Senior ECD Practitioner / Principal Support

University of Fort Hare; Boksburg; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare is seeking a Senior ECD Practitioner / Principal Support for a small, personal preschool in Boksburg. You will assist the Principal with daily operations, supervise staff in the Principal's absence, and lead ECD activities and assessments while supporting administration and parental communication.

The ideal candidate holds an NQF Level 5 ECD Diploma (Grade R or higher) with prior ECD experience.

Qualifications

• A recognised NQF Level 5 ECD Diploma, Grade R qualification or higher.
• Experience in an ECD/preschool environment is advantageous.
• Leadership, supervisory or team coordination experience is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the Principal with day-to-day running of the school.
• Supervise and guide staff in the Principal's absence.
• Assist with ECD curriculum activities and learner assessments.
• Provide practical support within classrooms when required.
• Step into a teaching or caregiver role when necessary due to staff absence.
• Assist with general school administration and record keeping.
• Communicate professionally and confidently with parents when required.
• Maintain a structured, caring and positive environment for learners.
• Provide additional operational support wherever required.

Skills

ECD Diploma

Leadership

Afrikaans

English

Transport

Education

NQF Level 5 ECD Diploma

Grade R qualification

Job description

2026-08-14 - 2026-09-13

Permanent

JHB002327

Education

Gauteng , Boksburg

A small, established special needs preschool in Boksburg is seeking a caring, confident and responsible Senior ECD Practitioner / Principal Support to join its team.
This is a varied, hands-on position suited to someone with a recognised ECD qualification who enjoys working with children but is also ready to take on additional responsibility within a school environment.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal and assist with staff supervision, curriculum activities, assessments and administration, while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day running of the school.
The school caters for children with a range of special needs, including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism and similar conditions. Previous special needs experience is advantageous but is not essential, as ongoing training and support will be provided by the Principal, on-site therapists and relevant departmental professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Principal with the day-to-day running of the school.
• Supervise and guide staff in the Principal's absence.
• Assist with ECD curriculum activities and learner assessments.
• Provide practical support within classrooms when required.
• Step into a teaching or caregiver role when necessary due to staff absence.
• Assist with general school administration and record keeping.
• Communicate professionally and confidently with parents when required.
• Assist with maintaining a structured, caring and positive environment for learners.
• Follow instructions and procedures established by the Principal.
• Provide additional operational support wherever required within the school.
• A recognised NQF Level 5 ECD Diploma, Grade R qualification or higher is strongly preferred.
• Previous practical experience within an ECD, preschool or similar educational environment.
• Leadership, supervisory or team coordination experience will be highly advantageous.
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Own reliable transport.
• Presentable, confident and professional.
• Good administrative and organisational ability.
• Comfortable taking responsibility and providing direction to others when required.
• Willing to work hands-on and assist across different areas of the school.
• Physically able to perform the practical requirements associated with working in an ECD environment.

Special Needs Experience

Previous experience working with children with special needs will be advantageous; however,

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Principal with the day-to-day running of the school.
• Supervise and guide staff in the Principal's absence.
• Assist with ECD curriculum activities and learner assessments.
• Provide practical support within classrooms when required.
• Step into a teaching or caregiver role when necessary due to staff absence.
• Assist with general school administration and record keeping.
• Communicate professionally and confidently with parents when required.
• Assist with maintaining a structured, caring and positive environment for learners.
• Follow instructions and procedures established by the Principal.
• Provide additional operational support wherever required within the school.

Minimum Requirements

• A recognised NQF Level 5 ECD Diploma, Grade R qualification or higher is strongly preferred.
• Previous practical experience within an ECD, preschool or similar educational environment.
• Leadership, supervisory or team coordination experience will be highly advantageous.
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Own reliable transport.
• Presentable, confident and professional.
• Good administrative and organisational ability.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Comfortable taking responsibility and providing direction to others when required.
• Willing to work hands-on and assist across different areas of the school.
• Physically able to perform the practical requirements associated with working in an ECD environment.

Special Needs Experience

Previous experience working with children with special needs will be advantageous; however, it is not a requirement.
The school is prepared to provide training and ongoing support to the right candidate. Of greater importance is a solid ECD foundation, the ability to lead, a willingness to learn and a genuine commitment to working with children who require additional care and support.

The Environment

This is a small and personal school environment catering for up to approximately 35 children, supported by a close-knit team of staff, the Principal, owners and on-site therapists.
The successful candidate should therefore be someone who enjoys being part of a smaller team, is willing to get involved wherever needed and understands that the position combines education, leadership, administration and hands-on support.
If you have a passion for ECD and are looking for an opportunity where your contribution can have a meaningful impact on both children and the team supporting them, we would like to hear from you.