Early Childhood Practitioner

Job Description

At Play Matters Australia, our purpose is to enrich lives through the power of connection and play. We champion values of collaboration , inclusivity , creativity and fun , accountability , and contemporary practice . Our ethos recognizes parents and caregivers as a child’s first teacher, a principle that is deeply embedded in all our programs. We invite you to join us in our commitment to creating playful and nurturing environments where all children can thrive. Commitment to Child Safety: We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment, and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be mindful that we carry out working with children and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people. Your New Role: Part-time, fixed-term role with 51 hours per fortnight from 28 January 2025 until 31 December 2027 In partnership with Mercy Community Services Staff, the Early Childhood Practitioner will be responsible for the delivery of the playgroup program to children and families within the Pathways to Early Learning & Development (PELD) program. You will be working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families and supporting the Caseworker during outreach sessions and home visits. The role delivers playgroups in Gatton and is based at the Ipswich Office of Mercy Community Services. Your Key Duties: Organise and plan activities to achieve program outcomes, ensuring alignment with early childhood frameworks and funder specifications. Create an inclusive and welcoming environment for families and children, enhancing participant engagement during sessions. Develop and deliver session material that is relevant to group needs and interests, moderating sessions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Communicate with parents about their children's specific needs within the program's scope, maintaining professional boundaries and directing families to appropriate resources as needed. Collaborate with partnering organisations and monitor program deliverables, including stakeholder engagement, time, and budget, to ensure alignment with program outcomes and continuous improvement. Culture and Benefits: Flexible Work Arrangements Supportive and inclusive environment Milestone celebrations EAP Support Your Skills Profile: Diploma in Early Childhood Education (minimum), with a preference for a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Experience in group facilitation that requires the ability to model positive strength-based strategies. Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds is desirable. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement: At Play Matters Australia, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As part of our core values, we embrace inclusivity and actively uphold our Reconciliation Action Plan through a dedicated working group. We strive to ensure that every team member feels valued, respected, and supported. We have also introduced cultural leave to honour and recognise the diverse cultural backgrounds of our employees. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and communities to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. If you would like to request any adjustments so you can participate in this recruitment process, please let us know so that we can accommodate you. How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the role outlined above by 16 January 2025. Apply through Seek or email your resume and cover letter or questions to Ainsley Walker (Regional Manager) at Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as an Early Childhood Practitioner? Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check? To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory. #J-18808-Ljbffr