About us

At Hawthorn Early Years we learn side by side with children by capturing their natural wonder and curiosity, laying foundations for the development of future global citizens.

Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is a not for profit community based service that boasts spacious and light filled rooms with lots of natural light, large outdoor spaces, a beautiful peppercorn tree, vegetable gardens, mud pits and a communal area which houses pet turtles and fish. With a diverse range of cultural backgrounds amongst our teaching teams and children, we love exploring cultural differences, as well as embracing various holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Situated close to public transport, the local library and primary schools which provides opportunities to take the children out and about on excursions and to enjoy great connections with the surrounding community.

HEY values professionalism, and we are committed to investing in our staff and encouraging career progression. Our daily contexts and quality improvement practices also contribute to ongoing learning and development and therefore, professional identity as a team. HEY employs two full time Educational Leaders to support the teaching teams in recognition of the clear link between leadership and improved outcomes for children.

At HEY we recognise the importance of childhood in building the foundations for future learning and citizenship in an ever-changing world. We recognise children as bearers of rights, capable and competent of participating in society through their relationships with others. We are heavily influenced by the principles of Pikler and RIE. HEY prides itself on being recognised as a dynamic and innovative early childhood service that is responsive to all children, both as individuals and within groups. Our teachers and educators are supporting children to develop the skills and dispositions they will need to thrive in the 21st century.

About the role

We are looking for a full time Qualified Educator to work full time with our 0-1 year old classroom. They will be working with 10 children and be supported by 3 additional full time Qualified Educators.

Working closely with your classroom team and designated Educational Leader, you will enjoy;

• Leading your classroom team in the development and implementation of curriculum in collaboration with team members to maximise each child’s development and learning.
• Engaging each child to participate in the educational program.
• Driving the assessment of each child’s learning and development.
• Be an active participant in our internal leadership meetings and ensure actions are completed.
• Establish and maintain respectful and collaborative relationships with families.
• Contributing to the development and ongoing implementation and review of the services Quality Improvement Plan.
• Have a commitment to following all our Child Safety policies and procedures and adhering to our zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.

Hawthorn Early Years has zero tolerance for child abuse and any harm resulting from discrimination based on disability, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, intersex status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

We are committed to the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of all children including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those with a disability.

Benefits of Working at HEY

• Attractive remuneration packages with above award pay rates.
• Highly committed staff with excellent retention and culture
• Operate each classroom 1-2 educators above ratio
• Classroom are rostered as individual spaces and not as a whole service
• Minimum 8 hours planning provided for all team leaders
• 2 hours additional classroom planning for all educators
• Childcare discounts and access to our employee assistance program
• Access to paid innovative professional development, coaching and mentoring
• High-quality, spacious, well-resourced environments for children and educators
• Flexible work options including monthly RDO’s for full-time staff
• Christmas closure for 2 weeks
• 2 Child free days one for pack up and one for set up per year
• 1 child free Professional Development days during the year
• Ongoing professional development through our community of practices during work hours
• First aid training paid for by us
• Supportive of educators undertaking further studies
• Salary sacrifice opportunities

We are looking for a Team Leader with strong leadership skill who can support, motivate and challenge their team. They need to have well developed planning skills and see children as individuals who are capable and competent learners and be prepared to work alongside children to provide opportunities that encourage, motivate and challenge children to explore and experiment in their own way and their own time.

You will have:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Early Childhood as approved by ACECQA
• First Aid Qualifications and up to date COVID 19 vaccinations
• Proven knowledge of the National Quality Framework and VEYLDF
• A valid Working with Children’s Check

For a confidential conversation about the role please contact Carolyn Smart on 9819-2326 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Team Leader - Infant Classroom enquiry via EthicalJobs.