Director of ELC

Christ Church Grammar School (CCGS) is seeking an outstanding educational leader to join the Leadership Team as the Director of our Early Learning Centre (ELC).

This pivotal role provides both strategic and operational leadership with a strong focus on teaching and learning, staff development, student wellbeing and school operations. The Director of ELC works closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to support the School's strategic priorities and foster a culture of excellence, care and collaboration.

About Christ Church Grammar School

Christ Church Grammar School (CCGS) is a vibrant and nurturing community with a rich history and a forward-thinking approach to education. Founded in 1898, we are proud to be the only independent early years and primary setting in Victoria. We provide an outstanding education for children from 3 to 12 years of age, with a strong focus on explicit, evidence-based learning, balanced with student-centred inquiry approaches.

About the Early Learning Centre (ELC)

Our Early Learning Centre (ELC) is a vibrant, nurturing, and play-rich environment that provides a purposeful beginning to each child's educational journey. We offer three- and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep programs within a Reggio Emilia inspired setting where relationships, exploration and individual growth are prioritised. As an integral part of the School community, the ELC serves as a true launchpad, laying the foundations for lifelong learning and inspiring children to develop curiosity, confidence and a love of learning from the very beginning. Guided by our theme, 'Launch Here. Together We Fly.', the ELC encourages every child to take off on their learning journey with support, encouragement and connection, preparing them to soar academically, socially and personally throughout their time at Christ Church Grammar School and beyond.

To learn more about us please visit

The Director of ELC will:

• Lead and mentor a dedicated team of educators, ensuring the delivery of an engaging and inspiring curriculum, guided by the VEYLDF and current research.
• Oversee teaching practice, staff development, pastoral care and operational matters within the Early Learning Centre.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with staff, students and families, fostering a thriving and inclusive school community.
• Contribute to whole-school leadership initiatives, supporting the School's purpose, values and guiding principles.

About You

The successful candidate will be an experienced educational leader who demonstrates:

• Visionary and values-based leadership with the ability to inspire, support and motivate staff.
• A deep understanding of early childhood and early primary education, with proven expertise in curriculum design, assessment and student wellbeing.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinking and operational management capability, including oversight of staffing, timetables, budgets and compliance.
• Commitment to child safety, diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications & Experience

• Undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in Early Childhood, with additional Early Primary qualifications/experience preferable.
• Educational studies at the Masters level (or willingness to undertake such studies) is highly desirable.
• Current full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
• Knowledge/training in the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the Australian Curriculum.
• Current registration as a Child Protection Investigator, or willingness to undertake the required training.
• Training and experience with the Reggio Emilia principles, practices and approach.
• ACECQA approved first aid, emergency asthma and anaphylaxis management training

The successful candidate will have the ability to collaborate closely with the School's Leadership Team in the redevelopment of the Kindergarten building, following a fire in 2022. Since then, the ELC has operated successfully from a light-filled temporary building nearby. However, we are now excited about the future as the rebuild will commence at the beginning of 2026. This is a rare opportunity to make a significant contribution to the life of Christ Church Grammar School, leading our youngest learners and shaping the future of education within our community as well as presenting as an exciting opportunity for the in-coming Director to help shape the design, vision and educational environment of the new ELC.

How to Apply

Applications for the position of Director of Early Childhood should be addressed to:

Ms Kim Wheeler

PRINCIPAL

Christ Church Grammar School

Included with your application

Please provide the following documents:

1.     Short cover letter (max 1 page)

2.     Current Curriculum Vitae

3.     Address each of the Selection Criteria outlined below – half page max per criteria.

4.     The names, addresses and full contact details of three referees who may be approached, detailing your relationship to the referee.

Selection Criteria

1. Educational Leadership

 Ability to provide strong and values-based leadership in early childhood education, with a sound knowledge of current research, the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the National Quality Standards (NQS).

2. Leadership of Staff and Children

 Capacity to lead, motivate and support staff to deliver high-quality programs, and to create a nurturing environment where children feel valued, safe and inspired to learn.

3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, staff, families and the broader School community, modelling integrity, empathy and respect.

4. Planning and Program Development

 Experience in planning, delivering and reviewing early childhood programs and policies that support strong learning and wellbeing outcomes for children.

5. Operational and Compliance Management

 Sound skills in managing resources, budgets and staffing, with the ability to ensure compliance with all relevant early childhood regulations and standards.

6. School-Specific Criteria

 A demonstrated capacity to make a significant contribution to the Christ Church Grammar School community by leading the ELC in alignment with the School's Four Pillars – Our Students, Our People, Our Community and Our Future. The successful candidate will also bring the ability to collaborate with the Leadership Team on the redevelopment of the Kindergarten building, contributing to the design and vision of a new state-of-the-art ELC which will commence reconstruction in early 2026.

Application Closing Date

Applications close on 08 October 2025.

Christ Church Grammar School is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to the protection and wellbeing of all children.

As a child-safe employer, we comply with Ministerial Order 1359 and the Child Safe Standards, taking into account the needs of all students, including those from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities or vulnerabilities.

Our recruitment process includes comprehensive screening such as Criminal Record Checks, Working With Children Checks, interviews, reference checks, and online screening to ensure that only suitable people work with our students.

Christ Church Grammar School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to merit-based selection, fairness, and inclusion.

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