Early Childhood Team Leader

Lead. Inspire. Create Exceptional Learning Experiences.

Are you an experienced Early Childhood Educator ready to take the next step in your career and lead a passionate team of educators? Maitland Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Team Leader to join our professional team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Diploma Qualified Educator or Early Childhood Teacher who is passionate about leading high-quality educational practice, mentoring educators and creating meaningful learning experiences for children.

We are looking for a confident leader who understands that exceptional early learning is built through strong relationships, intentional teaching, reflective practice and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As a Team Leader, you will play a vital role in guiding your room team, overseeing educational programs, supporting educator development and ensuring children experience a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where they feel valued, respected and empowered to learn.

Strong experience in programming, leading the planning cycle and implementing the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is essential.

About Us

Maitland Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre is a beautiful, purpose-built Early Childhood Education and Care service located in the heart of Maitland, catering for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Proudly independently owned and family operated, our leadership team brings over 40 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care. We are passionate about creating exceptional learning environments where children are supported to become confident, capable and curious lifelong learners.

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We believe strong leadership, collaboration and professional growth are essential to delivering high-quality outcomes for children and families.

At Maitland Kids, we foster a culture of respect, teamwork and continuous improvement, where educators are supported to share their knowledge, develop their skills and make a genuine difference every day.

About the Role

As our Team Leader, you will be responsible for providing leadership and guidance within your learning environment while working collaboratively with the Educational Leader, Centre Director and educator team. You will oversee classroom operations including children's learning and wellbeing, curriculum implementation, routines, documentation, safety and the learning setting.

You will support educators to deliver exceptional programs, encourage reflective practice and ensure the room environment reflects children's interests, strengths, cultures and developmental needs.

This role requires someone who can confidently lead others while maintaining a hands-on approach and actively contributing to the daily operation of the service.

Key Responsibilities

Leading Children’s Learning and Wellbeing

- Create a caring, safe, engaging and inspiring learning environment where every child feels secure and supported.
- Develop and implement high-quality educational programs guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
- Lead the planning cycle through observations, assessment, documentation and critical reflection.
- Use children's interests, strengths and developmental needs to inform meaningful learning experiences.




- Support inclusive practices that respect each child's individual identity, culture, abilities and family background.
- Implement positive guidance strategies that support children's emotional wellbeing and social development.
- Ensure children's health, hygiene, nutrition and safety needs are consistently maintained.
- Provide high-quality supervision and act as a positive role model for children and educators.

Leading and Supporting Educators

- Lead, mentor and support Diploma Educators, Certificate III Educators, trainees, students and volunteers.
- Guide educators in developing meaningful observations, documentation and educational programs.
- Support reflective practice and encourage continuous improvement within the room.
- Promote a positive, respectful and collaborative team culture.
- Work alongside educators to maintain effective routines, room organisation and daily operations.
- Provide feedback and encouragement to support educator growth and confidence.
- Collaborate with the Educational Leader to strengthen teaching practices and program quality.

Building Partnerships with Families

- Develop strong, respectful and professional relationships with children, families and the wider community.
- Welcome families and create a sense of belonging within the service.
- Communicate children's learning, development and progress with families.
- Encourage family participation and input into programs and service improvements.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
- Support family meetings, discussions and information sessions where required.

Program Leadership and Quality Improvement

- Ensure educational programs are engaging, intentional and aligned with the EYLF.
- Oversee room documentation including observations, learning stories, portfolios and assessments.
- Support educators to create environments that reflect children's interests and learning.
- Contribute to the Centre's Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
- Participate in reflective practice, professional development and ongoing improvement initiatives.
- Maintain current knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standards (NQS) and Early Childhood Education practices.

Supporting Service Operations

- Maintain compliance with the Education and Care Services National Regulations and service policies.
- Promote strong health, safety and hygiene practices.
- Ensure child protection responsibilities are upheld, including mandatory reporting obligations.
- Support students and trainees through mentoring and professional guidance.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development and service events.
- Contribute positively to the overall success and culture of the Centre.

About You

You are a passionate early childhood professional who enjoys leading others, sharing knowledge and creating exceptional outcomes for children.

You will bring:

- Diploma of Children’s Services or Early Childhood Teaching Degree from a recognised university.
- Previous experience in a leadership,



room leader or educational leadership role (preferred).
- Proven experience working within an Early Childhood Education and Care service under the National Quality Framework.
- Strong understanding and practical experience implementing the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
- Demonstrated ability to confidently lead programming, documentation and the planning cycle.
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to mentor, inspire and support educators.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to build strong partnerships with children, families and colleagues.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Professional, positive and cooperative approach.
- Current Senior First Aid Certificate.
- Approved Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management training.
- Current Working With Children Check.
- Approved Child Protection Training.
- National Child Safety Training.
- Full Australian working rights.

Our Commitment to Child Safety At Maitland Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre, child safety is at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to creating a child-safe organisation where every child feels respected, included, protected and empowered. We believe all educators have an key responsibility in creating environments where children feel safe, heard and valued.

All team members are expected to uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, understand their mandatory reporting responsibilities and actively contribute to a culture of safety, inclusion and respect.

Mandatory Requirements

Successful applicants must demonstrate a genuine commitment to child safety and have:

- Current Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain where applicable).
- Completion of the National Child Safety Foundation Training through the Geccko platform, or willingness to complete prior to commencement.
- Approved Child Protection Training.
- Current First Aid Certificate.
- Approved Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management Training.
- A commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every child.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing child safety training and professional development.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory child safety screening and relevant employment checks. Why Join Maitland Kids?

At Maitland Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre, we believe great leaders deserve a workplace where they feel supported, valued and inspired.

Benefits

- Flexible working hours
- Two-week Christmas closedown
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Leadership development and career progression opportunities
- Discounted childcare
- Uniform supplied
- Supportive and experienced leadership team
- Collaborative workplace culture
- Beautiful, purpose-built learning environments
- Family-owned and independently operated Centre
- Opportunity to make a genuine impact on children's learning and educator growth

If you are passionate about leading educators, delivering exceptional educational programs and creating a positive impact on children’s lives, we would love to hear from you. Join the Maitland Kids team and lead the future of early learning—apply today!

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your leadership experience, educational philosophy and why you would be a outstanding addition to our team.

📌 Diploma Educator / Team Leader (Maitland)
🏢 Maitland Kids Preschool u0026 Early Learning Centre
📍 Maitland