Director/Early Childhood Teacher

THE CENTRE

Twin Towns Kindergarten is a not-for-profit organisation operated by a committee of dedicated parent volunteers, being the essence of a community kindergarten.  The centre was established in 1961 and has a proud connection with our local and Indigenous community.  We are affiliated with Lady Gowrie Queensland. Twin Towns Kindergarten has magical and inspiring indoor and outdoor areas providing plenty of play spaces that invite children to explore and discover. We are a nature-based service, and we encourage children to actively explore, gain a sense of wonder and investigate their world through play-based learning.

We are looking for a Director/Early Childhood Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and wishes to become part of a welcoming community.

ABOUT YOU

If you value and celebrate the importance of play and want to be part of an “exceeding” service, then this is the position for you.  An exciting and rare opportunity has become available for a warm and passionate Teacher to join the team as full-time Director/Teacher/Educational Leader supporting two groups of 25 children in Mibbun (Group 1) and Ngarum (Group 2).

If you are inspired by nature, and Indigenous culture, love going out with children into nature and engaging with the history of the local community, enjoy the company of native bees, water dragons and other garden friends, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty gardening then Twin Towns Kindergarten might be the right place for you.

THE ROLE

• This full-time position is as a Director/Early Childhood Teacher/Educational Leader for both groups that attend over a 5-day fortnight with Wednesday being the alternate day.
• The successful applicant will commence Monday 13th January 2025
• The award hours will be from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm (QLD time) which includes non-contact time for preparation and programing.
• The successful applicant will be expected to be actively involved in the kindergarten’s social events, professional development and networking requirements and monthly committee and staff meetings, often occurring outside awarded hours.
• The successful applicant will have the ability to work in a team environment consisting of two educators in each group and a part-time administration officer

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Be part of a well-established and respected kindergarten that has been established for over sixty years.
• Join a positive, inclusive, supportive and experienced team.
• A comprehensive handover of the role from the current directors prior to commencement.
• Wages and conditions as per our Twin Towns Kindergarten Enterprise Agreement (which can be supplied upon request).
• Paid recess leave for each QLD school holiday and four weeks annual leave with loading each year.
• Blue Card and First Aid/CPR training (Asthma and Anaphylaxis) funded.
• Ongoing Professional Development within our generous annual allocated budget.
• Remunerated attendance at Committee and Staff Meetings as per the Collective Enterprise Agreement.
• Release Days for Quality Improvement Program (QIP) updates and preparation of Transition Statements.
• The position includes one day per week “release” (non-contact) time for governance and regulatory commitments associated with the director position.  This time can also be used for the day-to-day management of the centre in the nominated supervisor role.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL HAVE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or equivalent (recognized by ACECQA as an Early Childhood Teaching Qualification).
• At least 5 years of experience as a dual contact director/teacher is essential.
• Registration with Queensland of Teacher or pathway to registration can be discussed with preferred applicant.
• An understanding of the operations of a community-based organisation.
• Positive Notice Blue Card, Current First Aid, CPR and Asthma/Anaphylaxis certificates.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the National Quality Framework and Standards.
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines.
• Experience and or qualifications in Nature Kindy/Forest Leader is desirable.
• Develop, plan, implement and oversee a program which reflects sound early childhood principles, relates theory to practice, acknowledges parent values and beliefs and encourages partnerships with parents and families in our community.
• A proven ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative and within a team.
• Ability to be responsible for compliance with Lady Gowrie Queensland Policies and Procedures.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of the service.
• An enthusiastic attitude towards the care and education of young children.
• Develop and maintain open and collaborative relationships with all families and encourage parent participation within the program.
• Work collaboratively with the parent committee as the Nominated Supervisor/Director striving for the best outcomes for all children.

We invite you to express in a cover letter how you meet the above criteria, including what you can bring to Twin Towns Kindergarten in an email to director@twintownskindy.com.au.  Please also attach a resume outlining your skills and relevant experience.

We thank all candidates for their applications and wish you well in your professional endeavors, however only those successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Closing Date:  Friday 30 August 2024