Senior Early Years Educator

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Supportive team

Port Elizabeth well-regarded centre

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Early Years Educator for a well-regarded childcare center in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will lead a classroom, mentor junior staff, and design engaging learning experiences for young children, aligning with developmental best practices.

The role emphasizes strong observation, documentation, collaboration with parents, and adherence to safety standards. A minimum of 5 years in early childhood education and First Aid certification are required.

Qualifications

• Recognized qualification in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with young children in formal childcare or educational setting.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
• Strong understanding of child development theories and best practices in early years education.
• Must possess First Aid certification and undergo a background check.
• Excellent observational, assessment, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality educational programs and activities for children.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.
• Observe and assess children's progress, maintaining records and providing feedback to parents.
• Guide and mentor less experienced educators and support staff.
• Foster relationships with parents to support each child's development.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and hygiene standards.
• Contribute to curriculum development and center practices.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

Mentoring junior staff

Observation & assessment

Curriculum planning

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Education

Early Childhood Education qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected and established childcare center located in the welcoming community of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Early Years Educator. This role is central to delivering exceptional care and education to young children, acting as a lead professional in a vibrant classroom setting. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of child development, a passion for creating engaging learning experiences, and the ability to mentor and guide junior staff. You will be responsible for planning and implementing a stimulating curriculum, fostering a safe and nurturing environment, and collaborating closely with parents to support each child's unique journey. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in early childhood education within a supportive and professional organization in Port Elizabeth.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality educational programs and activities for children aged (Specify age range, e.g., 3-5 years).
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that promotes curiosity, exploration, and development.
• Observe and assess children's progress, maintaining accurate records and providing constructive feedback to parents.
• Guide and mentor less experienced educators and support staff within the classroom.
• Foster positive relationships with children, encouraging their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Collaborate with parents to understand their child's needs and ensure consistent support between home and the center.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and hygiene standards and procedures.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and evaluation of the center's educational curriculum and practices.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and community outreach events.
• Manage classroom resources effectively and maintain an organized and inspiring learning space.

Requirements

• A recognized qualification in Early Childhood Education or a related field is mandatory.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with young children in a formal childcare or educational setting.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
• Strong understanding of child development theories and best practices in early years education.
• Excellent observational, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for working with children and a commitment to their well-being and development.
• Ability to plan and execute engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Knowledge of relevant educational frameworks and policies.
• Must possess current First Aid certification and undergo a thorough background check.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Work within a well-regarded childcare center in Port Elizabeth.
• Contribute meaningfully to the early development of children.
• Regular performance-based bonuses may be available.