Head of School

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF JOB

The Montessori Head of School is responsible for consistently fulfilling the role’s, responsibilities, and duties outlined in this job description. The Montessori Head of School is responsible for meeting the comprehensive responsibilities outlined by the Montessori educational philosophy and supporting the Head of Schools in customer service and school management. This role requires guiding and supervising students across various age groups using Montessori techniques, fostering positive interactions with teachers, students, and parents, and maintaining a safe, clean learning environment. The Montessori Head of School also assists in Montessori teacher training and handles various administrative tasks, including staff management, scheduling, payroll, student enrollment, and school operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Employee Policies/ Parent Handbook:

• Full knowledge and understanding of St. Mary’s Montessori School parent and employee policies, handbooks, and procedures. Full knowledge and understanding of State of California: Department of Social Services Title 22 regulations.

2. Student Management:

• Customer Service: Strive to meet all Montessori Head of School responsibilities, nurturing the development and learning of students.
• Montessori Environment: Provide a prepared environment with identifiable activity routines, facilitate transitions, and constantly observe students.
• Montessori Principles: Demonstrate and apply Montessori principles and maintain ongoing knowledge of them.
• Daily Schedule: Use and implement a daily schedule based on Montessori ideals.
• Training and Development: Assist Lead Teachers with training and program advancement.
• Learning Environment: Create and maintain an environment that showcases Montessori learning.
• Readiness: Maintain knowledge of local primary expectations for kindergarten and elementary readiness.
• Interventions: Conduct meetings with students and parents for social or academic support and handle behavioral situations.

3. Parent Relations:

• Communication: Communicate Montessori philosophy to parents, respecting confidentiality.
• Interaction: Interact with parents positively and provide regular communications.
• Parent Tours: Conduct weekly tours for new parents.
• Promotion: Promote the Montessori program and encourage parental involvement.
• Family Inclusion: Appreciate and integrate student’s family cultures into the program.

4. Student Care :

• Supervision: Maintain constant supervision and ensure safety during all activities.
• Discipline: Use positive Montessori discipline techniques.
• Interaction: Interact with students supportively, using their names and a calm tone.
• Policies and Procedures: Follow all policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Emergency Situations: Report any signs of illness, injury, or abuse, and take appropriate action.
• Sanitary Standards: Maintain sanitary standards and accurate attendance records.

5. Other Staff Duties:

• Support: Assist the Assistant Director and Corporate Staff in customer service and community relations.
• Attendance: Consistently attend work as scheduled and complete assigned duties.
• Maintenance: Supervise facility cleanup and maintenance of student areas.
• Meetings and Events: Attend staff meetings, workshops, open houses, and parent events.
• Enrollment and Training: Maintain full school enrollment, conduct training, manage schedules, payroll, and hiring processes.

Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities beyond their job description as needed. These duties may vary from time to time. Such assignments are expected to be within the employee's skills and capabilities and contribute to their professional development.

REQUIREMENTS

Salaried employees are required to maintain a valid, one-year, employment agreement with St. Mary’s Montessori School.

1. EDUCATION / WORK EXPERIENCE:

The MINIMUM required to qualify for this position.

• Montessori Diploma: AMI Montessori Diploma required.
• Early Childhood Education: 2-3 years of experience in early childhood education.
• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or equivalent experience.

1. SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND/OR LICENSING:

• Certifications: Required by state law or regulatory agencies (e.g., CDA, CPR, ECE units).
• Course Work: Required in child development.
• Regulations: Meet state regulations to supervise a group of students.
• First Aid and CPR: Supervisor certification.
• Serve Safe: Certification required.

1. AGE:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.

1. ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

Special abilities the position requires.

• Independence: Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability: Flexible and adaptable to constant change.
• Communication: Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong tact and diplomacy for working cooperatively with students, parents, and staff.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize, organize, and plan work.
• Initiative: Develop and maintain communication and relationships with parents and others.

1. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The mental discipline and physical requirements that occur regularly in performing the job duties.
• Cognitive Skills: Reading, interpreting instructions, problem-solving, detailed work, and confidentiality.
• Physical Activities: Standing, walking, lifting 10-40 lbs., pushing/pulling, kneeling, sitting, and repetitive motion.
• Customer Service: Providing customer service and maintaining composure.

1. EXPOSURE TO:

• Hazards: Moderate hazards and childhood illnesses.
• Environment: Exposure to heat, cold, and noise.

1. SUPERVISION:

• The amount of supervision this position requires: Limited supervision.

SCOPE

1. ANALYSIS & DECISION MAKING:

Examples of typical decisions and/or recommendations this position makes.

• Parental Inquiries: Determine responses.
• Staffing Needs: Recommend staffing needs.
• Performance Reviews: Recommend staff performance reviews.
• Communication: Address issues with Administration and H.R.

1. IMPACT:

The effect of the decisions and actions for which this position is responsible for Montessori operations,

considering: 1) the operations affected and the potential impact; and 2) the extent to which actions or

decisions are reviewed at higher levels.

• Parental Interaction: Positive interactions enhance the school's reputation; negative interactions can result in loss of trust and enrollment.
• Student Well-being: Good decisions benefit students' well-being; poor decisions can negatively impact students and concern parents.
• Training: Effective training and orientation benefit Montessori Head of School; poor interaction can result in staff issues.

1. CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

External Contacts Frequency

Parents Regularly

Government/state Agencies Regularly

Internal Contacts Frequency

Management Regularly

Staff Regularly

Support Center Regularly

Students Regularly

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Montessori Head of School Reports to:

Corporate Staff

Company President

**The above information is intended to describe the most important aspects of the position. It is not intended to be

construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required in order to perform the work.