Educator (Play Strong Program)

Casual/part-time positions - School Terms Only
- SCHCADS Level 2
- Locations - _Merrylands_ (Tue mornings) & _Casula _(Thur mornings)
- Exciting opportunity to play, learn and build your career with Playgroup NSW_

Playgroup NSW connects people to strengthen child, family, and community well-being through playing, learning, and building communities of support. We are a Not-for-profit membership association, with almost 50,000 families engaged each year, and our vision over the next three years is all about making a positive difference for children.

The **_PlayStrong Program_** **is designed to build strong relationships between vulnerable families and early learning services in their local area. You will work in partnership with these families and early learning services to help them get to know each other and to share information, recognizing that parents and carers are experts in their own lives and for their family. You will also help support the Lead Educator by engaging with children attending in early learning experiences that benefit their development.

Key responsibilities include:

- develop a comfortable and welcoming play environment for families and encourage effective participation through positive interaction with parents and children;
- support and guide groups and ensure the inclusive program approach is adopted and adhered to;
- support children's development where appropriate;
- support the inclusion of all children and families in the playgroup experiences;
- engage positively in a play-based learning environment to foster and support all facets of child development (physical, social, emotional, language, creative and cognitive);
- develop and maintain nurturing relationships and respond to the emotional needs of children and ensure that the dignity and rights of each child are maintained at all times;
- help set up and pack away of the learning environment and maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment;
- maintain a duty of care to ensure safety of all attending the playgroups and promptly report all hazards, incidents and injuries;
- participate in the ongoing development of Playgroup NSW and share insights and ideas with other Playgroup NSW staff;
- other functions and responsibilities as directed by the Lead Educator.

Selection criteria includes:

- Completed (or currently studying) a qualification related to children’s services, social science, counselling, community services, support worker or parenting support.
- Experience working in an early childhood setting.
- 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.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to clients and foster cooperative relationships.
- Ability to lift children and equipment when required.
- First Aid Certificate preferable.
- Working with Children Check verification letter to present on commencement (essential).
- Proficient English speaking.
- Minimum of 18 years of age.

Our Values are to:

- Be child centric_: Children are at the heart of our work.
- Act with integrity:_ Be honest, accountable and show respect.
- Work smart, play often:_ Be goal focused, mindful of people's wellbeing and enjoy work.
- Lead change_: Seek and encourage learning, innovation, and greater positive impact.

Playgroup NSW is driven by these values, demonstrates them in our work and in our relationships and encourages them across our membership and in all our activities.

Our Purpose is to lead play-based programs and services for NSW families with children birth to school age, offering development, shared experiences, and family support, that results in active citizens and inclusive communities.

Our Vision at Playgroup NSW is to positively impact every NSW child, their family and community in the first 2,000 days of life.