KENSINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE INC 89 McCracken Street, Kensington. 3031

Phone: 9376 6366 Email: rebecca.s@kenhouse.org.au Position: Early Years Literacy Teacher – Strong Foundations Project 3.00 hours per week, during Victorian School Terms 12 month position - July 2020 – June 2021 Organisation Overview

Kensington Neighbourhood House (KNH) was established in 1975 as a place where people of all abilities, backgrounds and ages can participate in a range of inclusive social, educational and recreational programs.

We give people confidence to become active citizens, to support each other, alleviate social isolation, and to provide the opportunity for individual self-expression, social interaction and personal achievement.

Each year we welcome over 1,000 people through our doors. More than half of whom were born overseas and many who live on very low incomes.

KNH is a not for profit incorporated association governed by a voluntary Board of Management.

Strong Foundations Project

KNH runs a weekly Study Support Program (homework club) for local children living within the Kensington public housing estate. This program is attended by approximately 50 children each week aged from 5 to 17. Volunteer tutors assist children with homework and general literacy and numeracy.

The majority of participating children are from Somali-Australian families.

This year, around 20% of children attending the Study Support Program are in Foundation, Grade 1 and Grade 2. A formal desk-based homework club is not appropriate for these young learners. Consequently, we have been running a separate “Fun Club” as part of the Study Support Program – providing activities more suited to early learners.

With the loss of 10 weeks of schooling due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are concerned about our young learners struggling to catch up with their more advantaged peers. Most are the youngest in large families and priority access to devices was given to older siblings for remote schooling.

KNH has received grant funding to implement intensive literacy support for this group of children. Called the “Strong Foundations Project”, this initiative will involve developing a structured early literacy program for Foundation to Grade 2 students, running within the main Study Support Program.

COVID-19 school closures mean this support is needed more than ever for disadvantaged children to reach their full potential. A qualified, passionate and enthusiastic Early Years Literacy Teacher is essential to the success of the Strong Foundations Project.

- 2 - Role and Responsibilities The Early Years Literacy Teacher will be responsible for developing a literacy program for a group of 10 – 15 children aged between 5 and 7 years. This will include: Specific duties:

Individual literacy assessments with each student to gauge reading and writing levels and identify learning needs.

Developing learning plans/focus areas for each child.

Supporting volunteers to work with individual children each week.

Planning activities for each week’s session, with support from KNH Community Education

Coordinator.

Supporting mothers/carers by suggesting and modelling ways to encourage reading and

writing at home.

Conducting 6 monthly literacy assessments with participating children to track progress.

Potentially liaising with children’s school teachers if the need arises and parents request

support.

Identifying learning/development issues and flagging those with Community Education

Coordinator for referral to appropriate support.

Broader duties:

Contribute to a nurturing environment where children feel safe and secure by developing positive relationships with children and their families.

Model and encourage positive forms of behaviour management that enhance children’s self-esteem.

Work co-operatively as part of the Study Support team and in harmony with other program staff and volunteers.

Ensure that the confidentiality of children, parents, staff and volunteers is respected at all times.

Attend and contribute to staff meetings and relevant training and professional development activities as needed.

Hours: Wednesday evenings 5:30pm – 7:30pm Plus 1 hour planning time. 3 hours per week in total. Responsible to

Community Education Coordinator Internal and External Liaison

Study Support Coordinator Children enrolled in the Study Support Program Parents and Guardians of children enrolled in the Study Support Program Volunteer tutors participating in the Study Support Program

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Primary School Teaching qualifications OR currently undertaking 4th year of Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary)

Demonstrated experience in assessing children’s literacy levels against the Victorian curriculum standards for Foundation to Year 2.

Demonstrated experience designing and implementing literacy learning activities appropriate to children’s developmental stages.

Understanding of and a commitment to the Child Safe Standards and Principles

- 2 -

Well-developed administrative and organisational skills Ability to communicate well with people from culturally and linguistically diverse

backgrounds. Able to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with

children. A flexible team player who can contribute to the harmonious operations of the organisation. Current First Aid certificate desirable but not essential.

Conditions of Employment A current Police Check and Working with Children Check or VIT Registration (KNH can assist with cost of Police Check if needed) Award Classification Schedule 3D, Classification Tutor 2 of Neighbourhood Houses and Adult Community Centre’s Collective Agreement 2016. Employment is classified as “Term Only Employment”. Remuneration is at an above award rate of $50.00 per hour. Applications Please provide your resume plus a covering letter addressing the key selection criteria to: Rebecca Smith Community Education Coordinator Kensington Neighbourhood House 89 McCracken Street, Kensington. 3031 Email: Rebecca.s@kenhouse.org.au Phone: 9376 6366 (Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays) Applications close Sunday 12th July 2020 @ 5pm

Kensington Neighbourhood House is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children. All applicants for roles must provide details of two (2) referees who can comment on their suitability to

work with children. A valid Working With Children Check (or VIT Registration) is also mandatory. We are a child safe and equal employment opportunity organisation. Applications from Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples and from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Everyone working or volunteering at the Kensington Neighbourhood House is responsible for the care

and protection of children and reporting information about child abuse.