Lead Educator

Join a Thriving Early Learning Environment at The Rockhampton Grammar School

The Rockhampton Grammar School Early Learning Centre is seeking an experienced Lead Educator to join our team at our South Rockhampton Centre.

This is a full-time, fixed term position (maternity leave coverage) from September 2025 to December 2026.

At The Rockhampton Grammar School Early Learning Centre, our staff are at the heart of the safe, nurturing, and enriching environment we provide. We are committed to recognising and rewarding their vital contribution—which is why we offer above-Award wages which exceed the standard Worker Retention Payment.

We are dedicated to providing high quality education and care to our families every day.  We also value our staff and the important role that they play. Located in close proximity to the main School campus, our Early Learning Centre is the perfect place for children to grow, learn and play. Children in various stages of development – from 6 weeks to 5 years old – are encouraged to explore their natural environment.

RGS ELC staff are provided with fantastic employment conditions, morning-tea and lunch provided daily, dedicate non-contact time, covered lunch breaks, ongoing professional learning and development and we value a work life balance.

POSITION TITLE: Lead Educator

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (September 2025 to December 2026)

DEPARTMENT: Early Learning Centre

REPORTS TO: Centre Manager

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

• Primary role is to lead the development and delivery of the learning program as per the Early Years Learning Framework and service philosophy.
• Comply with the National Quality Framework, all relevant legislation both state and federal and the National Quality Standards.
• Communicate positively and respectfully with children, families, management, and other educators.
• Establishing relationships and developing positive interactions with children, families and educators
• Commitment to on-going learning and development as a professional under the Code of Ethics
• Basic duties including food preparation, cleaning, and gardening

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Applicants are to submit their resume along with a response to the selection criteria:

1. Certificate III (or higher) in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualification which is recognised under the Act and experience as an Early Childhood Educator.
2. A current Working with Children Card (Blue Card).
3. A current First Aid Certificate/CPR/Asthma/Anaphylaxis certification.
4. An understanding of the National Quality Standard and the Framework for the Early Years – The Early Years Learning Framework.
5. Working knowledge of promoting children's health and safety.
6. Demonstrated proof of planning and implementing an Emergent Curriculum program, maintaining the Centre Philosophy, long and short-term goals.
7. Developed communication skills.
8. Demonstrated proof of effectively using non-contact time, providing evidence of the planning cycle (observations, learning stories, evaluation and reflection) being able to evaluate program routines and activities.
9. Proven ability to work successfully in a team and to have supervised and assisted activities.
10. To have worked in conjunction with the Lead Educator and Director and other Educators in developing an effective educational program based on the interests and needs of the children in your care.
11. Demonstrated proof of flexibility and the ability to cooperate with staff, children and parents.
12. An advanced understanding of hygiene practices within a children's service.
13. To have undertaken further training relevant to children's services.
14. An ability to inform parents about the program and consult with parents about their child's individual needs.
15. Willingness to participate in staff meetings, yearly planning days, family events and ongoing professional development opportunities.
16. Be able to work a rotating shift between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday

N.BThis position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

REQUIRED LICENCES/CERTIFICATES

• Relevant Diploma Qualification (Approved by ACECQA) or have achieved a relevant ACECQA approved Cert III qualification (or equivalence) and be actively working towards this qualification as per the definition in Regulation 10 of the Education and Care Services Regulation

10 Meaning of actively working towards a qualification

For the purposes of these Regulations, an educator is actively working towards a qualification if the educator—

(a) is enrolled in the course for the qualification; and

(b) provides the approved provider with documentary evidence from the provider of the course that—

(i) the educator has commenced the course; and

(ii) is making satisfactory progress towards completion of the course; and

(iii) is meeting the requirements for maintaining the enrolment; and

(iv) in the case of an approved diploma level education and care qualification, the educator—

a) holds an approved certificate III level education and care qualification; or

b) has completed the units of study in an approved certificate III level education and care qualification determined by the National Authority; or

c)  has completed the percentage of total units of study required for completion of an approved early childhood teaching qualification determined by the National Authority

• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate (approved by ACECQA)
• Current Anaphylaxis Training and Emergency Asthma Management Training (approved by ACECQA)
• Current Working with Children Check as required under legislation
• Commitment to maintainingcurrent knowledge and attend additional training as necessary.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process.

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to:

• Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;
• Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people;
• Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;
• Maintain valid "working with children" documentation;
• Undergo periodic "national criminal history record" checks;
• Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible risk to children and young people;

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful applicant will be subject to a "Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check" where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks qualification check and professional registration checks.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position - please 'apply now' by

Please submit the following compulsory items:

• Cover Letter, indicating why you are applying for this position and detailing your relevant experience;
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae with the contact details of two work related referees;
• RGS Application for Employment Form.

Applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible and will be reviewed as they are received.

Enquiries can be directed to Adeina Shackelton (Director of Early Learning) on

*Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Applications will be reviewed as they are received and RGS reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable candidate be found.

*The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any Safeguarding of Children, legislative and/or operational requirements.