Nursery Principal

Company Description

HEI UAE is an exclusive partnership with HEI Schools (Helsinki International Schools) which brings Finland’s globally acclaimed, award-winning Early Childhood Education model to the UAE market. Research-based methodology provides a high-quality child-centred approach which focuses on the holistic development and well-being of children (social, emotional, physical, cognitive growth, and character). HEI curriculum encourages children to exercise the type of curiosity and creativity which keeps adults thriving and is brought to life through comprehensive teacher training by HEI mentors from Finland.

Job Description

The Nursery Principal’s primary responsibility is to ensure the seamless and efficient operations of the Early Learning Centres.  She will oversee all aspects of the centre's operations, education and compliances, including but not restricted to staff management, curriculum development, health and safety, sales and marketing, and adherence to regulatory guidelines. This role is crucial in creating a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children.

Overall:

• Recruitment and staff management
• Policies and procedures oversight
• HEI Curriculum oversight
• Strategic planning
• Sales target oversight
• Marketing oversight 
• Compliance and regulations
• Partnership building

Centre Operations:

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with parents, community partners, students and volunteers.
• Perform daily rounds & attendance data gathering - staff/children.
• Manage & prepare all staff schedules and ensure proper ratio is well maintained.
• Perform Daily risk assessments checks, spot checks. Oversee that all required maintenance/repair work is done in a timely manner.
• Meet & greet parents and handle their queries, concerns and complaints.
• Carry out tours of the Centre.
• Mentor and coach the staff, conduct regular Staff meetings.
• Ensure all operation and compliance related documents are updated.
• Review children’s files to ensure all the mandatory documents are in place – medical, registration, Terms & conditions etc.
• Update Classroom Allocations regularly.
• Create alternative schedules, children's groups for camps.
• Ensure all areas are clean and maintained to the highest standards and keep records of required changes and maintenance.
• Monitor the kitchen provision to ensure its compliance and high standard of food hygiene and safety. Ensure the high quality of the meals and follow the allergy/food restrictions.
• Act as a Safeguarding Officer.

Staff Management:

• Overview and manage all required recruitment/hiring activities.
• Manage onboarding and offboarding staff processes in liaison with HR team.
• Manage staff performance review processes (probation, annual review ..etc.).
• Manage daily related staff issues, requests and concerns and take the appropriate actions.
• Manage monthly payroll process.
• Manage staff annual leave planning and Centre cover/schedule related actions.

Curriculum Development:

• Attend franchisee training as needed.
• Perform regular class observations and review the HEI curriculum delivery in each classroom and provide appropriate support to the staff.
• Review and sign off the children’s report cards.
• Review class inventory and its resources.
• Ensure the high standard of early childhood education in accordance with HEI curriculum.

Financial Management: 

• Monitor Centre's expenses and implementing cost-effective measures. 
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting when applicable.  Preparing fee refund requests for GM and finance team approval. 
• Sign off deliveries – groceries, art/craft deliveries etc.
• Manage monthly/yearly sales and budget targets.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay up to date with local and national regulations governing early Learning Centres. 
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and educational standards. 
• Coordinate inspections, maintaining accurate records, and addressing any compliance issues promptly.
• Ensure compliance with HEI guidelines.

Parent and Community Engagement & Marketing Activities:

• Foster strong relationships with parents, addressing their concerns, and maintaining regular communication. 
• Provide on-going parent education and information exchange through various platforms/events.
• Engage in partnership opportunities with various companies and organizations. 
• Organize and participate in community events, promotional events, open houses, and parent workshops. 
• Collaborate with community organizations and educational institutions to enhance Centre offerings. 
• Use platforms such as social media sites with ease and share the best practice with others in your team.

Accountabilities:

• Budget planning and cost optimization
• Monitoring Centre’s financial performance
• Sales and enrolment growth oversight
• Resource allocation efficiency
• Financial reporting and compliance
• Staff development and retention
• Regulatory compliance and licensing
• Curriculum implementation and quality assurance
• Parent satisfaction and engagement
• Brand reputation and community partnerships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's in early childhood education or relevant field
• Cache level 5

Additional Information

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum: 2 years in early childhood education management in UAE
• Desired: 5+ years of experience in Early Childhood management, Knowledge of Finnish/Scandinavian curriculum

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, curriculum development, and pedagogy.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders, parents, and community partners.
• Understanding financial management principles and experience in budgeting and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with licensing requirements, regulations, and compliance standards in early childhood education.