Special Needs Childcare Assistant & Educator

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape is seeking a dedicated Special Needs Childcare Assistant & Educator for a family. The role involves implementing IEPs and tailored educational support for a child with developmental needs in a home setting.

The successful candidate will collaborate with therapists and parents, provide daily living support, adapt activities to the child's learning style, maintain progress records, and ensure a safe, structured environment to foster growth.

Qualifications

• Experience with children with developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD)
• Qualification or certification in Special Education, Child Psychology, or related field is highly desirable
• First Aid and CPR certification required
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
• Proficiency in managing behavioral support plans

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to a child with special needs, ensuring safety and well-being.
• Implement and support IEPs and therapy goals under guidance of specialists.
• Develop and deliver engaging, adapted educational activities tailored to the child's learning style.
• Assist with daily living activities including personal care, feeding, and mobility.
• Facilitate social interaction and skill development.
• Communicate regularly with parents, therapists, and educational professionals.
• Maintain detailed records of progress and observations.
• Create a structured, predictable learning environment.
• Administer basic first aid and manage medication as prescribed.
• Collaborate with the family to ensure home and therapy/education consistency.
• Adapt activities and routines to meet changing needs.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Observation

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Behavioral support plans

Education

Special Education

Child Psychology

First Aid & CPR

Driver's license

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Needs Childcare Assistant & Educator for their family in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is pivotal in providing tailored support and educational assistance to a child with specific developmental needs. The successful candidate will work closely with the child, implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and utilizing specialized techniques to foster their growth and development. This position requires patience, empathy, a strong understanding of special educational needs, and the ability to create a structured, supportive, and engaging environment. The role is based in a family home in Kimberley and requires a commitment to consistent, high-quality care and educational intervention. We are looking for an experienced professional who can make a significant positive impact on the child's life.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to a child with special needs, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Implement and support individualized education plans (IEPs) and therapy goals under the guidance of specialists.
• Develop and deliver engaging, adapted educational activities tailored to the child's specific learning style and developmental stage.
• Assist with daily living activities, including personal care, feeding, and mobility.
• Facilitate social interaction and skill development.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents, therapists, and other educational professionals.
• Maintain detailed records of the child's progress, activities, and any significant observations.
• Create a structured, predictable, and stimulating environment conducive to learning and development.
• Administer basic first aid if required and manage medication as prescribed.
• Collaborate with the family to ensure consistency between home and therapy/educational settings.
• Adapt activities and routines to meet the child's changing needs.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Special Needs Assistant, Educator, or Nanny for children with specific developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities).
• A qualification or certification in Special Education, Child Psychology, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of various special needs and effective intervention strategies.
• Patience, empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for working with children with special needs.
• Excellent observational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a support team.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Willingness to undergo thorough background checks and provide outstanding references.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.
• Proficiency in managing behavioral support plans.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, paid monthly, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• This full-time position includes paid annual leave and sick leave in line with South African labor law.
• The family provides a supportive and collaborative work environment in their Kimberley home.
• This role offers the unique opportunity to make a profound difference in a child's life and contribute to their development and well-being within the Northern Cape.