Justin Buckley
Strathpine,QLD
Summary
Results-oriented professional with a strong focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement in early childhood education. Expertise in leading teams, managing budgets, and implementing innovative educational programs to achieve high occupancy and quality standards.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Centre Director/ Nominated Supervisor
Cloncurry Shire Council
Cloncurry, Queensland
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Ensured compliance with National Law and National Quality Standards as Nominated Supervisor.
- Led development and implementation of educational programs aligned with Early Years Learning Framework.
- Provided pedagogical leadership and mentoring to educators, promoting continuous improvement.
- Managed daily operations including budgeting, enrolments, staffing rosters, and centre presentation.
- Conducted staff performance reviews and coordinated professional development for team members.
- Ensured child safety through rigorous supervision, risk assessments, and adherence to protection protocols.
- Built relationships with families and community to foster inclusive practices.
- Maintained high occupancy levels through strategic planning and effective community engagement.
Prekinder, Kinder and Transition Teacher
PIO 12 Bilingual College
Mosquera, Colombia
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Collaborate with the Teaching Assistant to deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences in a bilingual setting.
- Provide English-language instruction to young learners, supporting bilingual development.
- Monitor and assess academic progress, adapting teaching strategies to meet individual needs.
- Act as a co-homeroom teacher, supporting care, and maintaining strong communication with parents.
- Implement school policies including behaviour management, rewards and sanctions, and intimate care
- Promote students’ understanding of their roles as both local and global citizens
- Participate in school events such as productions, excursions, parent evenings, and house activities
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment
- Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and contribute to school-wide initiatives
- Support the emotional and social development of students in collaboration with the pastoral team
Project Lead / Nominated Supervisor
Hei Schools Charlotte
Brisbane City, Queensland
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Develop and manage end-to-end project plans for new center openings, including site selection, licensing, staffing, and operational readiness.
- Coordinate with architects, builders, and local councils to ensure timely construction and compliance with safety and zoning regulations.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies to secure approvals under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.
- Conduct market research and feasibility studies to identify optimal locations and service models.
- Oversee the recruitment and onboarding of center leadership and educators.
- Collaborate with finance teams to manage budgets, forecasts, and funding applications.
- Ensure all new centers meet National Quality Standards (NQS) and are prepared for Assessment and Rating.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational frameworks for new sites.
- Engage with community stakeholders to promote enrollment and build local partnerships.
- Monitor project milestones, risks, and reporting requirements to ensure successful delivery.
- Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned, and refining future expansion strategies.
Centre Manager
Guardian Early Learning
Bowen Hills , Queensland
02.2018 - 10.2021
- Led a large-scale, 140-place, open-plan early learning center with multi-age groupings, fostering a collaborative and inquiry-based learning culture.
- Embedded Reggio Emilia principles across the curriculum, promoting child-led exploration and creative expression.
- Guided educators in designing rich learning environments and documenting children’s learning through pedagogical narratives and visual displays.
- Oversaw daily operations, including staffing, supervision, compliance, and health and safety across flexible learning zones.
- Ensured alignment with National Quality Standards (NQS), Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated professional development and reflective practice to support continuous improvement and educator growth.
- Led center-wide projects and exhibitions that reflected children’s interests and community connections.
- Collaborated on the design and evolution of the physical environment as a 'third teacher.'
- Monitored enrollment, occupancy, and quality improvement plans to support strategic growth.
- Held current certifications: First Aid, CPR, Asthma & Anaphylaxis, and Blue Card.
- Proficient in digital documentation platforms, and open-plan supervision strategies.
Various Roles
Goodstart Early Learning
Brisbane , Queensland
01.2004 - 12.2017
- Supervise and support a group of children in daily routines, learning experiences, and play-based activities.
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs, aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
- Delegate tasks and guide assistant educators to ensure smooth group operations.
- Monitor children’s well-being, safety, and developmental progress, maintaining accurate documentation.
- Foster a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports children’s emotional and social development.
- Communicate effectively with families, sharing insights and updates on children’s learning and behavior.
- Ensure compliance with National Quality Standards (NQS), center policies, and health and safety regulations.
- Collaborate with other educators and center leadership to support center-wide initiatives and events.
Education
Certificate 4 - Training And Assessment
Success Training
Southport 11-2020
Team Leader Skill Set - Family And Community Services
Charlton Brown
Brisbane, QLD03-2017
Diploma - Children's Servies
Charlton Brown
Brisbane11-2009
Skills
- Budget management
- Regulatory compliance
- Staff development
- Project management
- Community engagement
- Pedagogical leadership
Certification
- Blue card
- Open license
- CHCPRTO25 Identify and Report Children and Young people at risk
- Food Safety Supervision Skill Set
Affiliations
- Gardening
- Rollerblading
- Learning Spanish
- Dancing
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Centre Director/ Nominated Supervisor
Cloncurry Shire Council
07.2024 - 07.2025
Prekinder, Kinder and Transition Teacher
PIO 12 Bilingual College
08.2023 - 07.2024
Project Lead / Nominated Supervisor
Hei Schools Charlotte
11.2021 - 12.2022
Centre Manager
Guardian Early Learning
02.2018 - 10.2021
Various Roles
Goodstart Early Learning
01.2004 - 12.2017
Certificate 4 - Training And Assessment
Success Training
Team Leader Skill Set - Family And Community Services
Charlton Brown
Diploma - Children's Servies
Charlton Brown
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