Rosedale Neighbourhood House Inc 2-8 Cansick Street (PO Box 168) Rosedale 3847 Phone 5199 2595 Fax 5199 2935 Email address: rosedalenh@wideband.net.au Reg. No. A0018008R ABN 53 336 928 219 Position Description: Neighbourhood Kids Early Learning Centre (NKELC) Coordinator GENERAL OVERVIEW NKELC is a community owned 44 place early learning centre incorporating long day care, after school care, vacation care and funded Kindergarten programs. We cater for children aged between 6 weeks through to Primary school age. Rosedale Neighbourhood House (RNH) is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, vibrant NKELC Coordinator to manage all aspects of Children s Services at NKELC. POSITION OBJECTIVE To operate NKELC within agreed policies and procedures developed and maintained in co-operation with the RNH Coordinator and Committee of Governance (CoG) and ensuring compliance to all other relevant laws and regulations. The NKELC Coordinator is appointed as the Nominated Supervisor / Educational Leader for the centre. To operate in a professional manner at all times and ensure that NKELC meets the requirements of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), the Education and Care Services National Law Act (2010) and Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011) To provide leadership while working as a member of a co-operative team. To support educators to provide a quality program that identifies the needs and interests of the children attending NKELC. The NKELC Coordinator acts as the centre s Educational Leader. To ensure that the centre implements the National Quality Framework and complies with the National Quality Standards and develop (in consultation) the centre s Quality Improvement Plan. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP The NKELC Coordinator is accountable to, reports to, and takes direction from the Rosedale Neighbourhood House Committee of Governance. 1
To work in a co-operative manner with the Committee of Governance and RNH Coordinator ensuring open communication on all issues pertaining to employment, management, finances, funding bodies, program and regulatory requirements of the Centre. In working co-operatively with the RNH Coordinator, the NKELC Coordinator may be called upon to answer phones, take phone enquiries related to programs and services offered by the Rosedale Neighbourhood House and interact with the community who utilise the Neighbourhood House programs. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES General Responsibilities To be responsible to the CoG for the day-to-day management and operation of NKELC. Ensure the day to day operations of NKELC are carried out in a professional manner by ensuring that records are kept in accordance with the relevant regulations, appropriate monitoring and communication mechanisms are in place and all health and safety requirements are observed. To undertake all responsibilities associated with the role of Nominated Supervisor. To operate within the limits of any budget allocation. To respect the confidentiality of information relating to families, complying with the organisation's Privacy Policy and all relevant Privacy and Confidentiality Legislation. Accountability to all funding and reporting bodies for NKELC programs. Other duties as directed by the CoG, peripheral to the position. To establish, implement and oversee NKELC Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). The QIP is based on the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standards and reviewed by educators, families and CoG on a regular basis throughout the year. This includes gathering evidence throughout the year to support the QIP and the National Quality Framework. To guide and manage educators of NKELC to adhere to and implement NKELC and Rosedale Neighbourhood House Policies and Procedures along with relevant legislation and industry frameworks. Specific Responsibilities 1.1 Liaison Promote NKELC in a positive manner to parents and ensure processes for parent/educators interactions are in place. Establish and maintain contacts with the wider community, childcare industry, and Government bodies, and the management of student placements. 2
1.2. Staff Manage and communicate effectively in order to support educators to provide quality programs. The NKELC Coordinator is appointed the centre s Educational Leader under the National Law Act (2010) Encourage and support team building, through effective leadership including, Supervision, direction/ guidance, Professional Development, staff meetings and overall management whilst maintaining a professional relationship with educators. Organise and chair monthly staff meetings covering topics such as; Occupational Health and Safety, NQS, Professional Development and Policies and Procedures. To prepare and conduct annual Performance Appraisals with staff. To replace the qualified educators in the children s rooms when required. To incorporate the NQS into all aspects of the centre and programs. The authority to take immediate disciplinary actions when the health, well being and safety of a child (in compliance with the legislative definitions of such) is threatened. In all other matters that relate to disciplinary or grievance procedures, the Chairperson or a member of the Executive Committee should be informed of the situation and the attempts to resolve the issues. To liaise and network with relevant early childhood support services and other professional services and organisations within the community as required. 1.3 Committee To support the Committee s role as the Approved Provider of NKELC by providing information and guidance in terms of the regulatory requirements of NKELC Liaise and report to the CoG in the recruitment and selection of staff within the centre Report outcome of CoG meetings to Centre Staff and Parents as required. To attend and provide comprehensive written monthly reports to the CoG, which adequately assists in forming responsible decisions. The NKELC Coordinator is also to attend the Annual General Meeting and other meetings that may occur at the discretion of CoG. It is expected that the NKELC Coordinator attend various meetings / training opportunities for their own Professional Development as well as Centre Development. The cost of the Training and Staff Time may not be compensated without prior authority by the CoG. To participate on Sub Committees within the Rosedale Neighbourhood House as requested by the CoG including the Policy Sub Committee and the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. 3
1.4 Finance Ensure the viability of the Long day care, Kindergarten programs, After School Care and School Holiday Program and adhere to any budgetary restraints required by the Committee of Governance. Work in collaboration with the RNH Coordinator and Bookkeeper to ensure all accounting practices/ payroll is completed in a timely manner. 1.5 NKELC Centre Policies Co-ordinate and maintain the N.K.E.L.C policies and procedures by: Acting as primary author for Policy and Procedures Handbook Overseeing the development/management of Centre programs Overseeing the development/management of Staff Training Program Overseeing the annual updating of Staff, Parent and Student Handbooks Maintaining forms used to assist with smooth operation of the Centre (i.e. Centre Brochure, Staff Induction Checklist, Enrolment forms and Confirmation letters etc.) ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY The NKELC Coordinator is accountable to the RNH Committee of Governance. The NKELC Coordinator has the authority to take such action as is necessary to ensure the health and safety of children and their families are maintained within the Centre and on approved activities outside the Centre. NKELC Coordinator is responsible for the reporting Serious Incidents and Complaints to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in line with relevant legislation. NKELC Coordinator will inform a member of the Executive Committee of all reportable incidents at the same time. The Chairperson will inform the CoG of ALL reportable incidents or complaints. WAGES AND CONDITIONS Wages and employment conditions are in accordance with the Neighbourhood Houses and Adult Community Education Centres Collective Agreement 2010. A copy of this Award is always readily accessible at Rosedale Neighbourhood House. Annual staff appraisals and professional supervision are conducted in accordance with industrial relations requirements and the policies and procedures of Rosedale Neighbourhood House. 4
CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPETENCIES 1. Desirable Requirements A Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies is most desirable (applicants can be actively working towards this qualification.) Diploma in Early Childhood Development or other qualifications relevant to the position Current Level 2 Workplace First Aid Certificate, Anaphylaxis Training and Asthma Level 2 Food Safety Certificate Provision of a current police check (not over 3 months old) and current Working with Children Check. Current drivers licence (Essential) Participated an accreditation process of a Child Care Centre Min of 2 years experience in a similar position To adhere to the RNH values, aims and objectives. 2. Specialist Skills and Knowledge An excellent understanding and knowledge of early childhood development and education including the accreditation process. Ability to plan, work and manage time effectively without direct supervision. Ability to manage small teams and work and communicate in a professional manner Report and submission writing skills and working knowledge of Funded Kindergarten programs and reporting procedures 3. Interpersonal Skills Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with the Committee, families, staff and professionals. Display well developed leadership skills. An ability to ensure confidentiality of information. 5
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA 1. Demonstrated ability, understanding and knowledge of early childhood development and education, together with the understanding of the Long day care and Kindergarten programs and work with any budgetary restraints required. 2. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain contacts with the wider community, childcare industry, and Government bodies, and the management of student placements. 3. Demonstrated ability to work in a co-operative manner with the Committee of Management ensuring open communication on all issues pertaining to employment, management, finances, funding bodies, program and regulatory requirements of the Centre. 4. Proven supervision and team management skills together with being able to communicate effectively in order to support staff to provide quality programs through leadership and skills in conflict resolution skills. 5. Proven ability to develop and implement relevant policies and procedures together with demonstrated knowledge of the accreditation process. ALL APPLICANTS MUST ADDRESS EACH KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (250 words max. on each) 6