Small by design. Deeply connected.
Lead a nature-embedded early learning centre where children are known, educators are valued and community matters.
Barossa Valley Community Kids is seeking a Director who sees children as capable, nature as teacher and relationships as the foundation of quality.
Who We Are
BVCK is a not-for-profit, community-governed early learning service with two classrooms and up to 40 children per day. Our size allows for meaningful relationships and visible leadership.
Our philosophy is grounded in Reggio Emilia, nature-based learning and authentic embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. We prioritise inquiry over worksheets and process over product.
We are entering our next chapter, strengthening culture, leadership clarity and long-term sustainability.
Why This Role Is Different
This is not a corporate leadership position with multiple layers between you and impact.
You will lead an intentionally small service where your decisions shape culture directly. You will work alongside an engaged Committee and a passionate team to steward a centre grounded in belonging, nature and thoughtful practice.
If you are seeking influence, depth and alignment rather than scale, this role will resonate.
You will:
* Workforce planning, recruitment and culture
* Performance management and professional standards
* Compliance with the National Quality Framework
* Child safety and mandatory reporting obligations
* Financial oversight and sustainability
* Operational management and risk oversight
* Continuous improvement planning
* Centre vision, future planning and innovation
About You
You are an experienced early childhood leader who:
* Holds an approved qualification under the NQF
* Demonstrates strong understanding of contemporary early childhood pedagogy
* Builds trust through consistency, fairness and follow-through
* Leads with warmth and emotional intelligence while maintaining clear professional boundaries
* Values strong, respectful partnerships with families and understands that belonging is built daily
* Prioritises staff wellbeing and growth, including professional development and reflective practice
* Is confident having respectful, courageous conversations when needed
* Understands governance boundaries within a community-governed service
* Can manage operational complexity calmly and make disciplined, thoughtful decisions
* Is motivated to strengthen centre vision, culture and long-term sustainability
You believe a great centre is both caring and well-led.
Why BVCK
* Small, intentionally designed two-room centre
* Nature embedded daily, not as an add-on
* Strong cultural commitment grounded in practice
* Deep community connection
* Engaged Committee committed to long-term sustainability and strong governance
* A dedicated Educational Leader role supporting curriculum depth
* Centre staff who are passionate about what they do
* Opportunity to shape the next chapter of the service
Families describe our centre as warm, relational and deeply connected. We are committed to preserving that sense of belonging while building strong, sustainable leadership for the future.
If this philosophy aligns with how you lead and the kind of service you want to steward, we welcome your application.
For confidential enquiries contact Bec Normington, Committee President,