Early Childhood Teacher

  • Warracknabeal
  • Yarriambiack Shire Council
About Us : Yarriambiack Shire Council has a population of 6,645 people and covers an area of 7,158sq km. Yarriambiack Shire Council stretches from the Wimmera River just north of the Grampians in the south, to the centre of the Mallee in the north. The Yarriambiack Creek is the main natural feature traversing the Shire. The area is also linked by road and rail systems that run in a north-south direction. The area has an almost ideal climate with a short winter and delightful autumn and spring. Warracknabeal is the major service centre in the region and provides a wide range of services. It is complemented by Hopetoun in the north and Minyip, Murtoa and Rupanyup in the south, with another 13 small towns spread throughout the Municipality. Council offers an abundance of services to the region such as home care, home maintenance services, meals on wheels, maternal and child health, enhanced maternal child health, library services, tourism and area promotion, parks and gardens, kindergarten services, supported playgroup, housing support, environmental health services, food inspections, immunisation, youth support, planning and building services, waste services, law, order and public safety, public recreation spaces including swimming pools and sporting stadiums, emergency management, roads, footpaths, bridges, buildings, aerodromes, public halls and saleyards.  Council is also engages technical specialisists to provide effective governance, accounting and finance, customer service, administration, engineering and asset management and information management services.  About You : QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Approved qualifications for minimum graduate level entry as an Early Childhood Teacher (Bachelor of Early Childhood / Bachelor of Teaching – Early Childhood); and registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Knowledge of and experience in the implementation of the Education and Care Services National Act and Regulations; National Quality Framework; Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework; and Early Years Learning Framework. Current Level 2 First Aid. Current Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications. As part of Yarriambiack Shire Council’s recruitment and selection process, a satisfactory Police Check and Working with Childrens Check (Vic) is required for this position. A current driver’s licence is required. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA: Demonstrated sound understanding and knowledge of Early Childhood Development and contemporary educational theories. Demonstrated ability to develop, document and implement a kindergarten program which meets the individual developmental needs of children and in line with the Victorian Early Years Learning and development framework. Highly developed communication and organisational skills with the ability to communicate confidently with all stakeholders. Good interpersonal skills and a positive approach when working with families, educators and other professionals. Demonstrated awareness of the need and requirements to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Ability to work positively and co-operatively as a member of a team, and provide leadership to the team. The ability to identify children with additional needs and plan for them accordingly, considering input from specialist children’s services and the child’s family. Provide leadership whilst working as a member of a collaborative team and encourage other educators to contribute to the program planning. Provide a warm, safe, welcoming environment for children and families and ensure that all children are supervised at all times Position Summary : Position Objective  Provide early childhood teaching services within Yarriambiack Shire Council. Develop and implement a high quality educational program that meets the individual developmental needs of each child, in consultation with families and other educators. Provide leadership within the service as the leader – supervising, educating and supporting the team of educators delivering the early childhood program, to ensure that the program objectives are met. Operate in a professional manner at all times, and ensure that the kindergarten program meets the requirements of all Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and Department of Education and Training (DET) requirements, Child Safe Standards, Reportable Conduct Scheme, Regulations and Law. Operate a program in line with the National Quality Framework (NQF); Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF); and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Key Requirements : ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY Responsible for: Ensuring that service delivery meets standards as set out by the Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011), the Education and Care Services National Law Act (2010, the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme. Participate in and actively meet the requirements of ACECQA’s National Quality Framework, including development of the service’s Quality Improvement Plan. Ensure that policies and procedures of the Kindergarten and Yarriambiack Shire Council are adhered to. Operate within budgets set by Yarriambiack Shire Council. JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING: Effective management and professional guidance, mentoring and support of educators, in consultation with the Early Years Coordinator. Use policies and procedures, regulations, frameworks and professional knowledge to solve a range of problems involving children, families and educators. Recommend maintenance and replacement of equipment in conjunction with the Early Years Coordinator. SPECIALIST SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: A sound understanding and knowledge of early childhood development and contemporary educational theories. The ability to develop, document and implement a curriculum in line with the EYLF and VEYLDF. The ability to identify children with additional needs and plan for them accordingly, considering input from specialist children’s services and the child’s family. Well-developed communication and organisational skills, with the ability to communicate confidently to all stakeholders. Good interpersonal skills and a positive approach when working with all parents, other professionals, and the community. Ability to complete professional reports to families, schools, and other professionals. Ability to use a wide range of resources and technology to effectively document children’s learning. MANAGEMENT SKILLS: Actively oversee and support educators on a daily basis, including providing educators with supervision and on the job training and guidance in the early years setting. Ability to plan and organise workload effectively for self, educators, volunteers and children. Ability to use initiative and work unsupervised as required. Knowledge of, and participation in the review of, policies and procedures. Encourage and assist in the motivation of staff and the implementation of change and initiatives. Ability to foster a collaborative team culture of evidence-based, best practice. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, staff at all levels, other professionals and community members. Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate positively and professionally with Council officers and staff, families and others. An ability to contribute and work effectively in a team environment. Well-developed leadership and self-motivation skills. Effective advocacy, negotiation and public relations skills. Effective listening skills, both with children and adults. Solve problems through discussion, negotiation and team work in order to maintain productivity and service standards. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Job Responsibility : Key Responsibility Areas General Operate within the requirements of Yarriambiack Shire Council’s policies and procedures and Yarriambiack Shire Council’s Early Years policies and procedures. Support all educators, volunteers and students within the service as the leader of the service. Support children’s learning and development through the implementation of a curriculum in accordance with the EYLF and VEYLDF.  Ensure documentation of children’s learning is in line with the EYLF and VEYLDF. Take on the responsible delegation as the Nominated Supervisor to manage, control and undertake all responsibilities associated with being the supervisor in accordance with ACECQA requirements. Be actively involved in the ACECQA ongoing Quality Improvement Plan and Assessment and Rating process. Kindergarten Develop in consultation with families, children and educators, an educational curriculum that is reviewed and updated regularly; and implement a program which meets the individual developmental needs and interests of the children. Plan for the transition of children from Kindergarten to school, including the completion of Transition Learning & Development Statements for all children. Provide a healthy, safe and welcoming environment and ensure that all children attending kindergarten are supervised at all times. Develop, record and maintain specific objectives for individual children based on written observation of children’s learning. Provide information about the kindergarten program via newsletters, posters and notices, and communicate with families on their child’s development and progress on both a formal and informal basis. Liaise with the Kindergarten Parent Advisory Group. Respect the confidentiality of information relating to families and children and comply with privacy policies. Team Responsibilities Provide leadership whilst working as a member of a cooperative team and encourage other educators to contribute to program planning. Participate in professional development to ensure up to date knowledge in regard to current theories, practices and recommendations and meet Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) requirements. Be responsible for the day to day supervision of educators, and manage any issues in conjunction with the Early Years Coordinator. Participate in an annual staff performance appraisal and regular review of professional development goals. Wellbeing Participate in the development of quarterly individual well-being goals, in consultation with the Early Years Coordinator. Occupational Health and Safety and Risk Management All employees have a responsibility to: Immediately report to their Supervisor any unsafe conditions or activities, near misses, or injuries in the work place; Stop work on any task which they consider to be unsafe and immediately report the situation to their supervisor  Assist new employees in the use of proper work procedures and practices; Work in a manner that will not endanger themselves or any other person; Use personal protective clothing or equipment as provided; Report any defective/damaged personal protective clothing, equipment or gear; Comply with instructions given by a Supervisor or OHS Coordinator pertaining to the use of personal protective clothing, equipment or gear or any matter in relation to Health & Safety; Not to interfere with anything that has been provided in the interest of Health & Safety in the business unit; Not engage in any occupations that require a certificate unless the relevant certificate or permit is held and they have been approved by Yarriambiack Shire Council to carry out such work; Not attempt any task unless they are capable and competent to carry out the task; and Actively participate in Council’s rehabilitation and return to work programs if you are injured.  ORGANISATION ENVIRONMENT: Reports to:                                                       Early Years Coordinator Supervises:                                                      Educators, Placement Students Internal Liaisons:                                             Early Years Staff                                                                           Maternal Child Health Nurse Services                                                                           Supported Playgroup Facilitator                                                                           Yarriambiack Shire Council Management and Staff                                                                            External Liaisons:                                            Families and Children                                                                            Early Childhood Intervention Support Services                                                                            Pre-School Field Officer                                                                            Department of Education and Training ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: At all times, behave in a manner consistent with Council’s Employee Code of Conduct and Human Resource policies and guidelines (including Bullying / Equal Opportunity / Discrimination / Sexual Harassment Guidelines). Ensure compliance to relevant OHS regulatory requirements and implement, promote and maintain Council’s OHS and Return to Work policies, procedures, training programs and initiatives. Ensure compliance to relevant regulatory or legislative requirements; including but not limited to Information Privacy and Freedom of Information. CHILD SAFE STANDARDS: Yarriambiack Shire Council is committed to creating a child safe and child friendly environment where children and young people are respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.All staff must adhere to Council’s Child Safe Policy and procedures and ensure that any reasonable suspicion of abuse to children or young people is reported. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Yarriambiack Shire Council offers a work environment free from discrimination, sexual or other harassment, victimisation, vilification and bullying. Employees are expected to contribute to the maintenance of such a work environment. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY: Employees must respect and protect the privacy and confidentiality of information gained or accessed during the course of their employment. Employees are required to comply with the Information Privacy Act, the Health Records Act and Council’s Confidentiality policies. Both during and after employment with Council, employees must not: Communicate confidential or private information to third parties. Make use of any information gained through employment at the Shire for any purpose other than the discharge of official duties. PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION: Personal and Health Information collected by Council is used for recruitment and if the applicant is successful will be used for Human Resources. The Personal and Health Information will be used solely by Council for this purpose and/or directly related purposes. Council may disclose this information to other organisations if required by legislation. The applicant understands that the Personal and Health Information provided is for the above purpose and that he or she may apply to Council for access to and/or amendment of the information after finalisation of the appeals process. Information relating to unsuccessful applicants may be destroyed by Council after 12 months from this time. Requests for access and/or correction should be made to Council’s Privacy Officer. RECORD KEEPING: Record keeping responsibilities for all staff members: Creating and capturing full and accurate records of Council business. Adhering to Council’s Records Management Policies and Procedures. Record keeping responsibilities for staff members with specialist skills in relevant areas: Implementing and supporting the Council records management strategy (such as change management, training, communications, project management and information technology). ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW: Every staff member is required to actively participate in the annual performance review/appraisal process with his or her supervisor. VARIATIONS TO CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position description is subject to change from time to time as Yarriambiack Shire Council’s organisation may be developed or restructured. Any such reorganisation of duties shall be the subject of discussion with the position incumbent. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As part of Yarriambiack Shire Council’s recruitment and selection process, a Pre-employment medical assessment, satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children’s Check (Vic) is required for this position. Current Victorian Drivers Licence. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Approved qualifications for minimum graduate level entry as an Early Childhood Teacher (Bachelor of Early Childhood / Bachelor of Teaching – Early Childhood); and registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Knowledge of and experience in the implementation of the Education and Care Services National Act and Regulations; National Quality Framework; Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework; and Early Years Learning Framework. Current Level 2 First Aid. Current Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications. As part of Yarriambiack Shire Council’s recruitment and selection process, a satisfactory Police Check and Working with Childrens Check (Vic) is required for this position. A current driver’s licence is required. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA: Demonstrated sound understanding and knowledge of Early Childhood Development and contemporary educational theories. Demonstrated ability to develop, document and implement a kindergarten program which meets the individual developmental needs of children and in line with the Victorian Early Years Learning and development framework. Highly developed communication and organisational skills with the ability to communicate confidently with all stakeholders. Good interpersonal skills and a positive approach when working with families, educators and other professionals. Demonstrated awareness of the need and requirements to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Ability to work positively and co-operatively as a member of a team, and provide leadership to the team. The ability to identify children with additional needs and plan for them accordingly, considering input from specialist children’s services and the child’s family. Provide leadership whilst working as a member of a collaborative team and encourage other educators to contribute to the program planning. Provide a warm, safe, welcoming environment for children and families and ensure that all children are supervised at all times Job Functions : Teaching Job Benefits : Yarriambiack Shire Council provides flexibility and high quality working environments Yarriambiack Shire Council is and Equal Employment Opportunity employer and committed to the principles of workplace diversity Yarriambiack Shire Council is committed to enhancing opportunities for all children in the community and as a strong Early years team Yarriambiack Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a work environment that’s inclusive as well as diverse. Selling Point : Mentoring Pedagogical support provided through Early Years Coordinator,Strong collegial and supportive group of Early Childhood Educators in the Shire. Yarriambiack Shire Council is committed to providing a range of high quality early years programs and provides professional learning support for all staff. Contact : Human Resources