Founding Head of Early Years

EtonHouse International Holdings Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An international education provider is seeking a Founding Head of Early Years for their new campus in Thailand. This hands-on leadership role requires a visionary educator capable of shaping school culture, leading curriculum development, and building a strong teaching team. Candidates must have a degree in Early Childhood Education and substantial early years leadership experience. The position emphasizes community engagement and collaboration with parents to create a nurturing educational environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in early years leadership within an international setting.
• 8–10 years of teaching experience in early years and/or primary.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the start-up phase of the Early Years, including recruitment of teachers.
• Shape a shared vision for the school in alignment with Middleton Singapore's ethos.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure smooth progression from Early Years to Primary.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Excellent communication

Mentoring and coaching

Child-focused approach

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

About Middleton International School, Thailand

Middleton International School (MIS) Bangkok is the newest addition to the Middleton family of schools, renowned in Singapore for its high-quality, affordable international education. We are dedicated to academic excellence, holistic development, and values-based learning, blending the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Singapore Maths, and the British National Curriculum with an inquiry-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach.

Our modern, purpose-built campus in central Bangkok will provide a safe, stimulating, and inspiring learning environment. Opening with a vibrant Early Years and Junior School, the campus will offer a nurturing and innovative space for children to explore, create, and achieve. The Founding Head of Early Years will be instrumental in bringing this vision to life, establishing the school’s culture, systems, and learning community from the ground up.

Job Overview

The Founding Head of Early Years will lead the strategic and operational establishment of the Early Years (Nursery–K2), working closely with the Head of School, the CEO, the Education Board, the EtonHouse Group, and the Founding Head of Junior School.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for a visionary educator who can inspire, build trust, and lay a strong foundation for a thriving, future‑focused school. To model excellence and remain closely connected to the student experience, the role will also include a teaching commitment during the first year.

Key Responsibilities

Founding Leadership

• Lead the start‑up phase of the Early Years, including recruitment of the inaugural teaching team, curriculum adaptation, timetable design, and establishment of school policies.

• Shape and articulate a shared vision for MIS Thailand in alignment with the ethos and high standards of Middleton International School Singapore.

• Establish a strong and positive school culture where students, staff, and parents feel valued, inspired, and engaged.
  

Curriculum and Pedagogy

• Lead the design and implementation of a play‑based, inquiry‑driven curriculum rooted in Reggio Emilia‑inspired principles.

• Ensure consistency in teaching and learning practices, drawing on Middleton Singapore’s proven pedagogy while adapting for the local context.

• Monitor and continuously improve teaching standards through coaching, professional development, and regular feedback.

• Take on a direct teaching role during the first year to model best practice and support classroom excellence.
  

Junior School Collaboration

• Work closely with the Founding Head of Junior School to ensure seamless progression and continuity of learning from Early Years to Primary.

• Provide oversight of transition practices, ensuring they reflect best practice and promote smooth progression for children and families.
  

Staff Recruitment and Development

• Recruit high‑quality teachers and support staff, ensuring strong induction and cultural alignment.

• Inspire, mentor, and develop the inaugural team to achieve excellence.

• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and positive staff culture.
  

Strategic Direction & Operations

• Collaborate with the Head of School and CEO to define both short‑ and long‑term strategic priorities.

• Develop and present the School Development Plan to the Education Board and oversee implementation.

• Manage the budget and resources effectively, ensuring compliance with local regulations and safeguarding standards.
  

Community & Marketing

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the school, actively promoting its vision and values.

• Represent MIS Thailand at tours, open days, and community events.

• Build warm, trusting relationships with parents, fostering strong partnerships between home and school.
  

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• Experience: At least 5 years in early years leadership within an international setting, plus 8–10 years of teaching experience in early years and/or primary.

• Curriculum Knowledge: Familiarity with Reggio Emilia‑inspired learning, IPC, Singapore Maths, and the British National Curriculum (desirable).

• Founding Skills: Experience leading the opening or significant growth phase of an early years setting (desirable).

• Leadership Style: Child‑centred, visionary, resilient, and adaptable, with excellent people leadership skills.

• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication, able to inspire confidence across staff, parents, and stakeholders.

• Cultural Experience: International experience, particularly in Asia, is highly valued.