Diploma Qualified Early Childhood Educator – Group Leader

Ratnakumars Services is seeking an experienced and motivated Diploma Qualified Early Childhood Educator – Group Leader to join our team in Riverstone.

This is a 38 hours/week full-time position suited to an experienced educator who is confident taking responsibility for a room or group of children, supporting other educators and contributing to the delivery of a high-quality educational program.

The successful applicant will have strong practical experience in early childhood education and care, sound knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Framework, and the ability to create a safe, inclusive, engaging and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

As a Group Leader, you will play an important role in supporting children's learning, development, safety and wellbeing while also providing day-to-day guidance and leadership to educators working within the room.

Benefits

At Ratnakumars Services, educators have the opportunity to join a new boutique service where their contribution is genuinely valued. We offer competitive above-award remuneration, a smaller 34-place environment, supportive leadership, quality resources and the opportunity to help shape the culture and educational practices of the centre from the beginning.

Our smaller service model allows educators to build stronger relationships with children and families, work more closely with leadership and have greater visibility and influence within the service. We are committed to professional growth, respectful teamwork, child-safe practice and creating a stable workplace where experienced educators can build a long-term career.

Task & responsibilitiesKey Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be responsible for:

• Providing high-quality education and care to children in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, National Quality Standard and service policies.
• Taking responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a room or group of children.
• Leading and supporting educators working within the room and promoting consistent, high-quality education and care practices.
• Planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating educational experiences in accordance with the approved Early Years Learning Framework.
• Observing children's development, interests, strengths and learning needs and using these observations to inform future planning.
• Preparing and organising learning environments, materials and resources that encourage play, exploration, creativity, problem-solving and development.
• Establishing positive, respectful and responsive relationships with children and supporting their emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging.
• Supporting children's social and emotional development and guiding positive and cooperative behaviour using respectful and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ensuring children's health, safety and wellbeing through active supervision, appropriate risk management and compliance with child-safe practices.
• Supervising and supporting children's daily routines including meals, rest, toileting, hygiene, transitions and indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
• Supporting the inclusion and participation of all children, including children with additional needs and children from diverse cultural and family backgrounds.
• Guiding, mentoring and supporting educators working within the room.
• Working collaboratively with the Educational Leader, Nominated Supervisor and other educators to maintain and continuously improve educational practice.
• Building positive and professional relationships with families and communicating with them regarding their child's learning, development, wellbeing and participation.
• Maintaining accurate educational records, observations and documentation in accordance with legislative, regulatory and service requirements.
• Contributing to reflective practice, quality improvement activities, staff meetings and professional development.
• Supporting the implementation of the service's policies, procedures, child-safe practices and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assisting with the establishment and maintenance of consistent routines, educational practices and expectations within the room.

Qualification & experienceQualifications and Essential Requirements

Applicants must hold:

• An ACECQA-approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, or an ACECQA-recognised equivalent or higher early childhood qualification.
• A current NSW Working With Children Check.
• Current approved First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management training, or the ability to obtain these prior to commencement.
• Current recognised Child Protection training appropriate for working in an early childhood education and care service.

Applicants must also:

• Be able to provide evidence of relevant qualifications and employment experience.
• Have the ability to meet all regulatory and employment requirements applicable to working in an approved early childhood education and care service in NSW.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for an educator who:

• Takes genuine responsibility for the children and educators within their room.
• Demonstrates maturity, reliability and professional judgement.
• Builds warm, respectful and responsive relationships with children.
• Values meaningful relationships with families.
• Is confident guiding and supporting less experienced educators.
• Is organised and able to manage the educational and operational responsibilities of a room.
• Understands the importance of active supervision and child-safe practice.
• Is reflective and open to professional feedback.
• Values teamwork and contributes positively to service culture.
• Has a genuine commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education and care.

Skills and Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A minimum of 1 year relevant experience in the early childhood education and care sector, preferably within regulated centre-based early childhood services.
• At least 1 year of experience in a Room Leader, Group Leader, Lead Educator or equivalent position, or demonstrated experience taking responsibility for a group of children and providing guidance to other educators.
• Strong practical knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework – Belonging, Being and Becoming.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard.
• Sound knowledge of child development and the ability to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children.
• Demonstrated experience planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs and learning experiences.
• Experience observing and documenting children's learning and development.
• Strong understanding of children's health, safety, wellbeing, active supervision and child protection responsibilities.
• Ability to create inclusive learning environments that support children with different abilities, developmental needs and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and support other educators and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish respectful and professional relationships with children, families, educators and management.
• Good written communication and documentation skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage the responsibilities associated with leading a room.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.

Pay: $79,500.00 – $81,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person