Head of Early Years

JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF EARLY YEARS
JOB TITLE: Head of Early Years
REPORTS TO: Principal & Head of Academic Affairs
LOCATION: IMAS International School Kuala Lumpur
PURPOSE
The Head of Early Years is responsible for the strategic and instructional leadership of the
Kindergarten section at IMAS, ensuring a nurturing and stimulating foundation for
children aged 3 to 6. This role oversees the effective implementation of the International
Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), with a strong focus on early reading development,
bilingual instruction (English and Arabic), and play-based learning that aligns with
IMAS’s motto: “Beyond Academic Excellence.”
The Head of Early Years also supervises Arabic-medium teachers, supports culturally
relevant instruction, and leads professional development and coaching for the entire
Early Years team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Curriculum Implementation and Instructional Leadership
● Lead the planning, implementation, and review of the IEYC curriculum, ensuring
alignment with international early childhood standards.
● Ensure learning experiences are inquiry-based, play-focused, and
developmentally appropriate.
● Embed IMAS’s “7 Values” and Islamic character education into daily classroom
practice.
● Oversee Arabic-medium subjects to ensure consistency in teaching quality,
relevance, and integration with IEYC themes.
● Develop interdisciplinary links across all domains, with a balance between
English, Arabic, and Islamic content.
2. Early Literacy and Language Development
● Design and oversee a robust Early Reading Framework with clear benchmarks
for phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, and comprehension in both
English and Arabic.
● Monitor implementation of phonics programmes and storytelling strategies
across all classes.
● Select age-appropriate reading materials and guide the use of classroom libraries
and read-aloud routines.
● Track student reading progress and intervene early to support students with
learning needs.

● Promote a print-rich and language-rich environment that encourages early
communication, expression, and literacy.
3. IEYC Content Development and Teacher Training
● Develop, adapt, and curate IEYC curriculum content suited to the IMAS context
and cultural values.
● Create and maintain unit plans, assessment rubrics, and resource banks aligned
with IEYC learning strands and personal goals.
● Organise and deliver regular training workshops for Early Years teachers on IEYC
implementation, early childhood pedagogy, and bilingual instruction.
● Conduct learning walks, peer observations, and coaching sessions to support
professional growth.
● Collaborate with international IEYC networks and stay updated on curriculum
advancements.
● Build capacity among Arabic-medium teachers to integrate IEYC principles into
Arabic instruction.
4. Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance
● Conduct lesson observations, review planning documents, and monitor
classroom environments to uphold standards.
● Provide regular feedback and coaching to improve teaching strategies and
learning outcomes.
● Promote reflective teaching practices, team collaboration, and innovation within
the Early Years department.
● Ensure inclusive education practices that support learners of all needs and
backgrounds.
5. Student Wellbeing and Learning Environment
● Ensure classrooms and shared learning spaces are safe, clean, and designed for
active, independent learning.
● Support students’ social, emotional, and spiritual development in accordance
with Islamic values.
● Collaborate with the School Counsellor and Pastoral Team on student behaviour
support, transitions, and interventions.
● Lead the planning of events such as celebrations of learning, parent showcases,
and play-based activities.

6. Parent and Community Engagement
● Build strong, trust-based relationships with parents through open
communication and regular engagement.
● Conduct workshops and orientation sessions for parents to support literacy,
parenting, and early development.
● Provide timely updates and feedback on student learning, progress, and
behaviour.
● Promote parent involvement in classroom and school events.
● Manage parent concerns effectively and in coordination with the Principal and
Academic Affairs team.
7. Staff Leadership and Management
● Recruit, mentor, and evaluate Early Years teachers, teaching assistants, and
Arabic-medium educators.
● Identify staff training needs and create targeted professional development plans.
● Foster a collaborative, nurturing, and professional culture within the Early Years
team.
● Conduct performance evaluations and set improvement goals for all teaching
staff.
● Lead weekly Early Years team meetings to review progress and address concerns.
8. Administration and Compliance
● Prepare and manage academic timetables, teacher rosters, and activity schedules
for the Early Years section.
● Ensure compliance with school policies, health and safety standards, and
safeguarding procedures.
● Maintain accurate records of student performance, assessment portfolios, and
parent communications.
● Submit regular reports on Early Years progress, challenges, and improvements to
the Principal and Head of Academic Affairs.
● Oversee resource management, classroom supplies, and facility needs for the
section.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
● Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (required)
● Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership or Curriculum
Development (preferred)
● Minimum 5 years of teaching experience in Early Years education, with at least 2
years in a leadership role
● Strong understanding of the IEYC curriculum and play-based, inquiry-led
learning

● Experience in leading early reading initiatives and early bilingual education
● Proven ability to lead teams, mentor teachers, and manage early childhood
programmes

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
● Principal
● Head of Academic Affairs
● Deputy Heads (Academic & Pastoral)
● Arabic-medium teachers and assistants
● Parents and Guardians
● School Counsellor
● Operations and Maintenance Team
● Early Years Teachers and Assistants
CORE COMPETENCIES
● Visionary leadership in early years education
● Deep understanding of child development and literacy acquisition
● Strong interpersonal and coaching skills
● Excellence in communication with staff, parents, and students
● Organisational and strategic planning abilities
● Passionate about developing a love for learning in young children
● Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity
● Commitment to Islamic values and the IMAS ethos

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
● Student performance in early reading benchmarks (English and Arabic)
● Quality and consistency of IEYC curriculum implementation
● Staff engagement and effectiveness in IEYC teaching strategies
● Student wellbeing, engagement, and transition readiness
● Quality of classroom environments and learning materials
● Parent satisfaction and involvement
● Effectiveness of teacher training and coaching systems
● Compliance with safety, health, and school policies