive educational excellence across the service.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or ACECQA-approved equivalent.
• Experience as Lead Educator or Educational Leader or mentoring role.
• Strong knowledge of EYLF, NQS and planning cycles.
• Understanding of approved early childhood frameworks and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire high-quality educational practice across the centre.
• Support educators in curriculum planning, reflection and learning documentation.
• Monitor and guide implementation of the EYLF and NQS.
• Mentor and coach educators to improve teaching practices.
• Review educational programs and drive quality improvement.
• Lead reflective discussions and share current early childhood knowledge.
• Support program audits and contribute to quality initiatives.
• Drive collaboration and professional growth for the team.
• Partner with families to support children's learning journeys.
• Champion continuous improvement and quality outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Curriculum planning

Staff development

Communication

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

ACE CQAQ-approved equivalent

Job description

Lead Educator | Educational Leader Opportunity – Milestones Early Learning Palmerston

Join our team at Milestones Early Learning Palmerston!

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Educator with Educational Leader responsibilities to join our dedicated team. This role is ideal for an educator who is passionate about curriculum excellence, mentoring others, and driving high-quality educational outcomes for children.

Working alongside the Centre Leadership Team, you will lead your room while supporting educators across the centre to enhance pedagogical practice, curriculum planning, and continuous improvement.

Affinity is a Child Safe Organisation, and child safety is our highest priority. We are committed to creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and valued.

Affinity Advantages

• Enjoy a 50% discount on childcare fees starting from day one.
• Access fully funded courses in Early Childhood Education and Care through our Affinity Learning Academy.
• Apply for scholarships for Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education.
• Receive a 30% discount on a 12-month membership with Goodlife or Fitness First.
• Benefit from wellbeing initiatives with partners like TELUS Health, Bupa insurance benefits, and discounts at over 100 retailers.

About the Centre

Located on Hutchinson Terrace in Bakewell, just minutes from Palmerston City Centre, Milestones Early Learning Palmerston provides quality early education and care for children aged 0-5 years.

Our centre is conveniently positioned for families in Bakewell, Gunn, Rosebery and surrounding Palmerston suburbs, with easy access via Chung Wah Terrace and close proximity to Palmerston Shopping Centre and Palmerston Recreation Centre. Supported by experienced educators and modern learning environments, we are committed to creating engaging educational experiences that inspire children to learn, grow and thrive.

About the Role

As a Lead Educator with Educational Leader responsibilities, you will:

• Lead and inspire high-quality educational practice across the centre.
• Support educators in curriculum planning, critical reflection, and children's learning documentation.
• Monitor and guide implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard.
• Mentor and coach educators to continuously improve teaching practices and learning outcomes.
• Review educational programs and support continuous improvement across all learning environments.
• Lead reflective discussions and share contemporary early childhood knowledge and best practice.
• Support program audits and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
• Drive a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.
• Partner with families to support children's learning and development journeys.
• Champion continuous improvement and contribute to quality outcomes across the service.

About You

• Hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or an ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification.
• Experience as a Lead Educator, Educational Leader, or in a mentoring capacity within an early childhood setting.
• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standard, and planning cycle.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of approved learning frameworks and contemporary early childhood practices.
• Demonstrated coaching, mentoring and leadership skills, with the ability to guide and inspire educators.
• Strong critical reflection, interpersonal and communication skills.
• A passion for driving quality outcomes for children and supporting educator growth and development.
• A current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain.
• Current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification, or willingness to obtain.

Why Work for Affinity?

Join our values-driven organisation, where incredible people make a genuine difference. Our mission is to inspire and nurture individuals to reach their full potential. It isn't just about what we do for children, it's about what we do for our team too. Affinity allows our people to shine so we can deliver the best in early education!

Our Curriculum

Our educators and teachers are trained and accredited in the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, Australia's most advanced approach to early education for children from birth to age five. It is based on the belief that learning and development occurs most successfully when supported by nurturing and engaged educators, in partnership with families and communities. This curriculum draws on the best models of early education, contemporary research and evidence-informed practices such as Circle of Security, Abecedarian, and Project Based Learning.

Our Safety Commitment

At Affinity Education, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual is treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to upholding the safety, rights and wellbeing of all children and promote a culture of child safety with a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and harm. Our Safety Commitment also prioritises the safety, rights and wellbeing of our employees and their families.

We are committed to responding to every applicant.