28 Nov
Dripstone Children`s Centre
City of Darwin
Dripstone Children's Centre is a highly regarded early childhood education provider with a strong reputation for exceeding National Quality Standards. Our nature-based pedagogy fosters a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where children, families, and educators thrive.
At Dripstone , we believe in putting children at their best advantage—seen, heard, and unhurried . Our ethos shapes everything we do and drives us forward as sector leaders , requiring innovative approaches that recognise children as capable and wildly complex whole beings . We advocate for a childhood unhurried , where trust, freedom, and autonomy empower children’s growth.
About the Role
As the Director , you will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and educational leadership of the Centre. You will oversee compliance, staffing, financial management, and curriculum development , ensuring our service meets and exceeds ACECQA and National Quality Framework (NQF) standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and Inspire – Provide strong leadership to educators, fostering a collaborative and qualified team culture.
- Ensure Compliance – Oversee operations in line with the NQF, NQS, and all relevant regulations.
- Drive Quality Education – Develop and implement EYLF-aligned programs that support children's holistic development.
- Engage with Families & Community – Build strong relationships with families, ensuring open communication and active involvement.
- Financial & Administrative Oversight – Manage budgets, enrolments, and financial reporting in collaboration with the Committee of Management.
- Promote Continuous Improvement – Lead the Centre’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and foster a culture of professional growth and excellence.
- Ensure a Safe & Supportive Environment – Maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management.
Our Philosophy at Dripstone
- Natural Rhythm – We embrace the immense benefits of freedom and autonomy , allowing children to choose where and with whom they engage.
- Attunement – We believe that relationships with attuned adults are critical for all children, every day. All behaviour is seen as communication, and we foster trust and understanding through meaningful connections.
- Rituals – Our daily rituals provide emotional security and connectedness during key moments such as: Meals, Sleep and rest, Nappy changes and toileting, Farewelling and greeting families.
- Risky Play – We trust children to explore and challenge their physical capabilities. Inspired by Angela Hanscom’s philosophy, we support activities like climbing, swinging, and spinning , crucial for growth, development, and postural control .
- Loose Parts Play – We embrace open-ended exploration where materials can be manipulated, arranged, and reimagined. This approach fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking ,
valuing the process over the final product .
About You
- Experienced Leader – Demonstrated experience in an early childhood leadership role.
- Qualified Professional – Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent as recognised by ACECQA).
- Passionate Educator – A strong commitment to nature-based learning and play-based pedagogy.
- Compliance Expert – Deep understanding of the National Quality Framework, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and Child Safety Regulations.
- Strong Communicator – Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with families, staff, and the community.
- Financial & Administrative Skills – Ability to manage budgets, rosters, and compliance documentation effectively.
Why Join Us?
- Lead a highly regarded early learning centre with a strong community presence.
- Work within a collaborative and supportive team that values professional development.
- Make a real impact on children’s learning and development in a nature-based setting .
See for the full job description.
Your application will include the following questions:
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
- Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?
- Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework?
- Have you completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care?
- How many years' experience do you have as a centre director?
- Have you completed a Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood?
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📌 Community Childcare Director (City of Darwin)
🏢 Dripstone Children`s Centre
📍 City of Darwin
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