Early Years Practitioner

Salary scale: €15.41- €19.09 per hour

(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)

Staff Benefits:

• Annual leave of 23 days plus additional company days
• Further education and training assistance
• Maternity Leave pay
• Sick pay
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee Purchasing Schemes
• 100% Attendance Bonus Holidays
• Adoptive Leave
• Surrogacy Leave
• Fertility Support Leave
• Early Pregnancy Loss Leave

Job Purpose:

To act as a positive role model and be responsible for delivering and implementing a high-quality play-based curriculum under the guidance of the national quality frameworks Aistear and Síolta both indoors and outdoors. To, guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.

 Responsibilities

· To follow the policies and procedures of the service at all times.

· To conduct observation and learning stories for all children.

· Organise materials and resources to ensure that they reflect the children’s emerging interests and abilities.

· To implement a play based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters the growth of self esteem within all children.

· To support children’s emotional, social and cognitive development.

· To assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's growing needs and reflect variations in culture or dietary requirements.

· To develop and support parental involvement strategies that enhance children’s learning experiences.

· Ensuring that the welfare of children is paramount in accordance with Children First; National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

· Promote the services in the local community and broader area to assist and support the quality and sustainability of the service.

· To perform other reasonable and relevant duties as may be required from time to time.

Person Specification

· Commitment to high quality early education.

· The ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated team.

· Highly motivated to work on own initiative.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· A professional and enthusiastic disposition.

· Flexible and adaptable.

· Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.

· Garda Vetting will be required as part of the recruitment process on an ongoing basis. 

Qualification & Experience:

· A minimum of FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education.

· Experience of working in early years.