A rare opportunity to lead one of Victoria’s renowned beach kindergartens has arisen and we are seeking a special candidate for this maternity leave position. Lady Forster Kindergarten (LFK) has been part of Melbourne’s early learning environment for nearly 100 years and is located on the beach in Elwood, providing a unique nature-immersion experience for children. LFK is a double unit kindergarten delivering:

• Sessional Four Year Old Kindergarten
• Extended Hours Four Year Old Kindergarten
• Sessional Three Year Old Kindergarten
• An Occasional Care Program on Fridays for 3 and 4 Year Old Children
• Holiday Programs during the three term breaks.

LFK is a community based, not-for-profit kindergarten. We are seeking a Director to lead the kindergarten during terms two, three and four 2020, while our current director is on maternity leave.

The role encompasses the duties of:

• Director (and Nominated Supervisor)
• Educational Leader
• Teacher in the Extended Hours Kindergarten Program

As Kindergarten Teacher you will be responsible for planning and implementing an Extended Hours Kindergarten Program for our four-year-old group collaboratively with several other educators. As Kindergarten Director you will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the kindergarten with the support of the Centre Manager and the Committee of Management. You will be responsible for leading and managing nine other educators, so excellent communication skills are a must. We require a leader who is skilled in promoting and developing our mission and vision within our community and beyond.

To be successful, applicants need:

• Previous experience in a leadership role at a community-based kindergarten and proven ability to work with a committee of management.

• Commitment to outdoor learning (previous experience leading a bush kindergarten program or similar) and a commitment to sustainable practices.

• Experience having led a program/service that is rated Exceeding the National Average.

• The ability to mentor and motivate educators and perform performance reviews.

• The ability to advocate for the kindergarten at all levels of government and to promote the kindergarten and early childhood education generally to the wider community.

• The ability to manage rostering and ensure ratio requirements are always met or exceeded.

• Previous experience as Educational Leader, ensuring that the service philosophy and goals are met across all of our programs.

• Current Federal Police check and Fit and Proper certification required.

This is a key role in our organisation, and we are looking for someone very special to take on this dynamic role.

Award as per VECTEA.