Why work at Joy
Joy Early Learning exists for families who believe their children’s early years should be filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of play!
And it all begins with the wonderful humans who care for them.
We’re a small but mighty team, built with heart and intention. And unlike corporate chains, we believe early learning should never be one-size-fits-all.
Our team is guided by a simple ethos: when childhood starts with joy, everything else falls into place.
Joy was created to nurture the magic of childhood. And as one of our magic-makers, you’ll help shape the days, months, and early years of little ones, where play takes centre stage.
Our vision is for children, families, and educators to step into beautiful centres where:
- Learning feels like an adventure
- Connection comes naturally
- Every child can grow in their own wonderful way
These early moments matter deeply, and our educators are at the heart of them.
Joy isn’t just in the name; it’s part of our culture. Our centres provide a workplace where:
- Team members feel cared for and supported
- Relationships are built on trust and kindness
- Individual strengths, personalities, and experiences are celebrated
- Every person is encouraged to bring their whole self to work
From your first day, you will feel part of a close-knit community where connection and belonging come naturally.
At Joy, we lead with heart. Our leaders understand that early learning is deeply rewarding (and that some days can be challenging too).
We’ve been intentional about building a leadership team that’s:
- Approachable, visible, and responsive
- Focused on guidance and encouragement, not micromanagement.
- There for both the big wins and the tougher days
Centre Managers are empowered as leaders and mentors, and educators are backed, heard and respected for the care they bring each day.
We’re big on building a team that will grow with us.
At Joy Early Learning, you’ll find:
- Clear, supported pathways for your career
- Paid Cert III, Early Childhood Teaching, and Diploma upskilling
- Study leave and paid placements
- Secondment opportunities across Joy centres
- Ongoing learning, mentoring, and professional development
- Encouragement to explore your strengths and interests.
- Opportunities to help shape our centres and practices.
Just as you celebrate children as they grow and thrive, our team will be right there cheering you on too.
Early learning is incredibly rewarding, but it can be demanding too.
Educators deserve the same care and support they give to children every day. As part of our focus on well-being, we offer:
- Fixed shifts, with rosters set a fortnight in advance
- Paid programming time off the floor (3 hours per week)
- Paid birthday leave
- Joy socials (quarterly catch-ups outside the centre)
- Sustainable workloads and supportive environments
Our leadership team is always here for open, honest conversations and works with you to support a healthy work-life balance that respects your time, energy and wellbeing.
Because our goal is simple: for every member of our team to feel supported, valued and proud of the work they do.
The work our educators do is deeply appreciated. We know the value in feeling seen, valued, and supported, which is why we offer:
- Competitive wages aligned with experience and qualifications (above-award base, clear pay bands, and paid overtime or TOIL)
- Early access to your pay, when needed
- Paid CPR and First Aid courses
- Loyalty and employee referral bonuses
- Paid professional development
- Meaningful recognition of effort, growth, and impact
- And lunch is on us!
It’s our way of saying thank you for the work you do every day.
We offer a range of benefits to support you and your family, including:
- Discounted childcare at all Joy centres (75% off for children of staff)
- Priority placement at Joy centres
- Return-to-work transition plans with reduced initial days
Because when your family is supported, we know you can show up as your best self at work.
Joy Early Learning isn’t built from the top down. It’s shaped by the people who bring it to life every day.
That means we encourage:
- Ideas and insights from our teams.
- Collaboration and shared decision-making.
- Educator-led initiatives and creativity.
Your voice plays an important role in shaping the culture, the environment, and the future of Joy.