Part-Time Activity Group Leader — Nature-Based ECE

Early Years Talent; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 41,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

Early Years Talent invites an experienced educator to lead a dedicated extended-hours program for three- and four-year-olds in a well-established Victorian kindergarten. This leadership-focused, part-time role lets you shape the program and uphold high standards within a nature-based, play-led learning environment.

You will mentor educators and trainees, contribute to programming and documentation, and work with a supportive leadership team.

Qualifications

• 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 certificates
• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Support and mentor educators and trainees, contributing to programming discussions and maintaining a strong, collaborative team culture alongside experienced teachers and leadership.
• Follow a consistent weekly structure, with one full day leading the program and additional dedicated time for planning, reflection, and mentoring; additional hours during school holidays for excursions and incursions.

Skills

Experience in ECE

Team leadership

Communication

Education

ACECQA-approved qualification

Job description

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 kindergartens — designed for an experienced educator who wants to maintain impact without full-time hours.

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.