About Autism Connect

Autism Connect is a specialist organisation committed to providing high-quality, evidence-informed educational and developmental programmes for autistic children and young people. Our Early Learning Centre provides a structured, nurturing, and inclusive environment that promotes each child’s individual growth, independence, communication, and overall wellbeing.

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and dynamic Program Head to provide strategic leadership, educational oversight, operational excellence, and team management within our Early Learning Centre.

Position Purpose

The Program Head is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the Early Learning Centre. The successful candidate will ensure the delivery of high-quality educational programmes for autism and other developmental differences while maintaining compliance with organisational policies, legislative requirements, and best practice standards.

The role requires a leader who is equally committed to educational excellence, staff development, family engagement, and organisational sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• Diploma in Special Needs Education, Inclusive Education, Foundation Phase Education with Special Needs specialisation, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) will be advantageous.
• A must have in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behaviour Support, Educational Leadership, and Early Childhood Intervention is a must have,

Minimum Experience

• At least 2 years in working with autistic children or learners with special educational needs.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a leadership or management role within a special education, early intervention, or inclusive education environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with educational programme planning, Individual Support Plans (ISPs), autism specific program implementation, and learner progress monitoring.
• Exposure to managing operational budgets and centre administration is necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership

• Lead the implementation of Autism Connect’s educational philosophy and programmes.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, individualised educational interventions.
• Monitor learner outcomes and programme effectiveness.
• Oversee programmatic planning and implementation.
• Ensure all learner records, assessments, ISPs, and reports are completed accurately and timeously.

 Centre Operations

• Manage the daily operations of the Early Learning Centre.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Social Development, Department of Health, and organisational requirements.
• Develop and implement quality assurance systems.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment.

 Staff Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and develop teaching and support staff.
• Conduct performance management and professional development.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.
• Manage staffing schedules and resource allocation.

 Family and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Facilitate regular communication regarding learner progress.
• Collaborate with therapists and external professionals.
• Represent Autism Connect professionally within the community.

 Financial and Administrative Management

• Monitor centre expenditure within approved budgets.
• Ensure accurate administrative systems and reporting.
• Maintain learner enrolment records and centre statistics.
• Support organisational fundraising and sustainability initiatives where required.

 Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High emotional intelligence and professional integrity.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent report writing and administrative skills.
• Knowledge of autism intervention approaches and inclusive education.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality standards.
• A commitment to child safeguarding and ethical practice.

 Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about improving the lives of autistic children.
• Compassionate, patient, and resilient.
• Highly organised and solutions focused.
• Professional and accountable.
• Adaptable and innovative.
• Committed to continuous learning and excellence.

 What We Offer

• An opportunity to lead a specialist Early Learning Centre making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
• A supportive multidisciplinary environment.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• The chance to contribute to the strategic growth of Autism Connect.

Remuneration:

A market-related remuneration package, aligned with the non-profit and special education sector, will be offered. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and demonstrated expertise within the field of special needs education and centre management.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae to vacancies@autismconnect.org.za
• Deadline for submission: 27^th July 2026
• Start date: 11^th August 2026
• A cover letter outlining suitability for the role.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• At least three contactable professional references.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Autism Connect reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Autism Connect is committed to employment equity and safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of all children in our care. All appointments will be subject to reference checks, qualification verification, and the successful completion of relevant screening processes.