Early Childhood Educator
Gowrie Victoria

Are you studying at a Government School? Are you interested in pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)?

If so, this group placement at Gowrie Victoria (Docklands Centre) is a perfect opportunity to gain ‘real-world experience’ and learn about career pathways within the sector.

Register with Nancy Polykandritis Enquiry@gowrievictoria.org.au at Gowrie Victoria by Monday 10 August 2026

Gowrie Victoria is a long-established not-for-profit organisation—and one of Melbourne’s foremost providers of early childhood education and care. Operating since 1939, they are widely recognised for innovation, high-quality programs, and a strong culture of professional learning and demonstration.

Designed for Years 10 to 12 students from government schools, this group placement will be delivered one day per week over four weeks, where students will have the opportunity to:
• observe early childhood educators in practice
• gain insight into the daily responsibilities and experiences of an educator
• explore career options in early childhood and know what’s required for enrolling in a Certificate course

Program schedule:
Each week focuses on a specific theme including an Introduction to ECEC, Babies and toddlers, Play is learning and Becoming an Early Childhood Educator.
Daily activities include hands-on learning, guest speakers and group rotations in the shared outdoor space and early years rooms with children and Gowrie educators,. You’ll have a tour of the service led by some of the children. Each day concludes with a wrap-up and thoughts on the day’s learning.

This program is supported by the Victorian Department of Education to enable more secondary school students to explore a career in early childhood education and care.
Note: If students are 18+ they require a WWCC.

Skills You Might Learn

This is a brilliant opportunity for students to see if a career in Early Childhood and Care is for them and learn about the next steps in pursuing a career in the industry.
General employability skills may include:
• Time management
• Understanding the work environment and employer expectations
• Teamwork
• Workplace communication
• Problem solving and decision making
The placement will also provide the following industry specific skills:
• Foundational skills - Code of conduct, workplace safety (WHS) and awareness of career options
• Child development and learning - Children’s developmental stages, communication, cues and needs. Applying the theory of ‘play is learning’ to activities and observation to understand children’s interests, behaviours and development
• Practical care and Educational skills – Safe food handling, nappy changing (with life-size dolls), routines and preparing activities for children. Creating and delivering activities in indoor/outdoor environments. Creative and interactive group play.

Typical Tasks & Duties

Students will get hands-on experience in preparing and delivering activities for children, facilitating play, observing development, following safety procedures, and working as part of a professional early childhood team. You will:
• observe daily routines and care
• assist with play-based learning
• learn observation and documentation methods and skills
• practice professional interaction and communication
• learn about and practice health, safety and compliance

Student Requirements

This employer is looking for mature, responsible, energetic and motivated students who are passionate about either exploring or working within Early Childhood Education and Care.

You will need to contact Nancy Polykandritis at Gowrie Victoria: Enquiry@gowrievictoria.org.au or call 1300 446 974 for more information. As part of the application process, you will need to email Nancy a paragraph about why you want to do this placement as well as a copy of your resume.

Gowrie Victoria will be running two information Webinars, please register:
- Weds 22 July at 1:00pm
or
- Thurs 23 July at 6:00pm
To register: https://gowrievictoria.org.au/intro-to-ecec/

Dress Requirements

Students must be well presented, with neat-casual, practical clothing suitable for children and a workplace e.g., no logos or crop tops and comfortable shoes for floor based activities and indoor/outdoor play.

Working with children can be messy so don’t wear or bring anything special or precious!

No dangly earrings and hair should be tied up if longer than shoulder length.

Note: Mobile phones are not required on placement and should only be used on breaks.

Special Transport Requirements

Accessible by public transport.