Center Director / Educational leader

🌟 Centre Director / Educational Leader – Lead a Centre to Excellence 🌟

Are you a visionary leader in early childhood education with a proven track record of achieving Exceeding-level outcomes under the National Quality Standard (NQS)? Do you have a passion for nurturing children, inspiring educators, and building a thriving, community-focused early learning service?

Brilliant Stars ELC is a beautifully designed, purpose-built early learning centre with 32 places for children aged 2–5 years. Conveniently located just 2 km from Canberra CBD and a short walk from Dickson tram station, we provide a warm, welcoming environment for children and families alike.Our philosophy is based on the 52 Family Virtues, with a strong focus on community, kindness, and respect. We believe in nurturing the whole child—socially, emotionally, and intellectually—through play, exploration, and meaningful connections.

We are seeking an exceptional Centre Director / Educational Leader to lead our service, where high-quality education, reflective practice, and meaningful relationships form the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

As our Centre Director / Educational Leader, you will be the driving force behind the day-to-day operations, culture, and educational vision of the centre. You will guide a dedicated team of educators to deliver an innovative, play-based curriculum aligned with the VEYLDF, while fostering an environment where children  feel safe, included, and inspired to learn.

You will champion Exceeding-level practice, embedding critical reflection, continuous improvement, and meaningful family engagement across every aspect of the service. This is a hands-on leadership role where your experience, guidance, and enthusiasm will make a tangible difference in the lives of children, families, and educators alike.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the overall vision and daily operations of the centre, ensuring excellence in education, care, and compliance

  • Act as Nominated Supervisor, upholding legislative and regulatory responsibilities with integrity

  • Mentor, support, and inspire educators to deliver a high-quality, play-based curriculum that is engaging, inclusive, and reflective of best practice

  • Foster a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children’s wellbeing, agency, and development are prioritised

  • Build strong, collaborative relationships with families, staff, and the wider community

  • Lead Quality Improvement Planning (QIP) and preparation for NQS Assessment and Rating, with a focus on sustaining Exceeding-level outcomes

  • Oversee enrolments, staffing, budgets, administrative systems, and centre performance

  • Promote a culture of reflective practice, continuous improvement, and professional growth

  • You are a confident, compassionate, and experienced leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to run a high-performing early learning service. You thrive on mentoring educators, building relationships, and delivering Exceeding-quality outcomes.

    Essential Requirements:

  • Diploma or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (ACECQA approved)

  • Current VIT registration (for ECT applicants)

  • Minimum 3 years’ leadership experience in early childhood education

  • Proven experience in NQS Assessment and Rating at Exceeding level

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