Early Years Teacher (Expatriate)

Job description

Little Em’s Preschool is the only school in Vietnam to collaborate with Reggio Children, proudly bringing the Reggio Emilia Approach® to our children aged 18 months to 6 years. Into this we bring elements of the EYFS. We are also an IB PYP Candidate school, with an aim of achieving accreditation in August 2025. We provide Global Education with a Local Heart – balancing international excellence with Vietnamese cultural values. We have reached a pivotal stage in our journey and as such we are looking to hire fully qualified, native level English speakers to enrich our program.

Little Em’s is a Vietnam Tinh Hoa School, feeding into Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Junior School. In August 2025 we are aiming to open Viet Nam Tinh Hoa senior school on a purpose-built site, also in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. We are a small but growing school. Little Em’s has been established for 5 years.

Overview

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Early Years Teacher to join our vibrant learning community. While experience with the Reggio Emilia approach is not essential, and on-the-job training in this aspect of the role will be provided, the ideal candidate must demonstrate an open mind and willingness to embrace and incorporate this approach into their teaching. A solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and/or the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is essential. The teacher will also utilize Read Write Inc. Phonics to support early literacy development.

Working in collaboration with a Vietnamese co-teacher, you will nurture each child’s potential in a culturally diverse and creative learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Curriculum and Teaching:

o Plan and deliver engaging and age-appropriate lessons informed by EYFS or PYP frameworks, incorporating aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach.

o Use Read Write Inc. Phonics to develop students’ foundational literacy skills.

o Foster inquiry-based and play-based learning to support holistic child development.

2. Collaboration with Co-Teacher:

o Plan and implement lessons collaboratively with a Vietnamese co-teacher.

o Share responsibilities for teaching, classroom management, and assessing student progress.

o Create a culturally inclusive classroom by integrating local perspectives and traditions.

3. Child Development and Assessment:

o Create a safe, nurturing environment that supports social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

o Monitor and document individual student progress, adjusting teaching strategies as needed.

o Provide regular, clear communication to parents about their child’s development, including parent teacher meetings and written reports.

4. Integration of Reggio Emilia approach:

o Work in alignment with Reggio Emilia principles, emphasizing child-led learning, collaboration, and the use of the environment as the third teacher.

o Encourage creativity and exploration, respecting children’s ideas and individuality.

o Undertake training as directed in the Reggio Emilia approach

5. Professional Growth and Community Participation:

o Participate in professional development related to EYFS, PYP, Read Write Inc., and Reggio Emilia approaches.

o Contribute to school events, meetings, and professional learning communities.

o Contribute to the school’s enrichment programme.

o Support the school’s marketing efforts as requested.

Job requirements

Experience Requirements:

Essential:

o Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or a related field.

o Teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, or equivalent – TEFL/TESOL alone is not sufficient)

o Native English proficiency.

o Experience with EYFS and/or PYP curricula.

o Familiarity with Read Write Inc. Phonics or willingness to be trained.

• Desirable:

o Previous work in an international or bilingual school.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Opportunities for professional growth, including training in Reggio Emilia and Read Write Inc.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• The chance to make a meaningful impact in a culturally diverse and creative school community.

As with all posts, the Principal will reserve the right to vary the precise responsibilities should needs change and opportunities arise.

Recruitment for this role is on an ongoing basis, and early application is advised

At Little Em’s, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and to act in a way that protects the safety and well-being of our students. This role requires adherence to the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures, including participation in regular training, and all successful candidates will be subject to thorough background checks, including enhanced DBS or equivalent international clearance.

Recruitment Related