Lead Educator - Early Childhood Development

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid contributions

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Educator for a respected early childhood development center in Mossel Bay. You will guide a team of educators to deliver high-quality programs for 3-5 year olds, implementing curriculum and mentoring staff.

You will engage with parents, document child progress, and ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment. The role combines hands-on child interaction with planning and administrative duties in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in early childhood education with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and learning pedagogies.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team of educators.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• A valid First Aid certification and a clear police record.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of early childhood educators, providing guidance and professional development.
• Oversee curriculum implementation, ensuring age-appropriateness and milestones.
• Develop a stimulating, safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Conduct observations and assessments, document progress and create learning plans.
• Foster communication with parents and guardians, organize engagement activities.
• Ensure health, safety and regulatory standards are met for the center.
• Manage classroom resources and materials effectively.
• Assist in recruitment and training of new teaching staff.
• Collaborate with the center director on planning and improvements.
• Organize and lead educational activities, field trips and events.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum planning

Observation & assessment

Parent communication

Team mentoring

Education

NQF Level 6+ Early Childhood Development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected early childhood development center in the scenic town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is looking for an experienced and passionate Lead Educator. This crucial role involves guiding a team of educators in delivering exceptional early learning programs for children aged 3-5. The Lead Educator will be responsible for curriculum implementation, staff mentorship, parent engagement, and ensuring a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. This position requires a blend of pedagogical expertise, leadership skills, and a genuine love for working with young children. The role involves a hybrid work arrangement, with significant time spent directly with children and engaging with the team, balanced with administrative and planning duties. We are seeking a dedicated professional who can uphold the center's commitment to quality education and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of early childhood educators, providing guidance and professional development.
• Oversee the implementation of the center's curriculum, ensuring age-appropriateness and adherence to developmental milestones.
• Develop and maintain a stimulating, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all children.
• Conduct regular observations and assessments of children's progress, documenting findings and creating individual learning plans.
• Foster strong communication and partnerships with parents and guardians, providing regular updates and organizing parent engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory standards for early childhood centers.
• Manage classroom resources and materials effectively.
• Assist in the recruitment and training of new teaching staff.
• Collaborate with the center director on strategic planning and operational improvements.
• Organize and lead educational activities, field trips, and special events.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Early Childhood Development (e.g., NQF Level 6 or higher) or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and early learning pedagogies.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team of educators.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic administrative tasks.
• A valid First Aid certification and a clear police record.
• Passion for creating enriching learning experiences for young children.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid contributions, and a supportive work environment. This hybrid role provides a fulfilling career opportunity in the beautiful coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , with the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young children and their families. You will benefit from ongoing professional development and the opportunity to grow within a respected educational institution.