Lead Early Childhood Educator - Preschool Program

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid contribution

Provident fund

Generous annual leave

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks a dynamic Lead Early Childhood Educator to lead our preschool program for ages 3-5. You will design and implement a holistic curriculum that supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development while guiding a team of educators.

The role requires a relevant degree, 5 years in childcare with leadership, knowledge of SA NQF, strong assessment skills, and a commitment to safety and parental engagement.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of childcare experience, with at least 2 years in leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of South Africa's NQF for Early Childhood Development.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and preschool implementation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in child assessment techniques and record-keeping.
• Valid First Aid certificate and police clearance.
• Passion for early childhood education and commitment to child welfare.
• Experience working in Johannesburg or similar metropolitan environment advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver age-appropriate educational programs aligned with early learning frameworks.
• Assess children's developmental progress and provide individualized feedback to parents.
• Mentor and manage a team of educators, supporting professional growth.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating learning environment meeting health and safety standards.
• Maintain open communication channels with parents to foster home–school partnerships.
• Organize and lead parent–teacher meetings, workshops, and community events.
• Oversee daily preschool operations, including scheduling, resources, and budget oversight.
• Uphold the organization's values and educational philosophy in all duties.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Child assessment

Team mentoring

Education

Diploma/degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Early Childhood Educator to spearhead their esteemed preschool program in Johannesburg . This pivotal role involves fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children, aged 3-5 years. You will be responsible for developing and implementing an engaging curriculum that promotes holistic child development, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a passionate educator to make a significant impact within a well-regarded childcare institution known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in early childhood education. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of child psychology and early learning methodologies, coupled with strong leadership capabilities to guide a team of dedicated childcare professionals. We are looking for someone who can inspire both children and staff, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver age-appropriate educational programs and activities aligned with early learning frameworks.
• Assess children's developmental progress and provide individualized support and feedback to parents.
• Manage and mentor a team of early childhood educators, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating learning environment that adheres to all health and safety regulations.
• Maintain open and effective communication channels with parents, fostering strong home-school partnerships.
• Organize and lead parent-teacher meetings, workshops, and community engagement events.
• Oversee the daily operations of the preschool program, including scheduling, resource management, and budget oversight.
• Uphold the company's values and educational philosophy in all aspects of work.

Requirements

• A relevant degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a childcare setting, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African National Curriculum Framework (NQF) for Early Childhood Development.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and implementation for preschool-aged children.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in child assessment techniques and record-keeping.
• A valid First Aid certificate and police clearance are mandatory.
• Passion for early childhood education and a genuine commitment to child welfare.
• Experience working in Johannesburg or a similar metropolitan environment is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• This includes a comprehensive medical aid contribution, a provident fund, generous annual leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employees benefit from a supportive work environment, access to cutting-edge educational resources, and the satisfaction of contributing to the foundational learning of young minds in Johannesburg .
• We believe in investing in our staff and provide a platform for career advancement within the organization.
• Join a team dedicated to making a real difference in early childhood education and become a key player in shaping the future generation.
• This is more than just a job; it's a calling for those passionate about nurturing young talent.