Infant Care Specialist & Early Education Program Developer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a highly qualified Infant Care Specialist to provide safe, nurturing care for infants from birth to toddlerhood and to develop an innovative early education program.

The role blends hands-on caregiving with curriculum design, staff mentoring, family collaboration, and ensuring compliance with health, safety and licensing standards in a modern, hybrid childcare center.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience specializing in infant and toddler care.
• Proven experience in curriculum development for infants and toddlers.
• In-depth knowledge of infant/toddler development and appropriate practices.
• Certification in infant CPR and First Aid is mandatory.
• Background check and police clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional care and supervision for infants, ensuring safety, health, and well-being.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive infant curriculum focusing on sensory exploration, language development, and motor skills.
• Create stimulating and age-appropriate learning environments and activities.
• Foster positive and nurturing relationships with infants and their families.
• Maintain meticulous records of each infant's development, feeding, sleeping, and changing schedules.
• Collaborate with parents to ensure continuity of care between home and the center.
• Work with other educators and staff to maintain high childcare standards.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Mentor junior childcare staff in best practices for infant care.
• Contribute to strategic development of the center's educational programs.

Skills

Infant care

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Education

Diploma/Degree in Early Childhood Education or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly qualified Infant Care Specialist to join their innovative childcare center in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role combines hands-on care for infants with the development and implementation of a cutting-edge early education program specifically designed for the youngest learners. You will be responsible for ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes the holistic development of infants from birth to toddlerhood. A key aspect of this position involves creating and refining developmentally appropriate curricula, activities, and methodologies for this age group. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in infant care, a strong pedagogical background in early childhood education, and a passion for creating enriching learning experiences. This hybrid role requires both direct engagement with infants and strategic planning for program enhancement within the center located in Nelspruit . We are looking for a dedicated professional to lead in setting new standards for infant care and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional care and supervision for infants, ensuring their safety, health, and well-being.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive infant curriculum focusing on sensory exploration, language development, and motor skills.
• Create stimulating and age-appropriate learning environments and activities.
• Foster positive and nurturing relationships with infants and their families.
• Maintain meticulous records of each infant's development, feeding, sleeping, and changing schedules.
• Collaborate with parents to ensure continuity of care between home and the center.
• Work closely with other educators and staff to maintain high standards of childcare.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Mentor and guide junior childcare staff in best practices for infant care.
• Contribute to the overall strategic development of the childcare center's educational programs.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience specializing in infant and toddler care.
• Proven experience in curriculum development for early years, particularly for infants.
• In-depth knowledge of infant and toddler developmental stages and appropriate practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Certification in infant CPR and First Aid is mandatory.
• Ability to create a warm, engaging, and safe atmosphere.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Background check and police clearance required.
• Passion for creating positive early learning experiences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflective of experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional growth.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Generous paid time off and public holidays.
• Access to state-of-the-art childcare facilities.
• Childcare discounts for staff members.