Become the heartbeat of quality, safety and compliance in our Croydon Explorers Centre.
The Opportunity:
This is a 12-month maternity leave cover opportunity commencing in August, with the possibility of ongoing opportunities at the completion of the contract depending on business needs and available roles across Explorers Early Learning.
In this role, you'll mentor and inspire educators, drive excellence in practice, and ensure that our environments are not only safe and compliant but exceptional places for learning and growth.
You'll lead with curiosity, coach with compassion, and embed practices that go beyond the checklist, creating meaningful impact for children and peace of mind for families.
Your mission will be:
Champion a child-safe culture where every child feels seen, heard, and protected
Embed high-quality practices that align with the National Quality Standard, particularly in Quality Areas 2, 3, 4 & 6
Mentor and support educators through coaching, reflection, and hands‐on guidance
Drive continuous improvement using the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and prepare your centre for Assessment & Rating
Build strong, trusting relationships with families and the local community
Partner with leadership to create a high‐performing, passionate, and inclusive team
Why you'll love our Croydon centre:
Purpose‐built, single‐level centre with 3 beautiful outdoor play spaces
Close‐knit, culturally diverse team with strong collaboration and support
Weekly sports and music programs for children
Regular incursions, excursions and community celebrations
Strong community partnerships and relationships with local schools, including Ruskin Park Primary School




Conveniently located near cafés, shopping centres, supermarkets, libraries and medical services
Bus stop nearby for easy public transport access
Modern technology and resources including iPads and digital learning platforms
Dedicated staff amenities including a quality staff room, kitchen and lockers
Recognition programmes, team celebrations and a supportive leadership approach
Professional development support and ongoing learning opportunities
Safe community location with café excursion opportunities nearby
Generous Childcare Fee Discount*
Growth Opportunities, access industry‐leading professional development and genuine career progression opportunities
Onsite Parking available
Support from Director, Educational Leader, and Operations Team
Continuous Professional Development Opportunities
Culture Club Events that make work fun and engaging
Annual Awards Party to celebrate achievements
Employee Retail Discount Programme designed to save you money, with access to discounted in‐store and online vouchers from hundreds of retailers
Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Who You Are:
Diploma or higher in Early Childhood Education & Care
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
Mandatory Reporting,



Food Safety Training & Completion of the National Child Safety Training
Deep understanding of the NQF, Child Safe Standards, and EYLF
Experience in coaching, mentoring, or leading teams in early education (preferred)
A passion for creating safe, inclusive, and high‐performing environments
About Explorers:
At Explorers Early Learning, this isn't just another job in childcare.
It's the beginning of a career with a founder‐driven, women‐led organisation created to raise the standard of early learning in Australia.
When Lynda Salvo founded Explorers in ****, her mission was easy but powerful: to build centres where children and educators could thrive together.
That same mission continues today, with every decision focused on investing in the people who bring our centres to life.
When you join Explorers:
A career pathway, not just a role, with leadership programmes, mentoring, and funded professional development
A thriving peer community, collaborative, passionate, and connected across our centres
A values‐driven culture, where curiosity, creativity, and care are celebrated every day
A joyful environment, where children's wonder inspires your own
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and culture.
Explorers Early Learning is a child‐safe organisation.
We are committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and expect all team members to uphold our child‐safe responsibilities.
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📌 Assistant Director (Melbourne)
🏢 Explorers Early Learning
📍 Melbourne