Special Needs Early Years Practitioner - Queenstown

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary reflective of опыт

Professional development opportunities

Annual leave and statutory benefits

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a compassionate Special Needs Early Years Practitioner for an in-center role in Queenstown. You will support young children (ages 3-6) with diverse needs, implement IEPs, and work with a multidisciplinary team to promote inclusive learning and development.

You will collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to tailor activities, monitor progress, and support daily routines with patience and empathy.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Certificate in Special Needs Education or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with young children with special needs in educational/therapeutic settings.
• Solid understanding of common special needs conditions and effective intervention strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct educational and emotional support to young children with special needs in an early years setting.
• Implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapt learning activities to meet each child.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and parents to develop and implement support strategies.
• Monitor and document children's progress, behaviors, and development, reporting findings to the team and parents.
• Assist children with daily routines, including feeding, toileting, and personal care as needed.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning and social interaction.
• Utilize teaching aids and methods to support learning, communication, and motor skills development.
• Foster positive social-emotional development and independence.
• Manage challenging behaviors constructively and empathetically.
• Participate in team meetings and parent-teacher consultations.

Skills

Observational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma or Certificate in Special Needs Education

Early Childhood Development with a specialization in special needs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated educational center in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Special Needs Early Years Practitioner. This role is focused on providing tailored support and educational activities for young children (ages 3-6) with diverse special needs, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges. You will work closely with a team of educators and specialists to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters the unique potential of each child. This is a hands-on, in-center position, requiring direct engagement with children in Queenstown. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of special educational needs, various intervention strategies, and a patient, empathetic approach. Your primary goal will be to help these young learners thrive socially, emotionally, and academically, ensuring they feel valued and supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct educational and emotional support to young children with special needs in an early years setting.
• Implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapt learning activities to meet the specific needs of each child.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists (e.g., speech, occupational), and parents to develop and implement support strategies.
• Monitor and document children's progress, behaviors, and development, reporting findings to the educational team and parents.
• Assist children with daily routines, including feeding, toileting, and personal care, as needed.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning and social interaction.
• Utilize various teaching aids and methods to support learning, communication, and motor skill development.
• Foster positive social-emotional development and encourage independence in children.
• Manage challenging behaviors constructively and empathetically.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and parent-teacher consultations related to special needs support.

Requirements

• Diploma or Certificate in Special Needs Education, Early Childhood Development with a specialization in special needs, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working directly with young children with special needs in an educational or therapeutic setting.
• Solid understanding of common special needs conditions (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities) and effective intervention strategies.
• Experience in implementing IEPs and adapting educational materials.
• Excellent observational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting children with special needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment in Queenstown.
• Basic knowledge of therapy approaches (e.g., speech, OT) is advantageous.
• First Aid certification is preferred.
• Reliable and punctual with a strong commitment to child well-being.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflective of experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work in a specialized and rewarding field of education.
• Supportive team environment and access to professional development.
• Contribution to ongoing training and workshops in special needs education.
• A stable position within a dedicated educational institution.
• Annual leave and statutory benefits.
• Positive work culture focused on child development.
• Potential to gain experience with diverse special needs.
• Work in the growing community of Queenstown.
• Opportunities for career progression within the special needs sector.