Lead Educational Psychologist - Early Childhood Development

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

International collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Lead Educational Psychologist specializing in Early Childhood Development (ECD) to guide a team of psychologists and educators. You will develop and implement programs and assessments for children aged 0–6 years, and lead intervention strategies tailored to developmental needs.

The role requires clinical expertise, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the SA ECD landscape.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology, Child Psychology, or related field.
• Registered with HPCSA as Educational Psychologist.
• 7+ years post-qualification experience in educational psychology, 3+ years in leadership focusing on ECD.
• Expertise in early childhood assessment, intervention, and therapeutic techniques.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a professional team.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of educational psychologists and ECD practitioners.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans and therapies for 0–6 age group.
• Design and deliver training workshops for parents, educators and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external agencies and schools for holistic child development in the Western Cape.
• Oversee research initiatives within the ECD department.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Educational psychology

Report writing

Communication skills

Program development

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned educational consultancy based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and compassionate Lead Educational Psychologist specializing in Early Childhood Development (ECD). This crucial role involves guiding and overseeing a team of psychologists and educators to provide comprehensive support and intervention strategies for young children facing developmental challenges. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing innovative programs and assessments tailored to the unique needs of children aged 0-6 years. This position demands a blend of clinical expertise, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of developmental psychology within the Cape Town context. The role is based at our modern facilities, offering a stimulating environment for research and practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of educational psychologists and ECD practitioners, providing supervision and professional guidance.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans and therapeutic strategies for children with developmental delays or learning difficulties.
• Design and deliver training workshops for parents, educators, and other stakeholders on ECD best practices and psychological support.
• Collaborate with external agencies, healthcare providers, and schools to ensure a holistic approach to child development in Cape Town .
• Oversee the development and implementation of research initiatives within the ECD department.
• Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards in all psychological practice.
• Contribute to policy development and advocacy for early childhood education and psychological services in the region.

Requirements

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology, Child Psychology, or a related field.
• Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Educational Psychologist.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in educational psychology, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role focusing on ECD.
• Proven expertise in early childhood assessment, intervention, and therapeutic techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a professional team.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience in program development and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of the South African education system and ECD landscape.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape as required.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and expertise, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for ongoing professional development and international collaboration.
• Employees benefit from working in a supportive, research-oriented environment in beautiful Cape Town , contributing significantly to the well-being of young children.