Temporary Centre Director

Discovery at Play Early Learning Centres; Perth; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery at Play Early Learning Centres Balcatta is seeking a Temporary Centre Director to lead the team during a leave period. You will oversee day-to-day operations, ensure high-quality care and maintain continuity for children, families and staff.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge and financial stewardship to sustain the centre's performance. This is a fixed-term, on-site position that leverages your expertise in early learning management.

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent in childcare management.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Working with Children Check clearance (or willingness to obtain).
• Minimum 2 years' management experience in a childcare centre or early learning setting.
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Standard (NQS) framework and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with budgeting, financial planning and resource management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage staff, families and the community.
• Proven leadership in staff recruitment, training and performance management.
• Commitment to child safety, wellbeing and development.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the centre, including staff recruitment, training, supervision and performance management
• Ensuring compliance with the National Quality Standard, Education and Care Services National Law and all relevant regulatory requirements
• Developing and implementing centre policies, procedures and quality improvement strategies to enhance service delivery
• Managing budgets, financial planning and operational resources to ensure the centre's financial sustainability
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with families, fostering open communication and engaging parents in their children's learning and development
• Overseeing curriculum planning and implementation to ensure educational programs reflect current best practice and meet developmental needs
• Creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes the wellbeing and development of all children
• Conducting staff appraisals, identifying professional development needs and supporting continuous improvement in service quality
• Liaising with regulatory bodies, attending inspections and addressing any compliance issues promptly
• Representing the centre within the local community and supporting marketing and enrolment initiatives

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff recruitment

Communication

Quality improvement

Autonomy

Education

Early Childhood Education & Care qualification

Job description

About the role

Are you an experienced Centre Director looking for a rewarding, short-term contract? DAPELC Balcatta is seeking a dynamic, passionate, and highly capable Temporary Centre Director to step in and lead our team while our current CD is on leave.

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your leadership skills to a gorgeous brand new, freshly launched, state-of-the-art facility. You will ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of the centre, maintain high-quality care, and provide continuity and stability for our wonderful children, educators, and families.

Key responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the centre, including staff recruitment, training, supervision and performance management
• Ensuring compliance with the National Quality Standard, Education and Care Services National Law and all relevant regulatory requirements
• Developing and implementing centre policies, procedures and quality improvement strategies to enhance service delivery
• Managing budgets, financial planning and operational resources to ensure the centre's financial sustainability
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with families, fostering open communication and engaging parents in their children's learning and development
• Overseeing curriculum planning and implementation to ensure educational programs reflect current best practice and meet developmental needs
• Creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes the wellbeing and development of all children
• Conducting staff appraisals, identifying professional development needs and supporting continuous improvement in service quality
• Liaising with regulatory bodies, attending inspections and addressing any compliance issues promptly
• Representing the centre within the local community and supporting marketing and enrolment initiatives

What we're looking for

• Formal qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care, or equivalent recognised qualification in childcare and education management
• Current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Working with Children Check clearance (or willingness to obtain)
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in childcare centre management or a leadership role within an early learning environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of the National Quality Standard framework and regulatory compliance requirements
• Strong financial management skills and experience with budgeting and resource planning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with staff, families and the community
• Leadership capabilities with experience in staff recruitment, training and performance managementProven commitment to child safety, wellbeing and development with an understanding of contemporary early childhood education approaches
• Ability to work autonomously whilst leading a team, with strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Experience in quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice is desirable

What we offer

Discovery at Play Early Learning Centres values its team members and is committed to creating a supportive workplace. We offer:

• A competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Ongoing professional development opportunities to support your career growth
• A collaborative team environment with supportive senior leadership
• Flexibility to support work-life balance
• Employee discounts and access to wellbeing programs and initiatives
• The opportunity to lead a quality service that makes a genuine difference to children's lives and family wellbeing