Job Title: Full Time Early Childhood Assistant Centre Director - Kew
Salary field: Approx $84,000 (dependent on experience) + Super
Job Summary:
Tradewind Australia is recruiting for an Assistant Centre Director/2ic for an "Exceeding" Early Learning Centre, based in Kew, Melbourne to start in September 2025.
1. Permanent, Ongoing Position across Monday - Friday
2. Interview tips and preparation provided
3. Work with a dedicated consultant who will walk you through the application process
4. ASAP Start
About the Role:
Tradewind Australia | Early Childhood - Assistant Centre Director| Kew, Melbourne
Tradewind Australia is partnering with a high-quality Early Learning Centre in Kew, Melbourne, to find a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Leader for a permanent, full-time assistant leadership opportunity.
This role offers the chance to act as 2ic within a purpose-built centre featuring exceptional indoor and outdoor learning environments, tailored to engage children from 6 weeks to school age. You will work closely with a supportive centre director and team of educators, sharing responsibility for open and close shifts, spending most of your time "off floor" in your role.
We are seeking either an experienced Assistant Centre Director ready for a fresh opportunity or a standout Educational Leader looking to step into a senior leadership role.
If you're driven to make a meaningful impact in a welcoming, community-focused environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Key duties:
5. Overseeing daily operations in the Centre Director's absence
6. Monitoring staff-child ratios, educator scheduling, and room transitions
7. Maintaining safe, clean, and engaging environments that reflect the Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based philosophy
8. Supporting implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework and Reggio Emilia approach
9. Collaborating with educators to plan and adapt learning experiences for children from 6 weeks to school age
10. Ensuring programs build language, motor, cognitive, and social-emotional development
11. Assisting with recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews
12. Supporting professional development and reflective practice
13. Mentoring educators and fostering an inclusive, collaborative team culture
14. Ensuring adherence to ACECQA, NQS, and regulatory requirements
15. Building warm, respectful relationships with families
16. Greeting children and families daily, responding to enquiries, and conducting tours
17. Promoting inclusive practices that celebrate cultural diversity and multilingual engagement
18. Assisting with budget monitoring, fee administration, and enrolments
19. Supporting operational reporting and service occupancy
20. Contributing to marketing initiatives to attract and retain families
Required Qualifications & Attributes
21. Diploma, Graduate Diploma, or Degree in Early Childhood Education (ACECQA approved)
22. In-depth knowledge of the EYLF and National Quality Standards (NQS)
23. Understanding of early childhood pedagogies - particularly play-based learning and Reggio Emilia
24. Strong understanding of compliance, regulations, and Child Safe Standards applicable to Victorian early childhood services
25. High level of written and verbal communication skills
26. Strong computer and documentation skills - familiarity with Microsoft Office and digital tools such as Storypark
27. Current Working with Children Check or VIT
28. Approved First Aid Certificate including Asthma, CPR and Anaphylaxis training
29. Current legal working rights in Australia
Skills & Experience:
30. Proven leadership experience working in an Australian-based Early Learning setting as a 2ic, Assistant Director or Educational Leader
31. Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and inspire a diverse team of educators and support staff
32. Excellent organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills
33. Strong financial and operational management capabilities, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation
34. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with children, families, staff, and external stakeholders
35. Commitment to continuous improvement, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development
36. Ability to build meaningful relationships with children, colleagues and families
Why work with Tradewind?
Tradewind Australia is a specialist, education recruitment agency and is the preferred supplier of Educators for many schools and Early Learning Centres across Australia. We have a strong reputation of providing high calibre Educators with fantastic contract and casual opportunities and helping to pursue a rewarding career. Our aim is to cultivate an excellent ongoing relationship with you throughout your growing career.