Lead Educator (Joy Terranora)

Joy Early Learning; Terranora; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award pay

Overtime pay

CPR & First Aid provided

Uniforms provided

Loyalty bonuses

Refer-a-friend bonus

Lunch provided

Paid birthday leave

Centre budgets

Job summary

Joy Early Learning is expanding and seeking passionate Lead Educators who value wellbeing, balance and professional growth. You will create engaging, play-based learning environments, build strong relationships with children and families, and contribute to reflective programming.

The role offers fair pay, clear pay bands, and opportunities for career pathways across Joy centres, with supported onboarding and ongoing development.

Qualifications

• Genuine love for early childhood education.
• Diploma or ECT qualification, or working towards it.
• Blue Card obtained.
• Geckko Foundations and Advanced training completed.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging, play-based learning environments.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Contribute to meaningful programming and reflective practice.
• Be supported to do your best work.

Skills

Love for ECE

Team-first mindset

Warm, professional approach

Education

Diploma/ECT qualification (or working towards)

ACECQA-approved equivalent

Tools

Blue Card

Geckko Foundations training

Geckko Advanced training

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 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 Lead Educators 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
• 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
• Diploma, ECT qualification (or working towards) or ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification.
• Current Blue Card
• Completed Geckko Foundations training and Completed Geckko Advanced training
• 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) to have fresh experiences without starting over somewhere new
• 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 communityOpportunities 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.

Note: If you have previously applied for a role with Joy Early Learning, please do not submit another application. We will contact suitable applicants directly.

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.

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