About First Chapters
First Chapters Early Years Service is an exciting new purpose-built childcare facility opening in Roscommon Town. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and passionate childcare professional to join a brand-new service from the very beginning and play a key role in shaping its culture, environment, and future success.
Unlike stepping into an existing service, this position offers the successful candidate the opportunity to be actively involved in the final design, layout, resource selection, room set-up, policy implementation, and development of the service before opening. You will work closely with the Owner and Registered Provider to create a high-quality, child-centred environment where children, families, and educators can thrive.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious leader seeking career progression, autonomy, and the chance to leave a lasting impact on a new service.
Role Purpose
The Childcare Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the service, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and quality frameworks while fostering a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment for children, families, and staff.
The successful candidate will provide strong leadership to the team, support high-quality curriculum delivery, and contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the service.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management
- Lead and inspire a team of Early Years Educators and support staff.
- Create a positive, supportive, and professional working environment.
- Conduct staff supervision, mentoring, and performance management.
- Assist with staff recruitment, induction, and retention.
- Promote teamwork, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
Service Development
- Work alongside the Owner during the final set-up and opening phase of the service.
- Contribute to room layouts, learning environments, resource selection, and service development.
- Assist in establishing the culture, values, and vision of the service.
- Support the implementation of policies, procedures, and operational systems.
Curriculum & Quality
- Ensure high-quality implementation of the Aistear Curriculum Framework and Síolta Quality Framework.
- Support educators in curriculum planning, observation, assessment, and documentation.
- Promote inclusive practice and child-centred learning experiences.
- Lead quality improvement initiatives across the service.
Compliance & Administration
- Ensure compliance with:
- Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations.
- Tusla requirements.
- Health and Safety legislation.
- Child Protection and Welfare requirements.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Support registrations and administration relating to NCS, ECCE, Core Funding, AIM and other government programmes.
- Manage occupancy levels and enrolments in collaboration with the Owner.
Parent & Community Engagement
- Develop positive relationships with children, families, and the wider community.
- Support family engagement initiatives.
- Address parent queries and concerns in a professional and timely manner.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum Level 7 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education (or recognised equivalent).
- Minimum 3 years' experience working in an Early Years setting.
- Previous experience in a leadership, supervisory, or management role.
- Excellent knowledge of:
- Aistear
- Síolta
- Early Years Regulations
- Child Safeguarding requirements
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team.
- Full Garda Vetting and references.
Desirable Requirements
- Level 8 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education or related discipline.
- Experience managing an Early Years Service.
- Experience with NCS, ECCE, AIM and Core Funding administration.
- Experience preparing for Tusla inspections and quality assurance processes.
- First Aid and Manual Handling training.
What We Offer A Rare Opportunity to Build Something Special
- Be part of a brand-new, purpose-built childcare service from the ground up.
- Have genuine input into the set-up, design, resources, and organisation of the service.
- Opportunity to shape the culture and standards of the service from day one.
Supportive Leadership
- Direct support and mentorship from an experienced service owner with over 15 years of experience in the Early Years sector, including management and quality leadership roles.
- Collaborative and supportive working relationship with the Registered Provider.
- Administrative support
Career Development
- Opportunity to grow with an expanding organisation.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Potential future progression opportunities as the organisation expands.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
- Pension contribution.
- Paid training and professional development.
- Supportive and positive workplace culture.
- On-site parking.
- Staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families within the local community.
Why Join First Chapters?
This is more than a management role. It is an opportunity to help create a high-quality Early Years service from the very beginning, influence how it develops, build a strong team, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in Roscommon.
First Chapters – Nurturing the Story of Childhood. ✨
Pay: €21.00-€22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
