Diploma Lead Educator

About us Discover and Learn Academy is a leading childcare provider committed to nurturing curious minds and fostering a love of learning in every child. We create safe, inclusive, and engaging environments where children thrive emotionally, socially, and developmentally. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality early childhood education and care services that support families and empower children to reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, innovative practices, and commitment to excellence in everything we do. About the role We are seeking a Diploma Lead Educator to join our team at Discover and Learn Academy in Tanilba Bay, NSW. This is a full-time position that plays a strategic and hands-on role within our childcare service. As a Diploma Lead Educator, you will be responsible for leading educational programming, mentoring educators, and ensuring the highest standards of care and learning outcomes for all children. You will work collaboratively with your team to create dynamic, play-based learning environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Your expertise in early childhood education will be integral to shaping our service's educational direction and supporting the professional development of our staff. Key responsibilities Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programmes aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards Mentor, support, and supervise educators and support staff, providing guidance on best practice in early childhood education and care Conduct observations and assessments of children's development and progress, documenting learning and communicating outcomes to families and the team Create and maintain safe, stimulating learning environments that promote exploration, play-based learning, and developmental milestones across all age groups Maintain comprehensive documentation including portfolios, learning stories, and developmental reports for each child in your care Liaise with families, providing regular updates on children's progress and development through effective communication and partnership Implement policies and procedures that ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and the service's quality standards Identify and respond to children with additional support needs, collaborating with external professionals such as speech pathologists or occupational therapists where necessary Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and professional development activities within the service Support the coordination of special events, excursions, and community engagement activities What we're looking for A recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent qualification) from an approved provider Current Working with Children Check clearance (or ability to obtain one) Current First Aid and CPR certification A deep understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care Demonstrated experience working in a full-time leadership or mentoring capacity within early childhood education services Excellent knowledge of child development, learning theories, and evidence-based educational practices Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, educators, and external professionals Proven ability to lead, motivate, and support a team of educators Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities A commitment to creating inclusive, culturally responsive, and supportive learning environments Passion for child-led, play-based learning and holistic child development Experience with documentation systems, learning portfolios, and digital communication tools is highly valued What we offer At Discover and Learn Academy, we invest in our team because we believe our people are our greatest asset. We offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth: Competitive salary package commensurate with qualifications and experience Ongoing professional development and training opportunities to support your career progression A supportive, collaborative team environment with a strong commitment to work-life balance Access to health and wellbeing initiatives, including staff discounts on childcare services Flexible working arrangements where possible to support work-life integration A positive, inclusive workplace culture where your contributions are valued and celebrated Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children's lives and families' experiences Ready to apply? If you are a passionate, qualified early childhood educator ready to take on a leadership role, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your experience, and copies of your relevant qualifications and clearances. Apply now to join the Discover and Learn Academy team and help us create inspiring learning experiences for the children in our care.