Early Childhood Educator

The Cottage Preschool and Early Learning Centre is seeking a dedicated Certificate III Educator to join our passionate team in a Casual position. We are looking for someone who genuinely loves working with children, is enthusiastic about early learning, and is committed to creating meaningful educational experiences through intentional teaching and collaborative practice.

About Us

The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre is a welcoming Early Childhood Education and Care service located in North Rothbury, committed to providing high-quality education and care in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment. Our educators are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative workplace built on respect, teamwork and continuous improvement, where every team member is supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.

About the Role

As a Casual Certificate III Educator, you will play an important role in delivering high-quality education and care, working collaboratively with your fellow educators to create engaging, inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive. You will contribute to the planning, implementation and reflection of educational programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), while actively supporting each child’s learning, development and wellbeing through meaningful relationships, intentional teaching and everyday learning experiences.

This casual opportunity is ideal for an educator who values flexibility while still wanting to be part of a supportive and professional early childhood team. Casual educators play an important role in supporting the Centre's day-to-day operations, including providing additional staffing support, assisting with planned leave and covering shifts when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development, implementation and evaluation of engaging educational programs based on each child's interests, strengths and developmental goals.
• Contribute to the planning cycle through meaningful observations, documentation and reflective practice.
• Build warm, respectful and trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues, creating a genuine sense of belonging.
• Provide a safe, secure, inclusive and stimulating learning environment where every child can flourish.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with the National Quality Standards (NQS).
• Work collaboratively as part of a professional team, contributing to daily routines and Centre responsibilities.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, health and safety throughout the Centre.
• Contribute to the Centre's Quality Improvement Plan and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide support across the Centre as required, including assisting with staff coverage and maintaining continuity of care and education for children.

About You

You are an enthusiastic educator who is passionate about supporting children's learning and development and committed to delivering high-quality education and care. You will have:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• At least one year of experience in an Early Childhood Education and Care setting (preferred).
• Experience contributing to educational programming and the planning cycle using the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
• A sound understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standards (NQS).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A positive attitude and a genuine commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Current Working With Children Check.
• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications (or willingness to update as required).
• Full working rights in Australia.
• Flexibility and availability to accept casual shifts as required.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At The Cottage, the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child are our highest priorities. We are committed to creating a child-safe organisation where children feel respected, protected and empowered to thrive. We promote a culture of respect, inclusion and accountability and expect every team member to uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

Mandatory Requirements

Successful applicants will demonstrate a genuine commitment to child safety and must have:

• Current Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain where applicable).
• Completion of the National Child Safety Foundation Training through the Geccko platform, or willingness to complete prior to commencement.
• A commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every child.
• Willingness to participate in all required child safety screening, induction and ongoing professional learning.

Why Join The Cottage Preschool & Early Learning Centre?

When you join our team, you'll become part of a supportive early childhood service that values your contribution, encourages your professional growth and celebrates quality practice.

Benefits

• Flexible casual working arrangements.
• Opportunities to pick up additional shifts when available.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Two-week Centre closure over Christmas.
• Childcare fee discounts.
• First Aid and CPR training paid for.
• Uniform supplied.
• Supportive leadership and mentoring from an experienced management team.
• Beautiful, well-resourced learning environments.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression within our growing organisation.
• Positive, collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.