School Operations Support

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 youre 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 childrens 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 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 (.) 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.