Programs Leader - Exceeding community Kindergarten

About the position

A rare beachside leadership opportunity Picture starting your day with the sound of waves and children exploring the coastline as part of their weekly learning. This is not an occasional excursion — it is part of everyday practice. This is a genuinely rare opportunity to step into a leadership-focused educator role within a long-standing, community-managed kindergarten, and one of the very few in Victoria located directly on the foreshore. Benefits include Up to $42 per hour, well above the award Weekly bush and beach walks are embedded into the program Foreshore at the back, parklands at the front — nature shapes the curriculum Generous non-contact time for planning, documentation and reflection Mentoring from highly experienced, approachable teachers Over educator-to-child ratios across both programs Abundant, high-quality, open-ended resources Free on-site parking Closed over December–January, with additional leave opportunities Ongoing professional development (internal and external About the service This long-standing, community-managed, not-for-profit kindergarten has been part of its local area for more than 100 years. Located along the Elwood foreshore, the service delivers both sessional and extended-hours programs, with a strong and consistent commitment to: Play-based, inquiry-led learning Children's agency and self-directed exploration Strong relationships with families and the community Nature-based experiences that connect children to place Learning here is not rushed or overly structured — it is intentional, calm and deeply engaging. Your role in practice This is not a standard support position — you will take ownership of key parts of the program. You will: Support weekly bush and beach walks (Monday and Tuesday) Design and lead the Friday care program Plan and deliver a holiday program each term break Guide the daily rhythm of the room, including transitions and small group learning Mentor and support educators and trainees This is a role where your judgement, creativity and leadership genuinely shape the experience for children. Who this role suits A Diploma-qualified educator ready to step into leadership An educator currently studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education An Early Childhood Teacher seeking a more flexible, nature-based environment What you bring Minimum three years' experience in early childhood (leadership exposure highly regarded) ACECQA-approved qualification (Diploma minimum or working toward a Bachelor's degree — Graduate Diploma not suitable) Current First Aid, CPR, Mandatory Reporting and compliance certifications Strong communication and organisational capability Confidence in leading a team and engaging with families A genuine passion for play-based and nature-led learning A note on the environment This role includes regular outdoor experiences across all seasons, including bush and beach walks. It suits educators who are comfortable working in a dynamic, nature-based setting Not 100% sure? That is completely fine. Roles like this are rarely advertised — and for the right educator, this can become a genuinely defining step in their career. If this has sparked your interest, we encourage you to apply or reach out for a confidential discussion.

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