Assistant Centre Director/ Educational Leader

The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres will offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres will provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.

Early Learning Victoria's central office is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and will support and oversee centre operations once they open.

Staff in the Early Learning Victoria centres will be part of a new Victorian government-employed early childhood workforce. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Early Learning Victoria is committed to Child Safety and the safeguarding of children from harm.

Assistant Centre Director/ Educational Leader - Full time position available at Early Learning Victoria Portland South (Interim Name)

Salary band - $86,038 - $109,521

Early Learning Victoria is seeking an experienced Assistant Centre Director to lead the new government-owned early learning and childcare centre at Portland South Primary School. Opening in 2026, this 57-place centre will provide long day care and Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, eventually transitioning to include Pre-Prep.

The Assistant Director/Educational Leader will work closely with the Centre Director to leader and manage all aspects of operation of the Early Learning Victoria centre, in line with regulations and organisational policies and procedures. The Assistant Director/Educational Leader will act as the Person in Day-to-Day Charge in the absence of the Centre Director. They will be responsible for leading the service to provide high quality early childhood education and care in line with Early Learning Victoria's (ELV) philosophy.  This role will ensure that staff within the service provide education and care in line with the approved frameworks, the National Quality Standards and the Child Safe Standards.  This role will be responsible for delivering key organisational and pedagogical priorities within a local context to develop comprehensive educational practices across the service.

• Guides and monitors a standard of educational programs that uphold all elements of the Early Learning Victoria philosophy, the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, Child Safe Standards, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations and the National Quality Standards
• Supports the Centre Director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre, including staffing, child enrolment, budgeting and expenditure, stakeholder management and centre related communications.
• Supports the Centre Director with all aspects of centre staffing including recruitment, induction, rostering, performance, training, professional learning, safety and wellbeing and promoting a positive team culture that values diversity and innovation. Engages with staff on all aspects of operations, fostering a collaborative centre dynamic that encourages communication and shared problem-solving.
• Coaches and mentors across the centre to promote a strong culture of ongoing learning and continuous improvement through reflective practices and continuous cycle of feedback and self-evaluation
• Actively contributes to the centre's quality improvement process
• Builds respectful relationships with families, staff and relevant community partners
• Coordinates an environment where children can flourish and thrive, informed by contemporary research evidence and practices
• Communicates with staff, families, children and stakeholders ensuring that all children feel safe and valued within supportive learning environments
• Ensures all legislative requirements, policies and procedures are met

Communication: Utilises effective communication skills to develops and maintain meaningful relationships with staff, families, and children, fostering a supportive and collaborative centre environment. Promotes respectful relationships and conflict resolution.

Personal Attributes: Demonstrates the public sector values of responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership and human rights.

Flexibility and adaptability: Operates well in a flexible and changing environment and manages workload efficiently to meet the centre's needs. Demonstrates initiative and seeks guidance and direction from senior colleagues when unsure.

Working Collaboratively: Supports a culture of collaboration within the centre and builds effective relationships with stakeholders and the community to maximise impact of the centre.

Leadership & Mentoring: Holds self and team accountable to public sector values and agreed performance standards. Prioritises effective provision of programs to children and families with staff wellbeing, professional learning and career development.  Supports strategies to enhance staff involvement and motivation and creates opportunities to recognise and celebrate the performance and contributions of the team.

Lead the development and implementation of educational programs across the service to ensure that practice is aligned with ELVs philosophy, the National Quality Standards and approved frameworks. Drives service improvement by assessing strengths and areas for growth in accordance with the QIP. Support practice through utilising formal and informal coaching and mentoring opportunities. Maintain effective professional networking to keep up to date with contemporary research and innovative practice. Together with the Centre Director, support local community connections with the service.  Promotes a learning culture by prioritising critical reflection and maintaining a continuous cycle of self-evaluation and improvement.

High Quality Practice: Support, mentor and guide staff in the implementation of the educational program to enrich children's learning and development that reflects the natural environment and promote sustainability. Role model quality practice to support operational requirements. Promote effective documentation across the service which supports team and individual evaluation and critical reflection.  Be cognisant of different strengths, abilities and learning styles for both children and adults so that approaches can be individualised dependant on their needs.

Criteria 1: Demonstrates the Child Safety and Compliance role requirements

Criteria 2: Personal Attributesplease see the Capabilities section above for more detail.

Criteria 3: High Quality Practice and Educational Programs and Practice - please see the Role Requirements section above for more detail.

Criteria 4: Leadership - please see the Capabilities section above for more detail.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role. In your cover letter, please also respond directly to the Key Selection Criteria.

For more information about the role and Early Learning Victoria please contact Emma Carr on

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Please let us know via phone or e-mail if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025

Experience required will include

·      Demonstrated management and leadership experience in early childhood education and care, including leading the provision of high-quality educational programs and practice.

·      Comprehensive understanding of Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards, and the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework.

·     Financial management and administrative experience.

·      Ability to lead and guide teaching teams and competency in all aspects of staff management.

·      Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities.

·      Experience working with vulnerable children and families.

·      Proficiency in relevant administrative systems.

Specific skills/qualifications required

·    Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher (Bachelor of Education/Teaching (Early Childhood) will be highly regarded)

·    Valid `Employee' Working with Children Check (or full VIT registration)

·     Willingness to consent to a National Police Check (to be arranged by Early Learning Victoria)

·     International Police Check required if resided outside of Australia for 12 months or more during the last 10 years

·    First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications

·    Protecting Children Mandatory Reporting online learning