Centre Leader

Little Waves Early Learning Centre; Wellington; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full pay parity

Leadership support and non-contact时间

Collaborative team

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Little Waves Early Learning Centre Wellington is seeking a full-time head kaiako to lead the team, support tamariki and whānau, and drive quality teaching. You will work alongside the centre manager to mentor kaiako, enhance curriculum planning, and ensure compliance with licensing standards.

Guided by Te Whāriki, Te Ara Whānui, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, you will foster inclusive practice and ongoing improvement in a joyful, collaborative learning environment for tamariki.

Qualifications

• Holds an ECE teaching qualification with current practising certificate.
• Shows leadership experience or readiness for the next step in leadership.
• Understands Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire kaiako.
• Support curriculum planning, assessment, and quality teaching.
• Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community.
• Support licensing compliance and continuous improvement.
• Promote inclusive practice and positive learning outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Curriculum planning

Relationship building

Organisation

Education

ECE teaching qualification

Current practising certificate

Job description

Little Waves Early Learning Centre Wellington

Full time, Permanent

Are you a passionate leader who believes in quality early childhood education, strong relationships, and leading alongside your team? Little Waves Early Learning Centre is seeking a full-time head kaiako to join our dedicated whānau.

This is a 5-day-a-week, hands‑on leadership role with a mixture of opening and closing shifts. You will work alongside tamariki and kaiako, with allocated non‑contact time for leadership and administration.

Little Waves is a 50‑licensed centre, including a 10-place nursery. We create a joyful, nurturing environment where every tamaiti feels safe, valued, and empowered to learn.

Guided by Te Whāriki, Te Ara Whānui, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we incorporate te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, and tikanga Māori into everyday practice. Our values guide our relationships and teaching.

About the role

Working alongside the centre manager, who oversees 2 centres, you will:

• lead, mentor, and inspire kaiako
• support curriculum planning, assessment, and quality teaching
• build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community
• support licensing compliance and continuous improvement
• promote inclusive practice and positive learning outcomes.

About you:

• Holds an ECE teaching qualification and current practising certificate.
• Has leadership experience or be ready for the next step.
• Understands Te Whāriki and value Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Is approachable, organised, reflective, and passionate about supporting others.

What we offer:

• Full pay parity.
• Leadership support and non‑contact time.
• A collaborative team and opportunities to grow.
• The chance to make a genuine difference.

Following our recent ERO journey, we are committed to continuous improvement and achieving the best outcomes for tamariki.