Inspire little minds, nurture curiosity and make a difference every day!
Do you love working with tamariki and helping them learn, explore and grow? Are you caring, enthusiastic and passionate about creating a safe, fun and nurturing environment for young learners?
At Y Tamariki, we're looking for a warm, reliable and motivated Unqualified Early Childhood Teacher to join our team.
Whether you're looking for part-time or full-time work, we're flexible and would love to hear from you! You don't need to be a qualified teacher to make a meaningful difference! We're looking for someone who brings a genuine passion for working with tamariki, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow alongside our experienced teaching team.
About Us
At The Y Gisborne, we're passionate about strengthening our community and creating opportunities for people of all ages to thrive.
Our Y Tamariki Early Childhood Education Centre provides a welcoming, inclusive and culturally responsive environment where tamariki are encouraged to explore, discover and develop a lifelong love of learning. As a bilingual early childhood centre, Y Tamariki proudly embraces te reo Māori and English, weaving language, culture and tikanga Māori into everyday learning experiences to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all tamariki can thrive.
We value strong relationships with tamariki, whānau and our wider community, and we're committed to creating a positive environment where everyone feels respected, supported and connected.
About the Role
As an Early Childhood Support Teacher, you'll work alongside our experienced and qualified teaching team to support the learning, development and wellbeing of tamariki.
Every day brings new opportunities to encourage curiosity, build confidence and create meaningful learning experiences in a nurturing and supportive environment.
We understand that everyone's circumstances are different, which is why we're happy to consider both part-time and full-time applicants. We're open to discussing hours that work for you while meeting the needs of our tamariki and centre.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Supporting the qualified teaching team to deliver engaging, fun and meaningful learning experiences.
Building warm, positive and respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues.
Encouraging tamariki to explore, develop independence and build confidence through play and learning.
Helping create and maintain a safe, welcoming and stimulating learning environment.
Embracing te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and culturally responsive practices throughout the centre.
Supporting the individual learning needs, interests and development of tamariki.
Working collaboratively with colleagues to contribute to a positive and supportive team culture.
About You
We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with children and brings kindness, patience and enthusiasm to everything they do.
Ideally, you'll bring:
A genuine passion for supporting the learning, development and wellbeing of tamariki.
A caring, patient and positive approach to working with young children.
Strong communication skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships.
A willingness to learn, take initiative and contribute as part of a team.
An appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to embracing te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and cultural diversity.
Reliability, flexibility and a strong sense of responsibility.
A commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
Previous experience working with children or in an early childhood setting would be an advantage, but a formal teaching qualification is not required. What matters most is your attitude, enthusiasm and genuine desire to make a difference.
Why Join The Y Gisborne?
At The Y Gisborne, our people are at the heart of what we do. We're more than just a workplace — we're a community of people who care about making a positive difference.
When you join us, you'll enjoy:
Meaningful work: Make a positive impact on the lives of tamariki and their whānau every day.
A supportive team: Work alongside experienced teachers who value collaboration, kindness and respect.
Opportunities to learn: Develop your skills and confidence in a supportive early childhood environment.
A values-driven workplace: Be part of an organisation guided by caring, respect, communication, honesty, responsibility and relationships.
Employee benefits: Access to a complimentary gym membership, wellbeing support and ECE/OSCAR discounts, subject to eligibility.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you love working with tamariki, enjoy being part of a supportive team and want a role where you can make a meaningful contribution every day, we'd love to hear from you!
How to Apply
Apply through SEEK with your CV and cover letter telling us a little about yourself and why you'd be a great fit for our team. If you have questions or want to know more, please contact our HR Coordinator - Annie on [email protected]
Applications close: Thursday 26 November 2026 at 5pm. We may begin interviewing suitable candidates as applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early!
Join Y Tamariki and help create a place where every child can grow, belong and thrive.
That's Y!