About us:
Founded in 2010, Ekya Schools offers progressive K–12 education through CBSE, ICSE, and Cambridge IGCSE curricula, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Alongside Ekya Schools, our chain of CMR Pre-University Colleges delivers an extensive pre-university program affiliated with the Karnataka Pre-University Board, combining rigorous academics with a holistic learning experience. Drawing from the rich legacy of the CMR Group, we nurture lifelong learners equipped to thrive in a dynamic and evolving world.
About Ekya Vana & Ekya Vana Early Years:
Ekya Vana Early Years represent Ekya's next chapter, purpose-based learning environments rooted deeply in nature, sustainability, and conservation.
Ekya Vana Early Years Nature-based Preschools and Day-care Centers offers a nature-immersive, inquiry-led space where children pause to notice, wonder, listen, care, and find joy in the living world. Seasonal rhythms, hands-on exploration, and Earth Sense anchor their foundational learning experiences.
Role Overview
The Centre Head is responsible for the overall leadership, quality, safety, and smooth functioning of the Vana Early Years centre. This role ensures that the centre delivers high-quality, child-centred, nature-based early learning while meeting all statutory, operational, and parent engagement requirements.
The Centre Head translates Vana's nature-based learning philosophy into everyday practice across classrooms, outdoor environments, team culture, and parent engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Academic & Pedagogical Leadership
- Ensure effective implementation of Vana's nature-based early years curriculum
- Support teachers in planning and delivering child-led, play-based, and outdoor learning
- Observe classroom practices and provide constructive feedback
- Ensure age-appropriate learning aligned with early years frameworks and developmental milestones
- Maintain quality of documentation, observations, and learning record
Child Safety, Wellbeing & Compliance
- Ensure the safety, health, and emotional wellbeing of all children
- Implement and monitor child protection, health, hygiene, and outdoor safety protocols
- Conduct regular safety checks and risk assessments, especially for outdoor spaces
- Ensure compliance with all local early childhood education and daycare regulations
- Act as the first point of escalation for child safety or serious parent concern
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead, mentor, and supervise teachers, Community Care Coordinator, and support staff
- Manage staff onboarding, role clarity, duty rosters, and leave planning
- Create a positive, respectful, and accountable team culture
- Identify training needs and support continuous professional development
- Conduct regular check-ins and performance feedback
Parent & Community Engagement
- Be the primary point of contact for parents
- Lead parent orientations, meetings, and centre events
- Build strong, transparent relationships with families
- Address parent queries and concerns with empathy and clarity
- Strengthen community engagement through nature walks, workshops, and celebrations
Admissions & Centre Operations
- Oversee admissions in coordination with the Community Care Coordinator
- Ensure smooth daily operations including attendance, timetables, and classroom readiness
- Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and housekeeping teams
- Ensure centre readiness before the start of term and on an ongoing basis
Administration, Reporting & Oversight
- Maintain accurate records for children, staff, and incidents
- Prepare and share daily and weekly operational updates with the Management and the stakeholders
- Submit incident reports and compliance documentation as required
- Participate in periodic reviews, audits, and planning meetings
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Deep understanding of early childhood education
- Excellent communication and parent relationship skills
- High attention to safety, detail, and quality
- Calm, organized, and solution-oriented
- Alignment with nature-based and child-centered learning values
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or Diploma in Early Childhood Education / Education / Psychology or related field
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in early years education
- Prior experience in a leadership or centre management role preferred
- Experience with nature-based or progressive learning environments is an advantage
What We're Looking For
Someone who:
- Loves working with young children and educators
- Leads with warmth, clarity, and accountability
- Values nature, play, and child-led learning
- Enjoys building strong relationships with families
- Can balance care, structure, and operations effectively
Location: Centre Based
Reports To: Head - Ekya Vana Early Years
