Child Development Specialist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Durban-based role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly motivated Child Development Specialist to join our Durban team. You will conduct developmental assessments, design individualized support plans, and deliver direct intervention to children aged 0-6 in a center-based setting.

You will collaborate with families, educators, and healthcare professionals to promote healthy development and address challenges. A strong background in child development and passion for early intervention are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, psychology or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience with young children in an early intervention or educational setting.
• Proven ability to conduct developmental assessments and create intervention plans.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and milestones.
• Excellent observational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct developmental screenings and assessments for children aged 0-6.
• Develop and implement individualized educational and therapeutic plans.
• Provide direct one-on-one and small group intervention services.
• Collaborate with parents and caregivers to guide strategies at home.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care.
• Observe and document children's development.
• Create a safe, stimulating learning environment.
• Facilitate play-based activities to enhance development.
• Stay informed about current research and best practices.
• Advocate for needs of children and families.

Skills

Observational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Rapport building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Development

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Child Development Specialist to join their dedicated team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This role focuses on providing essential support and early intervention services to young children and their families, promoting healthy development and addressing potential challenges. You will work directly with children in a center-based environment, conducting assessments, developing individualized support plans, and implementing evidence-based strategies. This is a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to the foundational years of children's lives, making a tangible difference within the Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA community. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of child psychology, developmental milestones, and effective intervention techniques. You are passionate about creating nurturing and stimulating environments that foster optimal growth and learning in early childhood.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct developmental screenings and assessments for children aged 0-6 to identify strengths, needs, and potential developmental delays.
• Develop and implement individualized educational and therapeutic plans tailored to the unique needs of each child.
• Provide direct one-on-one and small group intervention services to support children's cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language development.
• Collaborate with parents and caregivers to provide guidance, education, and support in implementing developmental strategies at home.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including educators, therapists, and healthcare professionals, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Observe children's behavior and development within various settings and document findings accurately.
• Create and maintain a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that encourages exploration and growth.
• Facilitate play-based learning activities designed to enhance specific developmental skills.
• Stay informed about current research, best practices, and resources in child development and early intervention.
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within the community and educational systems.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly with young children in an early intervention or educational setting.
• Proven experience in conducting developmental assessments and developing individualized intervention plans.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories, milestones, and common developmental challenges.
• Excellent observational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with children and their families.
• Experience in creating engaging and developmentally appropriate learning activities.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and report writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Passion for supporting the healthy development of young children.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive and professional setting in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .
• Engage in rewarding work that directly impacts the lives of children and families.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.
• Collaborative team environment with opportunities for knowledge sharing.
• Be part of a well-established organization committed to early childhood development.