Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

Inspire | Lead | Create Meaningful Learning Experiences

Are you an experienced Early Childhood Teacher who is passionate about creating exceptional learning experiences and making a lasting difference in children's lives?

Cessnock Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre has an exciting opportunity for an inspiring Early Childhood Teacher with a strong personal philosophy for working with children to join our dedicated team.

We are seeking an educator who brings passion, experience and confidence to their role—someone who understands the importance of high-quality educational programming, values strong relationships, demonstrates leadership qualities and enjoys supporting others to achieve excellence in practice.

This opportunity is ideal for an educator who takes pride in developing meaningful learning programs, confidently leads the planning cycle, mentors colleagues and contributes positively to a collaborative and supportive team culture.

Experience in programming and the planning cycle is essential. We are looking for someone who can confidently develop, implement and evaluate intentionallearning programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), using observations, documentation and critical reflection to achieve positive learning outcomes for children.

About Us

Cessnock Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre is a beautiful, purpose-built Early Childhood Education and Care Service located in the heart of Cessnock, catering for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

We are proudly independently owned and family-run, with a strong commitment to collaborative leadership, supportive management and creating a workplace where educators feel valued and respected.

With over 40 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care, our management team brings extensive knowledge and expertise in designing exceptional learning environments and delivering inspiring educational programs that support children's learning, development, creativity, wellbeing and enjoyment.

We are passionate about providing excellence in early childhood education and care within a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment where children are supported to become confident, capable and happy individuals who positively contribute to their community.

At Cessnock Kids, we strive to exceed the National Quality Standard by embedding authentic best practice, fostering reflective teaching, supporting professional growth and creating a culture built on respect, collaboration, continuous improvement and excellence.

About the Role

As a valued member of our team, you will play an important role in creating a warm, inclusive and stimulating environment where every child feels safe, respected and supported to reach their full potential.

You will contribute to our culture of excellence by delivering high-quality educational programs, leading reflective practice, mentoring educators, building strong partnerships with families and actively contributing to the ongoing success and improvement of our Centre.

We are looking for someone who is committed to creating meaningful experiences for children and understands that exceptional early learning begins with passionate and supported educators.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate engaging, play-based educational programs that support children's learning, development and wellbeing in accordance with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
• Lead the educational planning cycle through meaningful observation, documentation, assessment, intentional teaching and critical reflection, using children's interests, strengths, abilities, developmental goals and emerging needs to inform curriculum decisions.
• Design and facilitate intentional learning experiences that promote children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language development, while encouraging exploration, creativity, independence and a positive disposition towards learning.
• Observe, assess and document children's learning, development and progress, using assessment outcomes to inform future planning, teaching strategies and individual learning goals.
• Develop and implement responsive learning strategies that recognise and support the diverse interests, abilities, cultural backgrounds, learning styles and developmental needs of individual children.
• Provide pedagogical leadership by modelling effective teaching practices, sharing professional knowledge and supporting educators to implement high-quality learning experiences and consistent educational practices.
• Foster respectful, trusting and responsive relationships with children, creating a safe, secure, inclusive, nurturing and stimulating environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging.
• Support children's social and emotional development through positive guidance and behaviour support strategies that promote respectful relationships, emotional wellbeing, resilience and independence.
• Build collaborative and respectful relationships with families, maintaining regular communication about children's learning, development and wellbeing and encouraging families to contribute to and participate in the educational program.
• Work collaboratively with educators, Centre leadership and other professionals to support children's learning, development and wellbeing and ensure continuity of educational practice.
• Maintain accurate, relevant and up-to-date educational records, observations, assessments, learning documentation and reports in accordance with the EYLF, National Quality Standard (NQS), National Regulations and relevant education and care legislation.
• Actively contribute to the Centre's Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), continuous improvement initiatives and reflective practice, identifying opportunities to strengthen educational outcomes and teaching practices.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, curriculum planning and reflective discussions to continually develop professional knowledge, pedagogical practice and teaching effectiveness.
• Contribute positively to the daily operation of the Centre, including routines, team responsibilities and maintaining a clean, organised, welcoming and engaging learning environment.

About You

We are looking for an educator who brings experience, confidence, initiative and a genuine love for early childhood education.

You will have:

• An Early Childhood Teaching degree (or be actively working towards one with significant industry experience).
• Proven experience working within an Early Childhood Education and Care service operating under the National Quality Framework.
• Demonstrated experience confidently developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs and leading the planning cycle.
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standards (NQS) and approved learning frameworks.
• Leadership qualities with the ability to mentor, encourage and support fellow educators.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong relationship-building skills with children, families and colleagues.
• A warm, professional and welcoming approach when communicating with families.
• A positive attitude, initiative and a genuine commitment to teamwork.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Current First Aid & CPR qualifications.
• Current Working With Children Check.
• Full working rights in Australia.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At Cessnock Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre, the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child are our highest priorities.

We are committed to providing a child-safe organisation where every child feels respected, protected and valued. We believe every educator plays an important role in creating environments where children feel secure, heard and supported.

We promote a culture of respect, inclusion and accountability and expect every team member to uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Mandatory Requirements

Successful applicants will demonstrate a genuine commitment to child safety and must have:

• A current Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain prior to commencement).
• Completion of the National Child Safety Foundation Training through the Geccko platform, or willingness to complete prior to commencement.
• A commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where every child feels valued, heard and protected.
• A willingness to participate in ongoing child safety training, professional development and reflective practice.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory child safety screening and relevant employment checks.

Why Join Cessnock Kids?

At Cessnock Kids Preschool & Early Learning Centre, we believe exceptional educators deserve an exceptional workplace.

We value experience, leadership, creativity, collaboration and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for children and families.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Full-time employment
• Two-week Christmas closedown
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Discounted childcare
• Uniform supplied
• All programming and educational resources supplied
• Supportive, family-owned and collaborative workplace culture
• Opportunities to mentor others and develop your leadership skills
• Guidance and support from an experienced management team with over 40 years in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Beautiful, purpose-built learning environments with high-quality resources

If you are an experienced educator who is passionate about inspiring young learners, leading high-quality educational programs and making a meaningful difference in children's lives, we would love to hear from you.

Be part of the Cessnock Kids family and help shape the future of early learning—submit your application today!

Pay: $39.83 – $55.11 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person