PLANNING for the opening of the Loddon Shire’s first child care centre in 2026 is ramping up with Early Learning Victoria recruiting staff for the Wedderburn Early Learning Centre.
The centre in the grounds of Wedderburn College is one of 14 government-owned early learning and child care centres opening across the state in 2026, will offer long day care, integrated and sessional kinder programs.
Every day is different, which Early Learning Victoria chief executive officer Darren Youngs says is “really exciting” for staff at the four centres already operating.
“Our approach is to meet each child’s learning needs and preferences in individual ways, while ensuring that children have access to nutritious food, rest and relaxation and the opportunity for uninterrupted periods of play throughout the day,” he says.
Mr Youngs says every team member plays a vital role, with play-based learning and children’s development and wellbeing the focus.
“This includes our incredible early childhood teachers and educators, room leaders, chefs, administrators, educational leaders, assistant directors and centre directors,” he says.
Community is a big part of the culture at Early Learning Victoria, with centres rapidly becoming local hubs for child and family services, often conveniently co-located with local schools. 
This gives young Victorians the best start in life and means families have the opportunity to go back to work if and when they choose.
Mr Youngs says early childhood education and care is a rewarding and highly impactful career where you have the opportunity to instil a lifelong love of learning in our next generation.
“Staff at our centres have access to ongoing professional learning opportunities, including coaching and mentoring, career-development opportunities and upskilling,” he says.
“They also enjoy competitive wages and conditions.”
Urging qualified candidates to apply, Mr Youngs also has some advice for anyone who’s interested but may be unsure where to start.
“If you are not yet qualified, please reach out to the Early Learning Victoria workforce team who can advise you on your first steps. Everyone starts somewhere.”
Early Learning Victoria is a child-safe organisation with a positive work culture supported by strong values. 
Find out more at earlylearning.vic.gov.au/jobs or email elv.workforce@education.vic.gov.au