Outdoor Educator

Temporary Part-time (MAX TERM)

About The Infants' Home

The Infants' Home has supported children and families since 1874. Based in Ashfield, we are a not-for-profit, integrated child and family service. Our services bring together early childhood education and care, family day care, early intervention, clinical services, family support and community programs. Today we run three integrated childcare centres onsite in Ashfield, and our Family Day Care serves the greater Sydney region.

Since 1874 we have championed the rights of children, women and families and protected those at risk. We guide families to build their strength, skills and confidence for a more positive future. Around 30% of our onsite services target children and families living with vulnerability or additional needs. We are also a member of the Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Network. The Infants' Home is a Child Safe organisation. Every child has the right to be safe, feel safe and be heard. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and protect children from harm in every part of our work.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced early childhood professional with a genuine passion for outdoor learning and nature pedagogy. We are seeking an Outdoor Educator to develop and deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences for children from birth to five years and lead a weekly community playgroup for local families.

The role is based in our new purpose-built Outdoor Classroom at our Ashfield site. Designed to encourage natural play, risky play and exploration, the Outdoor Classroom is a shared space used by our three early childhood services, as well as local families and community members through playgroups and other community activities.

Working collaboratively with educators, teachers and allied health professionals, you will design and facilitate play-based learning experiences that support children's wellbeing, resilience, physical development, communication skills, cognitive development and connection with nature. You will ensure outdoor learning complements and extends children's experiences across our early childhood services while supporting inclusive participation for all children.

You will also coordinate and facilitate a weekly outdoor playgroup that supports families to strengthen relationships, build confidence in their parenting role and develop supportive community networks. In addition, you will contribute to building capability across our Children's Services team through sharing knowledge of outdoor learning and nature pedagogy, while helping to maintain a safe, welcoming and well resourced Outdoor Classroom environment through risk assessment, safety checks, evaluation and documentation.

Opportunities like this are rare in early childhood education. If you're passionate about outdoor learning and believe children thrive when they can explore, discover and connect with the natural world, we encourage you to view the video below and see what makes this role so unique.

This temporary part-time role is based onsite in Ashfield, with family-friendly hours of 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday. The maximum term contract runs until 30 June 2027.

About you

You are someone who will bring experience working with young children and a genuine commitment to outdoor learning. You understand how children learn through play and can create developmentally appropriate experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, wellbeing and exploration. You recognise the value of nature-based learning and can adapt your approach to meet the needs of infants, toddlers and preschool aged children, including children with disability or additional needs.

You build positive and collaborative relationships with children, families and colleagues and enjoy working as part of an integrated team. You are committed to inclusive practice, continuous improvement and creating environments where every child can participate, learn and thrive. You will bring:

• An ACECQA approved diploma level education and care qualification (or higher), or an ACECQA assessed equivalent, is the minimum qualification required. An ACECQA approved Early Childhood Teaching qualification is highly desirable. Where the successful applicant is engaged in a teaching capacity, current New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) accreditation is required.

• Mandatory national child safety training (Geccko).

• Approved Child Protection training (CHCPRT025 or equivalent)

• Current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID012).

• Experience working with children from birth to school age in an early childhood education and care setting.

• Knowledge of nature pedagogy and outdoor education theory and practice.

• Sound knowledge of the National Quality Framework.

• Experience building positive and collaborative relationships with children, families and colleagues.

• Experience mentoring or supporting educators.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through culturally safe, Country connected practice.

All employees at The Infants’ Home must have valid working rights in Australia and hold a current NSW Working with Children Check.

What we offer

• Staff Discounted Childcare

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 per year, plus optional novated leasing

• Competitive salary

• One Wellbeing Day per calendar year

• Option to purchase up to two weeks additional leave

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Ongoing professional development and mentoring

• Annual flu vaccination

• Dedicated Staff Engagement and Wellbeing Committee to drive engagement and enhance wellbeing

Application

Please send your resume and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to *******@theinfantshome.org.au. If you have any questions about the role, please call Simon Zhu, People & Culture Manager, on 0405 875 ***.