Diane Ramesh

As a Manager of Curriculum and Kindergarten, I was responsible for providing leadership, mentoring, and support across 30 childcare services (28 in VIC & 2 in WA), ensuring high-quality educational outcomes and compliance with regulatory standards. This role focused on mentoring Heads of Curriculum (Educational Leaders), supporting Curriculum Practice Leaders and Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs), and maintaining compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF). It also involved direct communication with the Department of Education, overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of curriculum and kindergarten processes, including new funded kindergarten applications, School Readiness Funding (SRF), KIMs (Kindergarten Inclusion Management), Arrival, KIS (Kindergarten Inclusion Support), and department grants.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide guidance, mentoring, and support to Heads of Curriculum (Educational Leaders) across 30 childcare services.
Mentor and support Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) in developing and implementing kindergarten curricula.
Support Curriculum Practice Leaders in ensuring curriculum compliance with NQF Quality Areas
Oversee the implementation of Aspire Curriculum for 0-3 years and 4-year-old kindergarten programs.
Design and implement the 3 & 4 Year Old Aspire Kindergarten Framework, outlining focus areas and term-wise programs.
Manage curriculum documentation using the KM8 app, coordinating with programmers for customization.
Oversee SRF (School Readiness Funding) implementation for 15 approved services.
Manage KIMs, Arrival, KIS, IDF, and related inclusion processes.
Maintain direct communication with the Department of Education on funded kindergarten matters.
Complete and submit funded kindergarten applications, achieving 16 successful approvals.
Manage PRT, Bush Kinder, and ECEC grants for Aspire Services.
Design and conduct mentoring and training for ECTs and Heads of Curriculum on curriculum processes.
Develop and manage the kindergarten EOI process and information night presentations.
Provide curriculum and kindergarten induction support for new services.
Conduct interviews for new Heads of Curriculum and ECTs, ensuring alignment with company philosophy.

As an Area Manager, I was responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective operation of two focus childcare services, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations while achieving company goals and exceeding KPI targets. This role involved leading and mentoring center managers and their teams, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Key Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and support centre managers and staff to achieve company goals and exceed KPI targets.
Foster a positive work environment that encourages open communication, teamwork, and professional growth.
Conduct regular performance evaluations for staff, identifying areas for improvement and developing actionable growth plans.
Develop and implement strategies to improve customer service, increase enrollment, and enhance overall profitability.
Develop comprehensive training programs to equip employees with the necessary skills for success.
Support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and ongoing performance feedback.
Ensure compliance with all relevant childcare regulations and industry standards, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Conduct regular audits and quality assessments to maintain service standards and identify areas for improvement.
Implement company policies and procedures, ensuring consistent application across both services.
Oversee budget planning and expense management for both services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
Implement cost-saving measures without compromising service quality.
Monitor financial performance, develop strategies to increase revenue, and manage expenses efficiently.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with families and the local community to promote the services.
Address and resolve parent concerns promptly, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
Plan and oversee community outreach initiatives to enhance the services' reputation.
Address employee concerns professionally and ensure fair treatment in all situations.

As a Program and Practice Manager, I was responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective implementation of curriculum and compliance practices across 14 childcare services. This role involved providing leadership, guidance, and support to Educational Leaders, Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs), and educators to maintain high-quality educational outcomes in line with the National Quality Framework (NQF). I also managed funded kindergarten matters, including direct communication with the Department of Education regarding funding-related issues and overseeing the implementation of School Readiness Funding.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the implementation, review, follow-up, and acquittal of SRF plans for 12 SRF-approved services.
Lead, mentor, and support Educational Leaders, ECTs, and educators across 30 services.

Conduct induction sessions for newly hired Heads of Curriculum (EL) and ECTs, ensuring their understanding of curriculum expectations and processes.
Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to ensure effective program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Oversee the implementation of the organization's curriculum framework, ensuring alignment with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
Support services in developing and implementing age-appropriate educational programs that promote children's learning and development.
Monitor and review curriculum documentation and practices to ensure consistency and quality.
Conduct regular audits and quality checks to identify areas for improvement and support services in addressing compliance issues.
Provide guidance in the development, review, and implementation of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs).Design and deliver professional development sessions for educators and Educational Leaders, focusing on best practices in curriculum and compliance.
Identify skill gaps and coordinate targeted training programs to enhance educator capabilities.
Mentor new Educational Leaders and ECTs, providing them with a strong foundation for success.
Oversee funded kindergarten matters across all services, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
Maintain direct communication with the Department of Education on all matters related to the funded kindergarten program.
Completed and managed kindergarten funding applications for new services maintaining regular correspondence with the Department of Education for submission and related matters.

Collaborate with service managers and Area Managers to align curriculum and compliance practices with organizational goals.
Ensure accurate and up-to-date curriculum and compliance records are maintained at all services.
Monitor and analyze curriculum data to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

As an Early Years Program Leader, I was responsible for ensuring the consistent implementation of high-quality educational programs across all age groups, with a strong focus on overseeing Funded Kindergarten programs and maintaining compliance with curriculum standards across multiple childcare services. This role involved directly supporting educators and Educational Leaders through mentoring, coaching, and hands-on guidance in program planning, delivery, and evaluation. By working collaboratively with service teams, I ensured that curriculum practices were effective, compliant, and continuously improved. Key focus areas included program quality, regulatory compliance, educator skill development, and fostering a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement, particularly within the Funded Kindergarten programs.

As a Kindergarten Teacher in the 4-year-old funded program, I was responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a high-quality, play-based educational program aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). My role included creating age-appropriate learning experiences, conducting regular observations and assessments, maintaining accurate records of children’s progress, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. I collaborated with families, supported children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and ensured compliance with regulatory and funding requirements.

As a Kindergarten Teacher in the 4-year-old funded program, I was responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a high-quality, play-based educational program aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). My role included creating age-appropriate learning experiences, conducting regular observations and assessments, maintaining accurate records of children’s progress, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. I collaborated with families, supported children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and ensured compliance with regulatory and funding requirements.

After working for 11 years at one service, I joined MacArthur Agency as a relief teacher, working across various funded kindergartens in the City of Casey to gain experience with different approaches to delivering kindergarten programs. During this time, I primarily worked at Salandra Kindergarten and Lynbrook Kindergarten.

As a Pre-School Teacher, I was responsible for creating and delivering a high-quality, play-based educational program for children aged 3-5 years, supporting their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. I designed curriculum plans based on children’s interests and cultural backgrounds, conducted regular observations to track their progress, and maintained a safe, inclusive learning environment. I also built strong relationships with families, encouraged family involvement, and participated in ongoing professional development to ensure effective teaching practices.