Salary: Ksh: 85,000

LOCATION: Kenya Office -Njabini

OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

POSITION STATUS: Teacher, exempt from overtime

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Head of School

GENERAL SUMMARY: 

The Head of Preschool (Kenya) has primary responsibility for all aspects of managing the preschool operating within Academy, including curriculum development, classroom teaching, and the overall management of preschool-related activities and programs. The primary mission of the preschool is to provide vulnerable children (the “students”) with an exemplary early childhood education centered on the CBC, Montessori integrated and consistent with the “whole child” model. Duties are fulfilled using his/her expertise in both the CBC and Montessori curriculum development, teacher recruitment and management, child development, Kenya education system regulations and requirements, evaluation and impact metrics, and general school operations and administration. The role further requires exceptional organizational and communications skills, program management expertise, focused vision for short- and long-term planning, collaborative partnering and relationship-building, and effective supervision and professional development of teachers, program managers and other support staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively and flexibly with the Head of School and Senior Teachers concerning curriculum, schemes of work, teaching methods, and operational requirements.
• Develop, implement, manage and execute a CBC curriculum that meets the primary missions of the Preschool, operates within budget, and accounts for changing student strengths, populations, and support needs.
• Responsible for the recruitment, supervision, development and performance management of all preschool teachers, program, and support staff, including the training of relevant staff on CBC methods.
• Responsible for day-to-day management and oversight of all preschool student programs, operations and facilities, wellness initiatives, delivery of social services, and meal programs.
• Develop and maintain accurate monitoring tools and prepare timely reports that effectively track progress and demonstrate desired outcomes.
• Develop and oversee strategic plan for preschool growth, consistent with organizational vision.
• Serve as primary contact with relevant leaders and teachers to track progress of preschool graduates and help identify/address potential barriers to success.
• Establish and implement policies, procedures and standards for student admissions and progression.
• Responsible for meeting all operational goals and objectives of Preschool and related programs, including extracurricular activities.
• Establish community outreach, guardian support, and other programs designed to engage parents and families in student success.

11. Oversee program finances and budget for each fiscal year, seeking and pursuing strategic partnerships and other strategies to decrease program costs while increasing quality of services.

12. Pursue key partnerships that support Preschool enrichment, funding, growth, and development goals.

13. Increase Preschool visibility and the CBC and Montessori method with Kenya-based NGOs’ and educational community by identifying opportunities for alignment, collaboration, and mission-centric partnerships.

14. Serve as primary conduit of information on all aspects of Preschool, including program impact, student academic progress, issues of concern, and obstacles to success.

15. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all activities and deliver requested reports in a timely manner.

Student-Centric Responsibilities

• Directly monitor and support student academic success and growth using an integrated model of both the CBC curriculum & Montessori method.
• Ensure student compliance with academic deadlines, and provide ongoing assessment of student satisfaction, success, retention and progression.
• Develop and implement individualized plans to support academic and skill development goals, promote social confidence, and help maintain a growth mindset.
• Prepare all Preschool graduates for progression and transition to primary school.
• Develop, monitor and consistently provide high quality social, and support services.
• Serve as the primary organizational point-of-contact with all Preschool students and families, mitigating and resolving issues, maintaining professionalism, and serving as a role model at all times.
• Undertake the teaching of their subjects, promote genuine interest, enthusiasm and aim for a high standard of achievement for all pupils within their class and the school.
• Adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education (higher level education preferred)
• 5+ years CBC teaching and educational leadership experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Experience and training on Montessori Methods is an advantage.
• Must be trained and conversant with the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Fluency in English and Swahili.
• Well-developed and mature professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with children, teachers, parents, families, donors, partners and colleagues at all organizational levels.
• Ability to think critically and manage change in support of strategic growth.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• High level of knowledge in the educational and child development fields, including a deep understanding of the Kenya education system.
• Exceptional analytical skills to correctly maintain, assess, and communicate data.
• Knowledge and high proficiency with computer applications.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.
• Ability to review the work of others and provide feedback to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Ability to respond quickly and maintain composure in situations that impact the safety of children.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion when making independent decisions.

Additional Requirements:

• An incident-free Children’s Check and National Police Check (Certificate of Good Conduct) is a strict condition of employment and must be provided at time of hire and updated on request.
• Consistent with the management level of this position, some weekend and after-hours work is expected and required to meet organizational priorities.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned to support coverage for management-level and other colleagues who are absent, on holiday or personal leave.