Director

Description:

Dripstone Children's Centre is a highly regarded early childhood education provider with a strong reputation for exceeding National Quality Standards. Our nature-based pedagogy fosters a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where children, families, and educators thrive.

At Dripstone , we believe in putting children at their best advantage— seen, heard, and unhurried . Our ethos shapes everything we do and drives us forward as sector leaders , requiring innovative approaches that recognise children as capable and wildly complex whole beings . We advocate for a childhood unhurried , where trust, freedom, and autonomy empower children’s growth.

As the Director , you will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and educational leadership of the Centre. You will oversee compliance, staffing, financial management, and curriculum development , ensuring our service meets and exceeds ACECQA and National Quality Framework (NQF) standards.

• Lead and Inspire – Provide strong leadership to educators, fostering a collaborative and professional team culture.
• Ensure Compliance – Oversee operations in line with the NQF, NQS, and all relevant regulations.
• Drive Quality Education – Develop and implement EYLF-aligned programs that support children's holistic development.
• Engage with Families & Community – Build strong relationships with families, ensuring open communication and active involvement.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight – Manage budgets, enrolments, and financial reporting in collaboration with the Committee of Management.
• Promote Continuous Improvement – Lead the Centre’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and foster a culture of professional growth and excellence.
• Ensure a Safe & Supportive Environment – Maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management.

Natural Rhythm – We embrace the immense benefits of freedom and autonomy , allowing children to choose where and with whom they engage.

Attunement – We believe that relationships with attuned adults are critical for all children, every day. All behaviour is seen as communication, and we foster trust and understanding through meaningful connections.

Rituals – Our daily rituals provide emotional security and connectedness during key moments such as:

• Meals
• Sleep and rest
• Nappy changes and toileting
• Farewelling and greeting families

Risky Play – We trust children to explore and challenge their physical capabilities. Inspired by Angela Hanscom’s philosophy, we support activities like climbing, swinging, and spinning , crucial for growth, development, and postural control .

Loose Parts Play – We embrace open-ended exploration where materials can be manipulated, arranged, and reimagined. This approach fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking , valuing the process over the final product .

• Experienced Leader – Demonstrated experience in an early childhood leadership role.
• Qualified Professional – Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent as recognised by ACECQA).
• Passionate Educator – A strong commitment to nature-based learning and play-based pedagogy.
• Compliance Expert – Deep understanding of the National Quality Framework, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and Child Safety Regulations.
• Strong Communicator – Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with families, staff, and the community.
• Financial & Administrative Skills – Ability to manage budgets, rosters, and compliance documentation effectively.

Lead a highly regarded early learning centre with a strong community presence.

Work within a collaborative and supportive team that values professional development.

Make a real impact on children’s learning and development in a nature-based setting .

See https://bit.ly/DripstoneDirector for the full job description

Please email *********@dripstone.com.au to discuss the role further.