Early Childhood Teacher

About Clifton Street Children's Centre (CSCC)

Clifton Street Children's Centre (CSCC) is a not-for-profit, community-managed long day care and kindergarten located in the heart of Northcote, Melbourne. We provide high-quality early education and care for children aged 6 months to 5 years, with a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

As an 81-place centre with four thoughtfully designed learning spaces and three outdoor yards, we are situated next to expansive ovals and green spaces that enhance our programs. We are proud to hold an Exceeding Rating under the National Quality Framework (NQF), reflecting our dedication to excellence in early childhood education.

At CSCC, we foster a professional and inclusive work environment where educators and staff are respected, supported, and valued. We prioritise our team's well-being and professional growth, and encourage collaborative, reflective practices.

Our diverse, experienced team builds strong and open relationships with children and families. We are passionate about play-based learning and intentional teaching, creating environments that respond to the strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds of all children.

We are committed to teaching children about Australian history and our First Peoples by embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across all our programs and practices.

Commitment to Child Safety

At CSCC, the safety, happiness, and empowerment of children is central to all that we do. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and treat all concerns seriously. We understand our legal and ethical responsibilities to report any concerns about a child's safety or well-being to the relevant authorities.

We are committed to the cultural safety of all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with additional needs. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels safe, respected, and valued.

Position: Early Childhood Teacher (VIT Registered)

Start Date: Term 4 – 6th October 2025

Employment Type: Part-Time (3–4 Days per Week)

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Teacher (VIT Registered) to join our established 4-year-old kindergarten program. This part-time role will commence at the start of Term 4, on 6th October 2025.

About the Role

You will co-lead a long-day integrated kindergarten program with up to 27 children per day, working alongside another experienced Early Childhood Teacher and a dedicated team of educators. Our program is guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and aligned with the National Quality Standard (NQS).

With the benefit of above-ratio staffing, you will be responsible for:

• Documenting observations and programming
• Preparing Transition Learning and Development Statements (TLDS)
• Evaluating and supporting each child's learning and development

You will also receive regular mentoring from our Educational Leader and leadership team, and contribute to a strong professional learning culture.

What We Offer

• A supportive, collaborative team culture
• Above-ratio staffing and co-teaching structure
• Two paid annual professional development days
• Ongoing professional learning through team meetings and external training
• A purpose-built environment next to large green spaces
• VECTEA Awards
• An NQF-rated Exceeding service with a strong focus on inclusion, nature play, and reconciliation

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold CSCC's values, policies, and procedures
• Apply a sound understanding of VEYLDF and EYLF in daily practice
• Implement programs aligned with the National Quality Standard (NQS)
• Adhere to the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations
• Promote and follow Child Safe Standards, the Reconciliation Action Plan, and the Australian Early Childhood Association Code of Ethics
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality, inclusive programs
• Plan, implement, and evaluate play-based, child-centred learning experiences
• Complete and maintain documentation, including observations, individual plans, and TLDS
• Engage children in intentional teaching and scaffold their learning
• Maintain a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment
• Work with external support services as required (e.g., PSFOs, Allied Health)
• Reflect on and improve professional practice based on research and training
• Use digital tools effectively for programming and documentation
• Maintain confidentiality and follow directions from the leadership team
• Participate in team meetings, professional learning, and in-service training
• Mentor and support co-educators in their professional growth

Key Selection Criteria

Applicants must address the following criteria in their application:

1. Experience: A minimum of 2 years' experience delivering a 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten program (preferred).
2. Curriculum Knowledge: Ability to design and implement inclusive, child-centred, play-based programs that reflect children's strengths, interests, and developmental needs—especially nature play approaches.
3. Family Engagement: Proven ability to support family-centred practices in both educational programs and daily service operations.
4. Framework Implementation: Strong understanding of the VEYLDF and EYLF, with the ability to apply these frameworks effectively in practice.
5. Teamwork & Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
6. Behaviour Guidance: Knowledge of positive behaviour support strategies suitable for diverse learning and developmental needs.
7. Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with children, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
8. Administration: Strong written communication skills and basic IT competency for documentation and programming.