Yirrama Kindergarten Leader

Meli; Geelong; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 100,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Two annual events

Career growth

Job summary

Meli in Geelong is seeking a part-time Early Childhood Teacher - Kindergarten Leader to help launch Yirrama Kindergarten, opening in Term 1, 2027. The role involves leadership with teaching and you should commence on or before 2 November 2026 to support readiness.

You will design play-based programs, lead educators, align with Victorian frameworks, and collaborate with families and the leadership team to establish a high-quality service from day one.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of Teaching experience.
• Two or more years of leadership experience.
• Current Early Childhood Teacher registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
• Knowledge of the National Education and Care Services Act and Regulations 2011 and the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and NQF & Standards.
• Experience in developing and delivering high-quality early years education programs.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the establishment and operational readiness of the new kindergarten prior to opening.
• Contributing to the setup of learning environments, resources, policies, and educational practices.
• Planning and implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs.
• Providing leadership, mentoring, and support to educators, students, and volunteers.
• Building strong relationships with children, families, and the wider community.
• Maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring compliance with child safety, regulatory and OH&S requirements.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality educational practice.

Skills

Leadership

Play-based learning

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

VIT registration

Job description

We're excited to offer a part-time ongoing Early Childhood Teacher - Kindergarten Leader opportunity at our brand-new Yirrama Kindergarten, opening to children in Term 1, 2027.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and passionate early childhood professional to play a key role in establishing a new kindergarten from the ground up. While the service will welcome children from January 2027, we're looking for the successful candidate to commence on or before 2 November 2026 to support the service's operational readiness, setup, and successful launch.

In the lead-up to opening, you'll work closely with the leadership team to help prepare the learning environment, support enrolment and family engagement activities, assist with educator onboarding, and ensure the service is ready to deliver a high-quality kindergarten program from day one.

Once operational, as the Early Childhood Teacher - Kindergarten Leader, you'll design and deliver engaging, play-based learning programs and lead a team of educators to provide exceptional outcomes for children and families. You'll ensure programs and practices align with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, National Quality Standard, and all relevant legislation and regulations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the establishment and operational readiness of the new kindergarten prior to opening.
• Contributing to the setup of learning environments, resources, policies, and educational practices.
• Planning and implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs.
• Providing leadership, mentoring, and support to educators, students, and volunteers.
• Building strong, meaningful relationships with children, families, and the broader community.
• Maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment, ensuring compliance with child safety, regulatory, and OH&S requirements.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality educational practice.

This is an exciting chance to leave your mark on a new service and help create a vibrant learning environment where children, families, and educators can thrive from the very beginning.

Position Details

• Part-time, ongoing
• Position based at Meli's Yirrama Kindergarten, Charlemont
• 32.75 hours per week - subject to change with VECTEA 2026 implementation
• We recognise the expertise you bring to your role. This position is currently paid in line with the VECTEA 2020 agreement, $38.30 - $58.96 p/h (depending on experience) - subject to increase with VECTEA 2026 implementation.

Your Week at a Glance

Hours:

Please note that hours may be adjusted following the implementation of the 2026 VECTEA agreement.

Roster:

• Monday and Tuesday: 7:45am to 5:00pm
• Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Lunch cover shifts (12:00pm to 1:30pm) with additional non-contact hours

Hours Breakdown

• Contact hours: 18.5 per week
• Non-contact hours: 10.25 per week
• Kindergarten Leader duties: 5 hours per week

Total weekly hours: 32.75*There can be flexibility in where the non-contact time is placed throughout the week, the session times are set.*

What We’re Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

• a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or equivalent as approved by ACECQA and suitable pursuant to the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011)
• 5 or more years of previous Teaching experience
• 2 or more years of previous leadership experienceCurrent Early Childhood Teacher registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
• Knowledge of the National Education and Care Services Act and Regulations 2011 and the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and ECEC National Quality Framework and Standards
• Experience in the development and delivery of high-quality early years education programs
• High level interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop team members and oversee the delivery of the kindergarten program

Why Work with Us?

Help Shape Something New

At Yirrama Kindergarten, you'll have the rare opportunity to be part of a brand-new service from the very beginning. Joining ahead of our Term 1, 2027 opening, you'll work alongside a growing team of passionate early childhood professionals to help create a welcoming, high-quality kindergarten that reflects the needs of children, families, and the local community.

This is more than a teaching role. It’s an opportunity to influence the culture, practices, learning environments, and foundations of a new service. You’ll be supported by an experienced organisation while building strong connections with colleagues who share your commitment to exceptional early learning outcomes. We value collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where your expertise, ideas, and leadership can make a lasting impact from day one.

More than a Workplace

Being part of Meli means your impact reaches beyond the kindergarten walls. You’re not just supporting children - you’re contributing to stronger families and more connected communities. Through our integrated network of community services, your work is part of something bigger, helping to create lasting change across the region.

Space to Grow, Support to Lead

At Meli, professional development is more than a checkbox, it’s a core part of how we support our team.

We host two annual events: one that brings together the wider Meli community, and another dedicated to our early years team. These are great opportunities to connect, share ideas, and be inspired by peers and leaders across the sector.

With a network of 34 kindergartens and preschools, you’ll have the chance to explore different teaching styles and settings, building a career that’s rich in experience and growth.

What Sets This Role Apart

• Three dedicated organisational days each year (student-free) to connect, reflect, and prepare with your team
• Your non-contact time is never lost - if you have to jump into ratio, we make sure you get that time back to plan, reflect, and prepare
• Set-up time is guaranteed so you can walk into each day feeling ready and organised for the day ahead
• Beautifully maintained spaces - our learning environments are professionally cared for so you can focus on the teaching and care of the children

Ready to Make a Difference?

Applications close: 11:59pm, Thursday 1 October 2026.