Early Years Play Therapist & Educator (Paarl)

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 210,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary

Professional development support

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a skilled Early Years Play Therapist & Educator for a Paarl centre. The role combines play-based learning with therapeutic interventions to support young children's development, with a hybrid model including remote planning and parent support.

The candidate should have Play Therapy qualifications, be registered with a SA professional body, and bring strong empathy and communication to work with diverse families. Competitive salary and development opportunities offered.

Qualifications

• Recognized qualification in Play Therapy or equivalent.
• Certified Play Therapist required.
• Experience with play therapy techniques in early years.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver integrated play therapy and early years activities for ages 3-6.
• Assess emotional, social, and cognitive development through therapeutic play.
• Develop individualized intervention plans based on assessments.
• Facilitate group and individual sessions to support emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with parents/caregivers, including remote consultations.
• Work with educators to integrate therapy into daily classroom routines.
• Maintain confidential records of sessions and progress.
• Contribute to development of therapeutic resources.

Skills

Play therapy

Child psychology

Empathy

Active listening

Education

Play Therapy qualification

Certified Play Therapist

Early Childhood Education qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a unique and highly skilled Early Years Play Therapist & Educator for their centre in Paarl, Western Cape. This dual role requires a professional who can expertly integrate play-based learning with therapeutic interventions to support the emotional and developmental needs of young children. The position involves a hybrid work model, combining essential in-centre facilitation with remote sessions for consultation, planning, and parent support. The ideal candidate is compassionate, creative, and possesses a deep understanding of child psychology and play therapy principles. You will play a vital role in helping children navigate challenges and build resilience through engaging, therapeutic play experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver integrated play therapy sessions and early years educational activities for children aged 3-6.
• Assess children's emotional, social, and cognitive development through observation and therapeutic play.
• Develop individualized intervention plans based on therapeutic assessments, utilising play as a primary tool.
• Facilitate group and individual sessions to help children express feelings, build coping mechanisms, and enhance social skills.
• Collaborate closely with parents and caregivers, providing insights and strategies for supporting children's emotional well-being at home, potentially via remote consultations.
• Work alongside early years educators to integrate therapeutic approaches into the daily classroom environment.
• Maintain confidential and accurate records of sessions, progress, and intervention plans.
• Contribute to the development of therapeutic resources and programs for the centre.

Requirements

• Recognized qualification in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, or a related therapeutic field.
• Additional qualification or substantial experience in Early Childhood Education is highly advantageous.
• Certified Play Therapist or equivalent accreditation is essential.
• Proven experience in applying play therapy techniques with young children.
• Understanding of child development, attachment theory, and emotional regulation.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and trust with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with hybrid work models, including remote consultation and virtual session delivery.
• Must be registered with a relevant professional body in South Africa.

Benefits

• Unique dual role as a Play Therapist and Educator in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to make a profound impact on children's emotional and developmental well-being.
• Competitive salary and professional development support.
• Collaborative team environment with a focus on holistic child development.