At C&K, our purpose is to make a positive impact on children’s lives. It’s what we’ve been doing for more than 115 years. Through evidence-based thinking, hard work and true compassion, we’ve built a trusted reputation as Queensland’s leading provider of early childhood education. And as a child safe organisation, we put children's safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, creating nurturing spaces where children can learn, explore, play and grow.

Located in Strathpine, the Dixon Street Early Years Centre is part of an intensive Early Childhood Education and Care research initiative, one of only three such sites in Australia.

Our 2025 Exceeding rated, Dixon Street program offers targeted and considered learning experiences alongside a multidisciplinary team designed to support children experiencing significant family stress and/or social disadvantage.  The program’s research findings to date demonstrate significant positive outcomes for children and families sparking interest across the early years sector. 

We are in the unique position to invite applications for the role of Centre Director at C&K Dixon Street Early Years Centre. This is a unique chance to step into a distributed leadership role that blends operational excellence, pedagogy, and collaborative practice within a highly supported research environment.  The role offers a rare career advancement opportunity to hone community capacity building, leadership and management skills.  If you feel you have something to contribute, we are interested in hearing from you.

Interested? Here’s some role specific details:

• Salary open to discussion with the right applicant
• Full-time (38 hours per week), fixed term until December 2026

Still Interested – Great!  Here’s what you’ll experience:

• A program grounded in infant mental health, attachment, and trauma-informed practice
• An opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team supporting children living with adversity
• The opportunity to contribute to research and practice that will influence the future of early childhood education
• Ongoing coaching, mentoring, professional support/debrief and development from the Parkville Institute
• Low educator-to-child ratios (1:3 under 3 years, 1:6 over 3 years) and small group sizes
• Two hours per day for planning, reflection, coaching and professional growth
• A supportive and collaborative internal team, committed to your success
• Centre closure over Christmas/New Year and salary packaging options

What you’ll bring to our Dixon Street team:

We are seeking an internal C&K Early Childhood leader who embodies C&K’s mission, values, and commitment to high-quality early learning.  To succeed in the position, you will be someone who understands our ways of working, brings a well-rounded and considered perspective, works well with others, and is genuinely seeking their next career development opportunity.

About You: 

These criteria describe our ideal candidate, but above all, we want the right person for our Dixon Street team. If you feel this role aligns with your strengths and aspirations, we would love to hear from you.

• ACECQA-approved Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or equivalent) preferred
• At least 5 years’ experience as a Director or senior manager in children’s services preferred
• Child Protection training (or willingness to obtain)
• First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certifications
• Blue Card/Exemption Card and current Police Check
• Strong knowledge of the NQF, EYLF and QKLG
• A collaborative leadership approach that supports inquiry, reflection, and shared responsibility
• This role is a rare and meaningful opportunity to lead a program that will directly impact children’s life trajectories and strengthen our contribution to sector-wide change.

A final word from our Parkville Partner:

‘Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in an early childhood education centre where the ratios were better, the group sizes small, you had two hours every day out of the room for planning, mentorship and coaching and where you could make a significant difference in the lives of children and families? C&K Dixon Street Early Years Centre will have those conditions and more. I’m looking forward to working with you!’ Dr Anne Kennedy – Executive Director Parkville Institute.

C&K is a child-safe organisation and all C&K employees are required to undergo a police check and not be a ‘Restricted Person’ or Suspended Educator under the QLD Blue Card System.

We welcome applicants who identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, have a Culturally and /or Linguistically Diverse background and/or those with additional needs.

Strathpine, QLD