Montessori Home Early Learning Shepparton, operated by Miles of Smilez Pty Ltd, is seeking an experienced and qualified Child Care Worker to join our team in Shepparton, Victoria, on a full-time, ongoing basis.

Our centre provides long day education and care for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children, with a program that blends the Montessori approach with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

As Child Care Worker, you will provide education and care for children, deliver learning experiences that support each child’s development, and supervise children’s play and daily routines in line with the National Quality Framework (NQF).

You will work closely with families, the Room Leader, the Centre Manager and the wider educator team to create a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment where every child is supported to reach their full potential.

The position offers a salary of $80,000 per annum plus superannuation.

Benefits

• Full-time, ongoing employment with an established early learning service
• Salary of $80,000 per annum plus superannuation
• Work alongside experienced Room Leaders and early childhood teachers
• Montessori-inspired learning environment with quality resources and materials
• Ongoing professional development, including Montessori practice and NQF training
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative, inclusive workplace culture
• Paid annual leave, personal leave and other entitlements under the National Employment Standards and Children’s Services Award 2010
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference to children and families in the Shepparton community

Task & responsibilities

• Provide education and care for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children in a long day care setting, ensuring each child’s physical, emotional, social and educational needs are met.
• Prepare materials, equipment and the learning environment to support children’s learning and development, including Montessori materials and practical-life activities.
• Implement play-based learning experiences in line with the EYLF, VEYLDF and Montessori principles, and contribute to planning the room’s educational program.
• Observe and document children’s learning and development, and share observations with the Room Leader to inform programming.
• Prepare and conduct activities for children, including reading, games, music, art and outdoor play, and supervise children during recreational activities.
• Develop positive, respectful and nurturing relationships with children and support their sense of identity, belonging and wellbeing.
• Ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children at all times, including active supervision, hygiene, nutrition, sleep and rest practices, and risk assessment of indoor and outdoor environments.
• Supervise children’s daily routines and hygiene, including meal times, hand washing, toileting and nappy changing, rest periods and transitions.
• Support the inclusion of all children, including children with additional needs and children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and work with families and support agencies as required.
• Support children to develop cooperative behaviour, self-regulation and positive social skills using respectful and consistent behaviour guidance strategies.
• Work collaboratively with the Room Leader and other educators to provide consistent care, supervision and learning for children.
• Build effective partnerships with families, communicating regularly about their child’s progress, routines and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate records, including incident, injury, trauma and illness records, medication records, attendance and programming documentation.
• Follow and help maintain compliance with the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Standard and centre policies and procedures.
• Recognise and respond to child safety and wellbeing concerns in line with Victorian Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting obligations.
• Contribute to the centre’s Quality Improvement Plan, team meetings and continuous improvement of the educational program and practice.

Qualification & experience

• A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with at least 2 years’ relevant experience.
• At least 2 years’ full-time (or equivalent) experience as a child care worker / educator in a long day care or other early childhood education and care setting.
• Sound knowledge of the National Quality Framework, the EYLF and the VEYLDF.
• Experience implementing and documenting learning experiences for children.
• A current Victorian Working with Children Check (Employee).
• Current first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training approved by ACECQA or willingness to obtain before commencement.
• Completion of child protection / mandatory reporting training, or willingness to complete on commencement.
• Knowledge of or interest in the Montessori approach will be highly regarded (not essential).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Ability to work as part of a team and commitment to child safety, inclusion and high-quality practice.