Early Childhood Program Manager

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Employer matching retirement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Program Manager to oversee a diverse portfolio of childcare and educational programs. You will lead strategic planning, curriculum development, staff supervision, and community partnerships to deliver high-quality services for young children and families.

The role blends on-site leadership with remote coordination, requiring excellent communication, regulatory knowledge, and a passion for developmentally appropriate learning.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• At least 6 years in early childhood education, with 3+ years in a management role.
• Experience in program development, implementation and evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of pedagogy, curricula, and child assessment.
• Proven leadership and staff development skills.
• Ability to work in both on-site and hybrid/remote settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for all early childhood programs.
• Oversee daily operations of childcare centers ensuring safety and stimulation.
• Mentor and manage a team of educators and support staff; recruit and evaluate performance.
• Design and update curriculum to be age-appropriate and inclusive.
• Build relationships with parents, guardians and community partners.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Problem-solving

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Education

Master's in Early Childhood Education

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Early Childhood Program Manager to oversee and enhance their diverse range of childcare and educational programs. This role is critical in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, engaging, and developmentally appropriate services to young children and their families. The Program Manager will be responsible for strategic planning, operational oversight, curriculum development, staff management, and fostering strong community partnerships. This position offers a unique blend of on-site leadership and remote coordination, requiring a candidate who can effectively manage diverse teams and initiatives across different settings. You will champion best practices in early childhood education, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record in program management, a passion for early childhood development, and the ability to inspire a dedicated team towards achieving excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for all early childhood programs, aligning with organizational mission and educational best practices.
• Oversee daily operations of childcare centers, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children.
• Manage and mentor a team of early childhood educators and support staff, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluations.
• Design, review, and update curriculum and educational methodologies to ensure they are age-appropriate, inclusive, and engaging.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with parents, guardians, and the wider community, fostering active engagement and support.
• Ensure all programs comply with local and national licensing, health, and safety regulations.
• Manage program budgets, resource allocation, and financial reporting effectively.
• Lead initiatives for program evaluation and quality improvement, utilizing data to drive decision-making.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for staff, promoting continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders and partners to expand program reach and impact.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated success in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of early childhood pedagogy, curriculum frameworks, and child assessment.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with budget management and financial oversight.
• Familiarity with relevant childcare licensing and regulatory standards.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site and remote/hybrid work environments.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and further education.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment that values innovation and dedication.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.