Far North Queensland Region invites experienced professionals to join as Head of Special Education Services - Early Childhood Development Program from Term 2, 2026, for the remainder of the year.

Make a real impact on young learners’ lives.

Apply today!

Job details

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

Who We Are:

Parramatta State School, located centrally in Cairns, strives for success for all students in a welcoming and accepting environment.

We set  high expectations for student learning achievement for all and encourage diversity in teaching practices and pedagogies.

We are a school of many and diverse cultures, including indigenous cultural groups.  

Step Into Your Next Chapter:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) across parts of the Far North Queensland region, ensuring high-quality, inclusive early learning for children with disability prior to Prep age eligibility.
• Lead and support ECDP program at Parramatta State School and a large outreach service to ensure equitable access and continuity of support across diverse communities.
• Champion inclusive education practices across early childhood and school settings, promoting evidence-based approaches to inclusion and participation.
• Build capability and knowledge of inclusion and disability supports among early childhood educators, school staff, and leaders through targeted professional learning, mentoring, and collaboration.
• Drive consistent implementation of departmental policy, frameworks, and best practice in early intervention and transition planning for children with disability.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of individual and group programs that support children's learning, communication, and social participation to support successful transitions to Prep.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, schools, and community agencies to ensure coordinated, family-centred approaches to supporting children's early learning and transitions to Prep.
• Build strong partnerships and networks with early years services, community agencies, early intervention providers, NDIA and regional teams
• Monitor and report on program performance, data, and outcomes to inform regional planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
• Provide expert advice to regional leadership teams on inclusive early childhood education, disability support, and transition strategies.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and reflective practice within ECDP teams across the region.

Please view the role description for a full list of responsibilities.

Submit Your Application:

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 2-page written statement in response to the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description 

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FNR681597_26T Role Description (PDF, 206KB)
  Role Description