Senior Early Childhood Education Lead

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

State-of-the-art educational resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Educator to lead the preschool program at a prestigious Johannesburg center. You will design age-appropriate lessons, mentor staff, and build strong relationships with children and families to foster a nurturing learning environment.

The role requires a Bachelor's in ECE or related field, 5+ years in the sector with leadership experience, and a valid SA teaching qualification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Pedagogy, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in lead teacher or supervisory role
• Valid teaching qualification or certification recognized in South Africa
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and best practices in early childhood education
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage a classroom effectively and foster positive child‑adult relationships
• Proficiency in relevant educational software and documentation tools
• First Aid and CPR certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities aligned with the curriculum framework.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment supporting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Observe, assess, and document children's progress with individualized support and feedback.
• Manage classroom routines, behavior management, and health and safety adherence.
• Communicate effectively with parents regarding development and concerns.
• Collaborate with fellow educators to plan school-wide events and initiatives.
• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and support staff in the preschool classroom.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulations and policies.

Skills

Leadership

Classroom management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Observation & assessment

Documentation

First Aid & CPR

Tech literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Pedagogy, or related field

Job description

Early Childhood Educator - Preschool Lead Teacher

About the Role Our client, a prestigious early learning center in Johannesburg, is seeking a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Educator to lead their preschool program. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated professional to shape young minds and contribute to a nurturing and stimulating educational environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in curriculum development, classroom management, and fostering positive relationships with children, parents, and staff. This position requires a deep understanding of child development principles and a commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. We are looking for an individual who is not only skilled in pedagogy but also possesses strong leadership qualities to guide a team of dedicated educators.

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and educational activities aligned with the early childhood curriculum framework.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
• Observe, assess, and document children's progress, providing individualized support and feedback to each child.
• Manage classroom routines, behavior management, and ensure adherence to health and safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with parents regarding their child's development, progress, and any concerns.
• Collaborate with fellow educators and staff to plan and execute school-wide events and initiatives.
• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and support staff within the preschool classroom.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Pedagogy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a lead teacher or supervisory role.
• Valid teaching qualification or certification recognized in South Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and best practices in early childhood education.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a classroom effectively and foster positive child‑adult relationships.
• Proficiency in relevant educational software and documentation tools.
• First Aid and CPR certification is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art educational resources and facilities.
• Contribution to a renowned educational institution dedicated to excellence.
• Health insurance and retirement fund contributions.