Head of Early Childhood Development

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head of Early Childhood Development (ECD) for our Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape learning centre. You will lead the ECD program, shape curriculum, manage staff, and engage with parents to ensure high-quality, play-based learning for young children.

The role requires guiding teaching teams, ensuring licensing compliance, budget oversight, and implementing best practices in child development to create nurturing, stimulating environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in early childhood education with 3+ years in leadership.
• Tertiary qualification in ECD or related field.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and assessment methods.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; staff management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the ECD program, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment.
• Develop, implement, and improve the ECD curriculum based on best practices in child development.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate ECD staff.
• Ensure compliance with national and provincial licensing, health and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain relationships with parents and guardians to support learning.
• Manage the department's budget, resources, and facilities.
• Oversee assessment and tracking of children's development and progress.
• Organize parent workshops, community outreach programs, and events.
• Stay abreast of current research and advocate for best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Communication

Organizational skills

Budgeting

Education

B.Ed. or Diploma in ECD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned educational centre in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a visionary and experienced Head of Early Childhood Development (ECD) to lead their esteemed ECD program. This role is responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and operational excellence of the ECD department, ensuring the provision of high-quality, play-based learning experiences for young children. You will oversee curriculum development, staff management, parent engagement, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices in early childhood education. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of child development principles, and a passion for creating nurturing and stimulating environments for our youngest learners in Port Elizabeth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Early Childhood Development program, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and nurturing learning environment.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the ECD curriculum based on best practices in child development and educational theory.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate ECD staff, fostering a collaborative and professional team environment.
• Ensure compliance with all national and provincial regulations, licensing requirements, and health and safety standards for ECD centers.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with parents and guardians, facilitating effective communication and engagement in their child's learning journey.
• Manage the department's budget, resources, and facilities effectively.
• Oversee the assessment and tracking of children's development and learning progress.
• Organize and facilitate parent workshops, community outreach programs, and special events.
• Stay abreast of current research and best practices in early childhood education and advocate for their implementation.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Development, Education, or a related field (e.g., B.Ed., Diploma in E.C.D.).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of child development theories, curriculum frameworks (e.g., National Curriculum Framework), and assessment methods for young children.
• Proven experience in staff management, training, and performance evaluation.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality assurance standards for ECD centers.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, and staff.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic financial management.
• A genuine passion for early childhood education and a commitment to child well-being.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This includes medical aid, a provident fund, and generous opportunities for professional development and further studies. Employees benefit from working within a supportive and reputable educational institution in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, with opportunities to lead and innovate within the crucial field of early childhood development. Join a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of young children.