Kindergarten Leader Bellarine Secondary College Kindergarten

We're excited to offer a part-time ongoing EarlyChildhood Teacher - Kindergarten Leader opportunity at our brand-new BellarineSecondary College Kindergarten (BSCK), planned to open to children in Term 1,2027.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced andpassionate early childhood professional to play a key role in establishing anew kindergarten from the ground up. While the service will welcomechildren from January 2027, we're looking for the successful candidate tocommence on or before2 November 2026 to support the service'soperational readiness, setup, and successful launch.

In the lead-up to opening, you'll work closely with theleadership team to help prepare the learning environment, support enrolment andfamily engagement activities, assist with educator onboarding, and ensure theservice is ready to deliver a high-quality kindergarten program from day one.

Once operational, as the Early Childhood Teacher -Kindergarten Leader, you'll design and deliver engaging, play-basedlearning programs and lead a team of educators to provide exceptional outcomesfor children and families. You'll ensure programs and practices align with theVictorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, National QualityStandard, and all relevant legislation and regulations.

Key responsibilities include:

- Supporting the establishment and operational readiness of the new kindergarten prior to opening.
- Contributing to the setup of learning environments, resources, and educational practices.
- Planning and implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs.
- Providing leadership, mentoring, and support to educators, students, and volunteers.
- Building strong, meaningful relationships with children, families, and the broader community.
- Maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming setting, ensuring compliance with child safety, regulatory, and OH&S; requirements.
- Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality educational practice.

This is an exciting chance to leave your mark on a newservice and help create a vibrant learning environment where children,families, and educators can thrive from the very beginning.

Position Details

- Part-time, ongoing
- Position based at Meli's Bellarine SecondaryCollege Kindergarten, Ocean Grove




- 69.5 hours per fortnight - subject to change with VECTEA 2026implementation
- We recognise the expertise you bring to yourrole. This position is currently paid in line with the VECTEA 2020 agreement,$38.30 - $58.96 p/h (depending on experience) - subject to increase with VECTEA 2026 implementation.

Your Week at a Glance

- Flexible start date on or before 2 November 2026
- Hours are subject to change following the implementation of the 2026 VECTEA Agreement
- 34.75 hours per week

Roster

- Monday to Wednesday: 7:45am to 5:00pm (contact time)
- Thursday to Friday: Flexible non-contact hours

This role includes:

- 22.5 hours of direct contact time
- 11.25 hours of non-contact time, including 1 hour of dedicated Kindergarten Leader non-contact time

Total weekly hours: 34.75*There can beflexibility in where the non-contact time is placed throughout the week, thesession times are set.*

What We're Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, andexpertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

- a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (orequivalent as approved by ACECQA and suitable pursuant to the Education andCare Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care ServicesNational Regulations 2011)
- 5 or more years of previous Early Childhood experience
- 2 or more years of previous leadershipexperience
- Current Early Childhood Teacher registrationwith the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
- Knowledge of the National Education and CareServices Act and Regulations 2011 and the Victorian Early Years LearningFramework and ECEC National Quality Framework and Standards
- Experience in the development and delivery ofhigh-quality early years education programs
- High level interpersonal and communicationskills
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and developteam members and oversee the delivery of the kindergarten program

Why Work with Us?

Help Shape Something New

At Bellarine Secondary College Kindergarten,



you'll have therare opportunity to be part of a brand-new service from the very beginning.Joining ahead of our Term 1, 2027 opening, you'll work alongside a growing teamof passionate early childhood professionals to help create a welcoming,high-quality kindergarten that reflects the needs of children, families, andthe local community.

This is more than a teaching role. It's an opportunity toinfluence the culture, practices, learning environments, and foundations of anew service. You'll be supported by an experienced organisation while buildingstrong connections with colleagues who share your commitment to exceptionalearly learning outcomes. We value collaboration, innovation, and continuousimprovement, and we're committed to creating a workplace where your expertise,ideas, and leadership can make a lasting impact from day one.

More than a Workplace

Being part of Meli means your impact reaches beyond the kindergartenwalls. You’re not just supporting children - you’re contributing to strongerfamilies and more connected communities. Through our integrated network ofcommunity services, your work is part of something bigger, helping to createlasting change across the region.

Space to Grow, Support to Lead

At Meli, professional development is more than a checkbox, it’sa core part of how we support our team.

We host two annual events: one that brings together thewider Meli community, and another dedicated to our early years team. These aregreat opportunities to connect, share ideas, and be inspired by peers andleaders across the sector.

With a network of 34 kindergartens and preschools, you’llhave the chance to explore different teaching styles and settings, building acareer that’s rich in experience and growth.

What Sets This Role Apart

- Three dedicated organisational dayseachyear (student-free) to connect, reflect, and prepare with your team
- Your non-contact time is never lost - if you have to jump into ratio, we make sure you get that time back to plan,reflect, and prepare
- Set-up time is guaranteedso you canwalk into each day feeling ready and organised for the day ahead
- Beautifully maintained spaces-ourlearning environments are professionally cared for so you can focus on theteaching and care of the children

Ready to Make a Difference?

Applications close: 11:59pm, Thursday 1 October 2026.

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📌 Kindergarten Leader Bellarine Secondary College Kindergarten (Geelong)
🏢 Meli
📍 Geelong