Childcare Center Director

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Childcare Center Director to lead its flagship Cape Town facility. You will oversee daily operations, ensure licensing compliance, and implement high-quality early childhood programs.

You will recruit and mentor staff, manage budgets, engage with parents and the community, and drive enrollment while upholding safety and educational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in early childhood education, with supervisory/managerial roles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the childcare center, ensuring compliance with licensing and policies.
• Develop and implement high-quality early childhood education programs.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all center staff; foster a positive work environment.
• Manage the center's budget, financial operations, and resource allocation.
• Ensure safety, health, and well-being of all children attending the center.
• Develop strong relationships with parents and the community; provide regular communication.
• Oversee marketing and enrollment strategies to maintain enrollment numbers.
• Lead staff performance evaluations and professional development.
• Oversee facility maintenance to ensure a clean, safe, stimulating environment.
• Serve as the primary contact for parents, staff, regulatory agencies, and the community.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff management

Communication

Education

Bachelor in ECE

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Childcare Center Director to lead their flagship facility in the heart of Cape Town, Western Cape . This is a pivotal role responsible for the overall management, operation, and strategic direction of the childcare center, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, and safety for all children. You will be responsible for leading a team of dedicated educators and support staff, fostering a positive and nurturing environment for children, and building strong relationships with parents and the wider community. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of early childhood education principles, and a proven track record in center management. This is an on-site position requiring full dedication to the daily operations of the center in Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center, ensuring compliance with all licensing regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement high-quality early childhood education programs aligned with best practices.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all center staff, fostering a positive and professional work environment.
• Manage the center's budget, financial operations, and resource allocation effectively.
• Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all children attending the center.
• Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with parents, providing regular communication and feedback.
• Implement marketing and enrollment strategies to maintain optimal enrollment numbers.
• Conduct regular staff performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
• Oversee facility maintenance, ensuring a clean, safe, and stimulating environment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, staff, regulatory agencies, and the community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role (e.g., Assistant Director, Director).
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment methods.
• Proven experience in staff management, training, and performance evaluation.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with relevant childcare regulations and licensing requirements in South Africa .
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Passion for children's development and commitment to providing exceptional care.
• CPR and First Aid certification required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits including medical and dental coverage, and a retirement savings plan. You will be provided with opportunities for ongoing professional development, leadership training, and attendance at relevant industry conferences. The role offers the satisfaction of leading a dedicated team and making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in the Cape Town community.