The Kindergarten Programme

The full-day coeducational Kindergarten programme at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School’s Essendon Campus is focused on engagement, creativity and delight. It supports four to five-year-old children, with each dedicated kindergarten space staffed by highly experienced and qualified early childhood teachers and educators in bright, welcoming and safe indoor and outdoor environments.

Our programme encourages children to be curious, courageous and active participants in their learning. Learning experiences are designed to respond to each child’s needs and interests, foster creativity and critical thinking, and support children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

The Opportunities

Applications are invited from suitably experienced and qualified Early Childhood Educators with a caring, collaborative and contemporary approach to early childhood education.

We have four Early Childhood Educator positions available at our Essendon Campus, commencing 25 January 2027:

- Part-time (0.4 FTE), ongoing: 2 days per week, Monday and Tuesday
- Part-time (0.4 FTE), fixed-term: 2 days per week, Thursday and Friday, for the 2027 school year
- Full-time (1.0 FTE), fixed-term: Monday to Friday, Term One, 25 January to 25 March 2027
- Full-time (1.0 FTE), fixed-term: Monday to Friday, Term One, 25 January to 25 March 2027

These opportunities would suit educators who enjoy working collaboratively within an experienced Kindergarten team and are passionate about creating engaging, inclusive and enriching learning environments for young children.

The Role

Working closely with the Kindergarten Teacher and broader Kindergarten team, Early Childhood Educators support the delivery of high-quality educational programmes and contribute to an environment where children feel supported, challenged and excited to learn. The role reports to the Director of Kindergartens and is based at the Essendon Campus.

Key responsibilities include:

- Supporting the design and implementation of an engaging, inquiry-based curriculum that responds to children’s individual needs, interests and development
- Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, critical thinking,



collaboration and a love of learning
- Supporting children’s social and emotional development and using inclusive practices to meet diverse learning needs
- Developing respectful relationships with children and supporting them to navigate choices and decisions in a positive and constructive way
- Contributing to observations, documentation, learning goals and reflections for individual and group learning
- Working collaboratively with teachers, educators, families and the wider School community to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing
- Participating in team meetings, professional learning and the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programmes and practices
- Contributing to the Kindergarten’s Quality Improvement Plan and Assessment and Rating processes.

Please see the position description for further details.

About You

The successful applicants will have:

- An appropriate early childhood qualification, such as a Certificate III or Diploma in Children’s Services, or equivalent
- Relevant experience working within a kindergarten or early childhood setting
- A sound understanding of contemporary early childhood education and practice
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team
- A patient, caring and responsive approach when working with children
- Adaptability and the ability to effectively prioritise tasks
- Current first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training
- A valid Working with Children Check and National Criminal Record Check
- A strong commitment to child safety and an understanding of appropriate behaviours when working with children from diverse backgrounds and with diverse needs.

The School

Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School is a school for boys and girls from Kindergarten to Year 12,



operating across three campuses in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Keilor East, with a student population of over 3,000. The School offers a broad academic and cocurricular programme and is committed to providing an environment where students are challenged, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Our Kindergarten programme forms part of the vibrant and diverse PEGS community and provides children with strong foundations for the next steps in their learning journey.

The School actively promotes the safety, wellbeing and participation of all students, including supporting children from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with individual needs.

Benefits

- A supportive and collaborative Kindergarten team
- Excellent facilities and resources
- Market-competitive salary and salary packaging
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program
- Opportunities for ongoing professional learning and development

To Apply

Please provide a letter of application, resume and the names of at least two referees to Simone Fisher, Director of Human Resources, via the link below.

In your application, please clearly indicate which of the four opportunities you are interested in. Applicants may express interest in more than one position.

Applications are due by 9am Monday 16 November 2026.

Click here to watch our welcome video and learn more about school

Apply now to join a school community that will inspire, challenge and reward you, so you can impart this to the next generation.

Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity principles and understands the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link below. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Julie Starcevic on , quoting Ref No. 1306517.

- Position Description

📌 Early Childhood Educator (Essendon)
🏢 Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School
📍 Essendon