Remote Early Years Curriculum Designer - Play-Based Learning

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote hours

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative virtual team environment

Lead and shape digital curriculum

Work from home

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly creative Remote Early Years Curriculum Designer to develop play-based curriculum content for children aged 3-6 on a digital platform. The role is 100% remote within South Africa, with collaboration across a team of educators and designers to shape a leading educational program.

The ideal candidate has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Curriculum Design, 7+ years in curriculum development, and proven experience with digital learning content and LMS

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum Design, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in curriculum development with play-based learning focus for early years.
• Proven track record designing and developing digital learning content or e-learning modules.
• Strong writing and communication skills; ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop play-based curriculum frameworks and lesson plans for ages 3-6.
• Create digital learning content including interactive activities and printable resources.
• Ensure content aligns with national early learning standards and promotes exploration.
• Collaborate with instructional designers, graphic artists, and subject matter experts to produce high-quality materials.
• Research best practices in play-based learning and digital pedagogy; integrate into design.
• Develop assessment strategies for play-based digital contexts.
• Write clear content for various online formats; manage curriculum projects end-to-end.
• Conduct pilot testing and gather feedback to refine offerings.
• Champion play-based learning in a remote education setting.

Skills

Play-based learning

Curriculum design

Educational writing

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Curriculum Design

Tools

e-learning authoring tools

LMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly creative and experienced Remote Early Years Curriculum Designer specializing in play-based learning methodologies. This position is 100% remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in developing innovative and engaging curriculum content for children aged 3-6 years, delivered through a digital platform. This role requires a deep understanding of how children learn through exploration, discovery, and hands‑on experiences, and the ability to translate these principles into compelling online learning modules. You will collaborate with a team of passionate educators and designers to create a leading-edge educational program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of early childhood education in a remote‑first environment, impacting learners across the nation, including those in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop comprehensive play‑based learning curriculum frameworks and detailed lesson plans for early years (ages 3-6).
• Create engaging digital learning content, including interactive activities, stories, virtual play scenarios, and printable resources.
• Ensure all curriculum content is developmentally appropriate, aligned with national early learning standards, and promotes child‑led exploration.
• Collaborate closely with instructional designers, graphic artists, and subject matter experts to produce high‑quality learning materials.
• Research and integrate current best practices in play‑based learning and digital pedagogy into curriculum design.
• Develop assessment strategies that effectively capture learning within play‑based digital contexts.
• Write clear, engaging, and instructive content for various online formats.
• Manage curriculum development projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality benchmarks.
• Conduct pilot testing and gather feedback to refine and improve curriculum offerings.
• Champion the philosophy of play‑based learning within a remote educational setting.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum Design, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in curriculum development, with a significant focus on play‑based learning for early years.
• Proven track record of designing and developing digital learning content or e‑learning modules.
• In‑depth knowledge of child development, play theories, and effective pedagogical approaches for young children.
• Proficiency with e‑learning authoring tools and learning management systems (LMS) is highly desirable.
• Exceptional writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Creative and innovative mindset, with a passion for early childhood education.
• Strong understanding of how to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills through play.
• Must be based in South Africa and possess a reliable remote work setup.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary package.
• Flexible remote working hours and arrangements.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and innovation in digital education.
• Collaborative and supportive virtual team environment.
• Chance to lead and shape a groundbreaking play‑based digital curriculum.
• Direct impact on the educational experiences of countless young children nationwide.
• Work from the comfort and convenience of your home office.