Early Years Playgroup Facilitator

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible part-time hours

Direct community impact

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, invites an energetic Early Years Playgroup Facilitator to support toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-4). The role blends on-site sessions at the centre with home-based preparation in a hybrid model.

You will lead play-based activities, monitor development, liaise with parents, and help create a safe, nurturing learning environment while promoting home-based activities and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Certificate or Diploma in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.
• Experience with toddlers and preschoolers in group settings.
• Strong knowledge of child development principles.
• Creative and energetic activity planning.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead play-based learning activities.
• Create a safe, welcoming environment for sessions.
• Encourage social interaction and peer relationships.
• Support development across physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains.
• Observe and note developmental progress for families.
• Communicate with parents about participation and home activities.
• Organise playgroup materials and equipment.
• Inform families about the program and encourage participation.
• Adhere to safety and child protection policies.
• Collaborate with staff and management to enhance offerings.

Skills

Playgroup experience

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Education

ECE Diploma

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a community-focused early learning centre in Mahikeng, North West, ZA, is looking for an energetic and nurturing Early Years Playgroup Facilitator. This role is designed for individuals passionate about creating a fun, safe, and stimulating environment for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-4) to explore, learn, and socialise. You will lead engaging play-based activities, encourage curiosity, and foster foundational social skills. The position involves a hybrid work model, with scheduled sessions at the centre and time for preparation and outreach activities from home or the community. The facilitator will work closely with parents, providing guidance on early childhood development and encouraging home-based learning activities. This role is vital in providing accessible and high-quality early learning opportunities within the Mahikeng community. You will be instrumental in fostering a positive first experience with structured learning and social interaction for young children, setting them on a path for future success. Your role will blend direct engagement with young children with community-oriented responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead engaging play-based learning activities for young children.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment for playgroup sessions.
• Encourage social interaction, cooperation, and positive peer relationships among children.
• Support children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development through play.
• Observe children's engagement and developmental progress, noting any areas for support.
• Communicate effectively with parents, providing updates on their child's participation and offering tips for home activities.
• Organise and maintain playgroup materials and equipment.
• Conduct outreach to inform families about the playgroup program and encourage participation.
• Adhere to all safety, health, and child protection policies.
• Collaborate with centre staff and management to enhance program offerings.

Requirements

• Certificate or Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Play Therapy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with toddlers and preschoolers in a playgroup, preschool, or similar setting.
• Understanding of child development principles and best practices in early childhood play-based learning.
• Creative and energetic approach to planning and facilitating activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage both children and adults.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site facilitation with remote preparation.
• Patient, nurturing, and enthusiastic attitude.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is preferred.
• Must be able to work within Mahikeng, North West, ZA.
• Willingness to undergo a background check.

Benefits

• Flexible part-time hours offering a good work-life balance.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on young children's development in the Mahikeng community.
• Gain experience in leading engaging early years programs.
• Supportive work environment and potential for professional development.
• Contract role with a competitive rate.