Early Childhood Educator – Educational Leader (Diploma)

Lead pedagogy in a truly inclusive preschool where your voice, leadership and ideas will shape practice every day.

Koorana has a fantastic opportunity for a Diploma Qualified Educator to join Koorana Croydon Street Preschool in Lakemba on a permanent full-time basis from 8.00am – 4.00pm, Mon-Fri.

The Opportunity

As our Educational Leader, you will:

• Lead and influence pedagogy and practice across the service
• Mentor and support educators to build confidence and capability
• Drive reflective practice and continuous improvement

This is a unique opportunity to lead pedagogy in a small, inclusive 24-place preschool where relationships, reflection and quality practice are at the heart of everything we do. Operating during NSW school terms only, the service offers a calm and consistent rhythm for children, families and staff. School holiday periods provide valuable non-contact time dedicated to deep reflection, collaborative planning, professional learning and strengthening team practices – supporting you to lead with intention and impact.

 Why you’ll love working at Koorana

• Salary based on qualifications and experience + annual performance reviews with options for career progression.
• Attractive salary package + salary packaging benefit (up to $18,550 per year) + options to access novated leasing arrangements.
• Generous programming and planning time, in addition to weekly staff meetings.
• Consistently above regulatory ratio requirements.
• Professional training and development encouraging employees to obtain relevant skills, knowledge, and abilities that enhance their performance in their current role and improve their potential to grow both personally and professionally within the organisation.
• A positive, truly collaborative and supportive work environment.

What You’ll Do

• Act as Educational Leader and Responsible Person as required.
• Lead and influence pedagogical practice across the service, supporting educators to develop and implement a high-quality, play-based curriculum.
• Mentor and guide educators through reflective practice, professional dialogue and ongoing capability building.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of programs in alignment with the National Quality Framework and service values.
• Demonstrate initiative, flexibility and professionalism in responding to the needs of children, families and the team.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Apply strong communication skills to support collaboration, documentation and engagement with families.
• Bring experience supporting children with high support learning needs within an inclusive early childhood setting.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of inclusive practice and culturally responsive approaches.
• Work collaboratively with allied health professionals and external stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, communication and professional practice.
• Apply a sound understanding of early childhood development and evidence-based practice.

What You’ll Bring

• Demonstrated experience applying the National Quality Framework in practice, including the National Law and Regulations, Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard.
• A strong understanding of Child Safe Organisation and Child Protection Legislation, with the ability to apply this in everyday practice.
• Proven ability to guide and support educators in implementing high-quality, inclusive and play-based programs.
• Confidence contributing to compliance, documentation and continuous improvement processes within a service. 
• Sound understanding of Workplace Health and Safety requirements within an early childhood setting. 
• Current First Aid Certificate (including CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis).
• Qualifications and Checks.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Current National Police Check.
• Current NDIS Workers Check (or eligibility to obtain).

Hours, Location & Employment Type

• Full‑time, permanent, Lakemba (8:00am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday).
• Operates in line with NSW Department of Education school terms; school holidays are set aside for staff planning, reflection, training and team building.

About Koorana

Since 1976, Koorana has provided high‑quality early childhood education, intervention, therapy and family support services across Sydney’s Inner West, Southwest, St George and Sutherland Shire. We’re a not‑for‑profit, values‑led organisation committed to inclusion, respect and evidence‑based practice.

Child Safety, Inclusion & Equity

Koorana is committed to child safety and empowerment. Koorana has zero tolerance to child abuse and take seriously any concerns about child safety. We have a robust framework to ensure child safety. Koorana seeks to ensure that its employees are skilled people to work with children. All people who are engaged in child-related work and who are not exempt, including volunteers, are required to hold a NDIS Workers Check, Working with Children Check and National Police Check and must provide evidence of these checks.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and support an inclusive approach in the workplace. We celebrate our diversity and welcome staff regardless of ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity and lifestyle choices. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your resume and a brief cover letter addressing your fit for this role. You’ll be asked to answer a few screening questions to help us learn more about your experience.  If you have questions about the role contact Jane Munro at people@koorana.org.au.