Experienced Toddlers Team Leader Reggio Experience

Head Teacher – Toddlers Room (Full-Time, Permanent) Te Puna Kelston Early Learning Centre 20 Sabulite Road, Kelston

About Us Te Puna Kelston ELC is a high-quality early childhood education service committed to strong relationships, intentional learning environments, and continuous improvement. Our teaching practice is guided by Te Whāriki and influenced by Reggio Emilia principles, with a focus on child-led learning, inquiry, and reflective teaching. We are dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for tamariki through a collaborative and professional team culture.

The Role We are seeking an experienced and qualified Team Leader/Head Teacher to lead our toddlers’ room. This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hours per week) with responsibility for curriculum leadership, team development, and maintaining high standards of teaching practice and regulatory compliance.

*This is a senior teaching role requiring demonstrated leadership experience within an early childhood education setting. This position is not suitable for beginning teachers or teachers who have not yet had leadership or mentoring experience. We are also preferably seeking someone with experience in a Reggio Emilia-inspired setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum in alignment with Te Whāriki
• Provide pedagogical leadership within the toddlers’ room
• Mentor, coach, and support teachers to build capability and strengthen teaching practice
• Lead internal evaluation, inquiry, and continuous improvement processes
• Participate in and support the Professional Growth Cycle (PGC)
• Maintain high-quality assessment, planning, and documentation practices
• Ensure compliance with licensing criteria and regulatory requirements
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider team
• Contribute to centre-wide leadership and operations

About You

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A recognised ECE teaching qualification
• Current or provisional registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Head Teacher or Team Leader position within an early childhood education setting, preferably with toddlers
• Demonstrated experience leading curriculum and supporting teaching practice
• Strong understanding of Te Whāriki and its application in practice
• Experience with inquiry-based or child-led learning approaches, with knowledge of or experience in Reggio Emilia–inspired practice highly regarded
• Experience supporting team development and reflective practice
• Working knowledge of licensing criteria and compliance requirements
• Effective communication and organisational skills

Only applicants who meet the above minimum qualifications, registration, and experience requirements will be considered.

What We Offer

• Full-time, permanent employment (40 hours per week)
• Full Pay parity in line with Ministry of Education guidelines
• A leadership role within a supportive and quality-focused environment
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities

Additional Information: Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the toddler years, bring a positive growth mindset, are solutions-focused, and truly understand the unique age and stage of toddlers, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for someone who can contribute positively to our team culture and grow alongside us.

Please send through your CV and cover letter and apply via Trade Me.