Nature-Based Program Leader — Part-Time

Early Years Talent; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Mentoring from experienced teachers

Generous planning time

Nature-based environment

Job summary

Early Years Talent is offering a rare leadership-focused role as Program Leader for a sessional kindergarten in Victoria. The position is available as part-time or full-time, designed for experienced educators seeking meaningful impact within a flexible leadership structure.

You will lead an extended-hours program for three- and four-year-olds, shaping a play-based, nature-led learning environment and mentoring educators.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in early childhood education and care.
• ACECQA-approved qualification (Diploma minimum or working towards a Bachelor's).
• Current First Aid, CPR, Mandatory Reporting and compliance certifications.
• Strong communication and organisational capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated extended-hours program for three- and four-year-olds.
• Shape a play-based, nature-led learning environment with ownership and direction.
• Mentor educators and trainees and contribute to programming discussions.
• Maintain a collaborative team culture with leadership support and planning time.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Program design

Play-based learning

Communication

Organisational skills

Family engagement

Mentoring

Education

ACECQA-approved qualification

Job description

Program Leader (Part-Time or Full-time) – Exceeding Sessional Kindergarten

A rare opportunity to step into a leadership-focused role within a highly regarded sessional kindergarten, suited to experienced educators seeking meaningful impact in a part-time structure.

Activity Group Leader is astructured, leadership-focused role within one of Victoria's most established community-managed kindergarten spaces.

A rare opportunity to step into a leadership-focused role within a highly regarded sessional kindergarten, suited to experienced educators seeking meaningful impact in a part-time structure.

Activity Group Leader is astructured, leadership-focused role within one of Victoria's most established community-managed kindergarten spaces.

What you gain from this role

• Up to $42 per hour (well above award)
• True part-time structure with leadership responsibility
• Foreshore at the back, parklands at the front — nature shapes daily practice
• Over-ratio staffing (supportive, well-resourced environment)
• Generous non-contact time for planning and reflection
• Mentoring from highly experienced teachers
• High-quality learning resources
• Free on-site parking
• Closed over December–January
• Ongoing professional development and a genuinely supportive leadership team

Your role in practice

You will lead a dedicated extended-hours program for three- and four-year-old children, designing and delivering a high-quality learning environment aligned with the service's play-based and nature-led philosophy. This is a role with ownership — you will shape the program, contribute to its direction, and ensure consistency in practice.

You will also support and mentor educators and trainees, contributing to programming discussions and maintaining a strong, collaborative team culture alongside experienced teachers and leadership.

The role follows a consistent weekly structure, with one full day leading the program and additional dedicated time for planning, reflection, and mentoring. Additional hours are available during school holiday programs, including time to plan and deliver excursions and incursions.

This role suits an educator who is confident taking ownership, values professional autonomy, and is committed to maintaining a high standard of practice.

Who this role suits

This role suits an experienced educator ready to take on a defined leadership function within a part-time structure. You may be a Diploma-qualified educator stepping beyond room-level responsibility, an experienced room leader seeking reduced hours without losing impact, or an Early Childhood Teacher looking for a flexible, nature-based alternative to full-time teaching.

What you bring

• Minimum 3 years' experience in early childhood education and care
• Demonstrated confidence contributing to programming, documentation, and team practice
• ACECQA-approved qualification (Diploma minimum or working towards a Bachelor's degree)
• This role is not suited to placement-only experience or first ECT roles
• Current First Aid, CPR, Mandatory Reporting, and all required compliance certifications
• Strong communication and organisational capability
• Confidence leading a team and engaging with families
• A collaborative, reflective approach to practice
• Genuine alignment with play-based, inquiry-led learning

Next steps

Roles of this nature are rarely available. For the right educator, this represents a meaningful step into a more flexible, leadership-focused position within a highly regarded service.

If this aligns with your experience and the way you want to work, we welcome a confidential conversation or application.

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