Child Care Centre Director

The Centre Director is responsible for the overall leadership, establishment, management, compliance, financial performance, and day-to-day operations of the early learning centre. The role ensures the delivery of high-quality education and care services that meet the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standard (NQS), Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and all relevant state and federal legislation.

The Centre Director will lead the successful opening and ongoing operation of the centre, including supporting pre-opening activities such as regulatory approvals, centre setup, policy implementation, staff recruitment, enrolment growth, community engagement, and operational readiness. The Director will play a critical role in establishing the centre's culture, reputation, and occupancy levels from inception.

The Centre Director will lead and support educators, foster positive relationships with children and families, maintain a safe and nurturing learning environment, and drive continuous improvement across all areas of the service. The role requires a proven ability to manage change, build high-performing teams, and successfully transition a new service from startup to a thriving, sustainable early learning centre.

• Provide effective leadership, guidance, and support to all educators and staff.

• Recruit, induct, mentor, develop, and retain high-performing team members.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions.

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.

• Manage staff rosters, leave, and workforce planning.

• Ensure staffing ratios and qualification requirements are consistently met.

• Support the implementation of high-quality educational programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

• Promote best practice teaching and learning outcomes.

• Monitor program quality and ensure continuous improvement.

• Support educators in documenting children's learning and development.

• Drive the centre's Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).

• Ensure full compliance with the National Quality Framework and all regulatory requirements.

• Maintain policies, procedures, records, and documentation.

• Prepare for and lead Assessment and Rating visits.

• Monitor workplace health and safety practices.

• Ensure all child protection obligations are met.

• Manage incident reporting and risk management processes.

• Build strong relationships with children, families, and the broader community.

• Ensure exceptional customer service and family communication.

• Address parent enquiries, concerns, and feedback professionally.

• Facilitate family engagement activities and centre events.

• Promote a welcoming and inclusive centre environment.

• Manage centre occupancy and enrolment targets.

• Monitor budgets, expenses, and financial performance.

• Oversee fee management and debt collection processes.

• Manage centre resources, equipment, and maintenance.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

• Prepare regular operational and performance reports.

• Ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating environment for children and staff.

• Maintain emergency management procedures and compliance.

• Promote children's wellbeing and safeguarding practices.

• Monitor food safety, hygiene, and infection control procedures.