Early Childhood Development Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension plan

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks an Early Childhood Development Specialist to design curricula and monitor progress from infancy to pre-school. You will guide educators, collaborate with parents, and ensure adherence to health, safety, and licensing regulations.

The role emphasizes in-person collaboration with a hybrid work model, plus opportunities for professional development and growth in a nurturing learning environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience working with young children in early learning.
• Strong understanding of child psychology and milestones from birth to age five.
• Experience in curriculum development and assessment for early years.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to work in a team and build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Knowledge of South African educational policies and standards for ECD.
• First Aid certification is a plus.
• Residing in or willing to commute to Bloemfontein for in-person component.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for various age groups.
• Observe and assess children's progress in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Provide guidance to educators on teaching strategies and classroom management for young children.
• Develop and maintain relationships with parents, offering resources for home-based learning.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing regulations for ECD centers.
• Organize and lead workshops for parents and staff on child development topics.
• Collaborate with management to enhance overall learning environment.
• Stay updated on latest research and best practices in ECD.
• Assist in selecting age-appropriate learning materials and resources.

Skills

Curriculum design

Child development

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

Policy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

First Aid certification (bonus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded early learning center in **Bloemfontein, Free State**, is looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Early Childhood Development Specialist. This role is central to ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational programs for young children, focusing on holistic development from infancy through pre-school age. The specialist will work closely with educators, parents, and administrators to develop and implement age-appropriate curricula, monitor child progress, and provide guidance on best practices in early childhood education. This hybrid role allows for significant in-center interaction while also providing flexibility for planning and professional development. Join us in **Bloemfontein** and contribute to the foundational learning experiences of our youngest learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for various age groups within the early childhood setting.
• Observe and assess children's progress in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Provide guidance and support to educators on effective teaching strategies and classroom management for young children.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with parents, offering resources and support for home-based learning.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations for early childhood centers.
• Organize and lead workshops for parents and staff on topics related to child development and parenting.
• Collaborate with the management team to enhance the overall quality of the learning environment.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education.
• Assist in the selection and utilization of age-appropriate learning materials and resources.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working directly with young children in an early learning setting.
• A strong understanding of child psychology and developmental milestones from birth to age five.
• Experience in curriculum development and assessment for early years.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of relevant South African educational policies and standards for early childhood development.
• First Aid certification is a plus.
• Residing in or willing to commute to **Bloemfontein** is necessary for the in-person component.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• A positive and nurturing work environment focused on child well-being.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.
• Access to a rich array of educational resources.