Do you believe every family deserves a village? Are you energised by community connection, early childhood development, and empowering volunteers? If you love people, thrive on variety, and want your work to make a genuine difference — you’ll feel right at home with Playgroup NSW. We’ve been connecting families for over 50 years, helping parents build supportive networks and giving children joyful early learning experiences. We are currently looking for a Play Leader to work on a casual basis to help create great play experiences! If you have some availability on a Tuesday in Toronto to help for a few hours a week during school terms, we'd love to hear from you. WHAT YOU'LL DO - YOUR PURPOSE Play Leaders work as a part of a team to deliver purposeful, evidence ‑ informed peer support groups and playgroup experiences that support children’s development and build parental confidence. They create welcoming, engaging environments aligned to EYLF and AEDC domains, and ensure each session reflects the strengths, interests and emerging skills of attending children. During Supported Playgroup ’s, Play Leaders work alongside a Facilitator to run the playgroup together. W hile MyTime Play Leaders support the MyT i me Facilitator by engaging the children in age-appropriate activiti es , so the families can focus on their peer support session. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES · Plan and provide a range of developmentally appropriate, evidence‑informed play experiences within our peer support and playgroup settings that support children’s learning, inclusion and wellbeing, aligned with the EYLF, AEDC and Playgroup NSW program expectations. · Engage collaboratively with the Facilitator to structure sessions, support selected topics, and ensure inclusive program approaches are adopted and adhered to. · Create and maintain a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that encourages effective participation through positive, respectful interactions with children and families. · Interact positively with children and parents, encouraging engagement, language development, self‑help skills and social interaction through purposeful play. · Communicate effectively with families regarding the individual strengths, interests and needs of their child, supporting parents to build confidence and use positive, strengths‑based strategies. · Develop and maintain nurturing, trauma‑informed relationships, responding appropriately to children’s emotional needs while ensuring their dignity, rights and safety at all times. · Model Playgroup NSW values, inclusive practice and strengths‑based approaches in all interactions with children, families, colleagues and stakeholders. · Assist with set‑up, session delivery and pack‑down of the learning environment, ensuring spaces are safe, welcoming and appropriately resourced. · Maintain duty of care responsibilities, ensuring the health and safety of self and others at all times. Identify, respond to and promptly report hazards, incidents, injuries, and child‑safety concerns in line with policies and procedures. · Uphold child‑safe principles, respond to risks or concerns, and follow incident reporting and escalation procedures accurately and in a timely manner. · Observe workplace procedures for risk identification, assessment and control, including reporting and investigation of accidents, injuries, property damage or near misses. · Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, Playgroup NSW policies, procedures, codes of conduct and quality assurance requirements, including attendance processes, documentation and evaluation activities. · Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with children, families, team members and community stakeholders, and communicate efficiently with Playgroup NSW Head Office when required. · Escalate relevant matters (including risk, wellbeing, safety or performance concerns) to the Facilitator or Program Lead promptly and appropriately. · Participate in professional development as required and in consultation with the Facilitator, in accordance with Playgroup NSW requirements. · Support the Facilitator with additional functions and perform other duties as directed by the Manager, consistent with the needs of the program and organisation. QUALIFICATIONS Completed or currently studying a relevant qualification, such as Certificate III or Diploma in children’s services, early childhood, social science, counselling, community services, support work or parenting support. Current Working with Children Check, with verification letter to be provided on commencement (essential). First Aid Certificate (preferable). ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Demonstrated experience working in an early childhood or child ‑ focused setting. Sound knowledge and understanding of child development, early learning and age ‑ appropriate play. Strong understanding of development through play practices, positive parenting strategies, and the importance of early learning engagement and attendance prior to school. Experience working with children with disability, developmental delay or other additional needs. Understanding of inclusive and strength ‑ based approaches to supporting children and families. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to relate effectively to children and families from a diverse range of backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to build rapport with parents, support parental confidence and contribute positively to family wellbeing. Ability to develop, maintain and foster cooperative relationships with colleagues, families, and local services and community supports. Strong time management and organisational skills, ensuring group sessions are planned and delivered efficiently and effectively. Ability to work autonomously and confidently, while contributing positively within a team environment. Physical ability to safely lift children and equipment where . WHY JOIN PLAYGROUP NSW? As a part of our team, you get to enjoy: Flexible working: Work around family commitments Team Working: Working together toward shared outcomes Purpose‑driven work: Make a meaningful impact every day Growth and development: Potential pathway to nurture a career with PGNSW Wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Program READY TO JOIN US? If you’re passionate about community, connection, and early childhood learning, we’d love to hear from you. Applications are reviewed as they come in — don’t wait! Your next meaningful career move could start right here.
