The Government of South Australia is investing $9.7 million in the Flying Start Pathways Program, delivered in partnership with Gowrie SA to attract and retain early childhood educators and teachers through integrated career progression and wrap-around support services. This approach will help students – particularly from underrepresented backgrounds – to complete early childhood qualifications.
This new and innovative project aims to support career pathways into the early education and care sector through:
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Pre-certificate early education and care ‘taster’ courses
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A unique student support model
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Diploma Bridging Courses
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Placement Support workshops for services
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Placement planning and support for students
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Facilitating placement exchanges.
This project will be predominantly supporting:
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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young people not engaged in education, employment, or training
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gender diverse (including men)
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mature aged
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long-term unemployed
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culturally and linguistically diverse
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people with disability
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those with additional needs (e.g. language, literacy and numeracy support)
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first in family tertiary students.
Minimum 18 hours per week up to 38 hours
The successful candidate will:
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assist promotion of these opportunities through our stakeholder networks and to prospective students
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work in a Key Connector model of wraparound student support and apply a relational approach to supporting a cohort of students throughout their study pathway by walking alongside them
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provide tailored support including but not limited to advocacy, coaching/mentoring, referral pathways to support organisations, assistance with enrolment, career guidance, wellbeing, and study network supports
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utilise project tools and templates when working with students
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collaborate with project partners to ensure all project deliverables are met
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facilitate components of the project, including attendance at courses
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support students, training providers and services before and during placements.
This project aims to support a diverse range of learners including those currently in the early childhood sector, and people with lived experience are encouraged to apply.
This position will be contracted until June 30, 2027, with the likelihood of a 1+1+1 year extension.
To make the right move for your career, please email your cover letter, resume and work-related referees to [email protected]. Please note, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Please use your cover letter to support your application for the role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples are encouraged to apply
Gowrie SA is a community-based organisation leading the development of innovative and responsive services for children and families. Founded on a rich history of children’s rights to quality education and care, our programs today are focused on a vision that holds the rights, wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators at its heart.
We offer unique, relationship based programs which allow time for each child and their family to develop rich connections with their primary educators. Within our infant-toddler (0-3 years) and kindergarten (3-5 years) program, educators use these connections to enrich learning experiences that stimulate children’s curiosity, wonder and learning. Our spacious natural gardens support all children to explore their world freely and feel accepted and respected culturally, intellectually, emotionally and physically.
Gowrie SA focuses on community, social justice and the capacities of each child to inform their programs.
We are committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The rights, wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators are at the heart of our vision for early childhood. Gowrie SA prioritises cultural learning and reconciliation in our community with the belief that children’s voices will shape future generations. As part of Gowrie SA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we warmly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Applications from Kaurna people will be highly regarded and prioritised.
We also encourage culturally diverse applicants and those from diverse backgrounds.
We offer fully funded leadership and professional learning opportunities, both internally and externally, to support our educators in their ongoing learning, which assists professional growth and career development. We offer additional leave, above Award salaries, a professional career path and a supportive working environment. We have lovely modern facilities which are fit for purpose, and our programs are located in an area rich with trees and plants.
Gowrie SA is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity; with all employment decisions being based on an applicant’s ability to undertake their desired role. Considerations are made to ensure employees succeed in fulfilling their position requirements.
Testimonial – ‘I really enjoyed being part of a team that was so supportive and worked so well together. It felt like my opinions were valued and my needs were respected. I feel lucky to have been in such a cohesive and genuinely caring environment.’
Gowrie SA is committed to creating a child safe environment where all children feel valued and safe. We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out DHS Working with Children Checks and reference checks (as we see fit), as well as careful examination of employment history, to ensure that we are recruiting the right people for our organisation. All employees are aware of Child Safe practices and alert leaders if they have any concerns.
