ECE Head Kaiako - Onehunga Kindergarten

*Lead with purpose and passion
*Permanent, full-time leadership role
*Collaborate with a committed and supportive team

Tōku reo, tōku ohooho, tōku reo, tōku mapihi maurea.

My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul.

About Us

Ngā Tamariki Pūāwai o Tāmaki | Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) has been a leader in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in New Zealand since 1908. With over 100 kindergartens, four KiNZ centres, five playgroups, and dedicated support services, we are committed to providing high-quality, multicultural education that empowers tamariki and supports whānau.

Guided by Te Whāriki, our teaching and learning practices are centered around fostering confident, capable learners. Our mission is to provide tamariki with the best start to prepare them for school and beyond, building strong foundations for lifelong learning.

About Onehunga Kindergarten

Onehunga Kindergarten has a spacious outdoor playground that encourages tamariki to create, imagine, and explore. We value whānau involvement and believe in working together to achieve the best outcomes for our tamariki.

Our team comprises a Head Kaiako, three qualified kaiako, and support staff, including a teacher aide, and office administrator. We offer a tamariki-centered learning programme rooted in Te Whāriki and are deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging for tamariki in Onehunga and Te Papapa.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Kaiako to lead our team in delivering exceptional learning experiences for tamariki. This permanent, full-time role offers the opportunity to balance pedagogical leadership, operational management, and teaching responsibilities in a rewarding and diverse environment.

As the Head Kaiako, you will:

• Provide strong leadership, setting an example of excellence for your team.
• Foster collaboration, inclusiveness, and growth among kaiako, whānau, and the local hapori (community).
• Guide your team in embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into all aspects of practice.
• Manage day-to-day operations while ensuring compliance with educational standards and operational targets.

What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be a registered and certificated ECE Kaiako with 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrate proven leadership skills, ideally in leading small teams or managing an ECE center.
• Possess expertise in pedagogical leadership and the ability to guide a team in implementing and refining teaching practices.
• Have strength in internal evaluation processes and driving continuous improvement.
• Value and incorporate multicultural practices and sustainability into learning experiences and have experience working in diverse communities.
• Embrace ICT tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
• Build meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the hapori, valuing diversity and inclusiveness.
• Hold a current First Aid certificate.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a skilled, passionate team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of tamariki and their whānau. At Onehunga Kindergarten, you'll find a collaborative environment where your leadership is valued, and your vision helps shape the future of learning.

Apply Now

For further details about this role and our kindergartens, visit the AKA website.

Please note our Support office is closed from the 20.12.2024-06.01.2025 so your application and enquiries will not be answered until our return.

Kindergartens will be closed from 20.12.2024 until 22.01.2025.

Applications close on 17th January 2025 at 12:00 pm (unless filled earlier). Click "Apply" to begin your journey with AKA.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Although no longer mandatory, Ngā Tamariki Pūāwai o Tāmaki encourages its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Lead with passion and purpose—join us at Onehunga Kindergarten to shape confident, capable young learners and foster a brighter future for our community.