Hope Po'o Kumu (Vice Principal), Maui Region Preschools

Kamehameha Schools

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hope Po'o Kumu (Vice Principal), Maui Region Preschools. This role offers the opportunity to oversee multiple preschool sites, guiding educators, strengthening community partnerships, and fostering a culture rooted in ʻike, pilina, and excellence. As a key leader, you’ll drive instructional impact, support staff growth, and ensure high-quality, culturally grounded learning environments. If you’re passionate about early education, leadership, and uplifting Native Hawaiian learners, this is a chance to make a lasting difference. This is a M-F full time onsite position overseeing multiple locations.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Education, Early Education, Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction, or other education-related field.
5 years of related teaching experience (PK-6).
Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience.
3 years experience in Hawaiian Culture Based Education.
Ability to meet State of Hawai'i Department of Human Services requirements for Preschool Teacher in a center-based setting.
Must be able to understand and support the importance of revitalizing and promoting Hawaiian cultural vibrancy in achieving KS’ mission.
Willingness to learn and exhibits a commitment to an improved, high-quality early learning system for Native Hawaiian learners
Knowledge of and sensitivity to Hawaiian culture and Christian values.
Knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices.
Excellent organization skills and attention to detail to handle multiple assignments, complex tasks, timelines and deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to communicate clearly with a wide audience.
Strong written and oral presentation.
Ability to be adaptive and shift with job demands and conditions.
Ability to work independently, manage time effectively to meet deliverables and outcomes.
Self-motivated and takes initiative.
Excellent interpersonal skills to establish successful relationships with families, students, faculty and staff, community organizations and partners.
Strong management and organizational skills – ability to manage sites and functions and priorities in an efficient manner; ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and focus to complete projects.
Ability to maintain composure, sensitivity and flexibility during peak periods and crisis intervention situations.
High level of integrity to handle the highly confidential information regularly seen and discussed.
Strong computer skills and ability to use word processor and software/programs, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint in daily work.
Valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license.
Ability to drive to various preschool locations as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Hawaiian language and cultural competence.
Familiarity with KS mission, strategic plan, operations.
Previous work with diverse learners and communities.
Understanding of and ability to utilize current national and international trends in education.
Experience with state licensing for center-based preschool and NAEYC accreditation.

Responsibilities

Creates a school climate that fosters a culture of excellence, positive relationships and a commitment to the vision and mission of Kamehameha Schools.
Serves as a role model, provides instructional leadership and supports the design and delivery of curriculum and assessment of Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE) for keiki to achieve Kamehameha’s E Ola! Learner Outcomes.
Manages the daily administrative tasks and operations for multiple preschool sites by working closely with the Po'o Kumu and other staff.
Ensures the consistent application and integration of KS policies, state licensing and accreditation standards in daily operations and overall management in accordance with risk and compliance practices and procedures.
Supervises teaching staff and provides guidance and coaching to improve classroom instruction and student-centered learning.
Builds pilina and partnerships with families and community to create a supportive school environment with strong connections between home and school.
Promotes among staff, students and families the learning of the Hawaiian language, history, culture and values as an integral part of Kamehameha Schools.
Develops and implements regional and site-based plans to meet the educational and operational requirements of the preschool program. The plans promote HCBE and are appropriate for the unique characteristics of the community and preschool location.
Supports the student recruitment and enrollment process. Works closely with the central office and regional staff to ensure the timely completion of enrollment and filling open seats.
Helps to identify and implement recruitment strategies based on community and site-specific needs and characteristics.
Inspire and support innovation and growth mindset among the school community.
Leads and manages change across multiple preschool sites.
Communicates effectively and timely with staff, parents and stakeholders.
Assists in developing the master preschool calendar by working collaboratively with appropriate staff to determine activities, special events, student days, and professional development.
Chairs or serves on various standing and ad hoc committees as needed to provide input and direction.
Directs, manages and supervises the daily operations of multiple preschools by working closely with the Po'o Kumu, other KS and preschool staff in accordance with state licensing requirements and KS policies.
Ensures sites follow and comply with all health and safety regulations.
Exercises fiscal responsibility by developing and administering preschools’ budgets according to regional/site plans and needs.
Reviews monthly expenses and variance reports and provides other information as requested.
Works closely with the administrative coordinator to manage, monitor and report on student and staff data and records.
Maintains accurate and updated records on all students, staff and facilities.
Hires and supervises classroom staff (Teachers and Teaching Assistants) to include delegation of work assignments, recommendations for hire/termination and conducting regular performance reviews.
Coordinates adequate staffing to operate each classroom and site and ensuring compliance with state licensing requirements.
Conducts regular classroom observations and provides feedback and guidance that helps to develop staff effectiveness and competencies with implementing HCBE teaching practices, designing effective learning environments, and responding to the developmental needs of individual students.
Works closely with coaches and other preschool leadership in creating a culture for professional growth that aligns with KS’ E Ola! standards and to increase the consistent application of HCBE teaching skills, knowledge and practices.
Serves as an instructional leader that models and communicates effective HCBE teaching practices and classroom management strategies that support student achievement of KS' E Ola Learner Outcomes.
Works closely with the Po'o Kumu and instructional support staff on the design and delivery of curriculum and assessments aligned with E Ola! Standards.
Serves as a thought partner with staff in reviewing student assessment data and curriculum planning to ensure alignment with E Ola! standards, implementation of effective classroom practices and adjusting for individual students.
Collaborates with leadership and instructional support staff to ensure changes in curriculum and assessment have adequate support and follows a timetable of logical and timely development, sequenced so as not to overload teaching staff.
Facilitates the implementation of research-based and culture-based instructional designs and strategies.
Creates and maintains a positive school climate that is welcoming for families, builds strong relationships and promotes high standards for student achievement, health, safety and well-being.
Work with teachers, school counselor, community resources and other preschool staff to deliver ohana engagement activities that elevate parents’ role in supporting their child’s learning.
Leads and manages the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) at multiple preschools.
Partners with families and works closely with teaching staff, school counselor and behavior health specialist to plan, implement and monitor appropriate support and services for students.
Maintains accurate documentation and data related to the MTSS process.