Special Needs Childcare Coordinator

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Provident fund

Medical aid allowance

Professional development

Inclusive environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a compassionate Special Needs Childcare Coordinator to lead development and delivery of individualized care plans for children with diverse needs. You will work with educators and therapists to ensure growth in a safe, nurturing environment and advocate for each child’s development.

You will supervise daily activities, adapt materials, and train staff while liaising with families and external agencies to ensure holistic, compliant care.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Special Education, Child Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience with children with special needs.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing IEPs or similar plans.
• Strong knowledge of developmental delays and disabilities and early intervention strategies.
• Empathy, patience and collaborative approach with siblings, families and therapists.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs or similar care plans for children with special needs.
• Collaborate with parents, caregivers, therapists, and educators to ensure holistic care.
• Provide supervision and support to children in daily activities, ensuring safety and engagement.
• Adapt activities and learning materials to meet individual needs and abilities.
• Conduct regular assessments and provide progress reports to management and families.
• Facilitate inclusive play and learning opportunities for all children.
• Train and guide staff on best practices for supporting children with special needs.
• Maintain accurate records of interventions, observations and progress.
• Liaise with external agencies to support children's development.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and policies related to special needs childcare.

Skills

Special needs care coordination

IEP development

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication with parents

Education

Bachelor's in Special Education

Related field certification

Tools

Record-keeping systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected childcare center in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a compassionate and skilled Special Needs Childcare Coordinator. This crucial role focuses on providing specialized support, development, and care for children with diverse special needs within our inclusive setting. The coordinator will work closely with a team of dedicated educators and therapists to develop and implement individualized care plans, ensuring each child’s unique needs are met to foster their growth and development. This position requires a deep understanding of various developmental disorders, therapeutic interventions, and a commitment to creating a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, an excellent communicator, and a strong advocate for the children in our care. This role offers a rewarding experience for professionals passionate about making a significant difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or similar care plans for children with special needs.
• Collaborate effectively with parents, caregivers, therapists (occupational, speech, physical), and educators to ensure holistic care.
• Provide direct supervision and support to children with special needs in daily activities, ensuring their safety and engagement.
• Adapt activities and learning materials to meet the specific needs and abilities of each child.
• Conduct regular assessments of children's progress and provide detailed reports to management and parents.
• Facilitate inclusive play and learning opportunities between children with and without special needs.
• Train and guide other childcare staff on best practices for supporting children with special needs.
• Maintain accurate records of all interventions, observations, and progress reports.
• Liaise with external agencies and professionals as needed to support the children's development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and policies related to special needs childcare.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Special Education, Child Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly with children with special needs.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or similar.
• Strong knowledge of various developmental delays and disabilities (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome).
• Excellent understanding of early intervention strategies and therapeutic approaches.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and report writing.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to inclusive childcare.
• Valid First Aid certification and police clearance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflective of experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive and inclusive environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Contribution to a provident fund.
• Medical aid allowance.
• Work with a dedicated team committed to child welfare.
• A chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special needs.