Current Vacancies

ECTARC Wallaroo is a 44-place service providing early childhood education and care for children from birth to school age in Shellharbour on the traditional land of the Dharawal peoples. 

We are within walking distance of Nazareth Primary School, Shellharbour Library, local shopping centre and Elanora Nursing Home, creating many opportunities for our children to get involved with our local community. 

Wallaroo provides an inclusive environment that welcomes all children and their families.  We ensure the program meets the developmental needs of each child, with a holistic approach ensuring that all children are truly integrated into our program.  We welcome our connections with families and external agencies and use their knowledge and skills to inform our program and practice.

Wallaroo uses the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to shape our educational program and practice.  We believe children learn best through play so we draw on children’s interests to plan experiences to scaffold their learning.  As we value the importance of early language and literacy development, we follow the Australian Abecedarian Approach (3A), which uses everyday routines to enrich our caregiving practices to develop children’s language.  This 3A approach also places an emphasis on simple learning games and conversational reading techniques aimed at stretching children’s language.  We have links to Shellharbour’s Paint the Town REaD initiative and have our own children’s library available to families.  Social and emotional development is fostered through PALS (a social skills program where children role play various scenarios from how to say hello to ‘coping with stressful situations) and another program developed through our close connection to Wollongong University, PRSIST. This program provides various games to help children further develop their behavioural, social & emotional self-regulation skills.

ECTARC Wallaroo are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic trainee who is looking to start their career in early childhood education. During the 24-month traineeship you will gain valuable knowledge and experience whilst working and studying alongside our qualified and supportive educators to complete your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

This is an opportunity for you to work in an organisation who values your experience and skills and will provide ongoing support for you to strengthen your professional knowledge and practice.

Originally known as Illawarra Area Child Care (IACC) our organisation was incorporated in October 1985 and have a proud history of providing optimum education and training services.

ECTARC is proudly a not for profit organisation, that successfully manages education and care services in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Our specialist early childhood knowledge, extensive experience and commitment to early education and care for children is why we are a respected leader in the sector. We live by our vision of enriching the futures for the children, families, students and our communities.

We have a professional, experienced leadership team at our head office who support and resource our ECTARC services to strengthen quality learning and education programs. ECTARC is committed to providing optimum work environments for staff with ongoing professional development opportunities.

ECTARC is committed to being a child safe organisation. We understand that the safety and wellbeing of all children is paramount, we aim to provide environments where all children feel safe and are safe. ECTARC has policies and systems to protect children, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously.

At ECTARC our vision for reconciliation is to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and rights promoting an organisational culture of respect, equality, equity, and cultural safety.  We envisage an Australia where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in early childhood education and training to achieve best educational outcomes. Through our work with young children, families, students, and the community we hope to contribute to an Australian society that proudly recognises, celebrates and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Essential Criteria

• Must have Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent
• A Working with Children Check clearance number (or be willing to obtain)
• Commitment to working as a team
• Effective communication skills
• Knowledge of current early childhood theories and practice & children’s services legislation
• 12 months experience working in children’s services
• Current approved first aid qualification for early childhood – HLTAID012

For more information on the role please click on the link to the Job Description –  3.1.7 Job Description Early Childhood Worker

At ECTARC we pay highly competitive salaries above the award rate in accordance with the policies and procedures of ECTARC including

• Above award wages
• 50% discount on childcare fees for staff’s children enrolled in our quality services.
• Paid parental leave – 6 weeks top up.
• Annual ECTARC leave day and 2-3 weeks end of year closure period.
• Wellness program including access to our EAP for you and your family.
• An inclusive work environment.
• EC Management team provides coaching, mentoring and support.
• Two annual planning days and opportunities to join organisational network meetings.
• Paid professional learning via ECTARC’s online learning platform and access to internal and external training and conferences.
• Support for further study and qualifications.
• Opportunities for career advancement across our early childhood education and training services.

Course fees are covered.

You may be eligible for a bonus Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (claimed every 6 months of your traineeship)

Three hours paid study time off the floor each week

Mentoring and support from a dedicated Educator in your team and trainee study groups with an experienced Early Childhood Coordinator.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo pre employment screening and probity checks.

ECTARC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background to apply for this position.

If you have any questions in regards to this position please call ECTARC on (02) 4223 1100 or email employment@ectarc.com.au.

If you would like to be considered for this position, please click on the Apply Online button