A rare permanent leadership development opportunity has become available at Dorrigo Community Preschool — a respected 50-year-old community service located a short drive from Coffs Harbour.

Hourly rate: $30–$45 per hour (experience dependent)

Why this role stands apart

• Permanent role with a genuine long-term leadership pathway

• Beautiful 3–5-year-old only community preschool

• Enjoy fully paid school holiday breaks with a true sessional preschool model

• Enjoy fixed, predictable shift times — no rotating roster

• Manageable group sizes (licensed for a total of 30 children per day with above-ratio support)

• Educational Leader mentoring is already embedded in practice

• Friendly, professional and nurturing team culture

• Purposeful, child-led program grounded in strong relationships

• Beautiful natural outdoor environment, including a yarning circle and rotunda

• Stable preschool hours, with the service operating between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm

About the service

Dorrigo Community Preschool is a well-established not-for-profit kindergarten located on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, approximately one hour from Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads.

Licensed for 30 children aged 3–5 years, the preschool holds a special place within the Dorrigo Plateau community and is guided by a philosophy that recognises:

• children as capable, resourceful and active constructors of their world

• families as children's first and most influential teachers

• The Gumbaynggirr people as Traditional Owners of the land

• The importance of strong, respectful relationships=

The service is led by an experienced and supportive Director committed to developing emerging leaders from within the team.

About the role

In this role, you will work collaboratively with the team to:

• plan and deliver engaging play-based learning experiences

• contribute to the planning cycle and reflective practice

• build warm, respectful relationships with children and families

• support a culture of curiosity, research and professional dialogue

• progressively build leadership capability through structured mentoring

With the current Educational Leader preparing for maternity leave, a structured mentoring pathway is already embedded within the service. This creates a genuine opportunity for the right Diploma-qualified educator to step beyond the room and progressively build capability toward Educational Leader and future Centre Director responsibilities.

This role will suit an educator who is ready to grow into leadership in a practical, supported way — not just in title.

What you bring

• Diploma of Early Childhood Education (ACECQA approved)

• Experience working in an Australian early learning service

• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification

• Valid Working With Children Check (NSW)

• Strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard

• A reflective, team-oriented mindset

• Ability to work within sessional preschool hours

Educators with emerging leadership capability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why apply through Early Years Talent

Applying with Early Years Talent means having an advocate who genuinely champions your strengths. You will receive:

• access to opportunities with trusted, community-focused services

• interview preparation and personalised career guidance

• honest insight into culture, leadership and expectations

• confidential representation — we only proceed with your consent

• support through every stage, from application to your first day

At Early Years Talent, we connect passionate educators with workplaces where they can thrive.