Your room. Your program. A team that’s got your back.

Roles at Burleigh Sandpiper don’t come up often. Many of our educators have been with us for years, and that stability is something children and families feel every day. Children are greeted by familiar faces, families know who they’re talking to at pick-up, and the team has built a culture of genuine care for one another.

Now we’re looking for a Lead Educator to step into our Pre-Kindy room. You’ll bring fresh energy, ideas and leadership.

Why a boutique centre makes all the difference

We’re small on purpose. With just two rooms and 38 places, you’ll know every child’s name, every family’s story and every educator on the team. You won’t get lost in a big centre or feel like a number on a roster. Instead you’ll be part of a community where:

- Children move through the centre with educators who already know them well

- Families feel comfortable, welcome and part of daily centre life

- Communication is easy, decisions happen quickly and everyone’s voice is heard

- You can see the difference your leadership makes, day by day

Our centre has just been renovated, so you’ll walk into a fresh, thoughtfully designed space that supports children’s play, exploration and wellbeing, and gives you plenty of room to set up an environment that reflects your teaching philosophy.

A real break at Christmas

Early childhood is rewarding, but it’s also demanding. That’s why we close over the Christmas period. It’s a real chance to rest, recharge and spend time with the people who matter most, so you can come back in the new year feeling refreshed and ready to go.

About the role

As Lead Educator, you’ll guide the day-to-day life of your room and help shape the children’s experiences there. You’ll be hands-on with the children, a mentor to your team and a trusted point of contact for families.

Leading your room

- Oversee the smooth running of your room each day, including routines, transitions and staffing on the floor

- Create a safe,



warm and welcoming environment where children feel secure, confident and ready to explore

- Make sure health, safety and wellbeing practices are followed consistently, so families can trust their child is in good hands

Planning a play-based program

- Plan, document and reflect on a play-based program shaped by children’s interests, strengths, ideas and needs

- Observe children closely and use what you see to extend their learning in meaningful ways

- Keep documentation explicit, current and engaging, so it tells the story of each child’s learning

- Reflect regularly, individually and with your team, on what’s working and what could be even better

Guiding and supporting your team

- Lead by example and support educators through practical, constructive feedback

- Work together on shared planning, so every educator feels ownership of the program

- Encourage reflective practice and help team members build their confidence and skills

- Foster a positive, respectful room culture where everyone feels valued

Partnering with families

- Build trusting, genuine relationships with families from their very first visit

- Keep families involved in their child’s learning through daily conversations, documentation and updates

- Welcome families’ knowledge, culture and input, and weave it into the program

- Handle sensitive conversations with care, empathy and professionalism

What we offer

- Supportive centre leadership that is approachable, present and invested in your success

- Freedom to make the room your own, with real input into the environment, program and team culture

- A newly renovated,



boutique centre that’s a genuine pleasure to work in

- Christmas closure, so you can enjoy the holiday season with loved ones

- Ongoing professional development to keep your practice fresh and growing

- Leadership growth opportunities, with mentoring and support to develop your skills as a leader

- A genuine community feel, where children, families and educators all know each other

What you’ll bring

Qualifications and checks

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

- Completed GECCKO training

- A current Queensland Blue Card (Working with Children Check)

- First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certificates

Experience and knowledge

- Experience as a Lead Educator, or the skills, confidence and readiness to step into room leadership

- Sound, practical knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standard (NQS) and Education and Care Services National Regulations

- Confidence in planning, observation, documentation and critical reflection

- An strong understanding and commitment to child safe practices and active supervision

Personal qualities

- A team-oriented, team-first approach and the confidence to guide and support a small team

- Warm, clear communication with children, families and colleagues

- A genuine passion for play-based learning and for children’s wellbeing

- Patience, reliability and a calm presence, especially on busy days

- A willingness to keep learning, reflecting and growing as an educator and leader

Apply now

If you’ve been waiting for a centre where people stay, children thrive and your ideas count, this could be your next step.

Click Apply and send us your resume along with a short cover letter. Tell us a little about yourself, your experience and what you’d bring to the role. We’d love to hear from you, and we look forward to welcoming the right person to the Burleigh Sandpiper family.

📌 Lead Educator | Burleigh Sandpiper Early Learning (Burleigh Heads)
🏢 Burleigh Sandpiper Childcare and services
📍 Burleigh Heads