Unqualified ECE Teacher/Teacher in Training

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to start a career in Early Childhood Education at Barnardos Oamaru Early Learning Centre.

Receive support to gain your ECE qualification while working in an early learning environment.

Your warmth, sense of humour, flexibility, and commitment to culturally responsive practices will make you a perfect fit in our supportive, collaborative team.

This permanent part-time role is 30 hours per week and commences January 2027

Educators and Teachers at Barnardos work in partnership with parents and whānau to encourage children’s curiosity, learning and development.

As a Teacher in Training or Educator, you contribute to assessment, planning and implementation of a curriculum to infants, toddlers and young children that reflects current approaches to effective teaching and learning.

Key responsibilities

• Help deliver a curriculum aligned to Te Whāriki
• Support planning, implementation and evaluation of a learning programme that is responsive to the strengths and interests of children
• Promote learning opportunities which are inclusive, equitable and culturally responsive
• Document children’s learning and take responsibility for children’s profile books and e-portfolio, as agreed with the Centre Manager.

Skills and experience

• Experience working with children aged 0 - 6 years in an early childhood education team setting
• The ability to use initiative and a commitment to quality practice standards and the principles of Te Whāriki
• Excellent communication skills and a "can-do" attitude
• Enthusiasm and a strong desire to make a difference to tamariki in their early years, while building strong links with their whānau and families

Embody Our Values

• Kotahitanga (unity) : Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with tamariki, colleagues, and the wider community
• Mahi tōtika (excellence) : Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
• Kaikōkiritanga (innovation) : Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support tamariki
• Āta whakarongo (active listening) : Let tamariki voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
• Māiatanga (empowerment) : Nurture growth and unlock potential in tamariki and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

Why Choose Barnardos?

• Meaningful Impact: Be part of an organisation dedicated to children's wellbeing for over 55 years
• Supportive Team: Join a network of qualified educators committed to quality early learning
• Benefit from discounted childcare at Barnardos Early Learning centres or home based

About Oamaru ELC

At Oamaru Early Learning Centre, we offer an enchanting and fulfilling environment for passionate educators. Picture yourself guiding young minds under the shade of our magnificent Elm tree, cultivating our vegetable garden, and fostering a love for nature and sustainable practices.

As a teacher here, you'll be at the heart of a vibrant learning community where quality early education thrives. Our open-plan indoor area, brimming with inspiring resources, provides the perfect canvas for your creativity and teaching expertise. From facilitating play-based learning experiences to nurturing individual growth in children aged 0-6 years, every day brings new opportunities to make a lasting impact.

You'll be part of a team of long-serving, registered ECE teachers, benefiting from 50 years of collective experience in early learning. Our centre's commitment to sustainability and our unique Adventurers programme offer exciting avenues to expand your teaching repertoire.

Imagine orchestrating 'garden to table' experiences, leading explorations in our spacious outdoor area with its inviting large sandpit, or introducing children to healthy eating habits through our balanced menu of fresh fruit and cooked meals. Your role will be pivotal in shaping young lives and preparing them for future learning.

Join us at Oamaru Early Learning Centre, where your passion for teaching can truly flourish. Here, you'll find a supportive environment that encourages professional growth, values innovation, and provides the resources you need to help every child shine bright in this special corner of Aotearoa.

About Barnardos Aotearoa

Barnardos Aotearoa is a children’s charity working with tamariki and whānau to ensure every child in Aotearoa has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Our unique combination of social services, early learning, care services and counselling helpline provides the broadest range of child and whānau-centred services in Aotearoa.

Each year, we work with more than 30,000 tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across the country.

Every day at Barnardos, we're making a positive, long-lasting difference in children's lives.

If you would like a copy of the position description please email recruitment@barnardos.org.nz

Join us in shaping the future of Aotearoa's tamariki.

We will commence interviews as applications are received.