Centre Director

Fremantle Early Learning Centre – Beaconsfield WA

Fremantle Early Learning Centre (FELC) is a community-focused not‑for‑profit early learning service dedicated to supporting children and families across the wider Fremantle community. Governed by a dedicated parent committee and supported by a passionate staff team, we foster a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where children, families and educators feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Fremantle Early Learning Centre (FELC) is a community-focused not‑for‑profit early learning service dedicated to supporting children and families across the wider Fremantle community. Governed by a dedicated parent committee and supported by a passionate staff team, we foster a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where children, families and educators feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Grounded in the child‑led, play‑based Walker Learning Approach, Fremantle Early Learning Centre is enriched by inclusion and our diverse community. We emphasise adventure, creativity and inquiry through nature play.

We are seeking an experienced, empathetic and resilient Centre Director to lead FELC. You will balance day‑to‑day operations with governance and stakeholder engagement, bringing steadiness, clarity and calm. Your leadership will shape our culture by nurturing a positive, collaborative environment where educators feel safe to contribute, grow and do their best work, and where every child feels supported. You will also represent FELC with major stakeholders, including local and state government, advocating for our families and helping the centre remain a stable, trusted community hub.

Success in this position will be demonstrated through measurable improvements in organisational performance, team stability and a deeply connected, confident FELC community alongside the continued delivery of high‑quality education and care.

• Lead the centre’s operational, educational and cultural performance.
• Act as the Nominated Supervisor, ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework and all regulatory obligations.
• Provide clear, accurate and timely reporting and advice to the Management Committee.
• Represent the centre with regulators, government bodies and key external stakeholders.
• Lead, support and retain a stable, high‑performing team.

At FELC, these core leadership capabilities describe what we are looking for in our Centre Director and the standards we expect in the role. They guide how you lead people, make decisions and build a strong centre culture. These are:

• Demonstrated emotional intelligence: active listening, sound judgement, effective problem‑solving and the ability to de‑escalate conflict.
• Ability to build and maintain constructive, long‑term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including local and state government and relevant agencies.
• Demonstrated capability to harmonise differing perspectives and resolve complex challenges across staff, families and stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a strong sense of community and belonging, creating a genuine “home away from home” for children, families and staff.
• Calm, resilient and decisive leadership under pressure and during periods of change.
• Ability to bridge governance and operations by providing clear, practical advice and concise updates to the Management Committee.

To meet the mandatory requirements set by ACECQA, candidates must demonstrate they meet the following requirements:

• Hold an approved Diploma or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (or higher) that meets ACECQA requirements for an approved provider.
• Significant experience in early childhood education, including demonstrated leadership experience within an approved service.
• Experience with leading and managing change.
• Meet the requirements to act as the Nominated Supervisor, including relevant experience in a leadership role within an approved early childhood service.
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) a current Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance.
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) a current First Aid, Anaphylaxis and…