Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Early childhood
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/ECE/20001775A
About the Department
The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.
About the Division
The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP) Division guides, supports and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The work of the Division is also underpinned by the central precondition of this, that all children are able to access, be included and engage in early learning. It leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and supports participation for children that experience vulnerability and disadvantage that have the most to gain from early learning.
ELPAP is responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF), working with the VCAA. There is a particular focus on delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition. ELPAP leads the development and implementation of participation and inclusion supports for all children, including implementation of needs-based funding for kindergartens. This includes working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children that might otherwise miss out on kindergarten to enrol and attend.
This role is located in the Professional Practice Insights and Coordination (PPIC) Unit, in the Professional Practice Branch. PPIC leads the development of evidence informed approaches to drive the design and delivery of high-quality professional practice supports to the early childhood education sector, with a focus on funded kindergartens.
About the Role
Are you passionate about lifting the quality of early childhood education and influencing practice at a system level? Do you thrive on leading high-performing teams, turning evidence into impact, and building collaborative partnerships? If so, we invite you to step into a leadership role where your expertise will help shape the future of teaching in kindergartens across the state.
In this pivotal role, you will lead the strategic design, implementation, and continuous improvement of government-funded supports that elevate teaching practice in early learning settings. You'll guide a dedicated team of professionals who provide expert advice on pedagogy and practice, connect the dots between research, policy, and frontline delivery, and ensure that every initiative is grounded in evidence and real-world experience.
As a senior leader, your work will extend beyond your immediate team. You'll collaborate closely with colleagues across the Division and the wider Early Childhood Education Group, ensuring that professional practice supports are aligned with broader departmental goals and responsive to the diverse needs of educators and children.
We're seeking a strategic visionary leader with:
Join us in a role that's meaningful and where your work will directly support and inspire those who shape the learning journeys of Victoria's youngest learners ensuring every child has the best start in life.
Attributes
Qualifications and Experience
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and application addressing the key selection criteria (of no more than 4 pages in length).
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Sarah Dempster – Acting Professional Practice Director, via [email protected]
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 21/07/2025.