Wattle Early Childhood Centre is seeking an exceptional Early Childhood Teacher or experienced Diploma-qualified Lead Educator to lead our infant learning environment. This is an exciting opportunity to guide a dedicated team, shape high-quality curriculum and create a nurturing, relationship-focused environment for children from birth to two years.

About the Opportunity

This position is required from January 2027; however, we are beginning our search early because we are committed to attracting a highly skilled educator who shares our values and is the right long-term fit for our children, families and team.

If we find the right person before January, we would be pleased to welcome them earlier. This would allow the successful applicant to work alongside our current Lead Educator, build relationships with the children, families and team, and participate in a comprehensive, supported induction before formally transitioning into the position.

About the Role

As our Infant Lead Educator, you will:

- Lead, mentor and support a team of educators, fostering positive and collaborative professional relationships.

- Design, implement and evaluate responsive, play-based programs that reflect each child’s strengths, interests, development and individual needs.

- Apply a strong understanding of infant and toddler development, attachment, relationships and respectful caregiving practices.

- Ensure curriculum and practice align with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

- Build meaningful partnerships with children, families, colleagues and the wider community.

- Create an inclusive, safe and nurturing environment that promotes every child’s sense of belonging, being and becoming.

- Contribute to critical reflection,



continuous improvement and our service’s ongoing commitment to high-quality practice.

About You

We are seeking someone who has:

- A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or equivalent, or a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with substantial leadership experience.

- At least two years’ experience in a leadership role within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.

- Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring educators and guiding curriculum development.

- A deep understanding of child development, particularly from birth to three years.

- Strong communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.

- A commitment to reflective practice, continuous improvement and ongoing professional growth.

- A current Working with Vulnerable People registration, First Aid qualification, Child Protection training and National Child Safety Training, or a commitment to obtaining these requirements.

All mandatory training required for the position will be funded by the service, and successful applicants will be paid for the time taken to complete it.

Please note: Graduate Diploma qualifications will not be considered for this position.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Applicants must be available to work across our operating hours of 7:30 am–6:15 pm,



with particular availability required for the 9:45 am–6:15 pm shift.

Why Join Wattle?

Wattle Early Childhood Centre is a community-based, not-for-profit service committed to supporting our educators just as strongly as we support our children and families.

We offer:

- Above-award wages, with all approved overtime hours recognised and paid at the applicable overtime rate.

- Staffing levels that exceed regulated educator-to-child ratios, including two educators with 11 children in our Mulga space, four educators with five children in our toddler group and four educators with four children in our infant group.

- Additional staffing support on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as support from our full-time centre chef/float educator, Director and Assistant Director.

- Rostered Days Off to support genuine work–life balance.

- A Christmas shutdown period, with leave funded by the service after 12 months of employment.

- Paid for student mentorship and placements.

- Extensive paid programming and curriculum-planning time.

- Paid Lead Educator and team meetings built into the role.

- Fully funded career development and training opportunities across Australia, including travel and associated expenses.

- An annual staff retreat focused on wellbeing, connection and professional growth.

- A supported transition into the position, including the opportunity to work alongside the current Lead Educator before formally commencing the role.

If you are an experienced professional ready to lead with knowledge, vision and genuine care, we would love to hear from you. We are prepared to take the time to find the right person and to invest in their transition, development and long-term success at Wattle.

📌 Infant & Toddler Leader (Lyneham)
🏢 Wattle Early Childhood Centre
📍 Lyneham