Future Super Stars ELC Sunshine West is seeking an experienced, passionate and highly motivated Educational Leader / Second-in-Charge to join our small, boutique 40 place early learning service.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early childhood professional who is ready to take the next step into a leadership role and work closely with the Service Director to support the day-to-day operations, educational program, team development and compliance of the service.

We are looking for someone who is hands on, approachable, organised and confident, with a genuine passion for creating high quality outcomes for children, families and educators.

About the Role

As our Educational Leader / 2IC, you will work collaboratively with the Service Director and Area Manager to provide strong leadership across the service while maintaining a strong focus on quality improvement, educational practice and child safety.

Leading and mentoring educators to strengthen educational practice and outcomes.

Taking responsibility for the Educational Program and Planning cycle, ensuring documentation reflects children's interests, strengths, goals, development and learning.

Supporting educators to implement meaningful, intentional and engaging learning experiences.

Ensuring the EYLF, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), National Quality Standard (NQS) and service philosophy are embedded into everyday practice.

Supporting the ongoing development and implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).

Working alongside the Service Director to maintain strong compliance and operational standards.

Supporting staff performance, professional development and accountability.

Assisting with staff allocation, routines, ratios and the smooth daily operation of the service.

Stepping into the Service Director's role when required.

Building strong, respectful relationships with children, families, educators and the wider community.

Supporting enrolments, tours, family communication and service events where required.

Child Safety

A Non-Negotiable:

Child safety is at the centre of everything we do.





We are seeking a leader who has a strong understanding of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and can confidently lead a team in creating a culture where children are safe, heard, respected and empowered.

You will be expected to:

- · Have a strong working knowledge of the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
- · Understand your responsibilities in relation to child protection, mandatory reporting and reportable conduct.
- · Promote a culture where children are encouraged to speak up and have their voices heard.
- · Ensure educators understand and consistently implement child safe practices.
- · Identify and respond appropriately to risks to children's safety and wellbeing.
- · Ensure child safety is embedded into everyday practice rather than treated as a compliance exercise.
- · Lead by example in qualified boundaries, appropriate interactions and respectful communication.
- · Support ongoing child safety education and professional conversations with the team.
- · Understand the importance of safe recruitment, supervision, professional conduct and educator accountability.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

- · Holds an approved Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care.
- · Has experience working in an Educational Leader, 2IC, Room Leader or similar leadership position.
- · Has strong knowledge of the NQF, NQS, EYLF/VEYLDF and Victorian regulatory requirements.
- · Has a demonstrated understanding of the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
- · Is confident supporting and mentoring educators.
- · Can provide constructive feedback and have difficult conversations when required.
- · Is confident with documentation, compliance and quality improvement.
- · Has excellent communication and organisational skills.




- · Is flexible and able to respond to the changing needs of a small service.
- · Is comfortable being hands-on and working alongside the team on the floor.
- · Can balance educational leadership with operational responsibilities.
- · Is proactive, solution-focused and willing to take initiative.
- · Has a genuine passion for children's learning, development, inclusion and wellbeing.

Flexibility & Leadership

Because we are a small 40-place boutique service, this role requires someone who is willing to be flexible and work collaboratively across all areas of the service.

Every day can look different in early childhood, and we are looking for a leader who can confidently move between educational leadership, team support, compliance, family engagement and operational responsibilities.

You won't be expected to simply sit in an office, we are looking for someone who is visible, present and connected to the team and children.

You will work closely with the Service Director and Area Manager, with the opportunity to contribute to decision making, service improvement and the ongoing development of the service.

What We Offer

- · A leadership position within a small, supportive boutique service.
- · The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children, families and educators.
- · Close collaboration with the Service Director and Area Manager.
- · A supportive environment where your ideas and professional knowledge are valued.
- · Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- · A strong focus on child safety, inclusion, relationships and quality practice.
- · A workplace where leadership is based on collaboration, accountability and respect.

If You're Ready to Lead...

If you're an experienced early childhood professional who is ready to take the next step and lead with purpose, professionalism and a genuine commitment to children, we'd love to hear from you.

Suitable candidates will be invited to participate in an initial telephone or Zoom interview, with shortlisted candidates then progressing to an in-person interview.

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📌 Educational Leader/2IC (Melbourne)
🏢 Future Super Stars ELC
📍 Melbourne