Purpose of the Position:

To provide academic, instructional, and administrative leadership for the Foundational and Primary Section, initially operating up to Grade II. The Headmistress will establish strong academic systems from inception, ensure a safe, joyful, inclusive, and child-centred learning environment, and strengthen the Bal Bharati brand, institutional ethos, and academic reputation in Mohali.

The role requires a deep understanding of NEP 2020, NCF for the Foundational Stage, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), NIPUN Bharat, competency-based education, experiential learning, and age-appropriate assessment.

Key Responsibilities

A. Academic & Foundational Stage Leadership

• Lead academic planning and implementation for the school from Pre Primary to Grade II.

• Ensure alignment with NEP 2020, NCF for the Foundational Stage, FLN, and NIPUN Bharat.

• Monitor curriculum planning, classroom practices, learning outcomes, and student progress.

• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide structured feedback to teachers.

• Ensure developmentally appropriate, child-centred teaching and smooth transition across early learning stages.

B. Experiential, Play-Based & Activity-Based Learning

• Promote guided play, storytelling, conversations, games, projects, exploration, art, music, movement, and hands-on learning.

• Integrate language, numeracy, environmental awareness, socio-emotional learning, and life skills.

• Ensure activities have clear learning outcomes and build curiosity, creativity, communication, and problem-solving.

C. Assessment & Learning Outcomes

• Develop age-appropriate, competency-based assessment using observation, oral responses, activities, worksheets, portfolios, and projects.

• Monitor individual progress in literacy, numeracy, communication, and overall development.

• Identify learning gaps early and implement remedial and enrichment support.

• Use assessment data to improve classroom practices without creating unnecessary examination pressure.

D. Teacher Development & Mentoring

• Mentor primary and foundational-stage teachers through classroom observations and academic reviews.

• Train teachers in FLN, experiential learning, competency-based education, and early-years pedagogy.

• Support lesson planning, teaching-learning materials, induction, and continuous professional development.

E. Student Development, Inclusion & Well-being

• Maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and child-friendly school environment.

• Monitor academic, social, emotional, physical, and behavioural development.

• Coordinate with counsellors and special educators for children requiring additional support.

• Promote differentiated learning, positive behaviour, confidence, independence, and healthy habits.

F. Parent Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents from the beginning of the child’s schooling journey.

• Communicate regularly regarding student progress and developmental needs.

• Orient parents on experiential learning, FLN, competency-based assessment, and reduced dependence on rote learning.

• Address concerns promptly, sensitively, and professionally.

G. School Establishment & Operational Readiness

• Support establishment of academic systems and processes from inception.

• Assist in recruitment and selection of quality primary teachers.

• Develop classroom routines, timetables, academic calendars, and assessment systems.

• Support selection of books, manipulatives, teaching-learning materials, and age-appropriate resources.

• Support admissions, parent onboarding, community engagement, and phased expansion while strengthening parent confidence in the Bal Bharati brand.

Deliverables

• Effective implementation of NEP 2020, NCF-FS, FLN, and NIPUN Bharat.

• Strong foundational literacy, numeracy, and overall developmental outcomes.

• High-quality experiential, play-based, and activity-based learning.

• Regular teacher observation, mentoring, and professional development.

• Early identification and support of learning gaps.

• Safe, inclusive, and child-centred classrooms with strong parent engagement.

• Effective establishment of academic systems, Bal Bharati values, institutional culture, and brand reputation in Mohali.

Desired Profile

• Age: 40 years and above.

• Master’s Degree from a recognised University / Institution with at least 60% marks in aggregate.

• B.Ed. or equivalent recognised teaching qualification.

• Minimum 8 years of relevant teaching experience, preferably at primary / elementary level.

• 5–10 years of successful experience in a similar leadership role such as Headmistress, Primary Head, Vice-Principal, Academic Head, or Senior Primary Coordinator.

• Experience in a reputed CBSE / established K–12 school preferred.

• Strong understanding of NEP 2020, NCF for Foundational Stage, FLN, NIPUN Bharat, child development, experiential learning, and age-appropriate assessment.

• Demonstrated experience in teacher mentoring, academic improvement, inclusive education, and parent engagement.

• Familiarity with emerging teacher-education reforms, including ITEP and the 2030 teacher-qualification framework.

• Strong communication, organisational, administrative, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent and uphold the Bal Bharati brand, values, and reputation.