Lead Educator - Early Childhood Development

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Annual leave

Professional development funding

Career advancement

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Educator to guide an Early Childhood Development program in Tembisa, Gauteng. This hybrid role combines on-site leadership with remote administrative tasks to deliver a play-based curriculum and high-quality care.

You will mentor junior educators, liaise with parents, and ensure safety and developmental progress for young learners, drawing on strong child psychology knowledge and pedagogical best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s diploma/collow? in Early Childhood Education (NQF5+).
• Minimum 5 years of experience with young children in an educational setting.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and age-appropriate teaching methods.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a play-based, age-appropriate curriculum.
• Lead and mentor a team of educators; provide professional development.
• Observe and document children’s progress; create individualized learning plans.
• Manage classroom activities; ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Communicate regularly with parents about development and events.
• Oversee daily operations, scheduling, resources, health and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure smooth program functioning and parental engagement.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and stay current with best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Mentoring

Communication

Observation and assessment

Team coordination

Education

NQF Level 5 in Early Childhood Education

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Educator to guide their Early Childhood Development program in Tembisa, Gauteng. This is a crucial role focused on fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. The Lead Educator will be responsible for developing and implementing an engaging, play-based curriculum that supports holistic child development. This position offers a hybrid work model, balancing essential on-site instruction and program management with flexible remote administrative tasks. You will play a key role in mentoring junior educators, liaising with parents, and ensuring the highest standards of care and education are maintained. We are committed to providing a supportive and growth-oriented work environment where your expertise can truly make a difference in the lives of children and the professional development of your team. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of child psychology and pedagogical best practices, and a genuine dedication to early learning. This role requires a blend of hands‑on teaching and strategic program oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate an age-appropriate, play-based curriculum aligned with early childhood education standards.
• Lead and mentor a team of educators, providing professional development opportunities and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Conduct regular observations and assessments of children's progress, documenting developmental milestones and creating individualized learning plans.
• Manage classroom activities, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with parents regarding their child's development, program activities, and school events.
• Oversee the daily operations of the early learning center, including scheduling, resource management, and adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure smooth program functioning and parental engagement.
• Participate in professional development workshops and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Early Childhood Education (e.g., NQF Level 5 or higher).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with young children in an educational setting.
• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and age-appropriate teaching methodologies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively manage and motivate a team of educators.
• Proficiency in creating and implementing engaging lesson plans.
• Familiarity with parental communication platforms and record-keeping systems.
• A strong commitment to child safety and well-being.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Health insurance contributions.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Professional development funding for workshops and courses.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.
• A supportive team environment with opportunities for collaborative planning.
• Access to a well-resourced learning environment.
• Hybrid work flexibility balancing on-site and remote duties.