Merri CCC & K Inc. is a 54-place, parent-managed community child care centre and kindergarten located in Thornbury, Victoria. We are proud to provide high-quality education and care for young children in a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment. Merri is a child-safe and equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Located on Wurundjeri land, Merri values the deep connection to Country and acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. We are committed to fostering respect, understanding, and shared learning about our collective history. We recognise parents as a child’s first teachers and believe that strong partnerships with families are the foundation for children’s success. As a community-managed centre, Merri thrives on building relationships rooted in respect, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging. Our higher educator-to-child ratios allow for meaningful interactions and quality learning experiences. We view every child as capable, confident, and competent. Through thoughtful planning, play-based learning, and collaborative teaching, we nurture each child’s curiosity, creativity, and individual growth. Merri is committed to Child Safe Standards and puts children’s safety first and promotes their dignity, rights and cultural safety.
**Part-Time Early Childhood Educator Opportunities (Contract Positions)** Merri Community Child Care Centre and Kindergarten Inc. (Merri CCC & K Inc.) is seeking two enthusiastic and dedicated Early Childhood Educators to join our team in two part-time contract roles through to the end of 2026, with the potential for ongoing employment. **Diploma Qualified Early Childhood Educator (Minimum Diploma Qualification Required)** This part-time position will work across all four learning rooms, providing coverage for Rostered Days Off (RDOs), planning time, and Educational Leader non-contact time. **Key Responsibilities:** * Support educators and children across all four rooms. * Provide RDO and planning time coverage. * Cover Educational Leader non-contact hours as required. * Work collaboratively with the teaching team to maintain high-quality education and care. **Sample Fortnightly Roster** **Week 1** * Monday: RDO cover (7.75 hours) – Terms 3 & 4 * Tuesday: Planning cover (minimum 5.75 hours) – Terms 3 & 4 * Wednesday: RDO cover (7.75 hours) – Term 3 only * Thursday: RDO cover (7.75 hours) – Terms 3 & 4 * Friday: RDO cover (7.75 hours) – Terms 3 & 4 **Week 2** * Tuesday: Educational Leader non-contact time cover (7.75 hours) * Thursday: Afternoon planning cover (3.75 hours) **Certificate III Early Childhood Educator (Minimum Certificate III Qualification Required)** This part-time position will work across all four learning rooms, primarily providing Inclusion Support Subsidy (ISS) funded support and break coverage. **Key Responsibilities:** * Provide ISS-funded support to children and educators. * Assist with daily routines and educational programs. * Support teams across all four rooms as required. * Provide staff break relief coverage. **Sample Fortnightly Roster** **Week 1** * Monday: ISS support (5 hours) * Wednesday: ISS support (5 hours) * Thursday: ISS support (5 hours) **Week 2** * Monday: ISS support (5 hours) * Tuesday: Planning cover (3.5 hours) * Wednesday: ISS support (5 hours) * Thursday: ISS support (5 hours) **About You** To be successful in either role, you will: * Hold the relevant Early Childhood qualification (Diploma or Certificate III). * Demonstrate a strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework (NQF). * Have excellent communication and teamwork skills. * Be passionate about supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing. * Hold or be willing to obtain a current Working with Children Check, First Aid, Anaphylaxis, and Asthma Management qualifications. Both positions are offered as part-time contract roles until the end of 2026, with the possibility of ongoing employment for the right candidates. We welcome applications from educators who are flexible, collaborative, and committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and care. ***Additional Benefits:*** * Work within a small, community-based, not-for-profit centre, Exceeding Rating * Above to Educator to child ratios all rooms * Long standing team of committed and experienced Educators * Collaborative Team approach * Receive ongoing professional development and support * Access excellent resources, technology, and learning materials * Opportunity to take part in excursions or regular outings such as Bush Kinder * Enjoy free all-day street parking, secure bike parking, and close proximity to public transport **What You’ll Be Doing** * Work with and as part of a team to deliver high-quality, play-based educational programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. * Create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning spaces that nurture children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. * Where possible observe, document, plan, implement and assess learning to inform intentional teaching practices and curriculum delivery. * Build strong, respectful partnerships with children, families and all Educators to support each child’s wellbeing and sense of belonging.
**What We’re Looking For** * Hold an ACECQA approved Diploma level Early Childhood qualification or above Qualification. (approved by ACECQA). * Hold a Certificate III Early Childhood (minimum for the Cert III position)
