Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $116,413 - $140,849
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/ECE/1924674
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 Division's work is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that all children are able to access, be included in, and engage with early learning. ELPAP leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and to support participation for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, those who stand to benefit most from early learning.
The Division is also 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).
To carry out this work, the Division is organised into two branches: the Early Learning Participation Branch and the Professional Practice Branch. Together, these branches lead work across several key focus areas:
About the Role
This role leads policy analysis and development to support participation in kindergarten for children experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. This includes the Early Years Agreement for Children in Out-of-Home Care, LOOKOUT and embedding the Kindergarten Participation Strategy with an increased focus on attendance.
A key part of the role is working with stakeholders across the Department, the early learning sector and all levels of government to understand the broader context and ensure issues impacting participation and outcomes inform policy and program development.
With the Unit being responsible for managing data sets critical to monitoring delivery and outcomes to support participation of children in kindergarten, the role will require strong data literacy to identify system issues, analyse trends, obstacles and opportunities, and develop options. Data insights need to be communicated clearly to inform decision making regarding policy and program settings.
Attributes
The role requires capabilities to deliver on key responsibilities:
Qualifications and Experience
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter (up to 2 pages) that addresses the key selection criteria.
Further Information
For more detail s 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 Jeanne Allegro – Manager, Participation, Partnerships and Insights 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 02-June-2026