Special Needs Childcare Assistant

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Work in Upington

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a compassionate Special Needs Childcare Assistant for our client in Upington, Northern Cape. You will support children with diverse needs, implement IEPs with therapists and educators, and help create a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Ideal candidates demonstrate patience, empathy, and strong teamwork. A diploma or certificate in Special Needs Education or Childcare is advantageous, with a commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration with families and the

Qualifications

• Experience with children with special needs.
• Diploma/certificate in Special Needs Education or Childcare preferred.
• Patience, empathy, and genuine passion for supporting children.
• Understanding of child development and common special educational needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Reliable, punctual and responsible.
• First Aid certification preferred.
• Satisfactory references and police clearance required.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new support strategies in Upington.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to children with special needs under guidance of educators and therapists.
• Assist in implementing IEPs and learning strategies.
• Create a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment for all children.
• Support children’s daily routines, personal care, feeding, and mobility.
• Facilitate age-appropriate activities and play to support developmental goals.
• Observe and record children’s progress, behaviors, and responses to interventions.
• Communicate with the educational team and parents regarding children’s needs and progress.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the learning environment and materials.
• Adhere to health, safety, and child protection policies.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Observation

Adaptability

Education

Diploma or certificate in Special Needs Education or Childcare

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialized child development center in Upington, Northern Cape, is actively recruiting a compassionate and dedicated Special Needs Childcare Assistant. This role is designed for individuals committed to providing tailored support and fostering the development of children with diverse special needs. You will work closely with therapists, educators, and parents to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and ensure a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment for each child. The ideal candidate will possess patience, empathy, and a foundational understanding of various developmental challenges and learning approaches. This position offers a deeply rewarding experience, contributing directly to the well-being and progress of children in Upington. Our client values a collaborative approach and is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for both the children and the staff. If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children with special needs, this opportunity in Upington is ideal for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to children with special needs under the guidance of educators and therapists.
• Assist in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and learning strategies.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all children.
• Support children's daily routines, including personal care, feeding, and mobility.
• Facilitate age-appropriate activities and play that promote developmental goals.
• Observe and record children's progress, behaviors, and responses to interventions.
• Communicate effectively with the educational team and parents regarding children's needs and progress.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the learning environment and materials.
• Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and child protection policies.

Requirements

• Previous experience working with children with special needs (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disabilities).
• A diploma or certificate in Special Needs Education, Childcare, or a related field is an advantage.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting children with diverse needs.
• Good understanding of child development and common special educational needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Reliable, punctual, and responsible.
• First Aid certification is preferred.
• Must provide satisfactory references and a police clearance certificate.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new support strategies in Upington.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional development in special needs education.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment focused on child well-being.
• The profound fulfillment of making a significant positive impact on children's lives.
• Work within the unique community of Upington.