Preschool Principal (Center Leader)

Astor International School seeks an experienced early childhood leader to lead its preschool development and day-to-day centre operations. The role combines educational leadership, staff development and responsibility for implementing ECDA requirements, working closely with the licensee to provide safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate care and education.

About Astor International School

Founded in 2019, Astor provides affordable, high-quality international education in a creative and collaborative learning environment. Our preschool approach will nurture curiosity, confidence and a love of learning through purposeful play, inquiry, positive relationships and close partnerships with families.

Centre leadership and licensing

• Lead preschool planning, opening readiness and ongoing improvement with the Founder / Directors; organise the team, resources and daily routines around children’s needs.
• Implement the Early Childhood Development Centres Act, Regulations, current ECDA Code of Practice, licence conditions and applicable directions. Support the licensee with applications, renewals, inspections and corrective actions; the licensee retains its statutory responsibilities.
• Keep enrolment, age groups, capacity, operating hours and services within the approved licence scope. Maintain accurate child, staff, attendance, consent and inspection records.
• Plan qualified staff deployment, relief cover and supervision to meet applicable ratios and minimum staffing requirements throughout operations. Organise the Principal’s role without a regular teaching load or reliance on the Principal to meet programme-hour ratios.
• Work with the licensee to secure required staff approvals before deployment and maintain evidence of qualifications, declarations, medical fitness and required training.

Safeguarding and child wellbeing

• Build a culture in which every child is treated with dignity. Model positive behaviour guidance and prevent harsh, humiliating or inappropriate treatment.
• Implement child protection procedures, respond promptly to concerns and ensure suspected abuse and serious incidents are escalated and reported to the relevant authorities within required timelines.
• Oversee safe arrivals, authorised collection, excursions and emergency preparedness, together with health checks, hygiene, infection control, medication, nutrition and first-aid arrangements appropriate to the services provided.

Teaching learning and curriculum

• Lead a coherent, play-based and inquiry-led preschool curriculum that supports children’s holistic development and reflects Astor’s educational approach.
• Use the Nurturing Early Learners Framework for children aged four to six and the Early Years Development Framework for younger children, as relevant to the centre’s licensed age groups.
• Guide educators in planning purposeful experiences in language, early numeracy, discovery, creativity, physical development and social and emotional learning.
• Observe teaching, review learning environments and coach educators to strengthen responsive interactions, inclusive practice and age-appropriate expectations.
• Use observations, learning portfolios and family conversations to understand progress and plan next steps. Support children’s transitions between classes and into primary school.
• Work with families and relevant specialists to identify developmental concerns early and coordinate appropriate support and referrals.

Staff development and team culture

• Lead recruitment, induction, mentoring and performance review in partnership with management. Set clear expectations for professional conduct and accountable practice.
• Build individual development plans and provide regular coaching, reflective discussions and opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Ensure staff understand centre procedures and their safeguarding responsibilities, and can raise concerns promptly through clear reporting channels.
• Promote a respectful, collaborative team culture and support staff wellbeing through realistic workloads and effective communication.

Families community and centre improvement

• Build trusting relationships with parents and caregivers through accessible communication, orientation, regular updates and discussions about each child’s development.
• Handle feedback and complaints promptly, sensitively and consistently; document agreed actions and follow through with families and staff.
• Develop community partnerships that enrich children’s experiences and strengthen family support. Represent the preschool professionally in outreach and admissions activities.
• Work with the Founder / Directors on budgets, purchasing and resource planning. Prioritise safe, suitable premises and materials that support quality learning.
• Lead self-evaluation and improvement planning using observations, family feedback and staff reflection. Support quality assurance initiatives adopted by the centre.

Required qualifications and appointment eligibility

• ECDA L2 educator certification, with documentary evidence of certification and relevant early childhood qualifications.
• At least four years of teaching experience as an L2-certified educator, consistent with ECDA’s published centre leadership pathway.
• Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Centre Leadership (ADECL), or an existing early childhood leadership qualification accepted by ECDA for Principal appointment, such as DECCE-L, subject to verification.
• Eligibility for ECDA approval to perform Principal supervisory duties. Appointment and deployment are subject to the required ECDA approval and applicable conditions.
• Completion of required suitability declarations, medical clearance and safeguarding checks. Candidates must provide verifiable qualifications, employment history and professional references.

Experience and capabilities sought by Astor

The following are Astor’s selection criteria and preferences, separate from ECDA appointment requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to lead early childhood teams, guide curriculum practice and manage preschool operations; experience as a Principal, Deputy Centre Leader or Senior Educator is preferred.
• Sound understanding of Singapore preschool licensing, safeguarding and inclusive early childhood practice. Experience supporting an ECDA licence application, inspection or centre opening is an advantage.
• Strong spoken and written English for staff leadership, family communication and documentation, with sensitivity to culturally and linguistically diverse families.
• Experience with play-based and inquiry-led learning, staff coaching and continuous improvement. International preschool experience is an advantage.
• A relevant degree or further leadership study is an advantage, but does not replace ECDA-required certification or an accepted early childhood leadership qualification.

Commitment to safeguarding

Astor prioritises children’s safety and welfare. All appointments are subject to interviews, identity and qualification verification, satisfactory professional references, and applicable background and regulatory checks. All staff must uphold our safeguarding expectations and professional code of conduct.

How to apply

Email your cover letter and CV to the school Director, Ms. Shannon, at shannon@astor.edu.sg.