Early Childhood Educator - (Neurodiverse Focus)

Early Childhood Educator (Neurodiverse Focus) at Neurodiverse Playhouse

Job Description:

Are you passionate about empowering children with diverse needs to thrive and succeed in their mainstream educational journey? Do you believe in the power of play, music, art therapy, and evidence-based approaches? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team at Neurodiverse Playhouse as an Early Childhood Educator with a focus on neurodiversity.

Hours:

Monday - Wednesday

8:30am - 2:00pm

Location:

Banyo (clinic) and Paddington (satellite site)

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with individual children and small groups (up to 4-6 kids) to prepare them for prep while at Kindergarten, tailoring activities to their unique needs and abilities.
• Collaborate with kindergarten and prep teachers to ensure seamless transition and provide ongoing support to help children reach their full potential in school.
• Provide information and training to kindergarten and prep teachers on best strategies for children in the program to be successful, including classroom design.
• Plan and implement evidence-based techniques, with a focus on primitive reflex integration, art therapy, and play therapy, to support children's development and learning utilising the clinics resources.
• Understand, develop and implement strategies/activities to ensure each child has opportunities to form and build social connections within the clinic and transfer these skills to daily life.
• Plan and implement intensive school holiday programs.
•  Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore and express themselves.
• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, including an exercise physiologist, art therapist and teacher aide, to create holistic and individualised intervention plans for each child.
• Monitor and track children's progress, adjusting strategies and activities as needed to meet their evolving needs and goals and report to NDIS and Kindergarten's/Schools.
• Understand and formulate IEP for each child for prep.
• Provide regular feedback and communication to parents and caregivers, offering support and resources to promote continuity of care and learning at home.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in Early Childhood education, neurodiversity, and therapeutic interventions, incorporating new insights into program development and implementation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, Masters or Graduate Diploma in (Education) Autism highly regarded.
• Current Registration with relevant body
• Current Working With Children Check, First Aid and Resuscitation certificate
• Previous experience working with neurodiverse children, including knowledge of various developmental disorders and disabilities.
• Understanding of primitive reflex theory or interest in professional development in the area.
• Certification and/or interest in play therapy, art therapy (psychoanalytic approach), or other therapeutic modalities is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practices in Early Childhood education and child development, particularly for neurodiverse children.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and external stakeholders.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting children with diverse needs to reach their full potential.

Benefits:

• Very competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to training and conferences.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and advancement.
• The satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
• Part time role

Join us at Neurodiverse Playhouse and be part of a dedicated team committed to creating an inclusive and empowering environment where every child can thrive. 

Apply now and embark on a rewarding career journey with us!