Early Childhood Teacher - Kindergarten Leader

We’re excited to share a part-time ongoing Early Childhood Teacher - Kindergarten Leader vacancy at Highton Preschool.

As an Early Childhood Teacher - Kindergarten Leader, you’ll design and deliver play-based programs that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. You’ll lead and mentor a team of educators, ensuring programs align with the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standards, and relevant legislation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate programs.
• Providing guidance and leadership to educators, students, and parent helpers.
• Building strong, meaningful relationships with children and families.
• Maintaining a safe, inclusive environment and ensuring compliance with OH&S and child safety standards.

• Part-time, ongoing
• Position based at Meli's Highton Preschool
• 33.50 hours per week
• We recognise the expertise you bring to your role. This position is paid in line with the VECTEA 2020 agreement, $38.30 - $58.96 p/h (depending on Experience).

• Monday - 12:15pm to 4:45pm (session time 12:45pm till 4:15pm)
• Tuesday - 9:45am to 4:45pm (session time 12:45pm till 4:15pm)
• Wednesday - 8:15am to 4:15pm (8:45am till 1:00pm)
• Thursday - 8:15am to 4:15pm (8:45am till 1:00pm)
• Friday - 8:15am to 2:15pm (8:45am till 1:00pm)

Total weekly hours: 33.50 *There can be flexibility in where the non-contact time is placed throughout the week, the session times are set.*

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

• Holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or equivalent as approved by ACECQA and suitable pursuant to the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.)  
• 5 or more years of previous Teaching experience
• 1 or more years of previous leadership experience
• Current Early Childhood Teacher registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
• Knowledge of the National Education and Care Services Act and Regulations 2011 and the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and ECEC National Quality Framework and Standards.
• Experience in the development and delivery of high-quality early years education programs.
• High level interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop team members and oversee the delivery of the kindergarten program.

At Highton Preschool, you’ll join a team that’s genuinely supportive and deeply committed to creating enriching early learning experiences. You’ll collaborate with professionals who care about children and each other, contribute to outcomes that matter, and be backed by a workplace culture that values your voice and your growth.

Being part of Meli means your impact reaches beyond the preschool walls. You’re not just supporting children - you’re contributing to stronger families and more connected communities. Through our integrated network of community services, your work is part of something bigger, helping to create lasting change across the region. 

At Meli, professional development is more than a checkbox—it’s a core part of how we support our team.

We host two annual events: one that brings together the wider Meli community, and another dedicated to our early years team. These are great opportunities to connect, share ideas, and be inspired by peers and leaders across the sector.

With a network of 32 kindergartens and preschools, you’ll have the chance to explore different teaching styles and settings, building a career that’s rich in experience and growth.

• Three dedicated organisational days each year (student-free) to connect, reflect, and prepare with your team
• Your non-contact time is never lost  - if you have to jump into ratio, we make sure you get that time back to plan, reflect, and prepare
• Set-up time is guaranteed so you can walk into each day feeling ready and organised for the day ahead
• Beautifully maintained spaces - our learning environments are professionally cared for so you can focus on the teaching and care of the children

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a resume and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close: 11:59pm, Friday 28 August 2026.

For more information about these positions please contact Kate Noble, Kindergarten Programs Advisor on 0491 175 *** or our Talent Pathways team via: ***********@meli.org.au.

Join Our Commitment
Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people in our care.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview, if you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at ***********@meli.org.au to discuss how we can best support you.