Lead Early Childhood Educator

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Early Childhood Educator for our George, Western Cape center to guide a team delivering play-based, developmentally appropriate programs. You will drive curriculum development, mentor junior staff, and foster a safe, inclusive learning environment that supports young children’s growth.

You will partner with families to strengthen home-school connections and ensure holistic development, aligning with regulatory standards and best practices in early childhood education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years' progressive experience in ECE, with at least 3 years in leadership/supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and play-based learning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Excellent organizational and classroom management skills.
• Proficiency in child assessment tools and record-keeping.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience in curriculum development and program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an age-appropriate curriculum focusing on holistic development.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of educators and assistants.
• Conduct regular assessments and maintain records; communicate with parents/guardians.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment and compliance with health and regulatory standards.
• Plan and facilitate activities across arts, literacy, numeracy, and physical development.
• Collaborate with families to strengthen home-school partnerships.
• Oversee daily classroom operations, resources, and cleanliness.
• Organize parent-teacher meetings and workshops.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Classroom management

Child assessment tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned early learning center in George, Western Cape , is seeking an inspiring and experienced Lead Early Childhood Educator. This role is critical for nurturing the foundational development of young children, fostering a love for learning through play-based education. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team of educators, ensuring the delivery of high-quality early childhood programs that are both stimulating and developmentally appropriate. This position requires a deep understanding of child psychology, pedagogical best practices, and a commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. You will be instrumental in shaping the curriculum, guiding pedagogical approaches, and mentoring junior staff members within our vibrant learning community located in the scenic George area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage an engaging and age-appropriate curriculum for early childhood education, focusing on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of early childhood educators and assistants, providing professional guidance and support.
• Conduct regular assessments of children's progress and development, maintaining detailed records and communicating effectively with parents/guardians.
• Ensure a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that adheres to all health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Plan and facilitate a variety of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, music, movement, and early literacy and numeracy programs.
• Collaborate with parents and families to build strong partnerships, fostering home-school connections and providing resources for continued learning at home.
• Oversee the daily operations of the classroom, including classroom management, resource allocation, and cleanliness.
• Organize and lead parent-teacher meetings, workshops, and special events.
• Stay current with research and best practices in early childhood education and implement innovative teaching strategies.
• Contribute to the overall management and strategic planning of the learning center.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and play-based learning methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Strong organizational and classroom management abilities.
• Proficiency in child assessment tools and record-keeping.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience in curriculum development and program evaluation.
• Passion for working with young children and a commitment to their holistic development.
• Familiarity with the Western Cape educational landscape and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package that reflects the seniority and importance of this role.
• In addition to the salary, employees receive comprehensive medical aid, retirement benefits, and ample paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including workshops and further training, are readily available.
• This role offers the chance to work in a beautiful setting in George , contributing significantly to the development of young minds within a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Join a team that values innovation, dedication, and the profound impact of early childhood education.