Early Childhood in Melbourne

Doveton College is a unique, diverse and vibrant learning community located in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It seeks to support, foster and develop opportunities for all members of the Doveton Community including children, young people, and adults. The focus is on providing high-quality teaching and learning programs for children and young people from 0 to 15 years old, with additional learning opportunities for parents and the wider community members.

Early Learning has an Exceeding Rating in all quality areas, operating a long day setting, with a focus on learning through play in a structured, appealing indoor/outdoor learning environment. Each week students from Foundation to Year 9 participate in the Doveton Engagement and Enrichment Program (DEEP) which includes sports, performance, technology and artistic programs.

Doveton College is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe. Particular attention is paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, those with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability. The community expectation is that the College will provide a safe and secure environment where the individual student can learn and develop to their full potential.

In the school sector, high-quality teaching and learning is non-negotiable. All staff are strong professional educators, implementing teaching and learning programs that are evidence-based and informed by research and best practice. There is a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, alongside a well-developed social and emotional learning curriculum.

The Doveton College vision is based on the belief that every child will succeed. There is a commitment to:

• the potential of each of our children and young people to learn, to achieve and do their best
• empowering all our children and young people to be curious, independent, happy and motivated to excel
• a rigorous and dynamic curriculum to meet the needs of, and promote the growth of every child and young person
• a strong learning culture and team approach, based on the values of Respect, Excellence, Empathy, Resilience, and Belonging
• the belief that learning occurs in partnership with parents and families and the support of the community

We believe that strong positive relationships underpin all our work, and that the wellbeing of our children and young people is critical to their success and academic achievements. Families choose Doveton College because it is safe, inclusive and focused on each child's current and future learning needs.

The Early Learning Centre has been accredited twice with an ACECQA Excellence rating and currently holds an EXCEEDING rating. It comprises three learning environments: a 0-3 year old room, 3-year-old kinder room and a 4-year-old kinder room. Each room is staffed with high-quality educators, and ratios well above the minimum level required under national laws.

A qualified ELC teacher implements a high-quality education program for every 3- and 4-year-old child, based upon the National Early Years Learning Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Each room runs an indoor/outdoor program taking advantage of the bright airy rooms and the extensive outdoor opportunities that are accessible all year round.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated experience, capacity, and flexibility to work with children of all age groups within the ELC.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the National Early Years Learning Framework, Victoria Early Years Learning Framework, and the National Quality Standards with the capacity to contribute to the ELC Quality Improvement Plan.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development and a capacity to use different approaches in interactions with children.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a safe learning environment through an understanding of appropriate policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional learning and growth.

The suitable candidate will:

• Hold current First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma certification
• Hold a current Victorian Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• Display good written and verbal communication skills
• Possess the ability to work professionally as part of a highly motivated and collaborative team.
• Demonstrate a willingness to be involved in all aspects of service delivery
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning through professional development
• Demonstrate a genuine interest and desire to facilitate the best possible outcomes for all children
• Possess a capacity for good judgement and a calm and mature disposition
• Hold the right to work in Australia
• Possess an excellent understanding of the EYLF and NQF
• Possess an excellent understanding of the Child Safe Standards
• Ensure that the Privacy Act is adhered to and that confidentiality is maintained at all times
• Participate in work plan reviews on a regular basis
• Availability to work all shifts from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

This position will require an additional 228 hours during school holiday periods.

Responsibilities may include:

• Provides routine support for teachers including assisting with planning of student routines
• Supports communication between teachers and parents
• Communicates with teachers on routine matters related to students
• Provides basic physical care and wellbeing support for students
• Addresses immediate behavioural presentations relating to specific students within a classroom setting
• Provides basic support and supervision for individuals or groups of up to 4 students within a classroom setting
• Supports teachers in the coordination of educational programs independently or under minimal supervision
• Provides medical intervention support to a student/s, under specific conditions
• Provides specialised communication support for students and teachers in areas such as AUSLAN and braille

A relevant Diploma Qualification in Children's Services is preferred for this position. First Aid Level 2 Certificate with anaphylaxis training is also required.

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment.

All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.