Kindergarten Educator (3-5 years) - Starting January 2026

Cheltenham | Exceeding-rated service | Above-ratio and above-award

Are you an experienced Educator who thrives in a kindergarten environment where inquiry, connection, and creativity guide every day?

Join the kindergarten room at one of Cheltenham's most respected early learning centres, an Exceeding-rated service offering above-ratio staffing, above-award pay, and the rare space to teach with intention.

At Early Years Talent, we connect early childhood professionals with services that genuinely invest in people. Expect real mentoring, generous planning time, and a team that values balance, purpose, and professional pride

What you will enjoy

• Generous above-award salary based on experience
• Nearly double the required educator-to-child ratios across every room
• Ample, flexible planning time  taken as needed, not rationed
• Monthly rostered day off and two-week annual closure over Christmas/New Year
• Family-owned service where people come before profit
• Access to an off-site staff retreat with gym, kitchen, and lounge
• Natural outdoor spaces, tanbark, vine-covered verandahs, timber structures, and mature trees
• Fully resourced environments with strong budget allocations no begging for materials
• Monthly networking and PD events across sister services
• Mentoring and growth pathways, including leadership coaching
• Work alongside Bachelor-qualified Teachers and experienced educators
• Supportive leadership that prioritises wellbeing and professional respect

About the service

Located just a kilometre from the beach, this privately owned, 60-place centre has achieved exceeding across all seven National Quality Areas multiple times. The service spans three connected buildings designed for calm, continuity, and collaboration.

The kindergarten program is inquiry-based and intentionally child-led, supported by strong staffing ratios that make meaningful teaching, reflection, and relationships possible. Each educator is trusted as a professional, with autonomy and time to deliver a rich, play-based program that sparks curiosity in every child.

The team's philosophy centres on connection with children, families, and one another and is reinforced by sustainable staffing practices such as reduced ratios, wellbeing initiatives, and shared planning culture.

About you

• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121 or equivalent)
• Sound understanding of the NQF, VEYLDF, EYLF V2.0, and NQS
• Experience in long day care or kindergarten, particularly with 3-5 year olds.
• Strong programming and documentation skills
• Collaborative and reflective mindset
• Passion for inquiry-based, child-led learning
• Availability for a rotating roster between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm

Not quite sure it is the right fit? Apply anyway. The best opportunities often begin with a conversation.

About Early Years Talent

Early Years Talent partners exclusively with educators, teachers, and leaders to match them with permanent roles that align with their values. We work with Exceeding-rated early learning centres, community-managed not-for-profits, and independent schools across Australia,  helping you find not just a job, but a long-term professional home.