Preschool Director

Drummond Park Preschool; Armidale; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award salary plus superannuation

Mentoring and handover support for new

Study support while pursuing Bachelor

Welcome Experience from Armidale

Job summary

Drummond Park Preschool in Armidale, NSW, is seeking a Director to lead our team of educators, build strong family partnerships and ensure an excellent early childhood program that meets national standards.

You will work with a volunteer management committee, manage budgets and operations, and drive child safety, inclusion and learning through play-based EYLF practices.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams of educators in early childhood settings.
• Strong communication with families, staff and volunteers.
• Solid understanding of EYLF and NQS to guide high-quality learning environments.
• Knowledge of Education and Care Services National Regulations and NSW regulatory requirements.
• Commitment to child safety, inclusion and wellbeing in a community setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of educators and foster positive relationships with families.
• Ensure delivery of an exceptional early childhood program that meets industry standards.
• Collaborate with a volunteer management committee to oversee preschool operations.
• Oversee budgets, occupancy, staffing and the maintenance of the learning environment.
• Design, implement and evaluate play-based learning programs engaging children.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Communication

EYLF knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Child safety

Education

ACECQA-approved Diploma or Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Job description

As the Director of Drummond Park Preschool, you will play a vital role in building connections within our community, ensuring the wellbeing of children, and leading initiatives that promote inclusivity, creativity and growth. You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of an exceptional early childhood program that meets or exceeds industry standards, as well as working alongside a volunteer management committee to oversee all aspects of the preschool's operations. You will lead a team of educators, foster positive relationships with families, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team of educators and foster positive relationships with families
• Ensure delivery of an exceptional early childhood program that meets or exceeds industry standards
• Work alongside a volunteer management committee to oversee all aspects of preschool operations
• Manage the business, regulatory and day-to-day operations of the preschool, including budgets, occupancy, staffing and maintenance of the physical environment
• Lead the collaborative design, implementation, and evaluation of learning programs that engage children
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Build partnerships and represent the preschool in the local community
• Implement child safety practices and the paramountcy principle

About you

• Genuine passion for early childhood education and commitment to providing the best possible environment and education for children
• Strong leadership skills that build a collaborative team and a high-quality education and care program
• Demonstrated capability to lead the collaborative design, implementation, and evaluation of learning programs that engage children
• Sound understanding of Education and Care Services National Regulations and Education and Care National Law, National Quality Standards, Early Years Learning Framework, Quality Improvement Plans and Workplace Health and Safety
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including professional, open and warm engagement with staff, families and carers
• Excellent organisational, time management and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to implement child safety practices and paramountcy principle
• ACECQA-approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, or Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching or equivalent)
• Working with Children Check (Current and Valid)
• National Police Check (current), Child Protection Training (CHCPRT025), First Aid including asthma and anaphylaxis management (HLTAID012), CPR (HLTAID009 current within 12 months), 2026 National Child Safe Training (Geccko)

About us

Drummond Park Preschool is an 18-place, community-based preschool committed to providing quality, affordable education for children aged 3-5 years located in Armidale on the traditional lands of the Anaiwan people. We provide age-appropriate education by dedicating age-specific sessions on different days: 4/5 year olds who are moving on to Kindergarten the following year are enrolled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while 3/4 year olds attend on Thursdays and Fridays. Our service is rated Exceeding under the National Quality Standard. Drummond Park Preschool offers children an intimate and caring learning environment with a leafy natural playground and cosy, welcoming building; promoting a child's sense of belonging and connectedness. We are a place where all voices are heard and respected. Drummond Park Preschool is a child safe organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Acknowledgement of NSW Public Holidays/School Holidays/Term dates in line with NSW Public School Holidays

Study support for applicants working towards a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

Mentoring and handover support for a new Director as required

Above-award salary plus superannuation

Supportive and collaborative work environment with a balance of hands-on teaching and administration

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the local community

Access to a Welcome Experience offered by the Armidale Regional Council

Selection Criteria

• Leading learning - Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and evaluate a play-based program grounded in EYLF V2.0, using observation and reflection to support each child’s learning and development.
• Leading a team - Experience leading, mentoring or coaching educators, building a positive team culture and supporting their professional growth.
• Families and community - Demonstrated ability to build trusting partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and to connect with local schools and services.
• Child safety, wellbeing and inclusion - Understanding of child protection obligations, the Child Safe Standards, paramountcy principle and experience creating an inclusive environment for children with diverse needs.
• Quality and operations (desirable) - Working knowledge of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations and the National Quality Standard, and the ability (or willingness to develop the ability) to manage budgets, enrolments, preschool funding and rostering in partnership with a volunteer management committee.

Drummond Park Preschool is a child safe organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.