Head Coordinator — INAE Preschool, Chennai
Date posted: 26 April 2026
Pay: ₹50,000 per month (negotiable based on experience)
Reports to: Founders
Location: Kotturpuram, Chennai (in person)
Job Type: Full-time
INAE is a preschool rooted in inquiry-based learning, located in Kotturpuram, Chennai. We serve children ages 1–4 through a globally integrated curriculum that blends Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and social-emotional learning.
We are looking for a leader who will mentor teachers, partner with parents, and uphold the highest standards of early childhood practice every single day.
Important — Please Read Before Applying
This role is for senior early childhood leaders with deep experience in inquiry-based pedagogy — Montessori, IB/PYP, or Reggio Emilia.
Candidates without specialized early childhood leadership experience will not be considered, regardless of total years in education.
About the Role
The Head Coordinator is the operational and academic leader of INAE. You will lead curriculum implementation, mentor teaching staff, drive parent engagement, and uphold the highest standards of early childhood practice.
You will be on classroom floors observing teachers, in meetings with parents, in planning sessions with your team, and in continuous conversation about how to serve our children better.
As one of INAE’s earliest leaders, you will have meaningful ownership in shaping the school’s pedagogical identity from the ground up. You will work closely with the founders on curriculum design, hiring, and the long-term vision of the school.
What You Will Do
- Lead and mentor the teaching team through observation, feedback, and structured professional development
- Oversee curriculum planning and delivery across all age groups (1–4 years)
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with parents through open communication and regular touchpoints
- Ensure every classroom reflects inquiry-based, developmentally appropriate practice
- Drive continuous improvement through reflective practice, staff meetings, and parent feedback
- Oversee day-to-day operations including scheduling, staff coordination, and quality assurance
- Lead teacher hiring, onboarding, and ongoing professional development planning
- Partner with founders on curriculum design, strategic planning, and community engagement
- Represent INAE at educational forums, parent meetings, and community events
What We Are Looking For
Non-negotiable
Specialized early childhood training — ONE of the following:
- Montessori certification from AMI, AMS, or an equivalent recognized diploma program
- IB/PYP training through an IB World School or a recognized IB workshop, with substantial time in early years (PYP 1–3)
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a Reggio Emilia–inspired school with deep understanding of the philosophy (documentation, emergent curriculum, the image of the child as capable, the environment as the third teacher)
Plus:
- Minimum 10 years of experience in early childhood education (ages 1–6)
- Minimum 5 years in a leadership role — Head of Early Years, Academic Coordinator, Curriculum Lead, or equivalent
- Direct experience mentoring teachers, leading professional development, and driving pedagogical change
- Strong parent engagement skills — comfortable leading parent meetings, difficult conversations, and community building
- Strong spoken and written English; able to lead parent meetings and team discussions with clarity and warmth
- A warm, grounded leadership presence that sets high standards through mentorship, not hierarchy
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Education, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field
- B.Ed with Early Childhood specialization
- ECCE certification
- Experience setting up or launching a new preschool (0-to-1 experience)
- Exposure to multiple frameworks (e.g., Montessori + Reggio, or PYP + Reggio)
- Proficiency in Tamil for parent communication
- Published work, speaking experience, or professional contributions to early childhood education
Pay: ₹50,000.00 - ₹55,000.00 per month
Application Question(s):
- What is your philosophy of early childhood leadership, and how do you know when a classroom is working well?
Work Location: In person
