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 Protected 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:

Strong 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.

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.

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.

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

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📌 Early Childhood Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 The Y Australia
📍 Melbourne