Preschool Field Officer

• Full-time permanent position (Part-time applicants also considered)
• Based in Camberwell, Victoria

The City of Boroondara presents a unique opportunity for professionals passionate about early childhood education. This role focuses on enhancing the skills of educators to foster an inclusive environment that nurtures the wellbeing and development of children in their formative years.

It's a chance to contribute significantly to the foundational stage of children's lives, ensuring a positive start and lasting impact. Interested individuals are encouraged to read on.

A little bit about the role:

The Preschool Field Officer acts as a consultant and coach to early childhood educators, working in collaboration with and through the early childhood educator, cementing the educator's ongoing relationship with the child and family.

Reporting to the Preschool Field Officer Lead, the role will be responsible for:

• Enhancing the capacity and confidence of the early childhood educator to provide an inclusive program that is responsive to the needs of all children.
• Providing a locally responsive approach that includes consultative support, resourcing and practical advice to assist kindergarten teachers throughout the City of Boroondara.
• Assisting kindergartens to link families into supports and services available for children with developmental concerns and broader child and family supports.
• Managing referrals from early childhood services, families and specialist agencies.
• Working with Early Childhood services to develop strategies that encourage participation by children with a disability, children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and families and children at risk.
• Identifying referral pathways and ensuring effective outreach.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client and service records, including reports for the funding body using designated databases and filing systems.
• Promoting a positive image of Council to the community through a commitment to professional standards and high-level customer service practices.

What you will bring to the role:

Your dedication to and professional experience in building the capacity of early childhood educators to provide accessible and inclusive kindergarten programs enabling all children to thrive. Your drive will be to see early childhood educators established as leaders in early childhood development and education, equipping educators to build their confidence, knowledge and skills.

As an experienced early childhood teacher (essential) you will have:

• Strong understanding of evidenced-based practice, a nuanced knowledge of child development and understanding of planning and evaluating responsive early childhood programs.
• An ability to thrive within a team environment where you can contribute your skills as an equal, complementing colleagues with your professional expertise and coaching practices.

Employment requirements:

• Working knowledge of the National Education and Care Act and Regulations, Child Safe Legislation, Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standards and their application in early childhood services.
• Broad experience in funded kindergarten programs in community kindergartens and/or integrated early childhood services.
• Capacity to work with children of all abilities and cultural backgrounds, including children from an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island background (desirable) will be integral to your role as will the ability to effectively mentor other educators.
• Additional qualifications in special and/or inclusive education and/or experience working in early childhood early intervention settings (desirable).
• Preferred applicants will be required to undergo a National Police Record Check and hold a valid Working with Children Clearance or VIT Registration.
• A current Driver's License in the state of Victoria (essential).

How to apply:

Please submit your application online via the 'Apply' button by 11.59pm Tuesday 24 September 2024. All applications must be made via the online portal; no applications direct to the hiring manager will be considered. No calls or applications from agencies please.

For any further information please refer to the Position Description, or contact Catherine Ogilvy (Preschool Field Officer Lead) during business hours on (03) 9278 4642 for a confidential discussion.

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