- Location
- Cheltenham
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Human Resources
- Seniority
- Senior
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- CareersPage
Description
We are seeking an experienced Room Leader to lead the Toddler learning environment.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Diploma-qualified educator who is ready to lead a thriving toddler room, mentor colleagues, and create an environment where children, families and educators flourish.
What you will enjoy
- Salary significantly above award, recognising your experience and leadership
- Nearly double the required educator-to-child ratios across every room
- Flexible, protected planning time — taken as needed, not rationed
- Monthly rostered day off and a two-week closure over Christmas and New Year
- Family-owned service with exceptional staff stability
- Access to an off-site staff retreat with gym, kitchen and lounge
- Natural outdoor environments designed for genuine exploration
- Well-resourced learning environments with generous budget allocations
- Paid monthly networking and professional development across sister services
- Ongoing leadership mentoring and genuine career progression
- Leadership that prioritises both quality outcomes and educator wellbeing
About the service
Join one of Melbourne's most established and highly regarded early learning services.
Privately owned and operated, this Exceeding-rated (7/7 for multiple A&R's) service has built a reputation for educational excellence, workforce stability and exceptional care over many years. Families remain on waiting lists for extended periods, while educators are attracted to a workplace culture that genuinely values professional practice.
The centre operates with above-ratio staffing and a collaborative leadership structure that gives Room Leaders the time, support and autonomy to lead their teams well. Rather than constantly responding to staffing pressures, you'll be able to focus on coaching educators, building meaningful relationships with children and families, and delivering an exceptional toddler program.
Room Leaders are empowered to influence curriculum, mentor team members and contribute to continuous improvement across the service.
Quality is not something prepared for during Assessment and Rating visits. It is embedded into everyday practice through strong leadership, investment in educator wellbeing and a shared commitment to outstanding outcomes for children.
About you
Leading a toddler room requires more than experience.
It requires someone who enjoys coaching others, builds strong relationships with families, creates engaging learning environments and leads by example every day.
This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in developing both children and educators and is confident in interacting with families.
Essential requirements
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Full Australian working rights, including the ability to work full-time without restrictions
- Minimum three years' experience working in long day care
- Previous experience as a Room Leader or Senior Educator, or demonstrated readiness to step into a Room Leader position
- Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, VEYLDF, EYLF V2.0 and National Quality Standard
- Confidence leading programming, documentation and reflective practice
- Experience mentoring and supporting other educators
- Availability for a rotating roster between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm
You will thrive in this role if you:
- Enjoy leading a collaborative, high-performing team
- Inspire children through intentional teaching and play-based learning
- Support and mentor educators to continually improve their practice
- Build trusted relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Value a workplace where quality is embedded into everyday practice rather than driven by compliance
- Want to work in a service where leadership genuinely invests in your success
About Early Years Talent
Early Years Talent specialises exclusively in permanent recruitment within early childhood education.
We partner with high-performing early learning services, kindergartens and schools across Australia to connect exceptional educators and leaders with workplaces where they can genuinely thrive.
Every application is reviewed by a specialist recruiter with extensive experience in the early childhood sector.
