Grow Your Career | Inspire Young Minds | Make a Difference Every Day

Are you a passionate Early Childhood Educator who loves supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing? Do you thrive in a collaborative team environment where your ideas are valued, your contributions make a difference, and your professional growth is encouraged?

The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Certificate III or Diploma-qualified Early Childhood Educator to join our team on a maternity leave contract until July 2027, with the opportunity to work part time or full-time.

An immediate start is available, and availability on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays is essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a welcoming, family-run service where you can build meaningful relationships, contribute to quality educational programs and help create positive learning experiences for children every day.

About Us The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre is a proudly independent, family-run service in North Rothbury, catering for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. With over 40 years of experience in the early childhood education and care industry, we are passionate about providing high-quality education and care while building strong relationships with our educators, families and wider community.

We pride ourselves on creating a safe, nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported to learn, grow and thrive.

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We value collaboration, respect, continuous improvement and a positive workplace culture where educators are supported to develop their skills and make a meaningful difference.

About the Role

As an Early Childhood Educator, you will play an important role in delivering high-quality education and care, supporting children's individual learning journeys and contributing to a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Working collaboratively with our team, you will help plan and implement engaging educational experiences aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), build meaningful relationships with children and families, and support children's development through intentional teaching, play-based learning and everyday interactions.

This position is offered as a maternity leave contract until July 2027, with part-time or full-time hours available for the right candidate.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about early childhood education, takes initiative, communicates positively and enjoys being part of a supportive team.

Please note: Availability on Mondays,



Wednesdays and Fridays is mandatory, and the successful applicant must be available to commence as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide a safe, secure, nurturing and stimulating environment where every child feels valued and supported.

- Support the planning, implementation and evaluation of engaging educational programs based on children's interests, strengths and developmental needs.

- Contribute to the EYLF planning cycle through observations, documentation and reflective practice.

- Build warm, respectful and trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.

- Promote positive guidance strategies and support children's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

- Foster a sense of belonging, inclusion and wellbeing for children, families and educators.

- Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standards (NQS).

- Follow all health, safety, hygiene and child protection procedures.

- Work collaboratively with the team to maintain a positive workplace culture and high standards of care.

- Contribute to ongoing quality improvement and the continuous development of our service.

About You

You are a caring, enthusiastic and reliable educator who is committed to providing high-quality education and care and creating meaningful experiences for young children.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- A Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or be actively working towards a Diploma with a relevant early childhood qualification.

- A genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their learning, development and wellbeing.

- A sound understanding of the EYLF and a willingness to contribute to the educational planning cycle.

- An understanding of the NQF and NQS, or a willingness to continue developing your knowledge.

- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

- A positive attitude, initiative and a commitment to teamwork.

- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

- A current Working With Children Check.

- Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications, or a willingness to update these as required.

- Full working rights in Australia.





- Availability on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with an immediate start preferred.

Previous experience in an early childhood education and care setting is highly regarded.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre, the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child are our highest priorities.

We are committed to maintaining a child-safe organisation where children are respected, protected and empowered to thrive. All educators are expected to uphold professional standards, promote respectful and inclusive practices, and actively contribute to a safe environment for every child.

Successful applicants must be willing to participate in all required child safety screening, induction and ongoing professional learning. Completion of the National Child Safety Foundation Training through the Geccko platform is required, or must be completed prior to commencement.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory child safety screening and relevant employment checks.

Why Join The Cottage?

When you join our team, you'll become part of a supportive, family-oriented service that values your contribution and encourages you to grow professionally.

Benefits

- Flexible part-time or full-time maternity leave contract until July 2027.

- Versatile working hours.

- Ongoing professional development and training.

- Centre closure over Christmas.

- Childcare fee discounts.

- First Aid and CPR training paid for.

- Uniform supplied.

- Supportive leadership and mentoring from an experienced management team.

- Beautiful, well-resourced learning environments.

- Genuine opportunities for career progression within our growing organisation.

- Positive, collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, we would love to hear from you!

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated team and contribute to a service that values quality education, strong relationships and the wellbeing of every child.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter telling us a little about yourself, your passion for early childhood education, and why you would be a great fit for The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre.

Position: Maternity leave contract until July 2027

Employment type: Part time or full-time

Start date: As soon as possible

Essential availability: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Location: North Rothbury, NSW

We look forward to welcoming a new educator to our team!

📌 Certificate III/Diploma Early Childhood Educator (Maternity Leave Contract) (North Rothbury)
🏢 The Cottage Preschool and Early Learning Centre
📍 North Rothbury