Lead Educator (Early Years Educator) — Carlow
Full-Time, Permanent | DOE | A Career, Not Just a Job
Are you a passionate Early Years professional ready to step into a leadership role? We're looking for a Lead Educator to join our team in Carlow — someone who brings warmth, curiosity, and high standards to every part of their practice, and who's ready to start guiding a team as well as a room full of children.
This isn't just another room leader position. We're building a strong leadership pipeline within our organisation, and this role is designed as a genuine stepping stone towards management for the right person.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading your room with confidence — planning rich, play-based learning experiences that follow each child's interests and stage of development
- Mentoring and supporting less experienced educators, modelling best practice day to day
- Building genuine, trusting relationships with children, families, and your team
- Contributing to the smooth running of the service, with growing input into operational and leadership decisions over time
- Championing a culture of curiosity, kindness, and high-quality care
What you'll bring:
- A minimum of a Level 7 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education (or equivalent)
- Some supervisory or mentoring experience,or a clear readiness to step into that responsibility
- A genuine passion for early years practice and a desire to keep growing professionally
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, can-do attitude
- Up-to-date knowledge of Aistear, Síolta, and current regulatory requirements
What's in it for you:
- A genuine pathway towards management roles within our organisation
- Ongoing professional development and mentoring support
- A supportive, values-led team environment
- The chance to make a real, lasting difference in children's earliest years
If you're ready to lead, grow, and build a long-term career in early years education, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today — tell us why you'd be a brilliant addition to our leadership team.
Email: [email protected]
Pay: €17.50-€19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
