The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.

Early Learning Victoria is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The ELV central team is leading the roll‑out of the 50 centres and supports and oversees 18 centres that have recently opened. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Early Learning Victoria is committed to Child Safety and the safeguarding of children from harm.

Part‑Time position, 3 days at Early Learning VictoriaThookay Yarkeen

Salary band - $86,038 - $109,521 + superannuation pro rata
Early Learning Victoria is establishing a government‑owned early learning and childcare centre at Portland South Primary School. Opened in 2026, this 57‑place centre will provide long day care and Three and Four‑Year‑Old Kindergarten.

Role Purpose

The Assistant Centre Director will work alongside the Centre Director to oversee the daily operations of the centre, ensuring compliance with regulations and organisational policies and procedures. This role will also support staff recruitment and development, and enrolment management, with assistance from the Early Learning Victoria central team.

Role Requirements:

High Quality Practice: Committed to providing an environment where children can flourish and thrive, supported by pedagogy and practice that upholds all elements of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations and the National Quality Standards and is guided by the philosophy of Early Learning Victoria. Encourages reflective practice where feedback is used constructively to improve teaching and learning experiences.



Stays informed about current research and trends to ensure the service delivers high‑quality, creative programmes that meet the needs of children and families.

Compliance and Child Safety: Ensures the centre is compliant with all aspects of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, National Quality Standards (NQS), Child Protection and Child Safe Standards, Approved Frameworks and all Early Learning Victoria policies and procedures.

Administration: Supports the Centre Director to oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the centre, including staffing, child enrolment, budgeting and expenditure, stakeholder management and centre‑related communications.

Service Delivery: Contributes to the implementation of high‑quality care and educational programmes that support children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Upholds the Early Learning Victoria philosophy and translates this into centre‑level values and goals. Builds and maintains meaningful relationships with families. Facilitates collaboration with co‑located services and schools. Ensures centre alignment with the strategic and operational direction of Early Learning Victoria.

Staff Management: Supports the Centre Director with all aspects of centre staffing including recruitment, induction, rostering, performance, training, career development and mentoring, safety and well‑being and promoting a positive team culture that values diversity and innovation. Develops strategies for workforce attraction, retention and development and provides feedback to the central office about opportunities and challenges. Engages with staff on all aspects of operations, fostering a collaborative centre dynamic that encourages communication and shared problem‑solving.

Experience required will include





Demonstrated management and leadership experience in early childhood education and care.

Extensive understanding of Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards, Quality Improvement Plan and the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework.

Financial management and administrative experience specific to early childhood education and care.

Ability to lead and guide teaching teams and competency in all aspects of staff management.

Effective communication and relationship‑building skills with staff, children, families and communities.

Experience working with vulnerable children and families.

Proficiency in relevant administrative systems.

Specific skills/qualifications required

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher (Bachelor of Education/Teaching (Early Childhood) will be highly regarded)

Valid Employee Working with Children Check (or full VIT registration)

Willingness to consent to a National Police Check (to be arranged by Early Learning Victoria)

International Police Check required if resided outside of Australia for 12 months or more during the last 10 years.

First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications

Protecting Children Mandatory Reporting online learning

Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role. In your cover letter, please also respond directly to the Key Selection Criteria.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms—gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 7 July 2026.

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📌 Assistant Centre Director (Portland)
🏢 Early Learning Victoria
📍 Portland