Lead Childcare Educator - Early Years Specialist

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional growth opportunities

Medical aid contributions

Challenging rewarding role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Lead Childcare Educator in Benoni, Gauteng. The role oversees a classroom of 3–5 year olds, guiding a team of educators and delivering a play-based curriculum to foster holistic development.

Strong leadership, ECD pedagogy knowledge, and a passion for nurturing learning are essential. The Lead Educator will develop and implement engaging lesson plans, mentor staff, assess progress, and ensure compliance with licensing and safety regulations in a vibrant early

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in ECD required.
• 5 years' childcare experience with 2+ years in leadership.
• Experience in curriculum development and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and pedagogy.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a classroom of 3–5 year olds in a safe, stimulating environment.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Guide and supervise assistant educators and support staff.
• Conduct ongoing assessments and maintain child records.
• Foster positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, health and safety standards, and policies.
• Organise engaging activities across arts, music, literacy, and numeracy.
• Observe and document development; provide targeted support.
• Participate in professional development to stay current.
• Contribute to the centre's positive culture and operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Curriculum development

Assessment/documentation

First Aid & CPR

Education

Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable and innovative early learning centre in Benoni, Gauteng, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Childcare Educator. This senior position is responsible for overseeing a classroom of young children, typically aged 3-5, and guiding a team of educators. The Lead Educator will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing an engaging, play-based curriculum that fosters holistic child development. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of early childhood pedagogy, and a passion for creating a stimulating and nurturing learning environment. The centre is committed to providing high-quality education and care, and the Lead Educator will be instrumental in upholding these standards in their vibrant classroom in Benoni.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a classroom of young children (ages 3-5), ensuring a safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environment.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans based on early childhood best practices.
• Guide, mentor, and supervise assistant educators and support staff within the classroom.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of children's progress and maintain detailed records.
• Foster positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues, promoting open communication.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and centre policies.
• Organise and lead engaging learning activities, including creative arts, music, literacy, and numeracy.
• Observe and document children's development, identifying individual needs and providing appropriate support.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with trends in early childhood education.
• Contribute to the overall positive culture and operational effectiveness of the learning centre.

Requirements

• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Development (e.g., Diploma or Degree) is essential.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a childcare setting, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and implementation for early years.
• Excellent knowledge of child development theories and pedagogical approaches.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in child assessment and documentation techniques.
• First Aid and CPR certification is mandatory.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and manage a diverse group of children.
• A genuine passion for early childhood education and a nurturing disposition.
• Must be legally able to work in South Africa and reside in or near Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

• This Lead Educator position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organisation are available.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid contributions, will be provided.
• This is a challenging yet rewarding role for a passionate educator looking to make a significant impact.