Assistant Director (2IC) – Early Childhood Education
Early Foundation Childcare | Craigieburn VIC
About Us
Early Foundation Childcare is a family-owned early learning centre committed to providing a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where children, families and educators thrive. We are building a team of passionate professionals who lead with integrity, accountability and initiative.
We are looking for an experienced Assistant Director (2IC) to support and take charge of the day-to-day operations of the service and lead the team by example.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will spend the majority of your day supporting educators in the rooms, maintaining compliance, mentoring staff and ensuring the centre operates smoothly. This is not just an office-based administration role.
About You
You are someone who:
- Naturally takes initiative without waiting to be asked.
- Enjoys leading and mentoring educators.
- Is calm under pressure and solutions-focused.
- Has excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Can confidently have difficult conversations when required.
- Holds yourself and others accountable to high standards.
- Builds strong relationships with children, families and educators.
- Leads by example through professionalism and teamwork.
Your Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Support
- Support and lead educators throughout the day.
- Coach, mentor and develop educators, trainees and students.
- Provide constructive feedback and follow up on performance expectations.
- Foster a positive, respectful and accountable team culture.
- Act as Responsible Person when required.
Centre Operations
- Coordinate educator breaks and daily staffing.
- Ensure educator-to-child ratios are maintained at all times.
- Support rooms whenever operationally required.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures.
- Ensure learning environments are clean, organised and well presented.
- Support the smooth day-to-day running of the centre.
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Regulations and centre policies.
- Monitor health, safety and supervision practices.
- Complete daily compliance and safety checks.
- Support Assessment and Rating preparation.
- Assist and maintain Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) implementation.
- Maintain accurate documentation where required.
Educational Practice
- Support educators in implementing the EYLF.
- Assist with curriculum planning and learning environments.
- Encourage reflective practice and continuous improvement.
- Monitor the quality of programming and documentation.
Family Engagement
- Build positive relationships with children and families.
- Conduct centre tours when required.
- Professionally respond to family enquiries and concerns.
- Promote a welcoming and inclusive centre environment.
Essential Requirements
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or ACECQA approved equivalent).
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a leadership role within a long-day care service.
- Current Working with Children Check.
- Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certificates.
- Strong knowledge of:
- National Quality Framework (NQF)
- National Quality Standard (NQS)
- Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
- Child Safe Standards
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills.
- Experience using childcare management software (OWNA experience highly regarded).
Highly Desirable
- Previous Assistant Director, Educational Leader or Room Leader experience.
- Experience preparing for Assessment & Rating.
- Experience mentoring educators and trainees.
- Strong conflict resolution and leadership skills.
This Role Is NOT Suitable If You
- Prefer to spend most of your day in the office.
- Wait to be told what needs doing.
- Avoid difficult conversations or giving feedback.
- Are uncomfortable supporting rooms when required.
- Are not confident leading a team.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will:
- Keep the centre running smoothly each day.
- Maintain high standards of compliance and safety.
- Support educators to continuously improve their practice.
- Build trusting relationships with families.
- Be recognised as a reliable leader who steps in wherever needed.
Why Join Early Foundation Childcare?
- Family-owned and supportive workplace.
- Modern purpose-built centre.
- Opportunity to help shape the culture of a growing service.
- Ongoing professional development.
- Supportive leadership team.
- Opportunity to grow into a Centre Director role.
If you’re an experienced leader who enjoys being on the floor, supporting educators and making a genuine impact every day, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: $35.00 – $40.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- This role is approximately 60-70% on the floor supporting educators and 30-40% administration. Are you comfortable working in rooms daily, covering breaks and stepping in wherever required?
Work Location: In person
