Job Description

Brand-new 88-place centre opening November 2026

This is your opportunity to shape educational practice from the very beginning.

- Lucknow, VIC
- Educational Leader
- Full time

Educational Leader | Lucknow Brand-new 88-place centre opening November 2026

This is your opportunity to shape educational practice from the very beginning.

As the Educational Leader at Journey Early Learning Lucknow, you’ll help establish the pedagogical culture of our new centre, with genuine time away from ratio responsibilities to focus on the work you’re there to lead.

And while Lucknow is current, you won’t be building it alone.

- Above Award remuneration + applicable ECEC Worker Retention Payment
- Educational Leader allowance
- 15 hours dedicated program planning time off the floor each week
- An additional 1 hour of non-contact time for every room you support
- Journey Childcare Discount, subject to eligibility and applicable terms
- Paid Birthday Leave
- Dedicated professional development through Journey Academy
- Access to Journey’s 4C’s Educational Leader network
- Genuine leadership and career progression opportunities
- A Centre Manager and Centre Leadership Team working alongside you
- Direct support from Journey’s pedagogical, quality and safeguarding specialists

Lead education with the time to actually lead it.

Journey Early Learning Lucknow is a brand-new 88-place, five-room centre opening in November 2026.

We create the time for you to lead it. Lead practice. Build capability. As Educational Leader, You’ll

- Mentor and coach educators across the centre
- Lead curriculum planning, reflection and continuous improvement




- Support high-quality documentation and assessment of children’s learning
- Build educator confidence and consistency in practice
- Partner with your Centre Manager and ECTs to strengthen educational outcomes
- Contribute to the centre’s Quality Improvement Plan
- Connect contemporary research, the EYLF and NQS with everyday practice
- Lead professional conversations that challenge, support and inspire
- Build meaningful relationships with children, families and the local community

You won’t lead alone.

You’ll be part of Lucknow’s Centre Leadership Team and connected to Journey’s broader ecosystem of specialist support.

Alongside your Centre Manager and Centre Quality Manager, you’ll have direct connection with Journey’s specialists across areas including:

- Centre Quality
- Pedagogical Strategy
- National Safeguarding
- Capability and Culture
- Journey Academy and Learning Development

You’ll also be connected with Educational Leaders across Journey through our 4C’s network, creating opportunities to share ideas, challenge practice and learn alongside other leaders.

The focus is partnership - giving you the people, time and expertise around you to focus on leading educational practice.

What You’ll Bring

- A Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care, or an ACECQA-approved equivalent




- Experience as an Educational Leader, Lead Educator or in a role involving coaching and mentoring educators
- Strong knowledge of the EYLF, National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard
- Confidence leading reflective practice and curriculum development
- The ability to coach educators at different stages of their professional development
- Solid communication and relationship-building skills
- Curiosity and a genuine interest in contemporary early childhood practice
- The ability to influence practice through collaboration rather than direction alone
- A genuine commitment to child safety and safeguarding

Considering a move to East Gippsland?

You don’t need to already live in Lucknow or Bairnsdale to start a conversation with us.

We welcome experienced early childhood professionals from Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate who may be considering a move to East Gippsland.

Where applicable, we’re happy to discuss what support may be available for the right candidate.

Why Journey?

At Journey, Educational Leaders are given the opportunity to genuinely influence practice.

Through dedicated non-contact time, Journey Academy, our 4C’s Educational Leader network and the broader specialist ecosystem around our centres, you’ll have access to the people, development and professional space you need to grow your impact.

For Lucknow, you’ll also get something that doesn’t come along often:

the opportunity to help establish the educational culture of a new centre from day one.

Ready to lead education differently?

If you’re looking for an Educational Leader rol

📌 Educational Leader | Lucknow (East Gippsland Shire)
🏢 Journey Early Learning Group
📍 East Gippsland Shire