Head of Kindergarten

Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science (in partnership with King's College School, Wimbledon and RDFZ Beijing) is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and experienced Head of Kindergarten to lead our early childhood education program at a leading K–12 international and bilingual school in China. In recognition of the high standards achieved by our two partner schools, RDFZ and King’s College School, Wimbledon, the successful candidate will work to uphold and emulate their excellence within the Kindergarten division.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of early years pedagogy, a proven track record of managing kindergarten operations in Mainland China, and exceptional interpersonal skills to foster strong partnerships between families, teachers, and the wider school community. Additionally, the candidate will play a pivotal role in market enrollment and student retention strategies to ensure sustainable growth and high satisfaction levels.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement a forward-looking, research-based kindergarten curriculum aligned with the Cambridge Early Years Programme and local education regulations.

• Coordinate and deliver continuous professional development, with a focus on EYFS and support for Chinese curriculum methodologies.

• Oversee daily operations, including kindergarten administration, resource allocation, and staff supervision, to ensure consistently high-quality educational outcomes.

• Lead the design and implementation of an innovative curriculum emphasizing inquiry-based and play-based learning, creating a stimulating environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement among teachers and support staff.

Teacher Development & Team Empowerment

• Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse team of early childhood educators and life teachers, promoting professional growth and pedagogical excellence.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and support clear career development pathways.

• Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity, professionalism, and mutual respect.

Home–School–Community Communication and Engagement

• Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with parents through regular communication, Parent Advisory Committee workshops, and parent-teacher conferences.

• Address parental concerns promptly and transparently to ensure a positive and supportive school experience.

• Collaborate with community partners to enrich students’ learning experiences and support social-emotional development.

Marketing, Student Recruitment & Retention

• Plan and implement targeted marketing initiatives, including open days, school visits, and themed events, to attract prospective families through digital platforms, community engagement, and local partnerships.

• Develop and implement retention programs to cultivate long-term loyalty.

• Monitor student satisfaction through surveys and feedback mechanisms, and proactively address issues to reduce the dropout rate.

• Analyze enrollment trends and feedback to refine recruitment tactics and improve student retention rates.

Student Pastoral Care, Well-being & Safety

• Ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all students in compliance with safety standards and local regulations.

• Implement data-informed approaches to monitor and enhance student development and curriculum effectiveness.

• Track student progress using age-appropriate assessments and implement timely interventions when necessary.

• Promote child-centered practices that support holistic development across cognitive, physical, social, and emotional domains.

Government Relations, Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all kindergarten operations comply with PRC education laws, international accreditation standards, and school policies.

• Maintain effective communication with relevant government departments, including attending meetings, submitting reports, and fostering positive professional relationships to uphold high educational standards.

About the School

The mission of Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science is to provide differentiated education for the development of each student. We strive to educate young men and women who will be innovative and collaborative while appreciating their own and other cultures and traditions. The school is located on an idyllic lakeside site in the Yuhang District of Hangzhou, surrounded by beautiful scenery including tea fields and bamboo forests. Our world-class campus includes wonderful teaching and recreational spaces, numerous and well-equipped laboratories, 800-seat theatre, a 50-metre swimming pool and excellent sports facilities.

Benefits

The salary and benefit package for this important position is commensurate with these aims. In addition to a highly competitive salary, the package includes high-quality housing, flights and medical insurance for employee and dependents. Full tuition support will be provided for any successful applicant with school-age children. The position will be offered on an initial three-year contract term with annual renewal thereafter. 

Kindergarten

Our bilingual kindergarten offers a lively, activity-based programme in Chinese and English for children aged 3–6, blending the strengths of Chinese and international education to build a solid foundation for Grade 1 and beyond. Through play, exploration and creative projects—both indoors and outdoors—children develop self-regulation, curiosity and key skills across seven learning areas. Each class is guided by both a Chinese and an international teacher, creating a warm, supportive environment that nurtures every child’s language development and overall growth.

*We are committed to a thorough and complete check of the credentials of all those employed to work with children in our organization.

About you

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or above in Early Childhood Education, Education, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or Early Years Education is preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of five years’ experience in a kindergarten leadership role in Mainland China, with demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, team leadership, operational management, enrollment growth, and student retention.

• Communication & Language Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to engage effectively with parents and stakeholders.

• International/Bilingual School Experience: Prior experience in an international or bilingual school setting is highly desirable.

• Marketing & Retention Expertise: Proven success in designing and implementing enrollment strategies, analyzing market trends, and improving student retention.

• Certifications: Valid teaching qualification or license (e.g., QTS, teacher certification, principal certification), first aid training, and child safeguarding certification.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• A genuine passion for early childhood education and a strong commitment to nurturing each child’s potential.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability within a multilingual and multicultural environment.

• A collaborative leadership approach that inspires, motivates, and empowers teams.

• Creativity and strategic insight in marketing, recruitment, and retention initiatives.