Educational Leader (Mat Leave) - Kirwan

The organisation: The Uniting Church in Australia (the Church) is a large uniquely Australian Christian denomination with heritage from historical reformed evangelical denominations. In Queensland, the Uniting Church has around 250 congregations and schools, colleges, and large community services (such as UnitingCare Queensland and Wesley Mission Queensland).
Position purpose: The purpose of this role is to provide leadership in the development and implementation of a quality care and education program in the role of educational leader for a 6-month maternity leave cover with potential for growth.
Key responsibilities: Lead the delivery of the educational learning experiences in the service through a quality play-based early childhood education program within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and/or Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG). Plan and implement programs based on knowledge of the child, children, EYLF, QKLG and National Quality Framework (NQF) in preparation for the children's first year of formal schooling. Effectively lead educators to plan and provide resources to maximise and maintain an effective, engaging, safe and aesthetic learning environment. Work collaboratively and respectfully with fellow educators to support each other's professional development and to utilise a variety of teaching strategies including intentional teaching, reflective practice and continuous improvement that provides quality education and care of children. Develop and maintain a strong understanding of relevant legislation, frameworks, policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure the service meets all compliance obligations. Exemplify personal drive and integrity, taking personal responsibility for meeting objectives, showing initiative and committing energy to achieving goals, showing resilience and professional conduct under pressure and scrutiny. Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with families and children, supporting meaningful parent participation, maintaining professional boundaries. Support commitment to inclusion and access to a quality early childhood education program for all children and families, treating all children with dignity and respect. Positively guide children's behaviour and encourage children to interact with others with care, empathy, kindness and respect. Undertake and fulfill the duties of a responsible person, in day-to-day charge of the service as per the National Regulations (in the absence of the Nominated Supervisor), where required. Model the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod in day-to-day work including in interactions with managers, educators, children, families, clients and stakeholders. Identify and develop strategies to provide internal and external client-focused customer service including identifying improvements to policy, process and the work environment. Maintain thorough knowledge of relevant Child Protection Law matters applicable to the jurisdiction and proactively respond to child protection matters. Ensure a safe environment and culture by supporting the development of the centre team capabilities to identify and respond to hazards and risks, informing the Director of issues and supporting the implementation of solutions to resolve and prevent a re-occurrence of incidents. Work within the Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety and other relevant legislation, including reporting hazards/incidents, support for injured workers and full participation in return to work plans. Support and promote change initiatives within the centre. Undertake other duties as and when directed within the scope of the role and the capabilities of the incumbent. Role Duties: Guide and mentor the educators to effectively prepare and execute the educational program, including setting up and packing away equipment, experiences and activities, effectively supervise and engage children in participation of outdoor/indoor activities. Effectively document the educational program making each individual child's learning and growth visible, undertaking assessment and engaging in ongoing reflective practice that enrich children's learning. Apply effective communication to engage room educators to understand daily and weekly planning objectives. Participate in all care and education duties as required with all children at the service, including, but not limited to: • Welcoming parents and children to the centre
• Responding and supporting children's emotional needs
• Promoting and developing secure relationships
• Serving and assisting children during mealtimes
Undertake general cleaning tasks to maintain overall cleanliness of the room and service including, but not limited to: Comply with all lawful instructions provided by management, the Church policy and procedures, National Law and National Regulations. Qualifications: Early Childhood Diploma level qualification or equivalent as approved by ACECQA (Required) Experience and skills: Demonstrated ability to develop, drive, and implement an educational play-based program, ensuring the learning needs of individual children and the group are effectively documented and assessed. Demonstrated ability to assess children's learning behaviour and development, guiding children's behaviour in a positive way and encourage children to interact with others with care, empathy and respect. Demonstrate and maintain a working knowledge of theories and practice relevant to early childhood education, assisting and supporting the provision of a safe, engaging and well-planned indoor and outdoor learning environment. Demonstrated experience in providing practical guidance and interaction that ensures quality outcomes for children. Demonstrated or developing initiative and strong sense of personal responsibility for meeting objectives and managing health and safety risks. Willingness to promote social justice and equity by demonstrating an attitude of acceptance and respect for all children and their families, especially those with special needs and those from other cultures. Ability and willingness to work within the Philosophy, Policies and Procedures of The Uniting Church in Australia. Service: personable with a commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships with children, families, key stakeholders/customers across the Church and its agencies, boards and committees of the Synod. Responsibility: demonstrated ability to clearly, effectively and confidentially communicate orally and in writing with other educators, children, families and clients, whilst managing competing views. Respect: demonstrated ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing with others and manage competing views. Integrity: professional and ethical behaviour, demonstrates an attitude of acceptance and respect for all children and their families, with an ability to act with impartiality, honesty, operate flexibly and use effective teamwork skills. Commitment to working within the purpose and values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and adhering to the policies, organisational requirements and processes. Additional requirements: Current Drivers Licence – (Desirable) Suitability Card for Child Related Employment (Blue Card) – All adults who work with people under 18 years in Queensland are required to undergo a "Working with Children Check" under the screening provisions of the Commission for Children and Young People Act (2000). Presentation of a current Suitability Card must be made before appointment to the position can be confirmed. Position requires flexibility of hours and some travel may be required, as necessary. Hold current First Aid, CPR and Asthma & Anaphylaxis certification. Work within the Early Childhood Association (ECA) Code of Ethics. Willingness and ability to undertake duties as a responsible person in day-to-day charge of the service. The successful applicant must be eligible to legally work in Australia and proof of eligibility may be requested.

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