We have a rare opportunity for a senior leader to join our tight-knit team at one of the lower north shore’s best early childhood education and care services.
Explore & Develop is a group of privately owned early childhood services – offering employees the benefits of working directly for an owner/operator, while having access to expert support, training and collaboration with the broader group.
Explore & Develop Artarmon is owned and operated by two local early childhood teachers who love what we do. Our purpose-built 76-place service gives children the opportunity to explore, learn and grow in a secure and supportive environment that follows a child-led philosophy.
Conveniently located close to transport and with parking available, Explore & Develop Artarmon is a high-quality and well-resourced service. Testament to our positive workplace culture, we have a close-knit and long-standing team and senior roles such as this one are rare.
The opportunity:
Supporting the Owner/Director, this role is a leadership position where you will have the ability to positively influence and support educators within the centre.
This is a great opportunity for a career driven and motivated professional who wishes to join an organisation that values its people. As part of the leadership team, you will assist with all aspects of daily management and help us to drive continual improvement within the service.
You will cultivate strong relationships with our children, their families and our educators in order to integrate yourself fully into our supportive community.
You will be mentored by a Director with more than 20 years’ experience and have access to ongoing professional development opportunities.
Responsibilities include:
- Ensure excellent delivery of operational services to our children, their families and our people.
- Manage the professional, efficient and effective running of the service.
- Lead and develop the team to deliver a high-quality cycle of planning, curriculum and outcomes for each child.
- Provide engaging learning environments that allow children to think critically and direct their own learning.
- Ensure a high level of health and safety standards are maintained at all times.
- Communicate effectively with all key stakeholders including families, educators, local community, etc.
- Establish and nurture respectful relationships with children, families and staff.
- Work with the Owner/Director to ensure the service continues to meet all relevant legislation, sector guidelines and policies.
Who you are:
You are an energetic, trustworthy and outgoing professional who is able to communicate openly with all levels or management, colleagues, families and children.
You value an environment that appreciates your input and ideas. You enjoy working as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
You will possess the following essential skills:
- A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or equivalent approved ACECQA qualification.
- At least 2 years’ experience in a Centre Manager or Assistant Manager role.
- A sound knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards.
- Exceptional knowledge and experience in leading a team of professional staff.
- The ability to develop effective & positive working relationships.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
- Experience using Child Care Software and the Child Care Subsidy System.
- A solid understanding of policies, procedures and regulations.
- A current First Aid Certificate and Working With Children Check.
- An inclusive, respectful and high-quality approach to your work
Benefits of working with us:
- The ability to work autonomously yet gain input from your dedicated team.
- Non-teaching role supported by onsite Owner/Director and administration assistant.
- The opportunity to work within a high-quality service with a great reputation; we have achieved ‘Exceeding’ twice in all areas.
- A fantastic work environment with great resources, beautiful natural outdoor play areas, fantastic facilities, and a unique outdoor environment.
- Above award salary + additional incentives.
- Above ratio staffing in every room.
- Access to professional development opportunities through ECA and the Explore & Develop Group.
- Attendance at regular collaboration meetings where you will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other NS’s from across the Explore & Develop group.
- A wellbeing program which provides free access to confidential external counselling and mental health support.
- Free parking available onsite.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Spacious team spaces with separate planning and programming spaces.
- Supportive, experienced and friendly Owner/Director who will guide you in your role.
- Regular team social events.
What we’re like to work with:
We live and work by our values of ECE = Ethical, Collaboration, Excellence.
In a recent employee survey, staff named the best things about working with Explore & Develop as:
- Meaningful work with positive outcomes for children and families
- Always aiming for best practice in our sector
- Supportive workplace culture, where people feel valued
- Strong leadership
- Ongoing PD opportunities
- “Teams are like family”
How to apply/ For more information
Please email us at alison.cross@exploreanddevelop.com.au with your up-to-date resume and a bit about why you’d like to work with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
