Because Exceptional Early Learning Starts with Exceptional People

• Join a values-led, family-owned organisation where your contribution is recognised, celebrated and genuinely valued
• Enjoy competitive hourly rates circa $38 - $43 per hour, outstanding benefits, ongoing professional development and real opportunities for career growth
• Be part of a supportive team that empowers educators to inspire children, build meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact
• Help shape brighter futures in warm, inclusive learning environments where children, families and educators thrive

About Smart Cookies

Smart Cookies is a proudly family-owned childcare provider with over 11 years of experience, recognised for delivering exceptional early childhood education through genuine relationships, strong community values and a personalised approach to care. Our close-knit team is passionate about creating environments where children thrive, families feel connected, and educators feel genuinely valued and supported.

As we prepare to open our brand-new, architecturally designed 75-place Early Learning Centre in Ermington, we're looking for experienced Room Leaders who want the rare opportunity to help establish a new service from the ground up. We also expect our Educators to hold child safety as paramount in every aspect of their practice. This is your chance to shape your own learning environment, build lasting relationships with families from day one, and contribute to a positive culture that will set the foundation for years to come.

At Smart Cookies, we celebrate our people through initiatives such as Employee of the Month, regular team events, ongoing professional development, and genuine support from an experienced family-led leadership team. We believe great educators deserve to be recognised, empowered and given every opportunity to grow.

About the Opportunity

Smart Cookies is seeking three full-time Room Leaders / Lead Educators to join our brand-new centre in Ermington, NSW.

Reporting to the Centre Director, you'll take ownership of your own room while helping establish the culture, routines and educational excellence of our newest service before welcoming our very first families.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the daily operations of your room while delivering exceptional educational outcomes
• Building strong relationships with children, families and the local community
• Mentoring and supporting educators to achieve best practice outcomes
• Planning and implementing engaging educational programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework
• Maintaining compliance with the National Quality Framework, National Regulations and Child Safe Standards
• Completing observations, documentation and learning outcomes to a high standard
• Creating safe, inclusive and inspiring learning environments where children can thrive
• Supporting Assessment & Rating readiness and continuous quality improvement initiatives
• Helping establish a collaborative, positive culture as one of the foundation leaders of our newest centre

About You

To qualify, you'll need a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or an ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification). Previous experience as a Room Leader, Lead Educator or similar leadership role within an Early Childhood Education setting will also be essential.

You will also hold:

• Current Working With Children Check
• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma & Anaphylaxis certifications
• Accredited Child Protection Training Certificate
• National Child Safety Training Certificate

The following experience and skills will also be highly regarded:

• Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework and National Quality Standards
• Experience preparing for or participating in Assessment & Rating
• Confidence mentoring and supporting educators
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organisational and documentation abilities

As our ideal candidate, you'll be a passionate and confident leader who genuinely enjoys developing others while creating exceptional learning environments for children. You'll thrive in a collaborative team, embrace new opportunities, and be excited by the opportunity to help build a brand-new centre from the ground up.

If you're looking for more than just your next role and want the opportunity to leave your mark while helping shape an exciting new service, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Benefits

Your experience and leadership will be rewarded with a competitive hourly rate circa $38 - $43 per hour + Super, together with an outstanding range of benefits including:

• Worker Retention Payment approved service
• Up to 50% childcare discount (gap fee)
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• Genuine autonomy to lead your own room
• Support from an experienced, family-owned leadership team
• Employee recognition programs including Employee of the Month
• Regular team celebrations and social events
• The opportunity to establish your own room within a brand-new, purpose-built centre
• Beautiful architecturally designed facilities featuring dedicated outdoor play spaces for every room

Apply Now

If you're looking for an opportunity to lead, inspire and help shape a brand-new early learning centre from day one, we'd love to hear from you. Join Smart Cookies and become part of a family-owned organisation where your ideas are valued, your leadership is recognised, and your career can truly flourish.

Apply now and help create something special for the children, families and community of Ermington.