The Position

Starting in January 2027, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Early Childhood Teacher / Educational Leader to lead the educational program for children aged 3–5 years at St Mary’s Community of Learners.

The ECT/Educational Leader has overall responsibility for the pedagogical oversight and quality of the 3–5 years program, working alongside educators to ensure children experience a high-quality, engaging and responsive early learning program.

This is a role for a qualified teacher who is passionate about early childhood pedagogy, understands what high-quality practice looks like and enjoys developing the capability of other educators.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively with the Community of Learners team, families and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School to ensure strong continuity of learning and relationships as children transition into the primary years.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership and Program Quality

- Provide pedagogical leadership and oversight of the 3–5 years educational program.

- Ensure the program is high quality, purposeful, responsive and informed by current early childhood practice.

- Lead the development, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of the educational program.

- Ensure learning experiences respond to children's interests, strengths, developmental needs and individual learning goals.

- Support educators to provide a balance of child-led play, intentional teaching, small-group learning and whole-group experiences.

- Promote environments that encourage children's curiosity, agency, independence, creativity, inquiry and enjoyment of learning.

Curriculum and Assessment

- Demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of the Northern Territory Preschool Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework (NQF) and their role in guiding children's learning and development.

- Ensure the curriculum provides children with meaningful opportunities to develop across all areas of learning.

- Lead a high-quality observation, assessment, planning and reflection cycle.

- Support educators to use observations and evidence of children's learning to identify next steps and inform intentional teaching.





- Ensure documentation demonstrates children's progress, learning and development and informs ongoing program decisions.

- Support educators to develop confidence and consistency in planning, documentation and assessment practices.

Mentoring and Developing Educators

- Mentor and support educators at different stages of their professional careers.

- Work alongside educators to strengthen their knowledge, skills and confidence in early childhood pedagogy.

- Provide constructive feedback, professional guidance and opportunities for reflective practice.

- Model high-quality interactions, intentional teaching, observation and planning.

- Identify professional learning needs and contribute to the development of the team's pedagogical practice.

- Foster a culture where educators learn from one another and continuously improve their practice.

Relationships, Inclusion and Wellbeing

- Establish strong, respectful relationships with children based on trust, consistency and genuine knowledge of each child.

- Support educators to create an inclusive environment where every child feels safe, secure, respected and valued.

- Ensure appropriate adjustments and inclusive practices are implemented for children with additional needs.

- Work collaboratively with families, inclusion staff, allied health professionals and other relevant services.

- Recognise and value families as children's first and most important educators.

Transition and Continuity of Learning

- Maintain the solid connection between Community of Learners and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

- Work collaboratively with Transition and primary school teachers to support continuity of learning, relationships and expectations.

- Contribute to effective transition processes for children and families moving from Community of Learners into school.

About You





We are looking for an experienced Early Childhood Teacher who is passionate about high-quality early childhood education and pedagogical leadership.

You will bring

- An approved Early Childhood Teaching qualification and eligibility for teacher registration (ESSENTIAL).

- Strong knowledge of the NT Preschool Curriculum, EYLF and NQF.

- Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining a high-quality observation, assessment and planning cycle.

- A strong understanding of child development, play-based learning, intentional teaching, early literacy and early numeracy.

- The ability to lead, mentor and develop educators with varying levels of experience and confidence.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- A commitment to inclusive practice and the individual needs of every child.

- A reflective and collaborative approach to skilled practice.

- Strong organisational skills and the ability to provide effective pedagogical leadership.

- A commitment to the Catholic ethos, mission and values of St Mary’s Community of Learners. It is not essential to be a Catholic person.

Why Join St Mary’s Community of Learners?

This is an opportunity to take a genuine educational leadership role within a welcoming and diverse early learning community in the heart of Darwin.

You will have the opportunity to:

- Lead and shape a high-quality 3–5 years educational program.

- Mentor and develop educators at different stages of their careers.

- Work within an integrated early learning and primary school community.

- Contribute to strong transitions into St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

- Work collaboratively with passionate educators, school leaders and families.

- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement where quality teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do.

What We Offer:

- Competitive Salary

- 12 week leave a year

- Salary Sacrificing up to $15,900

- Relocation Assistance up to $2,000

- Excellent Work Life Balance

- Leave provisions and work conditions as per Catholic Enterprise Agreement

- Funded Professional Development

- Employee Assistance Program

- Laptop

- Staff discounts for school fees in CENT schools

📌 Early Childhood Teacher- St Mary's Community of Learners (ELC) (Darwin)
🏢 St Mary'S Catholic Primary School - Darwin
📍 Darwin