Early Years Director (Maternity Leave: May 2026)

Early Years Director (Maternity Leave)

Introduction

WBAIS is seeking a temporary Early Years Director to provide leadership and continuity during a maternity leave period. The Early Years program serves children ages 3–5 and is rooted in Reggio Emilia and inquiry-based approach to early childhood. The Early Years Director works collaboratively with the Elementary Principal, Superintendent, and senior leadership team to ensure the ongoing strength and coherence of the Early Years program, its faculty, students, and community.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced early childhood leader to join a dedicated, reflective, and innovative team, in an environment where young children thrive through play, creativity, and inquiry.

WBAIS and Israel

Established under the auspices of the American Embassy in 1958, The Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel (WBAIS) is a MSA accredited, fully independent, co-educational EY - 12 international school, which offers a robust program leading to a US high school diploma.

With a present enrollment of approximately 700 students representing over 40 nationalities, WBAIS Israel is a diverse and vibrant community. Approximately 30% of WBAIS students are American, 40% from countries all over the world, and 30% Israeli.

In 2008, WBAIS moved to its current 19-acre campus in the town of Even Yehuda, a residential community approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. The purpose-built campus includes four separate divisions, a performing arts building with a 400-seat auditorium, full gym, cafeteria, library and media center, athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, and an olympic-sized pool.

Position Objectives

The Early Years Director (Maternity Leave Coverage) provides steady leadership and supports teachers, students, and families to maintain a high-quality early childhood program, ensuring continuity, care, and collaboration in alignment with the school’s mission and educational approach.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide educational leadership for the Early Years program, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and pedagogical philosophy.
• Oversee daily operations of the Early Years division, maintaining a positive, safe, and nurturing environment for students, families, and staff.
• Support and guide teachers in designing and implementing inquiry- and play-based curriculum experiences that reflect the school’s values.
• Collaborate with the Elementary Principal and Superintendent on program continuity, communication, and school-wide initiatives.
• Conduct classroom visits, observations, and conversations to support teacher reflection and professional growth.
• Documentation and evaluation notes will be maintained and shared with the returning Director for continuity of communication and records.
• Facilitate team meetings to ensure consistency, connection, and alignment of goals across classrooms.
• Represent the Early Years division in leadership meetings and contribute to school-wide initiatives as appropriate.
• Support curriculum documentation efforts and the ongoing development of Reggio- and inquiry-inspired practices.
• Admissions responsibilities will be delegated to a designated team member; the Director (coverage) will provide support and insight as needed.
• Ensure compliance with relevant school policies and accreditation requirements.
• Foster strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues that reflect care, respect, and collaboration.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education (required)
• Graduate degree in Educational Leadership or Educational Administration (preferred)
• Teaching qualifications and classroom experience in early childhood to Grade 1 (preferred)
• Successful experience in early childhood or elementary leadership (Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, Reggio Emilia Staff Developer, Instructional Coach, or similar role)
• Deep understanding of Reggio Emilia principles and inquiry-driven early childhood education
• Demonstrated leadership grounded in play, inquiry, and collaboration
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• High social-emotional intelligence, empathy, flexibility, and teamwork orientation
• Proven success in fostering positive school culture and supporting professional growth among staff
  
  

Child Protection

WBAIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In alignment with the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

Position Details

Reports to: Superintendent

Job Capacity: 100%

Interfaces with: Students, faculty, staff, and the WBAIS community

Estimated Start Date: May 2026

Position Duration: Fall 2026

Contact Information

Apply @: https://www.wbais.net/about/employment

Email: [email protected]

WBAIS Website: https://www.wbais.net/

Phone: +972-9-890-1000

Fax: +972-9-890-1001

Address: 65 Hashomron St., Even Yehuda, 4051765