Question 1

What does a childcare centre director do in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A childcare centre director is responsible for overall management of a childcare service, including daily operations, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, family engagement and financial management. Directors ensure the service meets the National Quality Framework (NQF) requirements and maintain quality standards. Under the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120), directors are typically classified at Level 6-7.

Question 2

What award covers childcare centre directors in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Childcare centre directors are covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120). Directors typically fall under Level 6-7 (Director/Person in Day to Day Charge), depending on service size and responsibilities. This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for early childhood education services.

Question 3

What is a Nominated Supervisor in childcare?

Accepted Answer

A Nominated Supervisor is the person with day-to-day responsibility for the service under the Education and Care Services National Law. Most childcare centre directors hold this regulatory responsibility. Nominated Supervisors must have appropriate qualifications, meet experience requirements, and ensure the service complies with the National Quality Framework. See our Children's Services Award rates guide for classification details.

Question 4

Should I include salary information in a director job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, indicating salary range helps attract qualified candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award classification or use phrases like 'Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications' or 'Level 6-7 under Children's Services Award.' Director salaries vary based on service size, location and qualifications.

Question 5

What qualifications do childcare centre directors need in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Under the National Quality Framework, childcare centre directors must hold at least a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and have minimum 3 years of relevant experience. Larger services (60+ children) require a bachelor degree or higher qualification in early childhood education.

Directors must maintain current Working with Children Checks, National Police Checks, and First Aid certifications. Most directors also serve as the service's Nominated Supervisor, carrying regulatory responsibility for daily operations and compliance.

Question 6

Do childcare directors need a bachelor degree?

Accepted Answer

This depends on service size. Services with fewer than 60 children can have a director with a Diploma qualification. Services with 60 or more children require at least one Responsible Person (often the director) to hold a bachelor degree or higher in early childhood education. Many employers prefer bachelor-qualified directors regardless of service size.

Question 7

What experience is required for childcare centre directors?

Accepted Answer

The National Quality Framework requires directors to have at least 3 years of experience working directly with children in an early childhood education setting. Many employers prefer candidates with 5+ years of experience and demonstrated leadership or management experience in childcare services.

Question 8

Do childcare directors need business management qualifications?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, business management skills are highly valued. Many directors benefit from qualifications or training in business management, financial management, human resources, or leadership. These skills are essential for managing budgets, staff, compliance and service operations effectively.

Question 9

Are childcare centre directors full-time positions?

Accepted Answer

Most childcare centre directors work full-time due to the comprehensive management responsibilities. Directors in smaller services may work part-time or split their time between management and floor duties. Under the Children's Services Award 2010, employment conditions vary based on classification level and service requirements. See our guide on employment types and simplify employee management with HR software.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to childcare centre directors?

Accepted Answer

Under the Children's Services Award 2010, penalty rates apply for work on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and evening shifts. Directors working extended hours or attending evening events may be entitled to overtime or time-in-lieu arrangements. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What should be included in a director employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Director employment contracts should include: position title and classification, employment type, salary and benefits, reporting structure, key responsibilities and accountabilities, regulatory responsibilities (Nominated Supervisor), performance expectations, professional development requirements, confidentiality clauses, and termination provisions. Use digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 12

Are childcare directors on-call outside business hours?

Accepted Answer

Many directors have on-call responsibilities for emergencies, incidents requiring parental contact, or urgent operational issues. This should be clearly outlined in the job description and employment contract, including any additional compensation for on-call duties. Support compliance with award provisions regarding on-call and emergency work.

Question 13

How do childcare directors manage their own hours?

Accepted Answer

Directors typically work consistent full-time hours but need flexibility for management tasks, meetings, family consultations and emergencies. Many directors split time between administrative duties and floor work. Using rostering software helps directors track their own hours and plan their time between management and educational duties effectively.

Question 14

Do childcare directors work on the floor with children?

Accepted Answer

This depends on service size and staffing. Directors in smaller services often work directly with children as part of educator ratios, while directors in larger services may focus primarily on management. Many directors maintain some floor time to stay connected with children, families and daily operations.

Question 15

What breaks are childcare directors entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Children's Services Award 2010, directors are entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks based on hours worked. Directors working on the floor must be included in break planning to maintain educator-to-child ratios. Use break planning tools to manage breaks while ensuring ratio compliance.

Question 16

How far in advance should director schedules be planned?

Accepted Answer

While directors typically work consistent schedules, attendance at meetings, professional development, or events should be planned well in advance. Under the Children's Services Award 2010, roster notice requirements apply. Clear scheduling ensures adequate coverage during director absences and maintains service operations.

Childcare centre director job description