We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Early Years Manager to join our busy childcare setting in Dublin 11.
This is a senior position within the creche and is an excellent opportunity for an experienced childcare professional who has a strong understanding of early years practice, regulatory requirements and the operation of a busy childcare service.
The successful candidate will be an organised, confident and approachable leader who can support and manage a dedicated team while maintaining the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the childcare service, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the creche.
- Lead, support and motivate the early years team, promoting a positive and professional working environment.
- Ensure the service operates in full compliance with Tusla Early Years Inspectorate requirements and relevant childcare legislation and regulations.
- Ensure high-quality implementation of Aistear and Síolta throughout the setting.
- Maintain and develop appropriate policies, procedures, records and documentation.
- Support staff with planning, observations, curriculum development and children's individual needs.
- Ensure excellent standards of child safeguarding, health and safety, infection control and risk management.
- Liaise professionally with parents and guardians, responding to queries and concerns appropriately.
- Oversee staff deployment, rotas and day-to-day staffing requirements.
- Support recruitment, induction, supervision, mentoring and ongoing professional development of staff.
- Ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios and regulatory requirements are consistently maintained.
- Monitor the quality of practice across the service and identify areas for continuous improvement.
- Work closely with the owners/directors to ensure the service meets its operational, regulatory and quality objectives.
Essential Experience & Knowledge
Previous management or significant supervisory experience within an early years childcare setting is essential.
The successful candidate must have considerable practical knowledge and experience in the following areas:
- Tusla Early Years Regulations and regulatory requirements
- Aistear – The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework
- Síolta – The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education
- National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
- Core Funding
- Access and Inclusion Model (AIM)
- Child safeguarding and child protection requirements
- Staff management, supervision and team development
- Early years curriculum planning and quality improvement
- Health and safety within an early years setting
- Maintaining appropriate records, policies and compliance documentation
A strong understanding of the administration and operational requirements associated with NCS, Core Funding and AIM is particularly important.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be:
- An experienced and confident early years professional.
- A strong leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organised, reliable and capable of working effectively in a busy environment.
- Passionate about providing high-quality care and education for young children.
- Confident in managing and supporting a diverse team.
- Professional and approachable when dealing with parents, staff and external agencies.
- Proactive in identifying and resolving operational and staffing issues.
- Committed to continuous improvement and maintaining excellent standards.
- Comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions in a busy childcare environment.
A genuine passion for early years education, strong leadership ability and extensive knowledge of the Irish childcare sector are essential.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold an appropriate Early Years recognised qualification, in line with current regulatory requirements.
Additional management, leadership or early years qualifications would be an advantage.
What We Offer
- A senior position within an established and busy childcare service.
- A supportive and professional working environment.
- The opportunity to make a significant contribution to the quality and development of the service.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Pay: From €20.50 per hour
Education:
Experience:
- management: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
