Inclusion Inclusive Manager

About Us

Coulson Operations is a family-owned business managing diverse brands including Kool Beanz Academy, Kool Beanz Suns Childcare Centres, The Commons at Casuarina, Hive Byron Bay, and other commercial and residential properties across Queensland and New South Wales. We are committed to delivering exceptional services and creating innovative spaces that enrich our community.

Position Purpose

This combined dual role is designed for one individual who will lead both inclusion and educational excellence across our Centres. The purpose is to ensure every child has access to, participates meaningfully in, and experiences positive outcomes through inclusive, high-quality early childhood education and care programs. The role involves embedding inclusive practices aligned with the National Quality Standards (NQS) and Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines, mentoring educators, supporting families, and driving continuous program improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Inclusion Inclusive Manager

• Develop and implement strategies to improve inclusion and embed best practices across Centres.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with parents and children requiring additional support.
• Liaise with therapists and ensure children's goals are aligned and integrated across services.
• Provide guidance and support to families and educators navigating the NDIS process and referral pathways.
• Deliver on-the-floor coaching focusing on child development, behaviour strategies, and inclusive education practices.
• Support tailored transitions for children with additional needs moving into school.
• Identify and deliver professional development sessions; source and facilitate external training to enhance staff skills.
• Prepare and submit funding applications such as Kindy Uplift and Inclusion Support Programs.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Strategic Inclusion Plans (SIP) and Quality Improvement Plans (QIP).
• Foster positive teamwork, act as a role model, and maintain compliance with health, safety, and legislative standards.

Educational Leader

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality educational programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines, and NQS.
• Collaborate with educators to provide curriculum direction and guidance.
• Support educators in the planning cycle to enhance program quality and child outcomes.
• Facilitate reflective professional discussions, documenting critical reflections regularly.
• Promote a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement across the service.
• Mentor and build the confidence and skills of educators through coaching and support.
• Engage families in conversations about the educational program and child learning.
• Use critical thinking to challenge and improve current practices and policies.
• Conduct assessments using the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to identify strengths, compliance areas, and opportunities for exceeding the National Quality Standard.
• Manage and utilize non-contact time effectively for program planning and assessment.

Person Specifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early years, psychology, sociology, education, social work, or related field, must be Diploma qualified or higher.
• Current Working with Children Check and Child Safety Certificate.
• (Desirable) Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) or Certified Inclusion Professional (CIP).

Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum 3 years in roles involving diversity, inclusion, social justice, or early childhood education leadership.
• Experience supporting families with NDIS processes and referrals.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive education practices, child development, behaviour strategies, tailored transitions, and curriculum frameworks.
• Comprehensive understanding of the National Quality Standards (NQS) and Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation, policies, and compliance requirements.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and team leadership capabilities.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to adapt communication and approach to diverse audiences and contexts.
• Empathy and respect for diverse perspectives and experiences.

If you are passionate about fostering inclusion and driving educational excellence in a combined leadership role, apply now.