Early Childhood Education Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid annual leave

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an experienced Early Childhood Education Specialist for our Polokwane, Limpopo center. This leadership role guides the educational philosophy across the center, mentors staff, and refines programs to deliver high-quality learning for children from birth to five years.

You will conduct quality assurance, lead professional development, and ensure compliance with South African policies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field.
• 7+ years in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in supervisory/leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of pedagogical approaches and curriculum frameworks for early years.
• Experience in staff training, mentorship, and program development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for program evaluations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with South African educational policies and licensing for childcare centers.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of the ECD curriculum.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to teaching staff on best practices.
• Conduct regular observations and evaluations of staff and programs.
• Develop and deliver professional development workshops for educators.
• Ensure compliance with educational standards, regulations, and licensing.
• Collaborate with management to set educational goals and strategies.
• Engage with parents to support children's learning at home and in center.
• Champion inclusive practices to meet diverse needs.
• Research and integrate new findings into the center's programs.
• Maintain focus on child safety, well-being, and positive learning environments.

Skills

Leadership

Staff mentorship

Curriculum knowledge

Communication

Program evaluation

Policy familiarity

Education

Master's degree in ECD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent childcare center in Polokwane, Limpopo, is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Early Childhood Education Specialist. This role is crucial in guiding the educational philosophy and pedagogical practices across the center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality learning experiences for children from birth to five years. You will mentor teaching staff, develop and refine educational programs, and conduct quality assurance assessments. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of current research in early childhood development and a passion for fostering an optimal learning environment. This is a key leadership position based within our Polokwane facility, contributing significantly to the educational outcomes of the children in our care.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the early childhood education curriculum.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to teaching staff, offering guidance on best practices in early childhood pedagogy.
• Conduct regular observations and assessments of teaching staff and program effectiveness.
• Develop and deliver professional development workshops for educators to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant educational standards, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with management to set educational goals and strategies for the center.
• Work closely with parents to support children's learning and development at home and in the center.
• Champion the implementation of inclusive practices to meet the needs of all children.
• Research and integrate new research findings and innovative approaches into the center's educational programs.
• Maintain a strong focus on child safety, well-being, and positive learning environments.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a supervisory, leadership, or specialist role.
• In-depth knowledge of various pedagogical approaches and curriculum frameworks for early years.
• Proven experience in staff training, mentorship, and program development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct program evaluations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with South African educational policies and licensing requirements for childcare centers.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in early learning settings.
• Must be resident in or able to relocate to Polokwane, Limpopo.
• A valid driver's license is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the seniority and expertise required for this role. This position provides significant opportunities for professional growth and impact within the field of early childhood education. You will work within a collaborative and supportive professional environment in Polokwane.

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the seniority and expertise required for this role.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous paid annual leave.
• Access to ongoing professional development and conferences is provided.

This is a leadership role with substantial responsibility and the chance to shape early education in Limpopo.