Special Needs Childcare Assistant & Educator

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Professional development

Supportive team

Eastern Cape location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Special Needs Childcare Assistant and Educator for a Port Elizabeth facility. You will work closely with therapists to implement IEPs and provide tailored care and engaging learning activities for children with diverse needs.

Ideal candidates show patience and empathy, hold a relevant qualification in Special Needs Education, Childcare, or Psychology, and have First Aid and police background checks. The role is on-site in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Special Needs Education, Childcare, Psychology, or related field.
• Experience with children with special needs (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities).
• Patience, empathy and genuine passion for supporting diverse needs.
• Good communication and observational skills.
• Valid First Aid certification.
• Clear police background check.
• Residency in or near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to children with special needs, assisting with daily routines, personal hygiene, and mobility.
• Implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and therapeutic activities as guided by specialists.
• Create and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate learning activities adapted to meet specific developmental needs.
• Monitor and document children's progress, behavior, and development, reporting observations to the team and parents.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and accessible environment conducive to the needs of all children.
• Assist children with communication, social interaction, and life skills development.
• Collaborate with therapists, teachers, and other childcare professionals.
• Support parents by providing information and building positive relationships.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication skills

Observational skills

Education

Qualification in Special Needs Education / Childcare / Psychology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialized childcare facility located in Port Elizabeth, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Needs Childcare Assistant and Educator. This role is crucial in providing tailored support and educational activities for children with diverse learning needs and developmental challenges. You will work closely with a team of therapists and educators to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and create an inclusive, stimulating environment where every child can thrive. The ideal candidate possesses patience, empathy, and a proactive approach to supporting children's unique requirements. This position requires direct, hands‑on engagement within the facility in Port Elizabeth, ensuring the highest quality of care and educational assistance. We are committed to fostering development and inclusivity for all children in our care within the Eastern Cape region. This is a rewarding opportunity for a motivated individual passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children with special needs, contributing to their growth and well-being in a supportive professional setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to children with special needs, assisting with daily routines, personal hygiene, and mobility.
• Implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and therapeutic activities as guided by specialists.
• Create and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate learning activities adapted to meet specific developmental needs.
• Monitor and document children's progress, behavior, and development, reporting observations to the team and parents.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and accessible environment conducive to the needs of all children.
• Assist children with communication, social interaction, and life skills development.
• Collaborate effectively with therapists, teachers, and other childcare professionals.
• Support parents by providing information and building positive relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the dignity of each child and family.
• Assist with feeding, mealtimes, and ensuring nutritional needs are met.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Special Needs Education, Childcare, Psychology, or a related field.
• Previous experience working with children with special needs (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disabilities).
• Understanding of various developmental challenges and learning approaches.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting children with diverse needs.
• Good communication and observational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Physical ability to perform tasks such as lifting, assisting with mobility, and engaging in play.
• Valid First Aid certification.
• Clear police background check.
• Residency in or near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a competitive hourly wage, providing flexibility and consistent work opportunities.
• You will gain valuable experience in specialized childcare within a supportive team environment in Port Elizabeth.
• The role provides immense personal satisfaction through direct impact on children's lives and development.
• Opportunities for further training and professional development in special needs education are available.
• We value our staff and strive to create a rewarding and encouraging workplace.
• Join a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional care and education in the Eastern Cape.