Childcare Center Director & Educational Strategist

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington seeks a visionary Childcare Center Director & Educational Strategist to lead operations and guide the centre's educational vision.

You will oversee budgeting, safety, licensing, and community partnerships while driving excellence in teaching practices for young learners.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a senior leadership role within childcare or education.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, program development, and operational management.
• In-depth knowledge of current early childhood education theories, research, and best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial management and budgeting capabilities.
• Commitment to child welfare, diversity, and inclusion.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the childcare centre's operations and educational programs.
• Develop and implement innovative educational strategies to enhance learning outcomes and child development.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of dedicated childcare professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure the centre provides a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment for all children.
• Manage financial resources, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, staff, and the wider community.
• Oversee compliance with all licensing regulations, safety standards, and quality assurance measures.
• Drive initiatives for staff professional development and performance management.
• Represent the centre in community forums and collaborate with educational partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Educational strategy

Team mentoring

Stakeholder collaboration

Budgeting

Education

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Educational Leadership

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier provider of early childhood services, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Childcare Center Director & Educational Strategist for their flagship facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This senior leadership role demands a blend of exceptional management acumen and a deep strategic understanding of early childhood education. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the centre while also driving the educational vision and strategy to ensure the highest quality of learning and development for all children. We are looking for a passionate leader committed to fostering an inspiring and nurturing environment, promoting excellence in teaching practices, and building strong community partnerships. This is a significant opportunity to lead and innovate within a highly respected organization in Upington, Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the childcare centre's operations and educational programs.
• Develop and implement innovative educational strategies to enhance learning outcomes and child development.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of dedicated childcare professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure the centre provides a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment for all children.
• Manage financial resources, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, staff, and the wider community.
• Oversee compliance with all licensing regulations, safety standards, and quality assurance measures.
• Drive initiatives for staff professional development and performance management.
• Represent the centre in community forums and collaborate with educational partners.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior leadership role within the childcare or education sector.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, program development, and operational management.
• In-depth knowledge of current early childhood education theories, research, and best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial management and budgeting capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive and high-performing organizational culture.
• Commitment to child welfare, diversity, and inclusion.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is required.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary and benefits package, commensurate with the seniority and strategic importance of this role. This position provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and making a significant impact on early childhood education. Working in Upington, Northern Cape offers a chance to lead within a vital community service. Join a prestigious organization dedicated to shaping the future through exceptional early learning. This role offers the satisfaction of driving educational excellence and nurturing future generations.