Early Childhood Educator

**Join a qualified, professional, and innovative team in a beautiful coastal location on the Northern Beaches, just minutes from the beach**
- Like-Minded Team of Professionals | Local Fitness & Cafe Discounts | Career Growth Opportunities | Worker Retention Payments | Discounted Early Childhood Fees | Onsite All-day Parking & More_

**ABOUT US**

Explore & Develop Freshwater is located within the Harbord Diggers precinct, offering access to world-class fitness, hospitality, and aquatic facilities. Our service is committed to creating **sustainable, high-quality learning environments** where children, families, and educators thrive together as a community.

With over **24 years experience**within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, and a **mother to four children,** our Owner-Operator, Sally, works within the service and truly understands the needs of families whilst being able to understand and support the needs of staff & educators in providing the highest level of education and care for children throughout their early years.

We provide play-based early childhood education that promotes **curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking**, with a strong focus on **mindfulness, the arts, culture, and community connections.**

Our team of educators **exceed the National Quality Framework in qualifications and educator to child ratios**. We highly value our ability to provide our team with ongoing professional development opportunities to enrich their knowledge and expertise, keep abreast of current research and practice, resulting in long term career growth.

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

We are seeking an **Early Childhood Educator (Diploma or Certificate III)** to join our professional team. We have a **part-time**& **full-tim**e position soon to be available with flexible shift options.

You will:

- Create **calm, nurturing, and engaging environments**where children feel secure, inspired, and supported.
- Deliver **high-quality play-based programs that foster a love of learning** and essential life skills.
- Guide children through **"Beyond the Gate"**learning experiences, including excursions to the local swim school, beach and local coastal bushlands.
- For our toddler & preschool educators - you will have the oppotrunity to support physical growth and development through our **weekly Learn to Swim sessions** at Harbord Diggers in partnership with Carlile Swimming.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Design, implement, and reflect upon a **high-quality, inclusive inquiry-based curriculum**.
- Maintain a **safe and supportive environment** that **upholds children's rights and dignity**.
- Collaborate with colleagues and families to support children's learning and wellbeing.
- Contribute to service quality improvement, uphold policies and procedures, and remain current with best practice under the NQF.

**WHAT WE OFFER**

At Explore & Develop Freshwater, you will enjoy:

- **Above Award Wages - Approved Worker Retention Payment**:

- **Paid trial day** - meet the team & see our philosophy in action
- **Exceptional staff-to-child ratios**:

- **Discounted fees** for your own children
- **Onsite all-day parking**:

- **Employee Assistance Program (EAP)**:

- **Local staff discounts** (fitness, hospitality & wellness)
- Annual **team conferences & social events**:

- **Career progression pathways** with access to sector-leading mentors and trainers
- Ongoing **professional development** for _all educators_ - casual, part-time, or full-time

**ABOUT YOU**

We are looking for a warm, motivated, and professional educator who is passionate about making a difference in children's lives.

**You will have**:

- A **Diploma or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care** (or be working towards)
- A current, cleared **NSW Working with Children Check**:

- Current **Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting** certification (or willingness to obtain)
- A deep understanding of the **Child Safe Standards**:

- **Positive, professional work references**

**You will thrive with us if you are**:

- **Personable** - building strong, respectful, and trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- **Collaborative** - contributing positively to a supportive team culture.
- **Professional** - upholding high standards of education, safety, and ethics.
- **Progressive** - passionate about innovation, continuous improvement, and creating meaningful learning experiences.

**WHY EXPLORE & DEVELOP FRESHWATER**

We are not just a workplace - we are a **community of educators & teachers** who are passionate about innovation and excellence in early childhood education.

**READY TO APPLY?**

We would love to hear from you

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Casual, Apprenticeship, Graduate

Pay: $26.88 - $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 28.5 - 38 per week

**Benefits**:

- Childcare assistance
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring program
- Gym membership
- Professional development assista