Periwinkle Preschool, Part-Time Preschool Room Leader

Part-Time Preschool Room Leader

Periwinkle Steiner Community Preschool · Byron Bay, NSW

12-month fixed-term Maternity Leave Contract

Commencing as soon as possible through to 2nd July 2027 (potential for continuation of employment)

About Periwinkle

Periwinkle is a Steiner Community Preschool where childhood is honoured through rhythm, imagination, and a deep connection to nature and community. Our small, nurturing environment supports the natural unfolding of each child through creative play, storytelling, seasonal festivals, and warm, respectful relationships.

We are seeking a positive, warm-hearted teacher who relates creatively and sensitively to children, and who can model and foster life skills within our preschool community as our new Part-Time Room Leader.

Position Details

• Role: Preschool Room Leader (Maternity Leave Cover)
• Employment Type: Part-time, 12-month fixed-term contract
• Weekly Hours: The specific arrangement is negotiable. We’re open to discussing hours and days that work for the right candidate, while ensuring continuity for our children.
• Non-Contact Time: Additional 4 paid hours per week for programming and documentation
• Location: Byron Bay, NSW
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Award: Children’s Services Award 2010 (MA000120) — Level 4A Room Leader, with above-award loading for the right candidate

About the Role

As Room Leader, you will hold a calm and nurturing space for a small group of children, guiding the daily rhythm through storytelling, creative play, songs, and seasonal activities. You will foster a strong sense of belonging and connection within our preschool community.

This role involves close collaboration with families and colleagues, with an emphasis on building respectful and meaningful relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a Steiner-inspired program aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
• Create a peaceful, home-like environment that supports each child’s development
• Establish and maintain a strong daily and seasonal rhythm
• Work collaboratively with fellow educators
• Build meaningful, respectful relationships with families
• Guide and mentor assistant educators
• Maintain documentation of children’s learning in line with the National Quality Framework

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
• Experience as a Room Leader or in a similar leadership role
• Genuine interest in — or understanding of — Steiner philosophy
• A passion for teaching and a desire to nurture the holistic development of children
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small, dedicated team
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Sound understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards
• Current NSW Working With Children Check
• Current Child Protection certification
• Current First Aid

Desirable

• Experience in Steiner Waldorf pedagogy and environments
• Interest in storytelling, music, handcrafts, and seasonal festivals
• Appreciation for community-based education
• Food Handling certificate
• Openness to stepping into the Educational Leader role during the contract

What We Offer

• A supportive, small preschool community with a strong Steiner identity
• A beautiful, nature-rich setting in Byron Bay
• Potential for continuation of employment beyond the maternity leave period, subject to operational needs
• Ongoing opportunities for professional growth in Steiner education
• A meaningful and genuinely rewarding leadership role
• Above-award remuneration for the right candidate
• Warm, collaborative colleagues and engaged families

If you feel called to work in a setting that values simplicity, rhythm, and the wonder of early childhood, we warmly invite you to apply.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your alignment with Steiner philosophy and your leadership approach to Sign in to view email.

Applications close: 5.00pm, Wednesday 30 th July 2026.

Periwinkle reserves the right to fill this position prior to the closing date or to re-advertise if the right candidate is not identified.