Explorers Playgroup Coordinator

Join us at North Sydney Community Centre

We are a not for profit, community based and independently managed organisation, operating from the heart of North Sydney.

The Centre runs Playgroup for under 5s, After School Care for 5 to 12-year olds, a diverse learning program of adult classes and a wide variety of weekend workshops, Northside Produce Market and venue hire.

Explorers Playgroup provides creative play sessions for Under 5s, spread across three light-filled rooms and a beautiful playground. Explorer’s Playgroup is open Monday – Thursdays 9.30am-12noon and attracts 40-65 children each morning, accompanied by parents, grandparents or/and carers.

Explorers Playgroup team is made up of one Playgroup Coordinator (this role), and three staff, as well as casuals  and volunteers. Experienced play leaders set up a wide range of activities to suit the needs of children, with an emphasis on child-initiated play in a relaxed and friendly environment. 

Position Description

• Title: Playgroup Coordinator
• Hours of Work: 22 hours per week (flexible and negotiable if required). Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm during school terms, plus one additional hour per week for administrative tasks. Occasional assistance at special events on weekends may be required.
• Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Director
• Employment Conditions: In accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award
• Salary: $41.45 per hour (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

About the Role

As Playgroup Coordinator, you will be the heart and soul of our playgroup, leading a small, passionate team and creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment for children and families. You’ll design imaginative, age-appropriate activities, bring fresh ideas to the program, and manage day-to-day operations and administration with confidence and care.

This is a hands-on role where you will actively participate in all activities, fostering a sense of community and connection while ensuring smooth, safe, and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.

Playgroup Coordinator Key Duties

•  You will be an integral part of the Centre’s leadership team – attending weekly team meetings.
• Responsible for the overall management and administration of Playgroup.
• Provide a monthly report for the Director to present at scheduled Management Committee meetings.
• Contribute to annual budget preparation, in consultation with the Centre Director.
• Recruit staff in accordance with relevant regulations and in accordance with the Modern Award; ensure time sheets are completed and submitted for the fortnightly pay schedule; coordinate staff roster and adjust roster as required.
• Provide professional leadership and development to staff.
• Coordinate and supervise Playgroup Volunteers, trainees and students on placement. 
• Maintain day-to-day accounts and handle all administrative matters (including regular reporting requirements and system entry including, but not limited to: update database and reporting for e-newsletter and registration details.
• Communicate with marketing on collateral and opportunities for promotion.
• Ensure that Playgroup adheres to all relevant regulations and statutory requirements including Workplace Health and Safety.  
• Supervise the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities for children.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures in consultation with the Centre Director.
• Proactively engage with families and carers whilst they are attending Playgroup.
• Plan and run all Playgroup related events – collaborating with the leadership team as appropriate.
• Build and lead Annual Activity Plan …including varied programs, themes, events.
• Liaison point for relevant partnerships – e.g. library, book shops, authors, singers, community nurses etc.

As leader of the Playgroup team, this role requires you to work harmoniously and respectfully as part of a small group of playgroup staff, the community of playgroup members, and staff of North Sydney Community Centre.  

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the coordinator also needs to have a range of qualities in order to be able to fulfil this diverse, fun and demanding role. In addition to the key attributes listed below, the successful applicant must have a love of children and a desire to interact with people of all ages and nationalities.

Creativity

You must be creative! You will need to demonstrate creativity in setting up activities appropriate to a range of age groups. You must have a willingness to lead singing and reading sessions with children. There are indoor and outdoor activities such as painting and collage, puzzles and play dough, water & sand play, group singing & music, reading time, dramatic play and fine motor skills activities. The ability to play a musical instrument is desirable.

Compassion

Attending a playgroup gives parents the opportunity to meet others who are experiencing similar joys, frustrations and challenges allowing them to form lifelong friendships and support.Our playgroup staff are welcoming and compassionate. You must have the ability and desire to interact with a broad cross-section of the community.

Physically fit

You must be physically fit and strong, with enough stamina to be active throughout the day. Many of the activities require some physical effort, for example carrying easels, moving furniture, carrying items, moving tables and chairs, sweeping, cleaning.

Flexible

You need to be flexible and adaptable to a changing environment as the pace of work varies during the day and depending on the age of children. The nature of the casual drop-In arrangement means you need to be prepared for fluctuating numbers of children.

Organised

Whilst playgroup is lots of fun there is a well-established schedule for ensuring the day runs smoothly. This enables all activities to be ready when kids arrive, and for staff to leave on time after pack-up. Playgroup is packed up at the end of each session to allow After School Care to take place and all rooms are left clean and tidy. You must have the ability to prioritise and multi-task.

Communication

You must have the ability to manage a small team of casual staff and volunteers, as well as oversee the playgroup members. Playgroup relies on good communication between all part-time coordinators and staff, as well as playgroup members and Centre staff. You must be sensitive to staff and volunteers with Special Needs. Conflict resolution skills are occasionally required to manage issues that may arise between children and parents.

Contemporary

Ability to draw on experience as well as research ensuring the Playgroup program is in line with current and up to date social and early childhood teaching and play expectations.

Safety

Regular cleaning and safety checking of equipment.

Indicators of Effective Performance

• Positive relationship with playgroup and Centre staff.
• Positive feedback from parents and steady attendance.
• Engagement and interaction with children.
• Smooth and efficient running of Playgroup.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

• Must have, or be willing to obtain, a Working with Children Check, Police Check
• High-level time management and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and harmoniously as part of a team.
• A personal commitment to justice, equity, dignity and confidentiality.
• Capacity to engage and communicate with people across all ages, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds or with a physical or intellectual disability.
• Highly developed relationship building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead Playgroup activities, Sing Along and Story Time
• Be a strategic thinker who is proactive and can ‘see the overall picture’.
• Level of physical fitness and energy to efficiently undertake job demands.
• Oversee additional events and fundraisers during the session.
• Provide two professional references.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

• Degree, diploma or equivalent qualifications relevant to the position.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Ability to play an instrument