The NSW Department of Education provides, funds and regulates education services for NSW students from early childhood to secondary school, delivering world-class education through its public schools and providing funding support to non-government schools. We employ, develop and support teachers, leaders and other staff to deliver the best outcomes for students and to advance the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
About the Role
School Learning Support Officers (SLSO) provide support for students with identified diverse learning needs including disability in classrooms and other learning environments under the direction and supervision of a teacher to support the achievement of educational outcomes.
SLSO (Preschool) work as part of a team to assist and support in the development and implementation of the pre-school program. This support includes student welfare, health and wellbeing activities as required. While a SLSO (Preschool) is classified and remunerated at the ACECQA approved certificate III level, applicants with a Diploma or higher-level qualification are welcome to apply.
Essential Requirements
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On appointment must be working towards or hold an Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) approved Certificate III in Children’s Services or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
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Working with Children Check Clearance
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Completion of mandatory training required by the Department of Education and a willingness to undertake first aid training relevant to the School Learning Support Officer role.
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Administration of Medications – training to be provided based on student needs.
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Health support training to be provided based on student needs (subject to transition provisions).
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
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Ability to work with students with emotional, physical or intellectual disabilities.
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Commitment to protecting and promoting the safety, wellbeing and rights of all children.
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Ability to work with young children.
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Awareness of the needs of young children.
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Effective communication skills.
This is an identified Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander position. Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must provide documentation upon appointment. More information can be found in the policy library under Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.
It is anticipated that the positions will commence on Day 1, Term 4, 2026, 12 October 2026.
About the NSW Department of Education
The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, neurodiverse people and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please contact the hiring manager using the contact details provided above. For more information, visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion
To meet the page limits outlined in the guidelines, all application attachments must be submitted in PDF format. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
Additional Information
This vacancy is for one School Learning Support Officer (Preschool) at Lake Illawarra South Public Preschool. Lake Illawarra South Public Preschool is one of 100 new public preschools announced by the NSW Government. The preschool is an approved early childhood education and service and is due to open in the first half of 2026 pending building and regulatory approvals. The preschool will provide quality play-based, intentional educational programs under the requirements of the National Quality Framework, to help all children make a strong start in life and learning and experience a successful transition to school.
Student Learning Support Officers (Preschool) have specific additional duties, in addition to the general duties for School Learning Support Officers that are required to be performed. These include supporting the learning and behaviour of preschool children in the delivery of the daily preschool program; regular cleaning and minor maintenance of preschool resources, furniture and equipment; stocktake of furniture, equipment and learning resources; and preparation of morning and afternoon tea and associated activities.
There are 2 Targeted Questions that must be answered (maximum 300 words) as part of your covering letter.
The NSW Department of Education provides, funds and regulates education services for NSW students from early childhood to secondary school, delivering world-class education through its public schools and providing funding support to non-government schools. We employ, develop and support teachers, leaders and other staff to deliver the best outcomes for students and to advance the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
Staff undertaking roles in preschools will be required to demonstrate suitability and ongoing compliance with the Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW) and Education and Care Services National Regulations (NSW), and NSW Department of Education policies and practices as implemented for public preschools. This includes a commitment to child safe practices and requirements. Further information can be found at Child Safety Reforms
Further information about the school can be found in this link http://www.lakeillaws-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit an application by clicking “Apply Online” below. You will need to attach a covering letter (max. 3 pages) and your resume (max. 5 pages), in PDF format, that demonstrates how your skills, knowledge and experience can contribute to the success of this role in accordance with the Selection Criteria as outlined in the Statement of Duties. It is a requirement that you include the name and contact details of two referees.
If there are targeted questions, you must respond to these (maximum 300 words) and include in your covering letter.
Note: It is a requirement that all applicants submit their applications online on iworkfor.nsw.gov.au. No paper based, email based or late applications will be accepted.
For technical support in applying for the role please contact School Recruitment Support at 1300 863 694.
On Wednesday, 19th August 2026 at 2:30pm, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Advisory team will host an online Yarn Up (information session) about this role. The session will provide a detailed overview of the recruitment process, including applying for the position and interview to build confidence in your application.
To register your interest, please fill out the
registration form or by scanning the QR code below. We will be in touch with further details and the meeting link. Alternatively, you may email the team at
[email protected] with subject line "Yarn Up" noting the job reference number.
Targeted Question 1
How would you demonstrate initiative working as an SLSO (Preschool) in a newly established public preschool?
Targeted Question 2
Lake Illawarra South Public School is in a culturally and linguistically diverse community, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children are given priority of access to enrol in the preschool. How would you build respectful and trusting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and with families from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds?
