Educational Leader

Airport West Early Learning Cooperative – Airport West VIC

Passionate about early childhood education and ready to mentor peers while inspiring young minds?
Your next leadership journey starts here!

Airport West Early Learning Cooperative is seeking a passionate, experienced, and dynamic Educational Leader to join our team and shape the educational vision of our centre.

About the Role: Educational Leader

We are looking for an Educational Leader who:

• Is confident in guiding, mentoring, and inspiring educators and teachers across all rooms to deliver warm and engaging learning environments.
• Is creative, organised, and skilled at supporting teams to design fun, stimulating, and meaningful learning experiences.
• Is an outstanding communicator who values collaboration, mentorship, and positive professional relationships.
• Is passionate about building strong connections with families, our small community, and external support agencies.
• Demonstrates supportive pedagogical leadership and drives a culture of continuous reflection and improvement.
• Is committed to delivering high-quality early childhood education and care across the entire centre.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, mentor, and support educators and teachers in planning, implementing, and evaluating child-centred play-based learning programs aligned with the VEYLDF and NQF.
• Drive the ongoing development of the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and lead critical reflection across all age groups.
• Guide observation and assessment practices, helping educators and teachers use documentation to adapt and elevate their teaching strategies.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive centre culture where both children, teachers and educators feel safe, heard, valued, and encouraged to grow.
• Work closely with Centre Management and Lead Educators to identify initiatives for quality improvement and maintain high standards of practice.
• Lead team-wide understanding of safety, well‑being, active supervision, Child Safe Standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain open lines of communication with families, sharing the centre’s educational philosophy and supporting family engagement.
• Actively participate in continuous professional development, staying up to date with current early childhood research to coach and inspire the team.

Key Requirements:

• Diploma/Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or ACECQA-approved equivalent).
• Proven experience in an Educational Leader or mentoring role within early childhood.
• Outstanding communication, mentoring, and coaching skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, staff, and the community.
• Strong knowledge of child development theory, contemporary pedagogy, and positive behaviour support.
• Working with Children Check/VIT.
• Strong knowledge and applied experience with the VEYLDF, NQF, and Assessment & Rating processes.
• Strong knowledge of Mandatory Reporting, Child Safe Standards, and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
• Current First Aid, CPR, Mandatory Reporting, and compliance certifications.
• Food Handlers, SunSmart, and Safe Sleep training (or willingness to obtain).
• Availability to work Monday to Friday.

What We Offer:

• Generous, dedicated off‑the‑floor planning and leadership time for curriculum oversight and mentoring.
• Above-award pay rates and employee discounts.
• Paid staff meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A supportive, passionate team in a unique 48-place Not-for-Profit centre with strong community ties and a beautiful outdoor environment.

Airport West Early Learning Cooperative (AWELC) is a 48-place Not-for-Profit stand‑alone Centre, providing care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years, including funded 3yo and 4yo Kindergarten programs.

Airport West Early Learning Cooperative, its Committee, Management, Employees, and Volunteers are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children, with zero tolerance for child abuse. AWELC acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri people, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

For any questions regarding the role, or to request a copy of the Position Description, please contact Kristy Wilson, AWELC Centre Manager, at****@awelc.com.au

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