Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre is seeking an experienced, passionate and motivated

Educational Leader

to join our team on a permanent full-time basis.

This is an important leadership position for someone committed to high-quality early childhood education, strong educational practice and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Centre Director, leadership team and educators to guide curriculum development, strengthen teaching practices and create meaningful learning experiences for every child.

We are looking for someone who can lead by example, support and inspire educators, and build warm and respectful relationships with children, families and the local community.

Educational Leader (Early Childhood) Permanent Full-Time | Hoppers Crossing Key Responsibilities

Lead and support educators in delivering high-quality educational programs

Guide curriculum planning, documentation, observations and reflective practice

Mentor educators and help strengthen their teaching knowledge and professional practice

Ensure learning programs reflect children’s interests, strengths, abilities, cultures and individual needs

Support the implementation of the EYLF, VEYLDF, NQF and National Quality Standard

Promote the Montessori philosophy and support its integration into everyday practice

Review educational programs and provide constructive feedback to educators

Encourage critical reflection and continuous improvement across the service

Support the Centre Director with quality improvement and assessment and rating preparation

Build positive and respectful relationships with children, families, educators and community partners

Support the delivery and compliance of the centre’s kindergarten program

Ensure centre policies and procedures are understood and followed

Contribute positively to the leadership, operation and culture of the service

Child Safety – A Core Leadership Responsibility Child safety is not simply a compliance requirement at Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre. It must be embedded in our everyday culture, leadership, behaviours and decision-making.





The successful candidate will be expected to:

Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the Victorian Child Safe Standards

Champion a culture in which child safety and wellbeing are understood and practised by every team member

Ensure children are listened to, respected and empowered to participate in decisions affecting them

Promote culturally safe, inclusive and equitable environments for all children

Ensure educators understand their child protection, mandatory reporting, information-sharing and record-keeping responsibilities

Identify, assess and respond appropriately to child safety risks

Support child-focused processes for responding to complaints, concerns, incidents or allegations

Ensure educators receive appropriate induction, supervision, training and ongoing education regarding child safety

Raise and respond to concerns promptly, professionally and in accordance with relevant policies and legal requirements

Work closely with the leadership team to continually review and strengthen child-safe practices

The Paramount Principle The safety, rights and best interests of every child are the PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION.

This principle must guide every decision and every action taken within the service.

Operational convenience, staffing pressures, financial considerations, parent expectations or any other competing priorities must never take precedence over the safety, rights and best interests of a child.

As a member of the leadership team, the Educational Leader is expected to actively demonstrate this principle in everyday decision-making and ensure it is understood and practised throughout the service.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

A Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)



or an ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification

Current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration

Previous experience working as an Educational Leader or in a similar leadership position

Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF)

Sound understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)

Strong knowledge of the National Quality Standard and relevant regulations

Experience supporting, mentoring and motivating educators

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Confidence engaging with children, families, educators and external stakeholders

A strong commitment to child safety, inclusion and continuous improvement

Highly Regarded

Previous experience working in a Montessori environment

A Diploma or other recognised qualification in Montessori Education

Experience supporting a funded kindergarten program

Experience preparing for assessment and rating

Experience with quality improvement planning and curriculum audits

About Us Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre is a modern, purpose-built early learning and kindergarten service.

We are committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing and engaging learning setting. Our educational approach combines Montessori principles with the approved early learning frameworks to support each child’s development, independence, confidence and love of learning.

We value respectful relationships, strong partnerships with families and ongoing professional development for our educators.

Why Join Us?

Competitive salary with above-award wages

Permanent full-time position

Welcoming and supportive workplace culture

Approachable and experienced leadership team

Paid professional development and training

Leadership mentoring and career progression opportunities

Regular team-building activities

Modern, purpose-built facilities

Convenient on-site parking

Opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of our Montessori and kindergarten programs

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📌 Educational Leader (Early Childhood) (Port Phillip City)
🏢 Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre
📍 Port Phillip City