Our play-centred program, Play2Learn, has been supporting young children across Australia to develop their social skills, independence and capacity to learn for over 30 years. We need you to give these children an experience of quality early childhood education in Katherine, to develop their appetite for learning and help enable a smooth transition into school.

54 reasons is Australia's leading child rights organisation - no ordinary not-for-profit.

Proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, we're here to make sure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity.

With the child's voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities. From our programs to our support services - this is the place to realise your purpose.

A place to make a difference: 

In this permanent part time, (3 days Mon 8.30am - 4pm, Tues 8.30am - 12.30pm and Fri 8.30am - 12.30pm) you'll help coordinate the planning, implementation, and review of culturally appropriate developmental play and learning experiences for children. As part of our Play2Learn team, you'll report to our Team Leader, working across various locations within the Katherine Township boundaries as required.

You will make a difference by:

• Planning and facilitating weekly playgroup sessions
• Finding creative ways to encourage families to engage with our support programs and services
• Identifying and addressing physical, social/emotional, and educational needs
• Providing support and information to parents on developmental issues and making appropriate referrals to other health, education, and welfare agencies
• Supporting with process monitoring, data collection, and reporting

A place to feel valued:

You have experience in early childhood programs and the ability to think on your feet, which allows you to find solutions to complex situations. Your infectious enthusiasm for your job will see you actively seeking out families in need of support. Your cultural knowledge will help you build strong connections with children and families from varying cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

This role requires:

• Qualification in Early Childhood Education preferred (minimum Certificate III is strongly preferred), or significant equivalent experience
• Experience working with children 0-6yrs and families in a group setting
• Knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework
• Prior experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or CALD communities is preferred
• Competency in the use of Microsoft Office programs and ability to use databases

A place to belong: 

At 54 reasons, we invest in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is approximately 600 people strong, and proudly diverse, whether in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures and beliefs.

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. We are diverse personalities, backgrounds and talents, embracing our differences as one strong and united team. We see and celebrate the unique value you bring to our organisation, and offer a range of rewards for your effort, including:

• Award rate salary (currently Level 3.1 - $38.65 per hour) plus full salary packaging benefits - use this link to see how much this benefit could mean to you!
• Remote Benefits - generous annual remote location allowance paid on top of your base salary, flight benefit plus 5 weeks' annual leave to use in a range of ways to ensure you're able to perform at your optimum
• Health and wellbeing support, including EAP and professional supervision, as well as internal networks to support our diverse workforce,
• Individual learning plans to assist in your career development
• Celebrate and feel supported in your diversity. We have a highly inclusive culture and diverse workforce reflecting the communities we serve, allowing you to bring your whole self to work (if that's what you want!).

Follow this link for the full list of our employee benefits. 

Sound interesting?

We'd love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume by clicking on one of the buttons in the 'Apply Now' section.

Applications Close:Friday 5th June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they come in, so don't delay in applying!

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

Position Description: Child Development Worker - Play2Learn Katherine

Program Description: Program Profile.

For more information about this position, please contact Catherine Collier on [email protected] using the subject line: Child Development Worker - Play2Learn - Katherine enquiry via EthicalJobs Or for more information about a career at Save, visit our Careers Page.

We have tested our application process with diverse groups in mind, with the intent to ensure its straightforward and accessible for all to apply. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and improve our ability to reach our most vulnerable client groups. But we also know there is no one-size fits-all when it comes to recruitment - so if we didn't quite hit the mark for you, please let us know at [email protected]. We're dedicated to ensuring Save the Children Australia is a place where everyone can feel supported - no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and beliefs. 

Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Save the Children is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and client groups, consistent with our obligations under OH&S legislation.

If you are having any issues with uploading your application for this role, please contact [email protected] for further support.