Team Leader – Toddler 1 Room
Our Lady of Lourdes Early Years Service
Full-Time | 39 Hours per Week
Fixed-Term Contract – 1 Year
Join Our Team
Our Lady of Lourdes Early Years Service (OLOL EYS) is one of Limerick's largest community-based early years services, providing high-quality care and education for up to 80 children aged 6 months to 5 years. Operating 51 weeks per year, our purpose-built service is embedded within Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group, a vibrant community organisation delivering a wide range of supports including family support, youth work, community education, health initiatives and services for older people.
We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life. Through our integrated BESTON model, we work alongside families and partner agencies to provide high-quality early learning, early intervention and family supports that help children thrive.
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and passionate Team Leader to lead our Toddler 1 Room (18–24 months). This is a full-time fixed-term position for one year and offers an exciting opportunity to join a supportive leadership team committed to delivering high-quality early years practice in a community setting.
The Role
Reporting to the Early Years Manager, the Team Leader will lead the Toddler 1 Room, providing day-to-day leadership, guidance and support to practitioners while ensuring the highest standards of care, education and safeguarding for children.
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic leader who can inspire their team, build strong relationships with families and contribute positively to the ongoing development of the service.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
- A minimum Level 7 qualification (or higher) in Early Childhood Care and Education.
- Experience leading or mentoring staff within an early years setting.
- A strong working knowledge of Aistear, Síolta and the National Quality Guidelines.
- A thorough understanding of Tusla Early Years Regulations and Children First.
- Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- Experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
- A genuine commitment to inclusion, child-centred practice and children's rights.
- A flexible, positive and solution-focused approach.
- Current First Aid Response (or willingness to obtain).
- Up-to-date Children First and Always Children First training.
Key Responsibilities/Leadership
- Lead and support a team of early years educators to deliver high-quality practice every day.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and reflective team culture.
- Support staff through supervision, mentoring and ongoing professional development.
- Work closely with the Early Years Manager to continuously improve practice across the service.
Quality Practice
- Ensure children's wellbeing, safety and development remain at the centre of all practice.
- Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of high-quality learning experiences based on children's interests and developmental needs.
- Ensure Aistear and Síolta are embedded throughout the room.
- Promote inclusive practice where every child feels welcomed, valued and supported.
Family Partnership
- Develop warm, respectful relationships with parents and carers.
- Share children's learning and development through regular communication.
- Encourage meaningful family involvement within the service.
- Signpost families to additional supports where appropriate through OLOL's integrated community services.
Compliance & Operations
- Ensure full compliance with Tusla Regulations, Children First, health and safety requirements and organisational policies.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Support quality assurance processes, inspections and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with reporting and other operational requirements as requested by the Early Years Manager.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary in line with qualifications and experience.
- 25 days annual leave (pro rata where applicable).
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid study leave.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- A supportive leadership team committed to staff wellbeing.
- The opportunity to work in an innovative, community-based early years service making a real difference to children and families.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role and how your experience meets the requirements.
- A current CV.
- Contact details for two professional referees.
Applications should be emailed to c[email protected]
Shortlisting will apply.
Successful candidates will be required to complete Garda Vetting. Applicants who have resided outside Ireland for more than six months will also be required to provide relevant police clearance.
Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from candidates who share our commitment to inclusion, diversity and high-quality community services.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From €37,900.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Education:
Work Location: In person
