In early childhood education, the role of the Educational Leader is both visionary and grounded. It’s not just about overseeing curriculum—it’s about cultivating a culture of inquiry, emotional safety, and continuous growth. Each day brings opportunities to mentor, reflect, advocate, and co-create learning environments where children and educators thrive.
This guide outlines the core responsibilities and daily tasks that shape pedagogical leadership. It honours the invisible labour, the quiet coaching moments, and the intentional decisions that uphold quality practice and sector integrity.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities Of An Educational Leader
Pedagogical Leadership
- Guide curriculum decision-making aligned with the EYLF and service philosophy
- Support educators to reflect on their practice, using critical reflection and inquiry
- Model intentional teaching and play-based learning strategies
- Facilitate planning meetings and collaborative programming cycles
- Ensure learning documentation is meaningful, inclusive, and linked to learning outcomes
- Mentor educators in observing, interpreting, and extending children’s learning
- Embed culturally responsive practices, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
- Promote child voice and agency in curriculum design
Team Support & Capacity Building
- Coach and mentor educators through regular check-ins, feedback, and goal setting
- Identify professional learning needs and recommend training or resources
- Support new educators and students with induction and pedagogical guidance
- Foster a culture of inquiry and shared leadership across the team
- Encourage emotionally intelligent communication and relational trust
- Celebrate educator strengths and highlight growth in practice
Compliance & Quality Improvement
- Ensure curriculum aligns with NQS and approved learning frameworks
- Contribute to the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) with pedagogical insights
- Support documentation for Assessment and Rating, including examples of practice
- Monitor planning cycles for consistency, depth, and child-centred focus
- Stay up-to-date with sector changes, frameworks, and regulatory updates
- Support ethical decision-making and uphold the Code of Ethics
Family & Community Engagement
- Encourage family input into curriculum and documentation
- Support educators to build respectful partnerships with families
- Facilitate culturally inclusive celebrations and learning experiences
- Advocate for children’s rights and well-being in community conversations
- Promote transparency and shared understanding of learning goals
Reflective Practice & Innovation
- Pose reflective questions that challenge assumptions and deepen practice
- Trial new approaches to documentation, planning, or learning environments
- Use data and observations to inform curriculum improvements
- Lead inquiry projects or action research with the team
- Model vulnerability and curiosity in your own learning journey
List of Daily Tasks for an Educational Leader
Curriculum & Pedagogy
- Review and guide educators’ planning and documentation
- Observe children’s play and link to EYLF outcomes
- Support intentional teaching strategies and spontaneous learning moments
- Reflect on curriculum decisions and learning environments
- Ensure planning cycles are child-centred and inclusive
Educator Support
- Check in with educators—emotionally and professionally
- Offer feedback and coaching on practice and documentation
- Support new team members with pedagogical guidance
- Facilitate reflective conversations or mini team huddles
- Celebrate educator strengths and progress
Compliance & Quality Practice
- Ensure documentation aligns with EYLF and NQS
- Monitor planning and observation records for consistency
- Update or contribute to the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)
- Prepare examples of practice for Assessment & Rating readiness
- Stay informed on sector updates and regulatory changes
Family & Community Engagement
- Encourage family input into learning and documentation
- Support educators in building respectful partnerships
- Facilitate culturally inclusive experiences and displays
- Respond to family questions about curriculum or learning goals
- Document family contributions to strengthen belonging
Reflective Practice & Innovation
- Pose reflective questions to deepen team thinking
- Trial new formats for documentation or planning
- Use observations to inform curriculum adjustments
- Model curiosity and vulnerability in your own learning
- Capture symbolic or emotionally resonant moments for advocacy
Educational leadership is not a static role—it’s a living, breathing practice. Each day, you hold space for growth, guide pedagogy with intention, and nurture a culture where children and educators feel safe, seen, and inspired. These responsibilities and tasks are not just duties—they’re reflections of your values, your insight, and your unwavering commitment to quality early childhood education.
As you move through your day, may this guide serve as a compass not to measure perfection, but to honour progress, provoke reflection, and celebrate the quiet power of leadership in motion.
Further Reading
A Guide For Educational Leaders In Early Childhood Settings
Educational Leader Allowance and Non-Contact Time
Responsibilities Of An Educational Leader In Early Childhood
Qualities Of An Educational Leader
Coaching vs. Mentoring Cheat Sheet for Educational Leader
Educational Leader Checklist
Educational Leader Task Overview
Educational Leader Action Plan Template