Early Childhood Educator & Development Specialist

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Professional development

Mentorship sessions

Generous annual leave

Career progression

Wellness programs

Community impact

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Educator in Midrand to support children aged 0–5 years. You will develop engaging, age-appropriate activities, monitor development, and communicate progress with parents in a nurturing, collaborative setting.

You will work with a dedicated team to create a welcoming classroom, uphold safety standards, and contribute to ongoing professional development and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Early Childhood Development (ECD) or related field.
• Proven experience with 0–5 years in formal childcare.
• Knowledge of child development theories and best practices.
• Excellent observation, assessment and documentation skills.
• Strong classroom management and behaviour guidance techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• First Aid/CPR certification is advantageous.
• Background check clearance required.
• Must be legally permitted to work in South Africa and reside near Midrand.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Supervise safety and well-being of children at all times.
• Observe and document progress; communicate with parents.
• Create an inclusive, stimulating classroom environment.
• Maintain open communication with parents about activities and progress.
• Collaborate with educators and staff for centre-wide events.
• Adhere to health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Manage classroom resources and space.
• Participate in professional development and meetings.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Curriculum development

Child development knowledge

Education

ECD qualification

Tools

First Aid/CPR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of early childhood education services, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Early Childhood Educator to join their vibrant team in Midrand, Gauteng . This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of young children in a supportive and engaging environment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of child psychology, age-appropriate learning methodologies, and a passion for fostering a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere. You will be instrumental in shaping the educational journeys of children aged 6 months to 5 years, ensuring their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. This role requires a proactive approach to curriculum development and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and education. We are looking for an individual who is not only skilled in childcare but also possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with both children and their parents.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote learning and development across all domains.
• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of all children under your care at all times.
• Observe and assess children's progress, documenting observations and communicating effectively with parents regarding their child's development.
• Create a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and positive social interactions.
• Maintain open and positive communication with parents, providing regular updates on their child's activities and progress.
• Collaborate with other educators and staff to plan and execute centre-wide events and activities.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and licensing regulations, including hygiene protocols.
• Manage classroom resources effectively, ensuring a well-organised and prepared learning space.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and team meetings.

Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Early Childhood Development (ECD) or a related field.
• Proven experience working with young children (0-5 years) in a formal childcare setting.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and best practices in early childhood education.
• Excellent observation, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Strong classroom management and behaviour guidance techniques.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A passion for child-centered learning and a nurturing approach.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is advantageous.
• Background check clearance will be required.
• Must be legally permitted to work in South Africa and reside in or near Midrand, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, including workshops and further training, to enhance their skills and career progression.
• Access to a supportive and collaborative team environment, with regular mentorship sessions.
• A generous leave policy, including annual leave and sick leave.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Employee wellness programs and support services are available to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of young children in the Midrand community.