Bright Beginnings Preschool is a nationally recognised early childhood development (ECD) school in Johannesburg North, with campuses in Linden / Victory Park and Olivedale. Caring for children from three months to six years, it offers a genuine ‘home away from home’ where, in the school’s own words, "every child is seen, known and supported."
The Principal is the heartbeat of the school. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for keeping daily operations running smoothly, leading and developing the staff team, building trusted relationships with parents, and making sure every child experiences a safe, well-organised and caring environment. It blends people leadership, operations, communication and administration – with the autonomy to make decisions and the accountability to follow them through.
MAIN OUTCOMES:
The successful candidate will be measured on their ability to deliver:
- A smoothly run school, where operational issues are anticipated and resolved quickly and effectively.
- A capable, motivated and well-supported staff team that consistently delivers to a high standard.
- Responsive, professional and well-documented communication with parents and service providers.
- A* healthy enrolment pipeline*, with enquiries handled promptly and prospective families guided through registration.
- A safe, compliant and well-maintained environment that meets health, safety and security requirements.
- A well-coordinated calendar of school events and activities.
- Accurate administration, reporting, stock control and budgeting.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & People Management:
- Mentor, manage and support staff day to day, allocating shifts and ensuring adequate cover for sick, family responsibility and other leave.
- Identify training needs, share training modules and develop the team’s skills.
- Create and maintain job descriptions, manage the disciplinary process and keep the staff handbook up to date.
- Oversee kitchen staff and recognise strong performance (for example, teacher and assistant of the month).
- Bring disciplinary matters forward to the directors for review and follow through on agreed outcomes.
Operations & Safety
- Take ownership of day-to-day operations, solving unexpected problems quickly and effectively, often working independently.
- Ensure security requirements are met, including fire and access control, and stay alert to any unauthorised persons attempting to enter the school.
- Manage uniform and equipment stock, monthly stock control, and purchasing of stationery, school requirements and cleaning supplies.
- Ensure classrooms and equipment are maintained to a high standard.
- Resolve interpersonal matters between staff and clients professionally, and liaise with the Admin Manager on operational requirements.
Parent & Stakeholder Communication
- Lead clear, professional and well-documented communication with parents on calendar activities, children’s development and operational procedures (including via Lillio / HiMama).
- Oversee daily messages and reports sent to parents, monitor responses from parents and teachers, and reply appropriately.
- Coordinate the annual events calendar with service providers, and manage extra-mural offerings and weekly appointments.
- Provide on-site support for practical days such as graduation, concerts and open days, and organise parent information evenings.
- Escalate important events, operational changes and any safety concerns to the directors and admin team immediately.
Enrolment & Student Acquisition
- Respond to enrolment enquiries promptly (within agreed timeframes, e.g. 2–3 hours).
- Follow up after viewings, and prepare information guides, documents and feedback cards in advance.
- Show parents how to register online and guide new families through onboarding.
- Keep teachers informed of new student arrivals.
Catering & Kitchen Oversight
- Ensure food is available and ready to be prepared for the children each day. (Planned in advance)
- Ensure buying is done cost-effectively and in good time, with weekly stock takes and orders completed on schedule.
- Ensure health and safety standards in the kitchen are adhered to.
Administration, Reporting & Budgets
- Check and quality-assure children’s progress reports, and train teachers in correct report writing.
- Manage daily rosters and teacher preparation.
- Compile monthly stationery, uniform and cleaning requirements by set deadlines.
- Produce a comprehensive, educational monthly newsletter, and circulate staff meeting minutes after each meeting.
- Identify and allocate budgets, and send through summaries of leave taken.
- Ensure all communication and documentation is accurate, well filed and of a professional standard, including spelling and grammar.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- 5+ years’ experience in an early childhood / ECD setting, with at least 2–3 years leading or managing a team, and a relevant ECD or teaching qualification (NQF Level 5 minimum).
- Confident user of the digital tools used in the day-to-day running of the school – including Canva, Mailchimp, Twinkl, Monday.com, SimplePay, Dext and Lillio / HiMama – or the ability to learn these quickly.
- Comfortable locating, editing and issuing documents across a range of internet-based platforms.
- Excellent written communication, with a high standard of spelling and grammar.
- Strong people-management, organisational and problem-solving skills.
WHAT TO SUBMIT:
For your application to be considered, submit your:
- Teaching Certificate/SACE registration.
- Police clearance not older than 3-months.
- First Aid certificate.
Pay: R16 000,00 - R24 000,00 per month
Application Question(s):
- Do you hold a relevant ECD or teaching qualification at NQF Level 5 or above?
- Please name the qualification and/or your SACE registration number.
- How many years in an ECD setting, and how long have you led or managed a team? Roughly how many staff did you manage?
- Are comfortable with picking up new digital platforms quickly?
- Describe how you'd handle a concerned parent's message about their child, and tell me about your approach to written communication.
- What is your notice period / availability to start?
- What is your current salary?
- What is your expected salary?
License/Certification:
- SACE certificate? (Required)
Work Location: In person
