Early Childhood Program Director

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior-level salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Leadership impact and growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Early Childhood Program Director to lead and develop its on-campus and hybrid early learning initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on strategic planning, curriculum innovation, and high-quality care for young learners.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree with at least five years in leadership roles within early childhood education, demonstrating exceptional leadership, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within early childhood education.
• Strong expertise in curriculum development and evaluation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic direction and implementation of all early childhood programs.
• Lead and mentor a team of educators and support staff.
• Develop and refine curriculum to align with best practices.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Manage program budgets and resource allocation.
• Foster a safe, inclusive learning environment and strong community relations.
• Monitor program effectiveness using data analysis and continuous improvements.

Skills

Educational leadership

Curriculum development

Staff management

Budget management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Educational management software

Job description

Our client, a forward-thinking educational institution, is seeking an experienced and visionary Early Childhood Program Director to lead and develop their esteemed early learning programs. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for impactful remote strategic planning and essential on-site leadership at their Sandton, Gauteng, ZA campus. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the early childhood program, from curriculum development and staff management to ensuring a high-quality, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for young children. The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of contemporary early childhood education theories and practices. This is a crucial leadership position focused on driving educational excellence, fostering innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of care and learning. Join us in shaping the future of early education in Sandton.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic direction, development, and implementation of all early childhood programs.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of early childhood educators and support staff.
• Develop and refine the curriculum to ensure it is engaging, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with educational best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing requirements, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Manage program budgets, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment for all children.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with parents, staff, and the wider community.
• Implement quality assurance measures and monitor program effectiveness through data analysis.
• Stay abreast of current research and trends in early childhood education and implement relevant innovations.
• Represent the organization in professional networks and community engagement initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within early childhood education, preferably as a director or program manager.
• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of child development, learning theories, and pedagogical approaches.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Experience in managing budgets, staff, and program operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Proven ability to foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational settings.
• Proficiency in relevant educational technologies and management software.

Benefits

• A competitive senior-level salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement, balancing remote and on-site contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership impact.
• Influence over the strategic direction of early childhood education at a prestigious institution.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Access to ongoing professional development and resources.
• The profound satisfaction of nurturing young minds and shaping future leaders.