Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown is seeking an ECD Specialist to support practitioners, develop curriculum, and ensure high-quality early learning experiences for young children in the region.

The role involves working with educators, designing play-based curricula, and guiding program quality with a focus on child development and regulatory standards. Travel within the Queenstown region will be required.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in ECD program implementation, training, or curriculum development.
• In-depth knowledge of child psychology, developmental milestones, and effective pedagogical approaches for young children.
• Experience in delivering training and facilitating workshops for educators.
• Strong understanding of ECD policies and regulations in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Provide training, mentorship, and support to ECD practitioners in partner centers.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate, play-based ECD curricula and learning materials.
• Conduct regular assessments of ECD centers to ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Organize and lead workshops and professional development sessions for ECD educators.
• Monitor child development progress within ECD programs and provide guidance on addressing developmental needs.
• Facilitate parent and community engagement initiatives related to early childhood education.
• Identify resources to enhance ECD program quality and sustainability.
• Collect and analyze data on program participation, child outcomes, and practitioner development.
• Stay abreast of current research, best practices, and policy developments in ECD.
• Advise on creating stimulating and safe learning environments for young children.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Diploma/ Degree in ECD or Education

Tools

Basic computer applications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to enhancing early childhood development in the Eastern Cape , is seeking a passionate and qualified Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist. This role is crucial for supporting ECD practitioners, developing curriculum, and ensuring the provision of high-quality early learning experiences for young children in the Queenstown area and its surrounds. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of child development, pedagogical best practices, and a strong commitment to fostering foundational learning. You will be working directly with educators and children, making a tangible impact on the early years of education. This is an opportunity to contribute to a vital sector that shapes the future of our communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide training, mentorship, and support to ECD practitioners and facilitators in partner centers.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate, play-based ECD curricula and learning materials.
• Conduct regular assessments of ECD centers to ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Organize and lead workshops and professional development sessions for ECD educators.
• Monitor child development progress within ECD programs and provide guidance on addressing developmental needs.
• Facilitate parent and community engagement initiatives related to early childhood education.
• Identify resources and opportunities to enhance ECD program quality and sustainability.
• Collect and analyze data on program participation, child outcomes, and practitioner development.
• Stay abreast of current research, best practices, and policy developments in ECD.
• Advise on the creation of stimulating and safe learning environments for young children.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in ECD program implementation, training, or curriculum development.
• In-depth knowledge of child psychology, developmental milestones, and effective pedagogical approaches for young children.
• Experience in delivering training and facilitating workshops for educators.
• Strong understanding of ECD policies and regulations in South Africa.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders, including educators, parents, and community members.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications.
• A genuine passion for improving early childhood education in the Eastern Cape .
• Willingness to travel within the Queenstown region.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards for ECD professionals.
• We provide opportunities for ongoing professional development, including access to specialized training and workshops.
• Employees will work in a supportive and collaborative environment focused on making a real difference in the lives of young children and their families in Queenstown .
• The position includes a generous annual leave allowance and potential for career progression within the organization.
• This is a chance to be part of a team that is truly invested in nurturing the potential of every child.