Trainee Early Childhood Educator

The Little Village at Vaucluse

It takes a Village to learn and grow - a small place where big learners grow.

The Little Village at Vaucluse is a boutique, family-owned, Montessori-inspired early learning centre set inside a beautiful heritage building in harbourside Vaucluse. We care for a maximum of 24 children aged 9 months to 6 years, which means every educator gets to know every child and every family. Being family-owned, we're inspired by our own experience as parents to deliver the best possible care for our families and we believe that starts with having a great place for our team to work.

We're looking for an enthusiastic trainee to join our small, close-knit team and begin a career in early childhood education.

About the role

You'll work towards your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while working alongside our Centre Director, Annette Gillespie, who brings more than 42 years' experience in early childhood education and 18 years at our centre. Because we're small, you won't be lost in a big team – you'll be mentored closely, every day.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Supporting children's independence and choice within our Montessori-inspired, prepared environment

• Preparing, presenting and maintaining learning materials

• Observing children closely and helping document their individual learning and development

• Supporting daily routines including meals, rest and transitions

• Building relationships with children, families and the team

• Helping model grace, courtesy and positive guidance in everyday interactions

• Contributing to a calm, uncluttered and beautiful learning space

• Attending your Certificate III study sessions and on-the-job training

About you

• A genuine passion for working with children and starting a career in early childhood education

• Curious, kind, reliable and eager to learn – no previous childcare experience required

• Comfortable working as part of a small, family-oriented team

• Strong communication skills and a warm, respectful manner with children and families

• An interest in Montessori philosophy, or a genuine willingness to learn our approach

• Current Working With Children Check, or willing to obtain one before starting

• Australian citizen or permanent resident (required for traineeship eligibility)

What we offer

• Earn while you learn – paid employment while you complete your Certificate III

• An opportunity for ongoing employment after you complete your traineeship!

• Fee-free traineeship under the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled program (conditions apply)

• Close, hands-on mentoring from a Director with over four decades in the sector

• A genuinely small team

Child safety

The Little Village at Vaucluse is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care. All successful applicants will be required to hold, or obtain prior to starting, a valid Working With Children Check and to complete our pre-employment screening process.

How to apply

Send your resume and a short note about why you'd like to start your early childhood career with us to ********@littlevillagevaucluse.com.au, or call 0458 132 *** for a chat. We'd love to hear from you.