Early childhood lead teacher/director

· Early Childhood Director/Teacher

· Minimum 3 years relevant experience

· Part-time or Full-time opportunity (3-5 days, 8:45am -2:30pm)

· ACT Education Department salary bands based on experience

· Wage range based on qualifications and experience- pro rata $100k-125K

The Role

Wombats Playschool Inc is looking for an experienced, motivated, passionate and fully qualified Early Childhood Lead Teacher/Director to join and lead our team starting Term

As a Lead Teacher/Director you will demonstrate positive, inclusive leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to develop consistent, respectful relationships with children, their families and the community. You will understand that Early Childhood Education plays a critical part in creating well balanced members of the community and will be about recognising, cultivating and developing individual strengths and a positive environment for both staff and children.

The Director is responsible for leading the culture and community of Wombats Playschool. The successful candidate will be available to lead the committee, direct and support staff, plan and execute daily operations. The Director of Wombats is supported by a team of professional, experienced educators and an office manager. Employment conditions are governed by an attractive Enterprise Agreement.

About Us

Wombats is a non-profit, play-based organisation who have been a steady part of the Belconnen community for over 30 years. Established in 1991, it has developed into a joyful, inclusive, trusted Play School located in a quiet, leafy street in Page. Wombats provides early education and care for children aged 3-4 years, five days a week from 9:15am to 2pm. We follow the school term, and offer an occasional, holiday care program. We facilitate 22 children per day and have more than 70 families enrolled for the 2026 school year.

Wombats is governed by the Children and Young People (ACT Childcare Services) Standards 2009 (No 1) and is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. Our educators are committed to facilitating social, play based environment where children can explore their capabilities, stretch their imaginations and learn practical lifelong skills in a safe and engaging environment.

To be successful you will need:

· A minimum 3 years' experience in a similar role

· Hold a recognised Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma or Early Childhood Teacher Degree or as approved by Children's Education and Care Assurance (CECA)

· First Aid Certification

· Asthma Management certification

· Anaphylaxis Management qualification

· Child Protection Training

· A sound understanding of Children and Young People (ACT Childcare Services) Standards 2009 (No 1)

· Working knowledge of the EYLF

· Professional level of English written and verbal communication skills

· Computer Literacy Skills

· The right to work in Australia

Duties (including but not limited to);

1. As a Director:

· be responsible for managing the day-to-day running of Wombats Playschool, including the management of a small team of staff;

· be responsible for implementing educational programs that are innovative, responsive to children needs and interests, and in keeping with the philosophy of the playschool;

· communicate with and establish effective and co-operative working relationships with teaching and non-teaching colleagues;

· be aware of expectations in regards to safety, both general and specific;

· review, maintain and implement Wombats Playschool policies and procedures;

· ensure wombats Playschool is compliant with current licencing standards (Children and Young People (ACT Childcare Services) Standards 2009 (No 1) and associated Playschool policies and procedures;

· be responsible for the management of the lease, utilities and maintenance;

· be the point of contact between Wombats and the Children's Education and Care Assurance (CECA), the ACT Regulatory Authority;

· attend CECA meetings;

· attend and contribute to Committee meetings, Staff meetings and Annual General Meeting;

· work with the Committee and office manager, for example, on enrolments and financial management of Wombats Playschool;

· attend and report to staff and Committee on ACT Playschool meetings;

· support and facilitate the Committee's activities, including working bees, fundraising and social events.

1. As a Teacher :

· demonstrate active support of Wombats Playschool's vision and philosophy and be a role model of living and learning;

· build positive relationships with each child as an individual, staff members and families, treating all with dignity and respect;

· together with the staff, create a learning environment which stimulates learning, promotes creativity and accepts and acknowledges the needs of children to be both challenged and supported;

· use a variety of teaching, learning and assessment techniques to meet individual needs as far as is possible

· undertake all teaching duties in a professional manner, including identification of child needs for assistance from the appropriate external support providers;

· maintain ongoing communication with parents and carers regarding group activities, programs, expectations and the needs of children;

· ensure professional confidentiality in all matters to do with children, families and staff;

· as appropriate, assist children with conflict resolution and social development;

· monitor the social, emotional, physical and educational development of each child;

· communicate in a clear, respectful and caring way to optimise each child's development.

1. Record Keeping and Reporting:

· carry out administrative tasks thoroughly and punctually;

· employ a variety of record keeping and assessment techniques in conjunction with the assistant teacher, in order to gain knowledge of each child;

· be proficient in the use of IT as an administrative tool;

· consult with families regarding the individual needs of their children and refer to external support services if necessary.

1. Professional Development of Self and Staff:

· continually upgrade professional skills and knowledge;

· undertake regular professional learning, such as reading and attending courses, to maintain a current understanding of developments relevant to the needs to children and the requirement of the curriculum;

· keep abreast of industry knowledge, best practice and pedagogy and curriculum developments as well as current developments in educational thinking;

· contribute to the professional development of staff by sharing knowledge, ideas, resources, and by recommending attendance at relevant professional development courses and conferences.

To apply for this role please send through your current CV including 2 immediate supervisor referees, a cover letter (no more than 500 words) outlining your suitability, experience for the role and you preferred weekly work pattern. All applications and queries relating to this role should be sent to:

Applications close Wednesday 19th November 2025 at 5pm.