Job Description
POSITION:
Early Childhood Educator
REPORTS TO:
Early Years Adviser
DEPARTMENT:
Kindergarten
SUPERVISORS:
Early Childhood Co-educator
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ECMS Vision
At Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS) we are passionate about the
development of children in their early years (0-6 years). We have a vision for a
community where every child has the opportunity to be their best and every parent,
family and community is enriched by the experience of their children’s learning.
ECMS Purpose
We are a not-for-profit community enterprise providing enabling early childhood
education and care for children, parents, families and communities across Melbourne.
ECMS Values and Philosophy
Our Values and Philosophy are embedded in a social inclusion frame where we
recognise the important role we play in ensuring children and families feel connected
to and supported by their community, have a sense of belonging and feel their voice is
heard
Inclusive:
We value and nurture the uniqueness of each child and
diversity of each community in designing inclusive services
Respect:
We respect the role of parents as the primary care giver and
provide opportunities to participate in their child’s learning
Learning and enrichment: We provide parents, families and communities with access
to resources and opportunities so that they can focus on
connectedness, learning and enrichment
Connected:
Our services are embedded in and connected with the
communities we serve so that children and families feel
connected and supported
Responsive:
Our services are responsive to the specific needs of the
communities we serve
Trusted:
We are a trusted partner with parents, communities, business
and other services in responding to need
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Job Description
Purpose of the role
The purpose of this role is to provide an educational program and practice which
enhances all children’s learning and development, providing opportunities to maximize
children’s potential and develop a foundation for future success in learning.
Demonstrate energy and commitment to the ECMS vision working with colleagues in a
unified and cooperative manner based on trust and mutual respect, also providing
educational leadership whilst working as a member of a collaborative service team.
Key working relationships
Internal:
The early childhood teacher is accountable to, reports to and takes
direction from the Early Years Adviser.
External:
Represent ECMS in public and professional settings when requested.
General responsibilities
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Undertake all responsibilities and activities associated with being a Nominated
Supervisor to manage the service in the Approved Provider’s absence in accordance
with the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and
Care Services National Regulations 2011;
Act in accordance with the authority delegated by ECMS in dealing with situations of
an urgent nature requiring immediate action, ensuring compliance with the Act and
the Regulations;
Lead the delivery of quality early childhood education and care in accordance with
ECMS Vision and Values, the Approved Learning Frameworks, the National Quality
Standard and relevant regulatory requirements;
Ensure that education program reflects the service’s philosophy, relationships,
collaborative decision making and respect for diversity.
Operate within the requirements of the service’s policies and procedures, as well as
funding and regulatory requirements;
Encourage enrolments and provide relevant written information and referrals in
accordance with the enrolment policy and procedures, as specified by ECMS;
Respect the confidentiality of information relating to parents and children, and
comply with the service’s privacy policy;
Comply with the professional development requirements in any industrial award or
agreement, such as the Professional Development and Enhancement Program
(PDEP) under the VECTAA;
Recommend and participate in professional development of staff in consultation with
the ECMS Early Years Adviser, including the orientation of staff;
Keep abreast of current issues relating to children’s services and liaise with relevant
early childhood services and other professional services and organisations within the
community; and
Other duties as directed by ECMS from time-to-time.
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Job Description
Specific responsibilities
Children
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Develop, in consultation with families and educators, an educational program which
is underpinned by an approved learning framework and enhances all children’s
learning and development;
Document the delivery of the education program, including assessments of each
child’s developmental needs, interests, experiences and participation in the
educational program;
Maintain documentation of each child’s progress against the outcomes of the
education program;
Provide a healthy, safe and welcoming environment, and ensure that children are
adequately supervised at all times;
Discuss with relevant service staff the needs of families and children attending the
service so that they can carry out their duties effectively; and
Case-manage children enrolled with additional needs, liaising with parents,
educators, funding providers and other specialists as required to oversee processes
and ensure they are effectively implemented. Involve the Social Inclusion Adviser
where appropriate.
Families
 Develop collaborative relationships with families based on active communication,
consultation and respect;
 Provide regular information about the program, the operation of the service and their
child’s development for families in the form of newsletters, posters and notices;
 Communicate with families on their child’s learning, development and progress at
the kindergarten; and
 Ensure that new families are appropriately enrolled and orientated at the service.
Cluster Manager
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Work in a cooperative manner with ECMS ensuring open communication on all issues
pertaining to employment, management, finances, program and regulatory
requirements of the service;
Support ECMS’s role as the Approved Provider of the service by providing
information relevant to meet the regulatory requirements;
Prepare written reports concerning the educational program and any issues relating
to the service as requested by the ECMS and the Department of Education and
Early Childhood Development (DEECD);
Attend and contribute to regular network and staff meetings;
Complete, within agreed time lines, all relevant program related reports and data
collections required by ECMS;
Report to the Early Years Adviser on urgent and ongoing maintenance at the
service; and
Report to the Early Years Adviser on equipment and materials needed and
purchase of approved supplies.
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Job Description
Committee/Parent Advisory Group-(PAG) (if applicable)
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Work in a cooperative manner with the Committee, ensuring open communication
on all issues pertaining to management, PAG finances, program and regulatory
requirements of the service;
Prepare written reports concerning the educational program and any issues relating
to the service as requested by the Committee/PAG, within agreed timelines;
Attend and contribute to Committee meetings as required;
Administration – Finance/Budget and Human Resource/ Payroll
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Be aware of roles and responsibilities and undertake the responsibilities associated
with being the Nominated Supervisor.
Have an understanding of ECMS’ kindergarten payroll processes, completing
personnel documentation, leave forms and timesheets in a timely and accurate
manner;
Maintain accurate budget and expenditure records (namely petty cash and
equipment purchases) and liaise with the Committee/PAG or ECMS regarding
budget allocation in relation to program operational expenses and purchases;
Monitor and maintain enrolment records and where necessary liaise with Enrolment
Officer/Fee Collections Officer and complete relevant ECMS enrolment audit forms;
Contribute to the development and implementation of ECMS/service policies and
procedures.
Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordination
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Ensure all work is performed in accordance with the Education and Care Services
legislation, the Education and Care Service National Law Act 2010, Education and
Care Services National Regulations 2011, the Occupational Health and Safety Act
2004, and ECMS policies and procedures;
Ensure emergency evacuation and safety plans are in place and all staff are
trained in their implementation of this plan, implementing quarterly safety drills;
Undertake check and completion of daily safety checklist and documentation,
including changes made;
Work cooperatively with the Early Years Adviser on hazard management audits,
ensuring that identified hazards are addressed immediately;
Undertake incident reporting in a timely way in accordance with ECMS policies and
procedures;
Ensure compliance by staff with WorkCover and Rehabilitation/Return to Work
Policy and procedures;
Ensure effective communication and relationships with Health and Safety
Representative/s, ensuring OH&S items are addressed
Maintain the centre’s OH&S notice-board with current information and safe work
method sheets.
Work cooperatively with ECMS, the OH&S Committee and all staff to ensure the
service operates in a safe work environment and that staff follow safe work
practices.
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Job Description
Policy and Compliance
 Understand, communicate and ensure adherence to, and compliance with, all
ECMS policies and procedures, by undertaking audits, ensuring confidentiality in all
dealings and keeping abreast of changes to relevant legislation;
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Ensure the service is operates in accordance with:
o Education and Care Service National Law Act 2010;
o Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011;
o The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004;
o The National Quality Standard; and
o Victorian Kindergarten, policy, procedures and Funding Criteria
Staff
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To be responsible for the day to day direction and supervision of staff performing
duties related to the group/s for which the position is directly responsible;
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To be responsible for sharing any tasks of preparation, hygiene, safety and packing
away, with other staff related to the daily program;
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To lead, foster and support a cooperative and flexible team within the service. To
work cooperatively with all ECMS staff and the Committee/PAG;
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To facilitate or attend regular staff meetings to promote effective communication
and teamwork on the day to day operations and programming for the service.
Provide in house staff development at these meetings as required.
Management Support/Ancillary Functions
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Undertake management support/ancillary functions as delegated by ECMS.
Latitude of action / authorities
ECMS policies and procedures provide guidance for day to day operations and
decision making. All matters outside established ECMS policies and guidelines that
have (but not limited to) regulatory, financial, or industrial implication requires advice to
be sought from your immediate line manager or, in their absence, a member of the
ECMS Leadership Team.
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Job Description
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Job knowledge and skills
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Have a sound understanding and knowledge of early childhood learning and
development;
Have the knowledge of, and ability to develop, document, implement and
assess an appropriate education program which is underpinned by an
approved learning framework in consultation with relevant stakeholders;
The ability to plan, work and manage time effectively with minimal supervision;
Sound knowledge of, and ability to implement, the requirements of the
Education and Care Service National Law Act 2010, and the Education and
Care Services National Regulations 2011; and the
Ability to develop and implement a quality improvement plan in accordance
with the National Quality Standard.
Interpersonal Skills:
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Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with the
children, families, Committees/PAGs, other staff and professionals;
Ability to work in a cooperative, flexible and professional manner with children,
families, cluster manager staff and committee;
Well developed leadership and self motivation skills; and
The ability to ensure confidentiality of information.
Education
A qualification suitable for registration as an Early Childhood Teacher under the
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, and the Education and Care
Services Regulations 2011, the DEECD Funding and Service Agreement, and in
accordance with Early Childhood Teacher Classification contained in the Early
Education teachers Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Assistants Agreement,
VECTAA 2009;
Essential requirements
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Be a fit-and-proper person for, and be registered by, the service as appropriate
for the position under the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010;
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Hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) assessment, which
demonstrates suitability for employment in a children’s service, to be kept current
at all times;
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Hold an appropriate First Aid, Anaphylaxis Management, CPR and Emergency
Asthma Management certification that complies with the requirements of the
Education and Care Service National Regulations 2011. This must be kept current
at all times.
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Job Description
Responsibilities stated herein reflect the primary functions of this
job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties
I have read the Position Description for my role and agree to abide by the standards
and expectations of the organisation.
Name
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Signature
_________________________________ Date _____________
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