Childcare Manager and Program Developer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Paid time off

Sick leave

Professional development allowance

Relocation assistance

Pension contributions

Performance bonuses

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 searches for a dynamic Childcare Manager and Program Developer to lead a growing center in Mahikeng, North West. This hybrid role blends on-site leadership with remote strategic planning to elevate early education for children from 6 months to 5 years.

You will oversee daily operations, supervise staff, ensure licensing compliance, and drive curriculum development. A Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education is required, with 8+ years in childcare and 3+ in management; a Master's is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years in childcare with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Experience in curriculum development and program planning for early years.
• Knowledge of childcare licensing regulations and safety protocols.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and operations effectively.
• Based in Mahikeng, North West or able to commute.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the childcare center, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
• Train and support a team of childcare educators and support staff.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate creative and age-appropriate educational programs and curricula.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, health, and safety standards.
• Engage with parents and manage admissions and inquiries.
• Develop and manage the center's budget and resources.
• Lead staff performance reviews and professional development.
• Collaborate with external agencies to enhance offerings.
• Handle on-site and remote administrative tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff management

Curriculum design

Pedagogical knowledge

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Childcare software

Office tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing childcare center in Mahikeng, North West, ZA , is seeking a dynamic and experienced Childcare Manager and Program Developer. This hybrid role requires a leader who can oversee daily operations, manage staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and spearhead the development of innovative educational programs for children aged 6 months to 5 years. The position involves on-site management of the facility, staff supervision, and direct engagement with children and parents, while also allowing for remote strategic planning, curriculum design, and administrative tasks. We are looking for a visionary individual with strong leadership, organizational, and pedagogical skills. The Childcare Manager will be instrumental in shaping the center's educational philosophy, enhancing service quality, and fostering a positive learning environment for both children and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
• Manage, train, and support a team of childcare educators and support staff.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate creative and age-appropriate educational programs and curricula.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant licensing regulations, health, and safety standards.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents, addressing concerns and facilitating communication.
• Manage admissions, enrollment, and parent inquiries.
• Develop and manage the center's budget and resources.
• Conduct regular staff performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities.
• Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in childcare practices and educational delivery.
• Collaborate with external agencies and community partners to enhance center offerings.
• Handle administrative tasks, including reporting, scheduling, and record-keeping, both on-site and remotely.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in childcare, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and program planning for early years.
• Strong understanding of child development theories and pedagogical best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and operations effectively.
• Knowledge of childcare licensing regulations and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in using childcare management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to balance on-site operational duties with remote strategic and administrative work.
• Must be based in or able to reliably commute to Mahikeng, North West, ZA.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a reputable childcare center.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave.
• Professional development allowance and opportunities for further education.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Performance bonuses and incentives.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.