Early Childhood Teacher

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 offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres 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 is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The ELV central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and supports and oversees 4 centres that have recently opened. 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.

• Be part of a new Victorian government early childhood workforce with strong career pathways and professional development.
• Enjoy a flexible roster, designed to offer flexibility for staff while ensuring continuity of care for children and families.
• Access a range of professional development and training opportunities to support career growth. Each year, staff are eligible for two paid professional development days.
• A relocation incentive of up to $10,000 will be available for those who relocate more than 100km from their current place of residence to take up this role.

Early Learning Victoria provides teachers with non-contact time in line with high quality providers. Early childhood teachers are provided with 30 minutes of non-contact time for every hour of their teaching duties. A comprehensive range of professional development and training opportunities is also on offer for staff to support their career growth and development. Each year staff are eligible for two paid professional development days.

Early Childhood Teacher - Early Learning Victoria Thookay Yarkeen (Portland South)

Salary band - $72,847 - $116,906

Early Learning Victoria is establishing a 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 Early Childhood Teacher will deliver high-quality early childhood education, guided by evidence-informed, contemporary pedagogy and practice, which is aligned with the National Quality Standards, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and National Education and Care Law and Regulations. You will be responsible for leading the implementation of high-quality educational program in our funded kindergarten sessions. You will build positive, respectful and collaborative relationships with families, children and colleagues, ensuring an inclusive environment where each child's learning and development needs are met, and the services policies and regulatory standards are maintained.

Role Requirements:

• Compliance and Child Safety: Ensures the centre, educational program and practices is compliant with all aspects of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, National Quality Standards, Child Protection and Child Safe Standards, Approved Frameworks and all Early Learning Victoria policies and procedures.
• Educational Delivery: Leads planning, delivery and implementation of integrated teaching and learning strategies, guided by the individual learning and development needs of each child. Evaluates the effectiveness of teaching practices and their impact on children's learning and development. Conducts ongoing assessment of children's progress, providing insightful feedback on their learning trajectory and achievements, and maintaining clear communication with families regarding their child's development.
• Leadership and Mentoring: Develops and maintains meaningful relationships with staff, families, and children, fostering a supportive and collaborative centre environment. Drives service improvement by assessing strengths and areas for growth in accordance with the QIP. Supports students on placement by integrating them into the educational setting and providing guidance and mentorship. Promotes a learning culture by prioritising reflective practice and maintaining a continuous cycle of self-evaluation and improvement.

Experience required will include

• Demonstrated experience as an early childhood teacher, delivering a high-quality play-based educational program
• Extensive understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework, Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards
• Strong ability to lead, mentor and guide educational teams.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities.
• Experience working with vulnerable children and families.

Specific skills/qualifications required

• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) or equivalent qualification
• Valid VIT registration
• Willingness to consent to a 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
• Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning
• First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications
• Food Handling Certificate and Safe Sleep Training is desirable.

Click the Apply button to proceed through the Department of Education's online recruitment platform, where full Key Selection Criteria and Capabilities will be listed.

Please note, applications will only be reviewed after the job ad close date. We will not be contacting applicants before this time.

For more information about the role and Early Learning Victoria please email any queries to Emma Carr at 

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 email 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 Sunday, 30 November 2025