Position Overview

Akiya Hayama International School (AHIS) seeks a nurturing, reflective, and collaborative Early Learning Center (ELC) Teacher to support young children’s development through play-based, inquiry-driven learning. The Early Learning Center serves children aged 3–5, with the possibility of mixed-age groupings that promote peer learning, independence, and social development. At AHIS, early childhood education emphasizes curiosity, agency, relationships, and connection to the natural world. Learning emerges through exploration, play, and meaningful experiences rather than predetermined outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Environment & Teaching

• Design and facilitate play-based and inquiry-driven learning experiences.

• Create a warm, safe, and engaging classroom environment that supports exploration and independence.

• Support children’s social-emotional development alongside early literacy and numeracy foundations.

• Observe and document student learning to inform responsive teaching.

Mixed-Age Learning (where applicable)

• Support learning in mixed-age classroom environments.

• Encourage peer mentoring, collaboration, and differentiated learning pathways.

• Foster independence and self-directed engagement.

Collaboration with Specialists

• Collaborate closely with specialist teachers (Nature, PSHD, Japanese, Performing Arts, Technology, etc.).

• Integrate specialist learning experiences into classroom inquiry.

• Support smooth transitions between indoor, outdoor, and specialist-led learning environments.

Family & Community Partnership

• Build strong relationships with families.

• Communicate student growth and wellbeing regularly.

• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive school community.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Qualification in Early Childhood Education or equivalent experience.

• Experience working with children ages 3–5.

• Strong understanding of play-based and child-centered learning.

• Familiarity with approaches such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, IB PYP Early Years, or similar inquiry-based frameworks is highly desirable.

• Comfortable working outdoors and supporting nature-based learning.

• Collaborative, flexible, and reflective practitioner.

• Interested in contributing to a founding school environment.

What Makes This Role Unique at AHIS

• Opportunity to help shape the culture and structure of the Early Learning Center from inception.

• Strong integration with outdoor learning and specialist programs.

• Emphasis on mixed-age learning and student agency.

• Close collaboration across teaching teams.