Council supports Childhood Educator opportunities

Published on 07 June 2021

Residents wanting to gain a career in early childhood education will benefit from Gannawarra Shire Council’s expanding children’s services.

With three-year-old funded kindergarten to be rolled out throughout the Gannawarra in 2022, Council is looking to expand its workforce responsible for educating the municipality’s youngest residents.

“Council is pleased to provide a variety of children’s services, ranging from Family Day Care, Long Day Care at Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre and kindergarten programs for three-year-old and four-year-old children,” Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“With the State Government’s funded three-year-old kindergarten program continuing in Cohuna, Koondrook and Leitchville and the expansion of the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre to accommodate three-year-old kindergarten for Kerang and district residents, more staff are needed to support this important education service.”

Council currently employs over 30 early childhood educators across the municipality, providing a key role for children aged 0-5 years.

Hannah Wood, who is an Early Childhood Educator at the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre, initially studied a Certificate III in Children’s Services with the aim to become a Family Day Care Educator, but joined Council’s Children’s Services team after her family moved to Cohuna.

“There is no typical day when you get to play with 28 children at once, and that is what I love about my job,” she said.

“It might sound corny, but I love making our kids smile, laugh and helping them enjoy every moment of their day they are with us at kinder.

“For anyone considering early childhood as a career, try it. It’s fun! I cannot believe that my paid job as an adult is to read books, make craft, dig in a sandpit, play games and have fun with children all day.”

Council is currently seeking applications for part-time Early Childhood Educator positions, including a trainee position for those wanting to work and study their Certificate III or Diploma in Children’s Services.

Applications are also being accepted for Family Day Care educators and casual Early Childhood Educator positions.

“Applicants for these positions, are required to have completed or commit to studying a Certificate III in Children’s Services and have a valid Working with Children check,” Mr O’Reilly said.

For more information regarding vacancies with Council’s Children’s Services team, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/jobs

ABOVE: Early Childhood Educator, Hannah Wood is one of the more than 30 people employed by Gannawarra Shire Council's Children's Services team.