Overview
Full‐time fixed‐term contracts until December 2026.
In line with the Safe Haven Program, the role requires a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and a minimum of four years of experience in the field.
As the programme continues to grow and expand, we are looking for passionate, Diploma‐qualified Early Childhood Educators to meet the increasing demand for quality education and care.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a research project that will inform future government funding for early childhood services and improve outcomes for families now and in the future.
You will work under the direction of a multidisciplinary leadership team to support the effective implementation of the Safe Haven program in Wendouree, targeting children aged 0–3 at enrolment.
You will be part of a team providing quality education and care in a safe, secure, stimulating and healthy environment and ensure the developmental needs, interests and experiences of each child are met.
About the role
Five hours of contact per day as part of the Safe Haven programme (9:30 am – 2:30 pm).
Days may continue with opportunities for professional growth, more planning time, one‐on‐one guidance and assistance from cross‐functional leadership teams.
The programme targets children aged birth to three years growing up with severe family stress and social disadvantage.
Immediate objective: children living with significant adversity will experience a stable and enriching early learning programme and enter school as confident and successful learners who are developmentally equal to their peers.
We are seeking a passionate and committed Early Childhood Educator who will have the chance to own this role and be part of a team to participate in the implementation and operations of the programme.
Key features include high staff/child ratios, highly qualified and experienced educators, a dedicated pedagogical leader, an infant mental health consultant and a family support worker as members of the staff team that have ample time to plan, reflect and collaborate as a team.
This is a challenging and extremely rewarding position suiting an experienced early‐years professional who has knowledge of trauma‐informed practice, attachment theory and established professional networks with a strong interest in a multidisciplinary approach and commitment to addressing the early‐years needs of the children and families of the Ballarat community.
These are temporary full‐time roles or casual roles until December 2026.
About you
With a genuine interest in meeting the needs of children and their families, you will demonstrate an ability to be part of a team of early‐year professionals with a holistic approach to the care, education and development of children that reflects an awareness of the wellbeing of children in your care.
Your strong communication and relationship‐building skills will foster and sustain partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders including parents, colleagues and community members.
You will be able to motivate, support and work with educators across all aspects of service provision to achieve desired outcomes within the service's parameters.
Your previous experience working with vulnerable communities within a child‐centred, trauma‐informed, family‐focused framework supported by an understanding of and respect for diverse social and cultural values and attitudes in relation to caring for children will see you succeed in this rewarding role.
The successful applicant will hold a relevant tertiary Diploma in early childhood (or equivalent approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority) and substantial professional experience in early‐years services.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver high‐quality education and care to children aged 0–3 in the Safe Haven programme.
* Plan, implement and review learning activities and programmes that support children's development and well‐being.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including pedagogical leaders, infant mental health consultants and family support workers, to provide holistic support to children and families.
* Attend regular team meetings and professional development sessions to maintain high standards of practice.
* Document children's progress, behaviours and learning outcomes in compliance with regulatory requirements.
* Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment conducive to learning and play.
Qualifications and Experience
* Diploma of Early Childhood Education or equivalent.
* Minimum of four years of experience in early childhood or early years services.
* Knowledge of trauma‐informed practice and attachment theory.
* Experience working with vulnerable families or children in socio‐economically disadvantaged contexts.
* Strong communication, relationship building and collaboration skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Benefits and Conditions
Full‐time fixed‐term contract until December 2026, or casual role until December 2026.
Opportunity to contribute to research that informs government funding and outcomes for families.
Collaborative and supportive work environment with professional growth opportunities.
Job Closing Date
Applications close Sunday 21st June 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Ballarat is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe and inclusive working environment that embraces and values diversity, flexibility and child safety. We welcome applications from all walks of life and celebrate the diversity and richness this brings to our workplace and reasonable adjustments will be made to the process to ensure equitable access. We undertake an employment screening process to ensure this commitment is upheld, including ensuring the successful candidate holds a valid working with children check and satisfactory criminal history record check.
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