Senior Early Childhood Practice Advisor

About this role

Ready to make a difference in quality for kinder? Step into a Senior Practice Advisor role where your expertise in pedagogy and curriculum will shape the implementation of Victoria’s Kindergarten Teaching Excellence Approach. About the Role The purpose of this role is to promote evidence-informed teaching and learning across Victoria's funded kindergartens. Supporting the implementation of critical early childhood reforms, aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), the role will be responsible for: • providing early learning pedagogy and curriculum expertise to support kindergarten teaching and learning policies • developing and implementing professional development programs and tools for kindergarten leaders and teaching teams • identifying the change implications of early childhood reforms on kindergarten processes and work practices • consulting, negotiating with and influencing internal stakeholders to adopt changes required to effectively implement early childhood reforms • supporting services experiencing complex challenges in implementing kindergarten reforms through tailored change management and pedagogical support • being an authoritative source of expertise and guidance on high quality teaching practice in kindergartens • acting as a critical friend to early childhood reform teams working on issues relating to early childhood practice quality • supporting the development of materials for networks and forums based on high quality evidence and case studies, that facilitate the sharing of increased knowledge, skill and expertise for the early childhood education and care workforce • building and maintaining partnerships with early childhood teaching and learning researchers, experts and advisers Attributes An interest in the emerging research and innovative practices for early learning pedagogy, and pre-existing relationships with key industry senior stakeholders and experts is highly desirable Qualifications and Experience • Essential: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education and care • Essential: Extensive early childhood pedagogical leadership experience and knowledge of Victoria's Early Childhood system • Desirable: Registration with Victorian Institute of Teaching, post-graduate qualifications in early childhood education and care The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check. How to Apply Applications should include: • a resume (no more than 2-pages) and • a cover letter that responds to each of the Key Selection Criteria (no more than three pages). 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, aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF): • Set expectations • Expands the evidence-base • Stewards system-wide adoption of evidence informed interventions 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: • Delivering p ractice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition • Developing and implementing participation and inclusion supports for all children • Implementing needs-based funding for kindergartens • Working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children who might otherwise miss out on kindergarten, ensuring their enrolment and attendance This role sits within the Professional Practice Branch . About the Department The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres. 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 Melanie Boyd via 03 7022 2787 or [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 12/08/2026