Early Childhood Centre Leader

Ace @ Work Schoolcare Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace @ Work Schoolcare Pte Ltd in Singapore seeks a dynamic Preschool Principal to lead a centre, build a capable team, and drive educational and operational excellence for children and families.

You will coach educators, ensure ECDA compliance, plan curriculum, manage manpower and resources, engage parents, and collaborate with management to sustain accreditation and growth in a caring, professional environment.

Qualifications

• Must possess ECDA recognised leadership qualification.
• Meet ECDA requirements for Preschool Principal appointment.
• Demonstrate prior leadership or supervisory experience in a preschool.
• Sound knowledge of ECDA regulations and centre operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily centre operations with high educational and service standards.
• Guide educators in curriculum planning, classroom management, and documentation.
• Coach staff with constructive feedback and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with ECDA regulations, licensing conditions, and health and safety standards.
• Plan manpower and resources to meet centre needs efficiently.
• Drive improvement initiatives and prepare for regulatory visits and quality assessments.
• Build relationships with parents and address feedback professionally.
• Support enrolment, retention, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with management to achieve educational and operational goals.
• Foster a respectful, accountable, and collaborative workplace culture.

Skills

Leadership

Educational leadership

Stakeholder management

Coaching

Education

ECDA recognised leadership qualification

Preschool supervisory experience

Tools

SPARK certification

Job description

Company Overview

Ace @ Work is a caring organisation operating 8 childcare and 15 student care centres with over 2000 students in Singapore. Since 1997, it fosters a trusting, people-centric environment focused on continuous learning, growth, and meaningful experiences for children and staff.

Job Summary

Lead the management and development of a preschool centre by building a capable team, maintaining operational excellence, and fostering a positive environment for children, families, and educators.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily centre operations, ensuring high standards in educational practices and service delivery.
• Guide educators in curriculum planning, classroom management, child development observations, and documentation to enhance learning outcomes.
• Coach staff regularly by providing constructive feedback and facilitating professional development to improve performance.
• Ensure full compliance with ECDA regulations, licensing conditions, health and safety standards, and internal policies.
• Plan and manage manpower deployment and operational resources to meet centre needs efficiently.
• Drive centre improvement initiatives and prepare for regulatory visits and quality assessments to maintain accreditation.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with parents by addressing feedback and concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support enrolment, retention, and community engagement efforts to sustain centre growth.
• Collaborate with management and support departments to achieve operational and educational goals.
• Foster a respectful, accountable, and collaborative workplace culture that promotes teamwork and professionalism.

Required competencies and certifications

• Possess an early childhood leadership qualification recognised by ECDA.
• Meet ECDA's prevailing requirements for appointment as a Preschool Principal.
• Demonstrate prior leadership or supervisory experience in a preschool setting.
• Have sound knowledge of ECDA regulations, centre operations, and early childhood curriculum practices.

Preferred competencies and qualifications

• Experience with SPARK certification or familiarity with Partner Operator requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills applied in early childhood education contexts.
• Ability to coach employees effectively while maintaining clear standards and accountability.
• Organised and resourceful in managing both educational and operational responsibilities.

Other Information

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• A meaningful leadership role with the opportunity to influence centre culture and educational quality.
• Support from management and central functions.
• Opportunities for continued professional development.
• Competitive remuneration and employee benefits.