EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT - DIPLOMA or Cert QUALIFIED (PART-TIME **** start)
BACKGROUND
Little Sophia Kindergarten is a non-profit, inner city Steiner kindergarten, located close to the historic Abbotsford Convent Arts precinct and Sophia Mundi Steiner School.
We run a mixed age-group kinder program for children aged 3 to 6 years old.
Our kinder hours are 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
RESPONSIBILITIES
General responsibilities
Demonstrate a warmth of manner towards children, parents and colleagues at all times.
During term times assist and support the Teacher in their program – including helping to prepare nourishing meals for the children, being involved in day-to-day activities like circle time, outdoor and indoor play, maintaining general cleanliness and safety of the service and packing away of equipment and materials.
Act in accordance with Little Sophia's Code of Conduct at all times.
Work in accordance with the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Law Act **** and the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
Be aware of, and assist with, implementing the service's policies and procedures.
Be involved in the development and implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan of the service.
Other duties as directed.
Children
Implement the program and daily routines in accordance with The NQF, EYLF, VEYLDF.
Ensure the provision of a healthy, safe and welcoming environment for the children and families attending the service.
Work with individual and small groups of children.
Attend to the physical, social and emotional needs of the children as required.
Ensure that any child or group of children in the educator's care are adequately supervised, and that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect them from any hazard.
Inform the teacher, or the coordinator, if the requirements of the Regulations or the Act are not being met.
Demonstrate warmth and care for all children.
Assist with the program and daily routines, as directed by the teacher.
Participate in the planning of the educational programme including taking written observations of children as required.
Parents
Develop good relationships and effective communication with families.
Encourage and assist parents to consult with the lead teacher on issues relating to their children's development.
Maintain confidentiality on all issues relating to children and families and comply with the service's privacy policy.
Staff
Develop professional and supportive relationships with colleagues.
Work as a member of a cooperative and professional team.
Attend meetings as directed by the teacher and/or committee.
Participate in an annual performance review.
Be able to critically reflect upon your own practice and receive constructive feedback from your supervisor and apply this to your work.
Ensure correct safety procedures are followed at all times, including when lifting heavy objects.
Prepare nutritious vegetarian meals and snacks for enrolled children and staff.
Practice safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage.
Keep a daily meal production record following the requirements of the Class 1 Food Safety program.
Maintain a safe and sanitary kitchen, pantry and storage areas.
Wash items used for food preparation according to Class 1 Food Safety guidelines.
Be aware of children while performing duties, to maintain their emotional wellbeing and safety at all times.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Work cooperatively as a member of the home kindergarten team and our Nature Kinder team.
Operate in a professional manner at all times, meeting the requirements of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Kindergarten Guide, the Education and Care Services National Law Act ****, education and care services national regulations and the Quality Improvement Plan, policies and procedures of the service.
ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
The Assistant is responsible to the teacher on a day-to-day basis for implementing the program's aims and is accountable to the committee of management (employer).
During the holiday period the Holiday Leader is responsible on a day-to-day basis for implementing the program's aims and is accountable to the committee of management (employer).
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Specialist skills and Knowledge
Experience in working with young children.
Ability to plan and manage time effectively with limited direction.
Interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively with children, committee, parents, staff and other professionals.
Work in a cooperative, flexible and professional manner with children, parents, staff, other professionals and committee.
Well-developed communication and self-motivation skills.
Ability to ensure confidentiality of information.
Ability to uphold the teachings of Rudolf Steiner with respect to the calm, child-centred focus and daily rhythm.
An understanding and experience of the Steiner educational philosophy is preferred but we are willing to provide training and mentoring.
An approved Diploma level Education and Care qualification or equivalent or be working towards completing this qualification.
A current Working with Children Check, which demonstrates suitability for employment in a children's service.
A current Food Safety Handling Certificate.
A current approved first aid qualification, anaphylaxis management training and emergency asthma management training.
Availability of 2-3 days, ideally inclusive of Monday and Friday (Nature Kinder).
Salary and Conditions
Salary and conditions are in accordance with the Early Childhood Teachers Award (VECTEA) ****.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
At Little Sophia Kindergarten, we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and cultural security of all children in our care.
We are devoted to fostering a safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment where all children can flourish, learn, and reach their full potential.
We proudly uphold a child-safe environment and are dedicated to promoting cultural safety for Aboriginal children, respecting, and valuing their rich heritage.
We embrace diversity and inclusivity, providing a safe and nurturing space for children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as children with disabilities.
We firmly reject discriminatory practices and work collaboratively with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to educate children on their right to be safe.
We are committed to implementing and abiding by our Child Safety and Well-Being Policy based on Child Safe Standards in Victoria *****) ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/.
Our Child Safe Statement encompasses the following commitments:
Child Safety Commitment
We prioritise the safety and protection of every child within our care.
We maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards any form of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Our dedicated staff members receive comprehensive training, resources, and support to fulfil their duty of care effectively.
We continuously assess and address potential risks to ensure a safe and secure environment.
We actively encourage open communication, listening attentively to children, families, and the wider community, and respond promptly and compassionately to any concerns or feedback.
Cultural Safety Commitment
We wholeheartedly acknowledge and deeply respect the cultural heritage, diversity, and unique needs of Aboriginal children and children from diverse backgrounds.
We are committed to promoting cultural safety by fostering an environment that appreciates, respects, and celebrates different cultures, traditions, and languages.
We provide culturally appropriate learning experiences that honour Aboriginal cultures and the diverse backgrounds of our children and families.
Discriminatory practices have no place within our community, and we strive to cultivate an atmosphere that promotes inclusivity, respect, and acceptance for all.
Safe Environment for Children with Disabilities
We are resolute in providing a safe and inclusive environment for children with disabilities.
We are committed to accommodating the individual needs of each child, ensuring equal access to our programs and facilities.
We work closely with families and relevant professionals to implement tailored support and accommodations, fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and participation.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), we recognise and advocate for children's rights to be safe, heard, and respected as active participants in decisions that affect them.
We integrate the principles of the UNCRC into our practices, policies, and educational programmes.
We educate children about their rights and responsibilities, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise and respond to potential risks.
Through collaboration with families, community members, and organisations, we uphold the UNCRC principles and promote children's rights within our community.
We continuously evaluate and enhance our commitment to child safety to ensure the highest level of effectiveness and compliance with evolving best practices.
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