Lecturer / Senior Lecturer In Early Childhood Development (P000430) at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The purpose of this lecturing position in Early Childhood Development (ECD) is to contribute to the preparation and professional growth of future practitioners, teachers, and researchers in the field of ECD.
• The role centres on delivering high-quality teaching that equips pre-service practitioners and/or teachers with both theoretical foundations and practical competencies to support the holistic development of young children. This includes teaching within one or more of the following ECD qualifications: the Grade R Diploma, the Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), and the BEd Foundation Phase (FP).
• This position carries a strong research mandate aimed at generating new knowledge, advancing evidence-based practice, and addressing contemporary challenges in early childhood education.
• Through scholarly inquiry, collaboration with communities, and the dissemination of research findings, the lecturer will promote innovation and strengthen the impact of ECD on children, families, and society at large.
• The role includes the supervision and mentorship of undergraduate and postgraduate students in both academic and practical components, ensuring they can integrate theory with practice effectively.
• Furthermore, the lecturer is expected to actively engage in community outreach and partnerships, strengthening collaboration between the university, ECD centres, and broader society to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable early learning opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Learning

• Teaching undergraduate courses in Early Childhood Development across one or more qualifications (Grade R Diploma, BEd ECCE, BEd Foundation Phase). Delivery is contact and/or distance modes of delivery, with a focus on integrating theory and practice to support holistic child development.

Programme Development

• Contributing to the development, review, and contextualisation of modules and study materials in Early Childhood Development, aligned with national priorities and inclusive pedagogies.

Research and supervision

• Conducting research in the field of ECD, with a focus on evidence-based practice, innovation, and social impact. Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate ECD students.

WIL/Supervision 

• Supporting WIL through mentoring, supervision, and reflective practice in ECD settings. Facilitating school-based learning and integration of theory into practice.

CE

• Participating in community engagements and partnerships that promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable early learning opportunities in collaboration with ECD centres and stakeholders.

Administration

• Performing administrative duties, including use of the NWU Learning Management System and participation in departmental processes and quality assurance activities.

Minimum requirements

LECTURER

• A master's degree (NQF Level 9) in ECD or equivalent (with an ECD focus).
• An honours degree (NQF Level 8) in ECD or equivalent (with an ECD focus).
• A Professional Teacher’s Qualification in Early Childhood Development (NQF Level 6-8).
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience lecturing in HEI’s on a full- or part-time basis.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ teaching experience in an ECD school environment.
• Registration with SACE.

SENIOR LECTURER

• A doctorate (NQF Level 10) in ECD or equivalent (with an ECD focus).
• A master's degree (NQF Level 9) in ECD or equivalent (with an ECD focus).
• An honours degree (NQF Level 8) degree In ECD or equivalent (with an ECD focus).
• A Professional Teacher’s Qualification in Early Childhood Development (NQF Level 6-8).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience lecturing in HEI’s on a full- or part-time basis.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ teaching experience in an ECD school environment.
• Registration with SACE.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates deep understanding of early childhood education and age-appropriate pedagogical strategies that support cognitive, social, emotional, and linguistic growth. (essential)
• Plans and facilitates engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for pre-service teachers and practitioners in ECD, in both contact and distance modes of delivery, while incorporating principles of play-based, inclusive, and culturally responsive instruction. (essential)
• Demonstrates high-level proficiency in English for academic and professional communication, including teaching, assessment, research writing, and stakeholder engagement. Effectively adapts language use to support multilingual learners and collaborates across linguistic contexts to promote inclusive, equitable learning environments. (essential)
• Demonstrates expertise in selecting and modelling a diverse range of teaching strategies that support holistic development in early childhood contexts. Facilitates pre-service practitioners’ understanding of how to use storytelling, songs, play-based activities, visual resources, and digital tools to create inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
• Designs and implements a range of formative and summative assessment strategies to monitor pre-service practitioners and/or teachers’ understanding of ECD principles and pedagogies, and to support responsive, differentiated instruction. (essential)
• Demonstrates the ability to responsibly and effectively integrate AI tools to enhance ECD teaching, learning, and assessment. Guides pre-service teachers to critically evaluate AI-generated content, use AI for lesson planning or resource creation, and foster digital literacy in young children. (essential)
• Uses digital platforms and online learning tools effectively to support ECD instruction and professional development in both contact and distance modes of delivery settings. (essential)
• Contributes to community-based initiatives and partnerships aimed at promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable early learning opportunities, involving caregivers, ECD centres, and local schools. (essential)
• Conducts and supervises research in ECD, contributing to knowledge production, innovation, and evidence-based teaching practices that strengthen the impact of ECD on children, families, and society. (essential)
• Demonstrates proficiency in using computers for academic and administrative purposes, including word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets, learning management systems, and online communication platforms. (essential)

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for working with young children and foundational teaching concepts; committed to improving ECD teaching and learning.
• Acts with honesty, fairness, and ethical responsibility in teaching, assessment, research, and community engagement. Respects confidentiality and academic integrity.
• Shows flexibility in adjusting to changing educational environments, diverse student needs, technological shifts, and institutional priorities. Maintains effectiveness under pressure.
• Builds positive working relationships with colleagues, students, schools, and communities. Works effectively within a team, contributes to joint initiatives, and supports shared goals.
• Continuously seeks professional growth, reflects critically on practice, and engages with current trends in ECD and educational technology.
• Demonstrates creativity and initiative in addressing teaching challenges, curriculum design, and community engagement, especially in resource-constrained environments.
• Values diversity and demonstrates awareness and respect for South Africa’s multilingual and multicultural classrooms, promoting inclusive practices in ECD.
• Communicates clearly and professionally- both orally and in writing - with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders. Adapts communication style to suit different audiences.
• Willing to explore, experiment with, and integrate new technologies - including AI and digital tools - to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

Apply by: 13 April 2026