Early Years Specialist

Role Requirements

Supporting Quality

• Enhance and develop the quality of early year’s provision through a range of activities including on-site visits, modelling, mentoring and coaching in accordance with operational targets.
• Knowledge and information sharing in and across settings, supporting networks and clusters where appropriate. There will be a strong focus on the development of core skills such as: self-evaluation, quality assessment, planning and documenting practice.
• Ensure action plans are relevant, current, regularly reviewed and updated and meet the evolving situation of the early learning and care setting.
• Support early learning and care settings to develop and actively implement a range of policies and practice in the implementation of Síolta and Aistear.
• Provide advice and support settings in areas such as the inclusion of children with disabilities, governance issues and advising on how to build effective partnerships with parents and the wider community.

Role Requirement 2

Information & Administration:

• Complete and maintain records pertaining to the role.
• Ensure all administration back-up and support on progress is kept updated by maintaining all relevant systems.
• Provide periodic progress updates to the Team Leader.
• Review, monitor, maintain efficient an effective administrative and information systems.
• Participate in and assist in the organisation of special events, visits and any other activities required. 
• Participate in external evaluation of the service.

Role Requirement 3

Networking

• Actively participate and contribute as a team-member of Better Start National Early Years Quality Development Support Service
• Work co-operatively with other support services within the education sector, the Child & Family Agency - Tusla, the Department of Education and Skills, the local City and County Childcare Committee, Voluntary Childcare Organisations and the community and voluntary sector as relevant to the role. 

Role Requirement 4

 Other

• Any other duties within the general requirements of the role that may be assigned as appropriate for the grade.
• Early Years Specialist will be required to undertake on-going continuing professional development, which may include specific accreditation following recruitment.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience of working in early learning and care settings, preferably in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Be able to demonstrate substantial, in-depth understanding of early learning and care.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to provide mentoring and coaching services.
• Experience of delivering education and training and training programmes to adults.
• Proficient in MS packages e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook coupled with programme databases, SharePoint portals.

Qualifications

• Minimum third level qualification at Level 8 (or equivalent) on the National Framework of Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care / or an equivalent professional qualification in Special Education / Disability / Early Intervention.
• Drivers Licence with suitable means of transport.