Joy Early Learningexists for families who believe childhood should be joyful, curiosity-led, and packed with play.
Our centres are built for movement, discovery, and connection, with nature-rich play spaces, engaging educators, and a sense of belonging you can feel from the moment you step inside.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all early learning.
We believe in real moments, big wonder, and learning that happens naturally.
Because when children feel happy, safe, and free to explore, the best kind of learning happens.
Our first centre opened in **** in Ripley, followed by our Aura centre in ****.
We also have two more centres set to open in **** across Moffat Beach and Terranora.
About the role
At Joy Early Learning, we believe great outcomes for children start with educators who feel respected, supported and genuinely cared for.
We don't just talk about wellbeing and flexibility — we build it into how we operate every day.
We're growing and looking for passionate Kitchen Hand who want more than "just a job" — they want fair pay, balance, development and a workplace that actually walks the talk.
Prepare healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children, including special dietary needs and cultural preferences.
Work with educators and families to support wellbeing, maintain a clean and safe kitchen, manage stock and minimise waste, and help teach children about healthy eating.
Experienced kitchen hand (childcare preferred) with strong food safety knowledge and the ability to cater for allergies and dietary needs.
Organised, detail-focused, and collaborative with great communication
About you:
We're looking for candidates who have relevant qualifications for the role:
A genuine love for early childhood education




Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or equivalent food safety certification)
Relevant food handling and safety certifications required
Current Blue Card
A team-first mindset and warm, professional approach
Experience in early childhood or childcare meal preparation (preferred)
Available to work 5 days a week and can start immediately
Why Joy?
Above-award base pay with clear pay bands
Paid overtime or TIL — your time matters
Paid CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided
Loyalty bonuses that genuinely add up
$250 (1 year)
$500 (3 years)
$750 (5 years)
$1,000 (7 & 10 years)
Refer-a-friend bonus — $250 voucher when your referral passes probation
Lunch is on us
Joy Time & Flexibility: Real Work-Life Balance
Fixed shifts with rosters set fortnightly in advance
Extra paid programming time off the floor – 3 hours per week (not the standard 2)
Joy Career Pathways: Grow Without Leaving
Study leave + paid placements
Secondments across Joy centres (Sunshine Coast
Tweed Coast) to have fresh experiences without starting over somewhere new
Joy Wellbeing: Because Educators and Teachers Are Human
Centre support teams — consistent extra hands in rooms
Free, confidential EAP counselling
Joy Family First: We Get It




75% discounted childcare for staff children
Priority placement at Joy centres
Return-to-work transition plans (reduced days to start)
Joy Perks: The Fun Stuff Matters Too
Paid birthday leave
Centre-level budgets for quarterly team catch-ups, socials and joy-filled moments beyond the classroom
At Joy, you'll find:
A supportive organisation that values innovation and excellence in early childhood education
A beautifully designed centre where play takes centre stage
Modern, thoughtfully designed learning spaces and resources to support your teaching
Opportunities to make a truly positive impact in a energetic and welcoming community
Opportunities for professional growth and development
A collaborative team culture where your voice and ideas are valued
A chance to shape a centre from the ground up and leave your mark in meaningful ways
This Is Your Sign
If you want to work somewhere that pays you properly, respects your time, invests in your future and genuinely cares about your wellbeing — Joy is ready to welcome you.
Child Safety Commitment
Children's safety, wellbeing, and voices are our highest priority.
Joy Early Learning has zero tolerance for abuse or neglect and responds promptly to all concerns in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
We are committed to a culturally safe, inclusive environment that respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Our practices actively support and strengthen cultural safety for children, families, and communities.
All team members are responsible for upholding child safety and contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Kitchen Hand (Joy Ripley) (Queensland)
🏢 Joy Early Learning
📍 Queensland