Head of Community

Are you looking for a unique leadership opportunity?

**We are excited to be looking for a Head of Community.**

A tireless advocate for children’s rights and create the ideal learning environment, by interpreting the Reggio Emilia approach in the Australian contextThis is a permanent fulltime position where you will be working 38 hours per week.

**About Us**Happy Valley Early Learning is proud to be owned by an experienced and qualified Kindergarten teacher who truly understands the care and education young children need. That’s why we do things differently.We believe in providing children with the best possible start in life and as such we engage specialist teachers who come in every week and run a science program, art program, sport program and music program.Our Centre philosophy is based on the Reggio Emilia approach, and we believe in providing an environment that is full of natural materials, is open ended, sparks wonder and curiosity and supports project-based learning.

**Key responsibilities include**:Work alongside the support team, ensuring the team of educators have all the tools to facilitate a safe, nurturing, and educational environment. You will cover some breaks and non-contact / planning time of the community leaders.
To mentor a team of educators by spending time in the rooms each day guiding practices and offering teaching strategies to the educators.
To develop and maintain strong relationships between educators, families and children.
Advocate for the rights of children and their families.
To ensure a quality and engaging educational program is provided for all children
Mentor and support educators to implement an inquiry-based program that develops children's learning dispositions.
Be a role model both on and off the floor, demonstrating best practice in relation to programming, compliance and positive relationships with children
Ensure Happy valley ELC philosophy, policies and procedures are always followed.
Able to plan, implement and evaluate programs through your strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS)
Prior leadership experience in mentoring Educators to meet high standards of curriculum and documentation
Willingness to support innovation and change, keeping the centre up-to-date with latest practices
Have input and help drive the Quality Improvement Plan and Self-Assessment Tool.
Capable to engage children through activities and experiences appropriate for age groups and stages of development
Strong understanding of image of child and how to support educators with this
Lead reflective discussions about practice and implementing the learning framework
**What you'll need to succeed**

An ACECQA assessed ECT qualification
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Previous experience in an **Educational Leader role**
Strong knowledge of the EYLF and NQS
Experience as a Curriculum Leader
Bachelor or Master of Early Childhood Education/Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership
Experience in a pedagogical/curriculum leader role or equivalent - desirable
**To be considered, you must have**:
A Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education
A current WWCC
Minimum 2 years’ experience as an Educational Leader
Strong leadership skills
- the ability to lead and develop high performing teams
A positive attitude and passionate approach
Sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework
Excellent time management skills
**What’s in it for you?**

Opportunity to work for a family-owned company who are genuinely passionate about offering quality Childcare and education
Work life balance
Career Progression - Ongoing professional development and paid training opportunities.
Supportive Leadership Team
The opportunity to be part of future projects and new centres opening.
This is a personally rewarding role where you can impact the lives of many,and motivate and inspire fellow educators, children, and their families.
We want you to feel valued for your ongoing efforts, commitment, and dedication to your role.

Happy Valley Early Learning is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation where protecting children and preventing and responding to child abuse is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of our workforce.

**Salary**: $49,176.10 - $81,834.46 per year

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Macleod, VIC 3085: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- Microsoft Office: 1 year (preferred)
- Administration: 1 year (preferred)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (preferred)