Early Childhood Development Coordinator - Special Needs Focus

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work culture

Network of specialists

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Early Childhood Development Coordinator with a Special Needs Focus for our client’s center in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. The role blends on-site coordination with remote planning duties, supporting educators, therapists, and families to deliver inclusive, high-quality programs.

You will develop IEPs, guide staff in inclusive practices, and monitor progress through observations and documentation, while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ECE, Special Education or related field.
• Minimum 4 years in early childhood education with focus on special needs.
• Experience developing IEPs or similar support plans.
• Knowledge of developmental delays and autism/learning disabilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee ECD programs with high standards of care and education.
• Develop, adapt and implement IEPs for children with special needs.
• Provide guidance to educators on inclusive practices for diverse learners.
• Collaborate with parents and external therapists to support each child.
• Conduct observations and assessments to monitor progress and needs.
• Organize staff training on special needs education and inclusion.
• Manage resources and materials for diverse learning requirements.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and best practices in ECD.
• Maintain records of progress, interventions and parent communications.
• Serve as a point of contact for families seeking support.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive organization dedicated to inclusive early childhood education, is seeking an Early Childhood Development Coordinator with a Special Needs Focus for their center in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA . This pivotal role involves overseeing and enhancing the quality of educational programs for young children, with a particular emphasis on supporting those with diverse learning needs. You will collaborate closely with educators, therapists, and families to develop and implement individualized support strategies, ensuring every child receives the appropriate care and attention to thrive. This position offers a hybrid work model, blending on-site coordination and direct interaction with children and staff, with remote administrative and planning duties. We are looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and organized professional dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of early childhood development programs, ensuring high standards of care and education.
• Develop, adapt, and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for children with special needs.
• Provide guidance and support to educators on strategies for inclusive practices and supporting diverse learners.
• Collaborate with parents and external specialists (therapists, psychologists) to create a holistic support system for each child.
• Conduct observations and assessments to monitor children's developmental progress, with a focus on identifying and addressing special needs.
• Organize and facilitate training sessions for staff on topics related to special needs education and inclusive practices.
• Manage resources and materials necessary for supporting children with diverse learning requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices in early childhood education and special needs support.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to children's progress, interventions, and parent communications.
• Act as a key point of contact for families seeking support for children with special needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in early childhood education, with a significant focus on supporting children with special needs.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or similar support plans.
• Strong understanding of child development, developmental delays, and various special needs (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Organizational and administrative capabilities, with the ability to manage a hybrid workload.
• Proficiency in using educational technology and standard office software.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR is required.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to inclusive education.
• Ability to work effectively both on-site in Nelspruit and remotely.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development in special needs education.
• Supportive and inclusive work culture.
• Access to a network of specialists and resources.
• The chance to make a profound impact on children's lives in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA .
• Contribution to a leading organization in early childhood development.