About Us

West Footscray Neighbourhood House is a non-profit organisation that offers a safe and inclusive place for the community to engage, connect and thrive. We offer a number of programs that promote social participation and community engagement.

We are seeking an experienced childcare manager to support the operations of our Community Childcare program.

Our Community Childcare is one of our most popular children's programs. We offer care to children from 12-months to 5-years, in a mixed-age room. Session times are 9:15am-2:15pm Monday to Friday, and we also offer an on-demand childminding service from 2:15-4:15pm which this role will oversee. As a former Limited Hours Type 2 service, our license allows us to book children for up to 15 hours (3 sessions) per week. We are regulated under state law.

We are looking for someone who is committed to providing high-quality care within a close-knit community, where relationships with the children and families is first priority.

This role is available for IMMEDIATE start. Work hours are 9:00am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday. Classification Children's Services Award Level 6.

The role

As Childcare Manager you will be responsible for ensuring the service provides compliant and high-quality education and care. The role includes all aspects of childcare operations, including enrolments, payments and CCS, policy reviews, quality audits and ensuring the service is compliant with all regulations. We use OWNA for our childcare management.

Based in the general reception area for the Neighbourhood House, you will also have the opportunity to speak with a wide range of community members and program participants. Although the role is predominately childcare focused, you will need to learn the basics of reception and assist with room hire bookings, general enquiries and other ad hoc office duties from time-to-time.

Key responsibilities

Operations

• Oversee daily operations of the childcare centre, including greeting parents, ensuring children are correctly signed in-and-out, supporting educators throughout the day and ensuring ratio requirements are met.
• Cover breaks and staff absences in the childcare room when required.
• Manage staff, daily ratios and waitlists.
• Meet and greet walk-ins, respond to general childcare emails and phone calls.
• Manage child enrolments and CCS.
• Manage family payments on OWNA.
• Conduct tours for prospective parents.
• Ensure the childcare room and outdoor area is safe, clean, tidy and free of clutter.
• Oversee the Stay & Play program including rostering and recording enrolments.
• Assist with monthly newsletter and social media updates.

Compliance

• Conduct a compliance audit and ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Develop, review, update and maintain policies and procedures.
• Support staff in implementing compliant practices.
• Maintain staff files, training requirements, working with children and police checks.
• Assist with managing incidents and risks.
• Ensure medical records are current and correct for children.
• Ensure staff training requirements, police checks and working with children checks are up-to-date.

Quality

• Develop quality control processes to ensure best practice.
• Seek feedback from parents to determine improvement opportunities.
• Assist Room Leader in planning high-quality educational experiences.

Team management

• Lead, support and motivate a team of 4 educators.
• Facilitate monthly staff meetings
• Conduct staff performance reviews.
• Ensure that staff files and training are up-to-date.
• Supervise childcare students, trainees and volunteers.

Administration

• Prepare reports for monthly committee meetings.
• Write/update manuals for staff and parents.
• Deliver, implement and monitor efficient administration systems.

Organisational collaboration

• Facilitate communication and cooperation between the childcare, Neighbourhood House programs and the wider community.
• Support the Neighbourhood House reception when required.
• Assist with special events and engagement activities across the Neighbourhood House, including distributing promotional materials at events.

Required skills and experience

Essential

• A degree or diploma in Early Childhood.
• Current First Aid/Asthma and Anaphylaxis certificates
• Current Working with Children Check & Police Check.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of all current relevant legislation - Children’s Service Act 1996, Children Services regulations 2009, Australian and Victorian Standards, EYLF and NQS, Child Safety Standards.

Desirable

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the early childhood industry.
• Experience in a community organisation.
• Experience in this type of role – Manager, Educational Leader, 2IC, Assistant Service Leader.
• Strong knowledge and implementation of the Victorian Child Services Act and Regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate and maintain a positive culture.
• Ability to plan and implement a quality, educational and child-centred program.
• Strong knowledge of OWNA software.
• Experience in creating and implementing a program suitable for children of mixed age groups.

Applications will be shortlisted and screened as received and the position may be filled prior to the closing date. Therefore, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.

If you would like a copy of the position description, or have any enquiries regarding this role, please contact Marianne Wangira via [email protected] using the subject line: Childcare Manager - Community Childcare enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.