Are you ready to lead a service where quality is intentional, safety is uncompromising, and team culture truly matters?

We’re looking for an experienced Early Childhood leader who is confident, values-driven and ready to make a lasting impact — not just manage a service but shape it.

This is a role for someone who believes that when educators feel supported, inspired and connected, children thrive.

About Y Whittlesea

Y Whittlesea is a not-for-profit that happens to be the oldest youth organisation in the world and oldest social enterprise, where all profits go back into our communities. Our Early Learning spaces are where little imaginations thrive! With caring educators, engaging activities and outdoor adventures, we foster a love of learning. We’re also proud to be a participating employer in the Education Care Workers Retention Payment Scheme, supporting the recognition and retention of dedicated professionals in the childcare sector.

Our Diggers Rest ELC is at the heart of Diggers Rest, close to the primary school and train station. Our centre offers long daycare from nursery age, through to 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten.

What You’ll Lead

As our Early Childhood Manager, you will:

- Drive a culture of excellence aligned to the National Quality Framework

- Champion child safety as a lived practice — not just a policy

- Build a positive, high-performing and fun team culture

- Mentor educators through coaching, reflection and growth conversations

- Lead compliance and operations with confidence and clarity

- Partner authentically with families and community

- Create a service environment where people love to work and children love to learn

What You’ll Bring





- Strong demonstrated experience in an Early Childhood leadership role

- Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education (ECT preferred)

- A current employee Working with Children Check

- National Police Check dated in the last 6 months (or willing to obtain)

- Current First Aid (HLTAID012) and CPR (HLTAID009)

- Valid Child Safety Training (GECCKO) and Child Protection training module certificates in line with regulatory requirements

- Australian Working Rights

- Strong knowledge of NQF, Regulations and Child Safe Standards

- A proven ability to build and sustain strong team culture

- Confidence in managing quality, compliance and performance

- A leadership style that is steady, supportive and solutions-focused

You are someone who sets high expectations, backs your team, has courageous conversations when needed, and celebrates wins along the way.

Why Join Us?

Because leadership should feel purposeful — and supported.

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values:

- Robust systems and safe practice

- Professional growth and leadership development

- Collaboration over hierarchy

- Energy, optimism and shared success

- Making a real difference in the lives of children and families

As part of the Y Whittlesea team,



you’ll also enjoy the benefits of:

- Above award wages as a participating employer in the Education Care Workers Retention Payment Scheme.

- Generous staff childcare discounts

- Up to 3 additional leave days over the end of year shut-down period

If you’re ready to lead boldly, support deeply, and build something meaningful with your team, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter sharing your leadership philosophy and approach to quality and team culture. Click the ‘apply now’ button to submit your application.

Have a question before applying? Please contact Rebecca Davis, Early Years Operations Manager, at ••••@ywhittlesea.org.au or ph: 03 •••• •231. You can also email ••••@ywhittlesea.org.au.

Applications close date: 15 November 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as screening and interviews may commence prior to the closing date.

Safeguarding at the Y

At the Y, we are committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. As such, we ensure that all of our candidates are appropriately screened (including police checks) to make sure that the right people are in the right roles.

To learn more about our screening processes, click here to view our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy (copy link into your browser):

https://ymca.org.au/about-us/safeguarding-children-young-people/safeguardingresources/

The Y is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people.

📌 Early Childhood Manager (Diggers Rest)
🏢 YMCA Whittlesea
📍 Diggers Rest