Playgroup Lead/Educator

• 10 hrs pw – SCHCADS Award Level 3/4 depending on qualifications and experience
• Work in the heart of Greenacre’s CBD

Benefits 

We support our staff to meet their work/life balance aspirations and wherever possible we aim to show flexibility with work hours. Some of the other ways we support our staff include:

• Bonus 3 days paid Christmas Leave
• Salary Sacrifice
• Access to external training and staff development opportunities
• Friendly and supportive team environment working towards a shared vision

About You 

• You are passionate about working with children and want to help them grow and  develop 
• You are an experienced professional in the field of early childhood education and  child development of young children 
• You are adaptable and flexible with your time  
• You love engaging with families and community 
• You can lead and grow the playgroup and work collaboratively with the staff team to  ensure you exceed the desired parental and children outcomes for local families.  

About The Role 

As a Playgroup Lead/Educator, you will play a crucial role in overseeing and co-ordinating  our Supported Playgroup, including leading the playgroup team in developing proactive  engagement strategies and working closely with our Child & Family Counsellor/Caseworker as a referral point and support for families and collaborating with our Community

Strengthening team on community events to increase the participation of families.  

The role has a face to face component, 2 hours per week, as well as project administration  and community engagement and networking. 

You will be responsible for the smooth operation of the playgroup, maintaining compliance  with policies and funding agreements, and providing support to playgroup staff, volunteers  and families.  

This position requires exceptional planning, organisational and interpersonal skills, as well as  a genuine commitment to the well-being and development of children and their families. 

The role will start at 10hrs per week with the potential to market and grow, pending  funding. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Deliver a high- quality Supported Playgroup that is accessible to all members of the  local community with specific focus on CALD, vulnerable and disadvantaged  communities 
• Plan and provide a range of developmentally appropriate activities and apply  the (EYLF) to guide and influence planning and practice 
• Communicate with playgroup families about the specific needs of their child/ren and provide referral pathways to internal/ external services
• Co-ordinate the delivery of Evidenced Based Parenting Programs to support parents in the implementation of positive strategies to assist with their child's development
• Participate in relevant networks/interagencies, to exchange information and enhance service delivery and referral pathways for playgroup families
• Collect and analyse client data to strengthen and enhance service provision. 
• Meet or exceed annual client data targets and comply with DEX reporting  requirements in accordance with funding contract. 

About Us 

Greenacre Area Community Centre (GACC) is a not-for-profit community organisation  offering a range of services and programs to the local communities of Greenacre, Chullora,  Mt Lewis, and the wider Canterbury Bankstown Local Government Area. 

Whilst programs and services have evolved over the years in response to community needs  and the availability of funding, GACC has retained its focus on providing community strengthening/ capacity building programs for the whole community, with a particular focus  on children, young people, families, and vulnerable/ disadvantaged people.  

GACC has built strong local networks and collaborates with other agencies to increase  community access to services.  

GACC offers the following services and programs: 

• information & /Referral services 
• School Holiday Activities  
• Child and Family Counselling and Case Work Services 
• Workshops/classes/groups 
• Food Share Program 
• WDO Program 
• Community Events  
• Community Development 
• Volunteering 

and more 

Our Purpose 

Greenacre Area Community Centre provides a range of services and activities that  address local issues and strengthen our community. We are a central access point  for information, support and community engagement. We offer a safe, welcoming space for all, with a focus on expanding opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged community members.  

Our Vision, Purpose, Values and Goals 

Vision 

An inclusive, empowered, and engaged community 

Values 

Ethical: We work in a way which is honest, right, and fair 

Socially Just: We advocate for equality. We support people to improve their lives and claim their human rights. 

Inclusive: We work to create a community where everyone feels they belong, no matter who they are, where they are from, or what their life journey has been. 

Collaborative: We promote genuine community engagement and participation. We listen to the community so we can continually improve. We build partnerships, and collaborate with our colleagues inside and outside of the organisation. 

Creative: We use our imagination, energy, and resourcefulness to find new and innovative ways to achieve our Vision 

Sustainable: We operate in a way that supports environmental, social, and economic sustainability. 

Details

Essential Criteria

• Diploma in Early Childhood Studies with 5 years employment experience with children 0-5 and their families
  OR
  Early childhood degree with 3 years employment experience with children 0-5 and their families
  OR
  Demonstrated relevant work experience with children and families relevant to the field of work
• Well developed knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
• Strong knowledge of development through play practices and positive parenting strategies
• Demonstrated experience in program planning, development and evaluation
• A proven capacity and experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse, indigenous and vulnerable families
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including well developed report writing skills
• Proven Community Engagement and Networking Skills
• Ability to comply with data collection systems
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite/emails/internet and social media
• Availability to work during school holidays
• Access to a fully insured motor vehicle registered in NSW and a current driver’s licence

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant community language
• Experience with volunteers

How to Apply

Please email your completed application, with the following documents to eo@gacc.org.au 

• A current Resume’ including two work referees – one of whom is a direct supervisor
• A short (half page) introductory Cover Letter (cover letters written as emails will not  be accepted) 
• A statement addressing the Selection Criteria - this should be submitted on a  separate document and must answer each point.  

CLOSING DATE for Applications: 5pm Friday 24 May 2024

Enquiries: eo@gacc.org.au / 0406 063 949 

Playgroups are an important part of the early childhood experience

Greenacre Area Community Centre