Assistant Director

Little Zak's Academy is privately owned and family run. Our aim is to provide early childhood care and education in a safe, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.

Our staff are dedicated professionals who value the importance of maintaining an optimum level of care and education for all children. We select our staff based on knowledge and values, vision for children and learning, and commitment to families.

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director / 2IC & Educational Leaderto join our team in our Kiama service.

Why Join Us?

• We are proud to be part of the Australian Government's Worker Retention Payment program. Eligible team members at Little Zak's receive an extra 10% on top of award rates from December 2024, with an additional 5% starting December 2025. This funding is fully supported by the government until November 2026. Little Zak's Academy is one of the few approved providers nationally to offer this benefit.
• Rotating rosters to support a great work/life balance
• Competitive remuneration and up to $1,500 annual bonus (depending on your qualification)
• Up to 50% staff childcare discounts for your own children
• A paid day off on your birthday plus a well-being day on top of your annual leave
• $1,000 staff referral bonus for every successful referral
• Continuous career development opportunities including our Future Leaders Program
• Employee Assistance Program via Sonder, a trusted Employee Assistance Program that provides unlimited confidential counselling and support sessions. Whether you need help managing stress, work-life balance, or personal challenges, Sonder is here to support you whenever you need it.
• Study allowances to upskill qualifications (including Early Childhood Teaching degrees, T&Cs apply)
• Travel allowances (T&Cs apply)

*About the role: This is a dual position that combines Assistant Director (2IC) responsibilities with the Educational Leader role*. You will:

• Support the Director in the overall leadership, compliance and management of the service.
• Act as the Responsible Person/Nominated Supervisor in the Director's absence.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and guidance to the educator team.
• Lead the development, implementation and review of educational programs, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0) and the National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Work with educators to ensure curriculum is responsive, inclusive and reflective of children's needs, interests and abilities.
• Ensure a strong focus on child wellbeing, safety and child protection requirements.
• Assist with staff inductions, professional development and performance management.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with children, families and the wider community.
• Drive continuous improvement across both curriculum and operational practices.

About you:

• ACECQA approved Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum 3 years leadership experience in an Early Childhood setting, or 5 years overall sector experience.
• Current First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma management certifications.
• Valid Working With Children Check and Child Protection Training.
• Deep knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Law and Regulations, and Child Care Subsidy system.
• Strong communication, mentoring and team-building skills.
• Passionate about inspiring both children and educators to reach their full potential.

Little Zak's Child Safety Commitment

Little Zak's Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. We prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children and maintain a strong culture of child safety across our services. As part of our commitment, we have a rigorous recruitment and screening process in place, including comprehensive reference checks, Police checks and child-safe employment checks.

By applying for a role with Little Zak's Academy, you acknowledge and agree to undergo all required child safety checks as part of our employment process.

We are an equal opportunity workplace where diversity is embraced. We foster a culture that supports inclusion and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. 

Do not miss out on this great opportunityIf this sounds like you then, please click 'APPLY NOW' or call for more information.