Lead Educator Play Strong

**_Exciting opportunity to play, learn and build your career with Playgroup NSW_**

Playgroup NSW has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Educator to be part of an organisation that connects thousands of families build their parental capacity, and their village and help their children learn.
- Casual Position (School Terms Only)
- **Tuesday 3 hours **Merrylands Playgroup 8.30am to 11.30am
- **Tuesday 3 hours **Ropes Crossing Playgroup 9.30am to 12.30pm
- **Thursday 3 hours **Casuala Playgroup 9.30am to 12.30pm

**About Us**

Playgroup NSW is a not-for-profit organisation that helps connect families and children to people and services in the community to positively impact their quality of life.

For over 50 years, Playgroup NSW has delivered and linked families to vital services such as parent support groups and playgroups for those experiencing vulnerability and diversity, and those who value community connections.

**About Play Strong**

The Play Strong program is designed to provide a holistic approach to Early Childhood Education to educate and empower parents and carers as well as the children.

The program seeks to provide an accessible service to vulnerable members of the community and those who may experience barriers to involvement with traditional early learning services.

It is our goal to provide an inclusive and diverse program that encourages families from all walks of life to engage in early education and learning to give all children the best start to their learning journeys.

**Duties include **_but are not limited to_**
- develop a comfortable and welcoming environment for families and encourage effective participation through positive interaction with parents and children.
- facilitate group topics and structured sessions and liaise with partner early learning services to build relationships.
- support and guide groups and ensure the inclusive program approach is adopted and adhered to.
- support children's development where appropriate.
- maintain accurate records and ensure all evaluation documents are completed on time.

**About You**

**Qualifications**
- Completed (or currently studying) Diploma qualification related to children’s services, social science, counselling, community services, support worker or parenting support.
- First Aid Certificate preferable.
- Working with Children Check verification letter to present on commencement (essential).

**Skills**
- Experience, strong knowledge & understanding of issues facing parents and carers of vulnerable families.
- Experience and understanding of child development.
- Strong Interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to families (parents and children) from a diverse range of backgrounds.
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with local services and supports.
- Ability to foster cooperative relationships.
- Conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent administrative skills to ensure attendance records, quarterly reports and budgets are all recorded accurately and submitted promptly.
- Strong organisation and time management skills to ensure group session plans are developed and run efficiently and effectively.
- Ability to work autonomously and confidently.
- Able to lift children and equipment.

**Experience**
- Experience, strong knowledge and understanding of issues facing parents and carers of vulnerable families.
- Strong knowledge of development through play practices and positive parenting strategies as well as an understanding of the importance of early learning attendance for children prior to school.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with the community to achieve program objectives and organisational goals.
- Knowledge of early childhood development is desirable.