Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten – A Boutique, Family-Owned Early Learning Centre
Collard's is a boutique, family‑owned and operated long day care and kindergarten, proudly led by a management team with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. Located in Mill Park, our centre is a true home away from home for children, families, and educators.
We are a committed Child Safe Organisation, embedding the Victorian Child Safe Standards in every aspect of our practice. To support the safety and wellbeing of all children and educators, CCTV cameras operate across all indoor and outdoor play areas, ensuring a secure and transparent environment.
Our thoughtfully designed playrooms are richly resourced and intentionally arranged to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confident learning. Children enjoy access to beautiful wooden resources, open‑ended wooden blocks, inviting home corners, a cosy library, and a vibrant creative arts space.
Outdoors, children explore expansive sandpits, a dedicated traffic school, wrap‑around verandas, and lush gardens framed by growing trees—creating a peaceful, engaging, and nature‑connected environment where learning unfolds naturally.
We are a community‑rich service, offering children aged 3–5 years weekly PIT Gymnastics sessions, Mill Park Library visits, and Blue Fit swimming lessons. We also provide a sessional kindergarten program delivered by a full‑time kindergarten teacher in a dedicated kinder room.
We embed Aboriginal perspectives through inquiry‑based learning that honours and reflects the knowledge of our First Peoples. Children learn to care for Country—land, animals, and the environment—guided by the values and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we learn on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi‑wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, we prioritise meaningful engagement for all children, including Aboriginal children and children with a disability. Our practices are grounded in respect, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring every child feels a strong sense of belonging, identity, and connection to Country.
This advertised position is not for a kindergarten teacher. We are seeking a Diploma‑qualified educator to join one of our playrooms, contributing to our warm, collaborative, and high‑quality learning environment.
Our Curriculum Is Grounded In:
* Inquiry-based learning
* STEAM education
* The 3a (Abecedarian) Approach Australia
* The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLDF)
* Victorian Child Safe Standards
We Offer:
* Free on-site parking
* Supportive leadership and a collaborative, nurturing team culture
* A beautiful, well-resourced environment that values educators as professionals
* Team Leaders are paid 6 Weeks annual leave per year (T & C'S apply)
About You – Diploma Educator
You are a bright, happy, energetic educator who strives to nurture and educate children with warmth and professionalism. You bring a strength-based leadership approach, inspiring others to grow in confidence and strengthen their practice.
You:
* Promote collaboration and shared goals within the team
* Act as a team member, fostering professional growth and celebrating achievements
* Create a nurturing environment where children / educators feel valued and motivated
* Empower children to grow & develop a lifelong love of learning, engagement & confidence.
* Are committed to embedding Child Safe Standards in everyday practice
* Are confident in your knowledge of early childhood education and care (ACECQA recognised)
* Have experience working with children aged 0–6 years
* Are self-motivated and proactive in nurturing and supporting children
* Plan inquiry-based, play-based learning experiences
* Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families
* Use strength-based behaviour guidance strategies
* Have a strong understanding of VEYLDF, NQF, Education and Care Regulations, and Child Safe Standards
* Communicate with team leaders / educators in an open and constructive way.
* Are fit, active, and hands-on with a common-sense approach to everyday practice
To Apply:
If this sounds like the right fit for you, please send your:
* Resume
* Cover letter
* A recent colour photo of yourself
* Copies of your Current Working with Children Check (WWCC), Child Protection Certificate, First Aid certificates, and original qualifications
To: Melissa Collard