Early Childhood Educator & Centre Cook

Where Careers in Early Learning Begin and Flourish.

Join Explorers Early Learning at Wallan as an Educator & Centre Cook and play a unique role in creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children can learn, grow and thrive.

You’ll combine your passion for early learning with your love of preparing fresh, nutritious meals, helping create positive experiences for children throughout their day. Inspired by our Reggio Emilia approach, you’ll build meaningful relationships with children and families while supporting their wellbeing through quality education, care and nutrition.

As an Educator & Centre Cook you will:

• Deliver Excellence: Create engaging learning experiences inspired by our Reggio Emilia approach.

• Build Connections: Develop strong, trusting relationships with children, families and your team.

• Foster Wonder: Create a safe, nurturing environment where children’s curiosity and creativity can flourish.

• Prepare Delicious Meals: Plan and prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks that children will love.

• Cater to Every Child: Prepare suitable alternatives for allergies, intolerances and individual dietary requirements.

• Promote Healthy Habits: Help children develop positive relationships with food through enjoyable mealtimes and conversations about nutrition.

• Maintain High Standards: Keep the kitchen clean, organised and compliant with food safety and hygiene requirements.

Benefits that set us apart:

• Above award rates

• Monthly RDOs to support work-life balance

• Generous childcare fee discounts

• Career pathways & professional development, including the Explorers Star Program

• Access to our Culture Club, recognition programs and fun team events

• Exclusive employee retail discount program

• Generous referral bonuses

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for wellbeing support

Skills & experience:

• ACECQA-approved qualification (Cert III or higher)

• Experience working with children in an early learning or childcare environment

• Experience preparing fresh, nutritious meals for children

• Food Safety Supervisor or Food Handler qualification

• Knowledge of food allergies, intolerances and anaphylaxis requirements

• Passion for creating positive learning and mealtime experiences for children

• Strong commitment to child safety and wellbeing

• Completion of the National Child Safety Training (Foundations of Child Safety Training)

• Current First Aid, Asthma & Anaphylaxis certifications

• Working with Children Check & Mandatory Reporting

• Australian working rights

About Explorers

At Explorers Early Learning, this isn’t just another job in childcare. It’s the beginning of a career with a founder-driven, women-led organisation created to raise the standard of early learning in Australia.

When Lynda Salvo founded Explorers in 2004, her mission was simple but powerful: to build centres where children and educators could thrive together. That same mission continues today, with every decision focused on investing in the people who bring our centres to life.

Explorers is designed around people first, with a culture where belonging and joy are as essential as curriculum. Here, you’ll find mentoring, leadership development and encouragement to stretch into new opportunities. It’s not just about compliance or ticking boxes; it’s about giving you the tools, trust and community to grow into the educator and professional you want to be.

When you join Explorers, you’re stepping into:

• A career pathway, not just a role – with leadership programs, mentoring and funded professional development.

• A thriving peer community – collaborative, passionate and connected across our centres.

• A values-driven culture – where curiosity, creativity and care are celebrated every day.

• A joyful environment – where children’s wonder inspires your own.

Here, you’re not just shaping children’s futures. You’re shaping your own – with the opportunity to grow, belong and make a meaningful difference every day.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and culture.

Explorers Early Learning is a child-safe organisation. We are committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and expect all team members to uphold their child-safe responsibilities.

Build your career with Explorers. The future starts here. Click Apply now to find out more!

T&Cs apply.