Educational Leader | Doncaster

Benefits & Perks

· Generous staff incentives and remuneration: Planned social gatherings for team building, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts and celebrations, plus 70% staff discounts on fees for Educators with children in our care.

· Fun budget: Little Lane dedicates a generous budget annually to provide opportunities for our staff to build a positive team culture through fun events.

· Ongoing professional development: Ongoing training, learning and leadership opportunities

· Job security: This is a permanent full-time position.

· Great culture: Be part of a caring and respectful team, that bands together to ensure everyone feels appreciated.

· Modern Facility - Brand-new purpose-built centre, fully air-conditioned and well-resourced centre and onsite parking.

Lead the philosophy. Shape the practice. Follow the child.

At Little Lane Doncaster, we are looking for an experienced and deeply passionate Educational Leader to lead the pedagogical direction of our centre and champion authentic Montessori practice.

This is an opportunity for an educator who understands that Montessori is not simply a methodology, a collection of beautiful materials or a set of activities.

It is a philosophy. A way of seeing the child. A way of preparing the environment. And a way of being as an educator.

We are looking for someone who can protect that philosophy while inspiring a team to live it every day.

About the Opportunity

As our Educational Leader, you will be the pedagogical heart of the centre — supporting educators to understand why we do what we do, not simply what we do.

You will work alongside the team to create an environment where children are given the time, freedom and opportunity to develop independence, concentration, confidence and a genuine love of learning.

You will help build a culture where educators are observers before interveners, guides rather than directors, and facilitators rather than the centre of the child's experience.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to be present in the environments, alongside educators and close to the children.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the implementation and protection of authentic Montessori philosophy and practice across the centre.

• Mentoring educators to develop a deep understanding of the Montessori approach and the role of the adult.

• Supporting educators to become skilled and intentional observers of children.

• Guiding the preparation of purposeful, orderly and beautiful learning environments.

• Ensuring Montessori materials are presented with intention, accuracy and respect for their purpose.

• Supporting educators to understand the importance of freedom within limits, independence, concentration, repetition and choice.

• Encouraging educators to follow the individual child rather than expecting every child to follow the same path.

• Protecting uninterrupted work cycles and children's opportunities for deep concentration.

• Supporting educators to reflect on when to intervene, when to observe and when to step back.

• Building a culture of professional inquiry, where educators continually question and refine their practice.

• Working closely with the Centre Director and leadership team to strengthen curriculum, pedagogy and outcomes.

• Supporting documentation and planning to remain meaningful, purposeful and connected to the child.

• Ensuring Montessori practice is thoughtfully aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards.

• Building strong relationships with families and helping them understand and connect with the Montessori philosophy.
  

About You

• You are not simply an educator who has worked in a Montessori environment.

• You understand Montessori deeply.

• You understand that a carefully prepared environment can do more for a child than constant adult instruction.

• You understand that a child asking to do something independently should be met with patience, even when it takes longer.

• You understand that observation comes before assumption.

• And you understand that sometimes the most powerful thing an educator can do is step back and allow the child to discover what they are capable of.

You will ideally have:

• A Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care.

• Recognised Montessori training and strong practical Montessori experience.

• Previous experience as an Educational Leader, Montessori Lead Educator, Pedagogical Leader or comparable leadership role.

• A deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy.

• Strong knowledge of child development and contemporary early childhood practice.

• The ability to mentor, inspire and challenge educators respectfully.

• A reflective and thoughtful approach to leadership.

• Strong knowledge of the EYLF, NQF, National Regulations and Child Safe Standards.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• A genuine belief in children's capability, agency and right to be respected.

• The ability to translate Montessori philosophy into everyday practice — not just into words or documentation.

• Full Australian work rights

• Excellent personal presentation

• Ability to train and induct large group of staff members
  

The Leader We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who can walk into an environment and notice what others might miss.

A child who has been concentrating for twenty minutes and doesn't need an adult interruption.

A material that is no longer inviting the way it should.

An educator who is doing something for a child that the child is ready to do independently.

A room that could be calmer.

A child who is communicating through their behavior.

An educator who has an idea but needs the confidence to pursue it.

You will see these moments — and know what to do with them.

You will lead through observation, conversation, modelling and reflection.

You won't simply tell educators what to change.

You will help them see differently.

Why Little Lane?

At Little Lane, we believe the quality of a child's experience is deeply connected to the quality of the adult around them.

That means investing in educators who are curious, reflective and committed to becoming better practitioners.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead Montessori pedagogy across the centre.

• Influence the culture and professional practice of the team.

• Mentor educators and develop future Montessori leaders.

• Create environments where children can experience genuine independence and belonging.

• Work within a leadership team that values thoughtful, intentional practice.

• Contribute to continuous improvement and pedagogical innovation.

• Continue your own professional and Montessori development.

This is more than an Educational Leader position.

It is an opportunity to protect a philosophy, influence a team and shape the experience of childhood.

If you believe children are capable.

If you believe the environment matters.

If you believe observation is more powerful than assumption.

If you believe independence should be earned through opportunity, not simply encouraged through words.

And if you believe Montessori is something we live, not something we label —

we would love to meet you.

How to Apply

If you have the experience and passion to excel in this role, please apply now via SEEK and attach a copy of your resume and cover letter.

At Little Lane we prioritize child safety, uphold strict safeguarding policies, and require all staff to maintain a safe, respectful environment for children.