About Playful Pals Montessori
Playful Pals Montessori is a proposed new Long Day Care service coming soon to Tarneit, currently preparing to open subject to final approvals. Our purpose-built centre has been designed around Montessori principles — prepared, engaging environments, hands-on learning materials, and mixed-age communities that help children grow with independence, curiosity and confidence.
As a new organisation bringing this approach to local families for the first time, we are building an experienced, values-aligned team to deliver it well from day one.
About the role
As Centre Director of Playful Pals Montessori, you will lead the establishment and day-to-day running of our centre, working closely with our management team. You'll help bring our Montessori-inspired program to life, build a strong educator team, and establish Playful Pals Montessori as a trusted name for families in Tarneit.
Because we are a new organisation opening our first centre, this role carries genuine ownership from day one — a chance to shape a centre's culture, systems and community in a way that's rarely possible once a service is already established. We're looking for a leader who can run the centre with confidence and sound judgement, without needing constant direction.
What you'll be doing
- Lead pre-opening set-up: room readiness, policies and procedures, and day-to-day operational planning
- Lead, mentor and develop our educator team, and recruit, interview and onboard new team members
- Champion our Montessori-inspired curriculum and program in line with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standard
- Lead enrolment planning and manage the enrolment process as families join us, and build genuine connections with the local Tarneit community
- Own compliance readiness for Service Approval, CCS and everyday regulatory requirements, and maintain accurate records and documentation
- Manage staffing, rostering and day-to-day operational requirements,
addressing issues early rather than letting them escalate
- Once operating, oversee daily centre operations, budgeting, family communication and continuous quality improvement
What we're looking for
- Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care (ACECQA-approved)
- A minimum of 2 years' experience in a Centre Director or Centre Manager role, ideally with exposure to Montessori and/or kindergarten programs
- Genuine passion for the Montessori philosophy and confidence supporting educators to deliver high-quality programs
- Strong working knowledge of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Standard, and the EYLF
- Demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage service operations and make confident, accountable decisions
- Robust organisational, time-management and written/verbal communication skills, with a warm and professional manner
- Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
- Current Child Protection qualification, and willingness to complete the mandatory National Child Safety Training before working directly with children (or evidence of current completion)
Nice to have
- Experience opening or establishing a new centre or service
- Experience with a childcare management platform such as Xplor, Storyoark, OWNA or similar, and familiarity with CCS/CCMS reporting
How to apply Please send your resume and a short cover note to
[email protected] with the job title in the subject line, telling us about your experience with Montessori and/or kindergarten programs and why Playful Pals Montessori's approach appeals to you.
Playful Pals Montessori is committed to child safety. All offers of employment are subject to a valid Working with Children Check and satisfactory reference checks.
Pay: $45.00 – $60.00 per hour
Experience
- Centre Director: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
📌 Centre Director (Tarneit)
🏢 Playful Pals
📍 Tarneit