The Free State Department of Education has announced a new recruitment drive for Play Group Practitioners under Vacancy PS 10 of 2026, creating an exciting opportunity for qualified Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners who are passionate about working with young children.
The department is recruiting 40 Play Group Practitioners across various districts in the province on an 8-month contract, with a monthly remuneration of R3,200. This initiative forms part of the provincial government’s commitment to expanding access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes and improving school readiness among children aged 3 to 5 years.
If you have a Grade 12 qualification together with an ECD qualification and enjoy working with children, this opportunity could help you gain valuable practical experience while contributing to one of South Africa’s most important education priorities.
Quick Overview
- Employer: Free State Department of Education
- Position: Play Group Practitioner
- Reference: Vacancy PS 10 of 2026
- Contract Duration: 8 Months
- Salary: R3,200 per month
- Total Posts: 40
- Closing Date: 27 July 2026
- Location: Various communities across the Free State Province
Minimum Qualification
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- NQF Level 4 Edu-Care and/or
- National Diploma in Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Areas Where Posts Are Available
The department has advertised opportunities across four education districts.
Lejweleputswa District (8 Posts)
Welkom – Thabong (6 Posts)
- Reference: PS10/2026/1
Virginia – Meloding (2 Posts)
- Reference: PS10/2026/2
Fezile Dabi District (8 Posts)
Sasolburg – Zamdela Iraq
- 4 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/3
Kroonstad – Snake Park Constancia
- 4 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/4
Mangaung District (12 Posts)
Bloemfontein – Khayelitsha & Bergman
- 4 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/5
Phase 7 & 9
- 2 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/6
Bainsvlei
- 1 Post
- Reference: PS10/2026/7
Thaba Nchu – Woodbridge 1 Trust
- 1 Post
- Reference: PS10/2026/8
Botshabelo – Section R & V
- 2 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/9
Botshabelo – Section U & W
- 2 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/10
Thabo Mofutsanyane District (12 Posts)
QwaQwa – Monontsha
- 2 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/11
QwaQwa – Rietpan
- 2 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/12
QwaQwa – Mmakoane
- 4 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/13
Ladybrand – Platbag
- 2 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/14
Ladybrand – Marikana Extension
- 2 Posts
- Reference: PS10/2026/15
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- NQF Level 4 qualification in Edu-Care and/or
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Early Childhood Development (ECD)
The department also recommends applicants who:
- Can read and write well
- Can communicate in at least three South African languages
- Have a genuine passion for working with children
- Respect children’s rights and dignity
- Are committed to child protection and inclusive education
Preference will be given to:
- Young people aged 18–35
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
What Will Play Group Practitioners Do?
Successful applicants will help provide quality early learning programmes for children between the ages of three and five.
Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting play-based learning activities
- Supporting children’s cognitive development
- Assisting curriculum specialists
- Monitoring children’s developmental progress
- Helping assess school readiness
- Identifying children with learning barriers
- Reporting developmental concerns to designated Education officials
- Supervising children’s daily routines
- Creating safe learning environments
- Supporting children’s care, protection and overall wellbeing
Child Protection Is a Priority
Because successful applicants will work directly with young children, the department has strict safeguarding measures.
Applicants will undergo:
- Criminal record checks
- Vetting against Part B of the National Child Protection Register
- Screening in terms of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005
These measures help ensure children are placed in safe learning environments.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed New Z83 Application Form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified South African ID copy
- Certified qualifications
Only complete applications submitted before the closing date will be considered.
Where to Submit Applications
Applications must be submitted to the district office responsible for the post you are applying for.
Mangaung Metropolitan Education District
C/O St Andrew & Markgraaf Street
Forth Dury Building
Bloemfontein
Lejweleputswa District Office
31 Mooi Street
Old Woolworths Building
Welkom
Thabo Mofutsanyana District Office
Parliament Building (On the Mountain)
Phuthaditjhaba
Fezile Dabi District Office
23 Totius Street
Old Cedar School Building
Sasolburg
Applications must clearly quote the correct reference number on the Z83 application form.
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District Enquiries
Applicants requiring further information may contact:
Fezile Dabi District
Ms Zanele Mfete
066 486 6633
Lejweleputswa District
Ms Gladys Mokodutlo
066 487 6206
Mangaung Metropolitan
Ms Boitumelo Chomane
083 555 9118
QwaQwa
Ms Ntombikayise Sibeko
083 443 8075
Ladybrand & BHM Offices
Ms Nkeletseng Matete
066 487 0164
Important Application Rules
Applicants should remember the following:
- Use only the new Z83 application form
- Complete every section of the form
- Sign and initial both pages
- Submit a separate application for every reference number
- Clearly indicate the correct reference number
- Late applications will not be accepted
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- Only shortlisted candidates will submit certified supporting documents
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before appointment
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo various verification processes including qualification, citizenship and financial checks.
Closing Date: 27 July 2026
Applications must reach the relevant district office before 16:00 on the closing date.
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Edupstairs Advice
Competition for government-funded Early Childhood Development opportunities is often high because they provide valuable practical experience and a pathway into the education sector. If you meet the minimum requirements, submit your application well before the closing date, ensure your Z83 form is completed correctly, and double-check that you have quoted the correct reference number for the area where you wish to work.
Take time to prepare a professional CV that highlights any practical ECD training, volunteering, community work, or experience working with children. Even if you are newly qualified, demonstrating enthusiasm, responsibility, and an understanding of child development can strengthen your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a permanent job?
No. These are 8-month contract positions.
- How much is the salary?
Successful applicants will receive R3,200 per month.
- Do I need teaching experience?
The advertisement does not list previous experience as a requirement. Applicants must, however, meet the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrate a willingness to work with young children.
- Can I apply for more than one location?
Yes. However, you must submit a separate application for each reference number you apply for.
- Will there be background checks?
Yes. Criminal record screening and child protection register checks will be conducted.
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Disclaimer
This article is intended to explain the advertised opportunity published by the Free State Department of Education. Applicants should always read the original advertisement carefully before applying and ensure that they meet all requirements. Edupstairs is not involved in the recruitment or selection process. The information in this article is based on the official vacancy advertisement.
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