Are you passionate about play based, nature pedagogy in early education?

• Location: Fitzroy North
• Role type: Full time; ongoing. Part time considered for right applicant.
• Salary:  $110,921 - $125,000 p.a. plus super
• 6 weeks annual leave.
• Lead and inspire a team of passionate early childhood teachers and educators.

Isabel Henderson Kindergarten (IHK) provides an exceptional 2-year, nature-based, long-day Kindergarten program. Located in Fitzroy North, our inclusive not-for-profit, community run Kindergarten has consistently been rated exceeding in all seven quality areas.

The IHK program is conducted from a large, native, wild garden, with an urban forest and planting that supports children to connect with the seven Wurundjeri seasons. You can view the development of the space here. We spend 80% of our time in the outdoor environment and are seeking a Director who is dedicated to open ended play and high quality, nature pedagogy. The successful candidate will have a passion for community engagement and build on the rich history of the Kindergarten, which has been caring for and educating children for over 100 years.

IHK operates a long-day kindergarten program for 3-5 year olds, with Degree Qualified Kindergarten Teachers for all programs, all day, along with a team of educators to ensure quality interactions with children, and maximise opportunities for learning 5 days a week. The Director role assumes operational responsibility for the service, leads the strategic thinking and planning, and is the person in charge. They are responsible for the leadership and management of our highly skilled 16 teaching staff, and are supported by an Educational Leader, a Family Coordinator and an Accounts Coordinator.

IHK is recognised as a sector leader, demonstrating best practice pedagogy and as such, we invest in our people with regular professional development, including the opportunity for staff to attend Reggio Emilia study tours in Italy. Our Director is supported by a Committee of Management and the role features an attractive salary package.

The successful applicant will have experience in managing an “exceeding” kindergarten or early learning service and will hold the relevant certifications contained within the job description.

If you are seeking a workplace that allows you to deliver an exceptional kindergarten program based on play in nature, then we encourage you to apply for the Director role at IHK.

Key Responsibilities

Centre Leadership

• Provide leadership and vision to ensure the kindergarten programs offered are sector leading, culturally appropriate and reflect the needs of our progressive community
• Ensure the kindergarten is operated in an efficient and effective manner within the confines of budget and in accordance with policies

People Leadership

• Provide inspirational people leadership to direct reports within the kindergarten, including reviewing performance regularly and promoting ongoing development
• Work in partnership with the educational leader to develop excellent teaching practice and expertise within the team

Communication and engagement with families, children and the community

• Develop and maintain a communication plan that fosters a sense of community and belonging.
• Ensure communications with families, staff and the Committee of Management are clear, accurate, inclusive and timely.
• Be visible and available to our community, developing relationships with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor or Masters of Early Childhood Education preferable.

For a confidential discussion please call Laura on 0402 308 117.