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.

About the Role

The Principal 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.

You will work closely with the founders.

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 (mandatory)

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 — Principal, Head of Early Years, Academic Coordinator, or Curriculum Lead
- Direct experience mentoring teachers, leading professional development, and driving pedagogical change
- Strong parent engagement skills — comfortable leading parent meetings, difficult conversations, and community building
- Excellent spoken and written English with clear pronunciation and articulation
- 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 skilled contributions to early childhood education

Pay: ₹45,000.00 - ₹50,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

- What is your philosophy of early childhood leadership? How do you mentor teachers, and how do you know when a classroom is working well?

Work Location: In person

📌 Principal (Chennai)
🏢 INAE Preschool
📍 Chennai