Preschool team leader

Overview

Preschool team leader (full time, permanent) with Wondernauts Waikato. Early learning / kōhanga reo, Head teacher; Exploration / Mana Aotūroa.

About Wondernauts

Wondernauts is a spacious and very well resourced not-for-profit community-based centre located in the lush Ruakura grounds, Hamilton. Every decision we make is based on what is best for our tamariki, not on generating profits. We have a huge outdoor environment with real grass, an orchard, raised vegetable gardens, mud pits, a campfire, animals and an impressive, purpose-built bike track. Three classrooms collectively support 54 children. We are mindful of group size and ratios that best serve tamariki.

Our centre boasts a progressive, all-weather curriculum focused on reconnecting children with nature, their local community and encouraging risk-taking and adventure. We provide tamariki with experiences outside the classroom and run three weekly bush-kindergartens, as well as an intergenerational programme with our local retirement village.

The role

We are looking for an energetic, inspiring, nurturing, respectful, positive Team Leader who is an advocate for children and loves leading a team. You will be positive, motivated, well-organised and have an appreciation for Papatuanuku. You will be adaptable, open-minded and a motivated leader who follows best practice and is eager to inspire others. You will join a dedicated, caring and fun team. You need to be ECE qualified and certificated and MUST already have NZ residency or a valid work visa. Ideally, you have a full drivers licence and are willing to drive our centre van for excursions.

In return for your passion, skills, dedication and loyalty you will be rewarded with supportive management, professional development opportunities, creative freedom, small group sizes, weekly excursions and a fun workplace. If this is a learning environment you would like to be part of, we would love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Support and lead a team of educators to provide high-quality early learning experiences for tamariki.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment.
• Collaborate with families and the wider community to support tamariki development.
• Plan, implement and review the curriculum in alignment with best practice and papatuanuku values.
• Ensure compliance with ECE regulations and centre policies.

Qualifications and requirements

How to apply

Please send your CV, and a covering letter to :

Vicki Hill

Vacancy reference # : 1HApjP

Listed 9 : 43 am 10 October 2025 Closes 14 November 2025

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Centre details

Wondernauts

Type : Education & Care Service

Maximum licenced places : 60

Service ID : 34029

Physical address : Ruakura Research Centre 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton East, Hamilton

Postal Address : Hamilton 3240

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