Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional growth opportunities

Beautiful Paarl setting

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced ECD Specialist in Paarl, Western Cape to lead play-based curricula for children aged 0-6. You will work with educators, parents, and administrators to ensure a safe, stimulating, and holistic learning environment that supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.

The role requires 5+ years of direct ECD experience, including 2+ years in supervision, and a qualification in ECD (BA/B.Ed or Diploma).

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong organizational and administrative capabilities.
• Passion for early childhood education and nurturing young learners.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate curriculum frameworks and activities for young children.
• Oversee daily operations of the ECD center, ensuring quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Guide and support ECD practitioners, fostering professional development and enhancing teaching methods.
• Observe and document children's progress, milestones, and areas needing support.
• Create a safe, inclusive learning environment promoting exploration and social interaction.
• Engage with parents/guardians to discuss development and center activities.
• Organize parent workshops and community engagement in ECD.
• Ensure health, safety and child protection policies are followed.
• Collaborate with external agencies to support children with specific needs.
• Stay updated on research and best practices in ECD.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Curriculum design

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

B.Ed. Foundation Phase

Diploma in ECD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded early learning center dedicated to nurturing young minds in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced and passionate Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist. This role is instrumental in developing and implementing age-appropriate, play-based curricula and learning experiences for children aged 0-6 years. The ECD Specialist will work closely with educators, parents, and administrators to ensure a stimulating, safe, and supportive environment that promotes holistic child development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. The position requires a deep understanding of child development theories and best practices in early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate curriculum frameworks and learning activities for young children.
• Oversee the daily operations of the ECD center, ensuring adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to ECD practitioners, fostering their professional development and enhancing teaching methodologies.
• Conduct regular observations and assessments of children's progress, documenting developmental milestones and identifying areas for support.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and social interaction.
• Build strong relationships with parents and guardians, facilitating effective communication regarding their child's development and center activities.
• Organize and facilitate parent workshops and community engagement initiatives related to early childhood development.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and child protection policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with external agencies and professionals when necessary to support children with specific needs.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Early Childhood Development or a related field (e.g., B.Ed. in Foundation Phase, Diploma in ECD).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working directly with young children in an ECD setting.
• At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role within an ECD center.
• Thorough understanding of child development theories and national curriculum guidelines (e.g., CAPS for ECD).
• Proven ability to design and implement effective early learning programs.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong organizational and administrative capabilities.
• Knowledge of child safety regulations and best practices.
• Passion for early childhood education and commitment to nurturing young learners.
• First Aid certification is required.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work in a beautiful setting in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Our client provides a supportive team environment and resources to ensure the success of their early learning programs.
• You will play a vital role in shaping the foundation for children's future learning journeys.