Be the Heart of Our Centre | Support Families | Make a Difference

Are you an organised, skilled and approachable administrator who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and making a positive impact every day?

The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre is seeking a dedicated Administration Officer to join our supportive and passionate team on a permanent part-time basis.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strong administrative skills with meaningful relationships. As the first point of contact for many families, you will play an important role in creating a warm and welcoming experience while providing essential operational support to our educators and leadership team.

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, confident with systems and administration, and passionate about supporting high-quality early childhood education.

About Us

The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre is a growing Early Childhood Education and Care service catering for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

Proudly independently owned and family operated, we are passionate about creating a protected, nurturing and inspiring environment where children feel valued, families feel connected, and educators feel supported.

Our Centre operates Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:00pm, and our team is built on collaboration, respect, professionalism and a shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.

About the Role

As our Administration Officer, you will be the welcoming face of The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre and provide vital administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth running of our service.

This role requires someone who can confidently manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, support compliance requirements and build positive relationships with children, families, educators and external stakeholders.

You will work closely with the Centre Director and leadership team, contributing to a professional and organised environment where quality early childhood education can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide high-quality administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of the Centre.

- Welcome children, families and visitors with a warm, professional and friendly approach.

- Manage incoming phone calls, emails and family enquiries.





- Conduct Centre tours and build positive relationships with prospective families.

- Manage family enrolments, documentation and account requirements.

- Complete and maintain Child Care Subsidy (CCS) administration requirements.

- Assist with billing, accounts and financial administration processes.

- Manage ordering of Centre consumables and supplies.

- Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with Centre policies and regulatory requirements.

- Support the Centre Director and leadership team with daily administrative tasks.

- Provide assistance and relief support within rooms when required.

- Contribute to creating a welcoming, organised and professional environment for children, families and educators.

About You

You are a friendly, organised and proactive professional who enjoys being part of a team and takes pride in providing excellent service to families and colleagues.

You will bring:

- Previous experience working in an Early Childhood Education and Care administrative role (essential).

- A Certificate III, Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care (highly desirable).

- Experience with Child Care Subsidy (CCS) administration and childcare management software (essential).

- Strong understanding of the operations and requirements of an early childhood service.

- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy setting.

- Strong attention to detail and accuracy with documentation and accounts.

- A clear, professional and friendly telephone manner.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Confidence using Microsoft Excel, Word, Google Drive and the ability to learn new software systems.

- The ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team setting.

- A current Working With Children Check.

- Full Australian working rights (no sponsorship available).

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre, the safety,



wellbeing and inclusion of every child are our highest priorities.

We are committed to creating a child-safe organisation where children feel respected, protected and valued. Every member of our team plays an important role in promoting children's safety and wellbeing.

We promote a culture of respect, inclusion and accountability and expect all team members to uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Mandatory Requirements

Successful applicants will demonstrate a genuine commitment to child safety and must 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.

- A commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every child.

- Willingness to participate in required child safety screening, induction and ongoing professional learning.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory child safety screening and relevant employment checks.

Why Join The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre?

At The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre, we believe every team member plays an important role in creating exceptional outcomes for children and families.

You will enjoy working in a supportive, family-owned environment where your skills are valued and your contribution makes a genuine difference.

Benefits

- Flexible working hours

- Permanent part-time position with work-life balance

- Competitive pay rate based on experience and qualifications

- Discounted childcare fees

- Two-week Centre closure over Christmas

- Supportive leadership team

- Friendly and cooperative workplace culture

- Opportunity to grow within a well-established early childhood service

- Work alongside an experienced and dedicated team

If you are passionate about administration, enjoy building relationships with families and want to contribute to a high-quality early childhood environment, we would love to hear from you.

Be the welcoming face of The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre and become an important part of our dedicated team — apply today!

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience and why you would be a great fit for this role.

📌 Administration Officer (Maternity Leave Coverage) (Newcastle)
🏢 The Cottage Preschool and Early Learning Centre
📍 Newcastle