Educator - The Gap

The organisation:
The Uniting Church in Australia (the Church) is a large uniquely Australian Christian denomination in Australia with heritage from historical reformed evangelical denominations. In Queensland, the Uniting Church has around 250 congregations and has schools, colleges and large community services (such as UnitingCare Queensland and Wesley Mission Queensland).

Position purpose:
The purpose of this role is to assist with the implementation of a quality care and education program for the allocated group of children.

Key responsibilities:

- Assist and contribute to the planning, documenting and implementation of quality play-based early childhood education program within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and/or Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG) that shows each individual child’s learning and growth.
- Assist in ensuring an engaging, safe and aesthetic learning environment based on the knowledge of the child, children, EYLF, QKLG and National Quality Standards (NQS) is presented and maintained.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with fellow educators to support each other’s professional development and to utilise a variety of teaching strategies, including intentional teaching, reflective practice and continuous improvement that provides quality education and care of children.
- Build and maintain strong, positive communication and relationships with families and children, supporting meaningful engagement and parent participation, maintaining professional boundaries.
- Support commitment to inclusion and access to a quality early childhood education program for all children and families, treating all children and families with dignity and respect.
- Positively guide children’s behaviour and encourage children to interact with others with care, empathy, kindness and respect.
- Develop a working understanding of relevant legislation, frameworks, policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure the service meets all compliance obligations.
- Exemplify personal drive and integrity, taking personal responsibility for meeting objectives, showing initiative and committing energy to achieving goals, showing resilience and professional conduct under pressure and scrutiny.
- Model the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod in day to day work including in interactions with managers, lay staff, ministry agents, clients and stakeholders.
- Identify and develop strategies to provide internal and external client focused customer service including identifying improvements to policy, process and the work environment.
- Maintain thorough knowledge of relevant Child Protection Law matters applicable to the jurisdiction and proactively respond to child protection matters.
- Work within the Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety and other relevant legislation, including reporting hazards/incidents, support for injured workers and full participation in return to work plans.
- Undertake other duties as and when directed within the scope of the role and the capabilities of the incumbent.

Role Duties:

- Assist in preparing and executing the educational program, including the set up and pack up away equipment, experiences and activities and effective supervision of children.
- Engage children in participation of the outdoor/indoor educational activities.
- Participate in all care and education duties required with all children at the service, including, but not limited to:

- welcoming parents and children to the centre
- responding and supporting children’s emotional needs
- promoting and developing secure relationships
- serving and assisting children during mealtimes
- Undertake general cleaning tasks to maintain overall cleanliness of the room and service including, but not limited to:

- sweeping/vacuuming floors
- mopping floors
- wiping tables
- cleaning toilets
- Comply with all lawful instructions provided by management, the Church policy and procedures, National Law and National Regulations.

Qualifications:

- Early Childhood Certificate III level qualification or equivalent as approved by ACECQA (required)

Experience and skills:

- Ability to support and assist the implementation of a planned program, ensuring the needs of individual children and the group are met.
- Working ability to document observations and assess children’s learning behaviour and development.
- Working knowledge of theories and practice relevant to early childhood education and of the provision of a safe, engaging and well planned indoor and outdoor learning environment.
- Demonstrated or developing experience in providing practical guidance and interaction that ensures quality outcomes for children.
- Ability to support each child’s needs and to guide children’s behaviour in a positive way and encourage children to interact with other with care empathy and