About the position
Our client is seeking a dynamic leader in Early Childhood Development to champion holistic learning, inspire a team of dedicated practitioners, and create a safe, joyful space where children thrive. If you're driven by purpose, grounded in child development expertise, and ready to elevate a preschool into a centre of excellence - this is your moment to make a lasting impact.
Responsibilities:
- Child Development Expertise: A comprehensive understanding of child development across various domains (cognitive, social, emotional, physical, spiritual) from birth to approximately 8 years old.
- Curriculum Development and Implementation: Ability to develop, implement, and oversee an age-appropriate and stimulating curriculum that aligns with national and local educational frameworks (e.g., the Early Years Learning Framework in some contexts).
- Staff Management and Development:
- Recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of staff (teachers, assistant teachers, support staff).
- Providing professional development opportunities, mentoring, and coaching.
- Fostering a positive, collaborative, and professional work environment.
- Effective communication with staff.
- Operational Management:
- Compliance with local, provincial, and national regulations and standards (e.g., Department of Social Development requirements for ECD facilities in South Africa).
- Ensuring health, safety, and nutrition standards are met.
- Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.
- Managing daily operations, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Implementing and maintaining emergency procedures.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., engaging with parents, staff, and external stakeholders).
- Ability to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children, families, colleagues, and the community.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving.
- Parent and Community Engagement: Ability to actively engage parents and guardians in their children's learning journey, discuss progress, address concerns, and foster a strong school-home partnership.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to make sound decisions, often under pressure, to ensure the smooth operation and well-being of the preschool.
- Technology Proficiency: PC literacy, including proficiency in MS Office Suite and potentially other educational software or management systems.
Requirements:
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) Qualification: A foundational requirement is a relevant qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education. In South Africa, this could be:
- An IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (NQF Level 5).
- A Higher Certificate in Pre-School Education.
- An Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (NQF Level 4), which can lead to further studies.
- A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) with a Foundation Phase specialization (Grades R-3).
- A relevant teaching diploma in pre-primary or junior primary education.
- Teaching Experience:
- Significant experience as an Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioner or preschool teacher is crucial.
- Most roles will require a minimum of 3-5 years of direct teaching experience in an early childhood setting.
- This practical experience provides a deep understanding of child development, curriculum implementation, and classroom management.
- Leadership/Administrative Experience (advantageous):
- Prior experience in a leadership or administrative role within an educational facility (even if not a principal role) can be highly beneficial.
- This could include roles like lead teacher, head of department, or assistant principal.
- Strong Leadership: Ability to inspire, motivate, and guide a team towards a shared vision of excellence in early childhood education.
- Passion for Early Childhood Education: A genuine love for children and a deep commitment to their holistic development and well-being.
- Integrity and Ethics: Demonstrating high standards of honesty, professionalism, and accountability.
- Organizational Skills: Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges in a dynamic environment.
- Visionary: Ability to develop a clear vision for the preschool and work towards its continuous improvement.
- Empathetic: Understanding and responding to the diverse needs of children, families, and staff.
- Advocacy: Willingness to advocate for early learning and its importance within the broader community.
- Commitment to Lifelong Learning: A desire to continuously learn and stay updated on the latest research, pedagogical strategies, and regulatory requirements in early childhood education.
Desired Skills:
- School
- Support
- Early Childhood Education
- Leadership
- Administration
