Early Childhood Program Manager

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership opportunity

Professional development

Supportive culture

Community impact

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Early Childhood Program Manager to lead and scale childcare initiatives in Mahikeng. You will plan strategically, manage operations, and ensure program quality while guiding a team of educators to deliver holistic development for children in the community.

The ideal candidate will have 6+ years in ECD, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of curriculum frameworks, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in early childhood education or related field.
• 6+ years in early childhood education with at least 3 years in management.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, staff, and program operations.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood curricula and pedagogy.
• Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of child protection policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of all early childhood programs.
• Manage daily operations including staffing, budgeting, and resources.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and licensing requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of educators and support staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment for all children.
• Develop and maintain relationships with parents and community stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Child development knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education/Child Development

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Early Childhood Program Manager to lead and develop their childcare initiatives in Mahikeng . This role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of high-quality early learning experiences that support the holistic development of young children. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, operational management, and quality assurance of the programs, as well as managing a team of dedicated educators. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of early childhood pedagogy, and a passion for creating impactful educational environments for children in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all early childhood programs .
• Manage daily operations, including staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant regulatory standards, licensing requirements, and best practices in childcare.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of early childhood educators and support staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment for all children.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with parents, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, staff, and program operations effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood curriculum frameworks and pedagogical approaches.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of child protection policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunity for leadership and impact in early childhood education.
• Professional development and continuous learning support.
• A collaborative and supportive work culture.
• Contribute to the development and well-being of children in the community.