Head: RU Preschool and Daycare Centre (RUPSDDC)

Rhodes University; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Part time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution in South Africa seeks a Head for its Preschool and Daycare Centre to provide strategic and operational leadership. The successful candidate will implement a high-quality curriculum and manage daily operations. Ideal applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development, extensive teaching experience, and previous managerial roles. This is a part-time temporary position with an application deadline of 19 November 2025.

Qualifications

• Approximately 10 years’ relevant experience in early childhood development settings.
• Evidence of staying up to date with developments in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the RUPSDDC.
• Implement a high-quality, literacy-rich curriculum.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations within set policy parameters.

Skills

Hands-on teaching experience in early childhood development

Experience in managerial roles

Administrative and organisational skills

Knowledge of quality curricula

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development or Education

Postgraduate degree preferred

Job description

Internal Advert: Head: RU Preschool and Daycare Centre (RUPSDDC) (Temporary Part-Time)

Education

The Faculty of Educationinvite suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

Responsible for Rhodes Preschool and Day Care RUPSDDC's (RUPSDCC) strategic, operational and pedagogical leadership. The Head of the RUPSDDC will play a pivotal role in shaping the RUPSDDC as an integral stakeholder in Makhanda as a centre for ECD excellence. This includes leading the development and implementation of a high-quality, literacy-rich curriculum, fostering strong parent and community partnerships, and building a collaborative and professionally enriching environment for staff. They are also responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the RUPSDDC within the policy parameters determined by the Governing Body.

The Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Education or related field (Postgraduate degree preferred) plus approximately 10 years’ relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• Significant hands‑on teaching experience in early childhood development and education settings
• Previous experience in a managerial or assistant managerial role, with evidence of staying up to date with new developments in early childhood development
• Experience working with quality curricula that support early literacy, numeracy and whole‑child development
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following:
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note that no hand‑written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application please contact 046 603 7266.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change)

• Short‑listing meeting scheduled for the TBC 2025.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 19 November 2025

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision‑making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.