About us

Joy Early Learning exists 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 2025 in Ripley, followed by our Aura and Moffat centre in 2026. We also have two more centres set to open in 2026 across Terranora and Yandina.

About the role

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 protected kitchen, manage stock and minimise waste, and help teach children about healthy eating.

- Experienced cook/chef (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
- Relevant food handling and safety certifications required

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)
- Current Blue Card
- A team-first mindset and warm, professional approach
- Experience in early childhood or childcare meal preparation (preferred)

Why Joy? Joy Pay: Transparent,



Fair & Rewarding

- 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

1. 1 year - $250
2. 3 year - $500
3. 5 year - $750
4. 7 & 10 year - $1000

- 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

- Paid professional development programs
- Study leave + paid placements
- Secondments across Joy centres (Sunshine Coast · Ipswich · 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
- Mental health days (no questions asked)
- 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 dynamic 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.

Apply now and bring your passion, purpose and personality to Joy Early Learning.

Note: If you have previously applied for a role with Joy Early Learning, please do not submit another application. We will contact suitable applicants directly.

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 workplace.

📌 Centre Chef (Joy Yandina)
🏢 Joy Early Learning
📍 Yandina