Early Years Practitioner

Job description Only candidates currently based and able to work in Ireland will be considered for this role. Fluent English is a requirement for this position. Early Years Practitioner Happy Days Crèche which is based in Walkinstown has been in existence since 2000. We offer full-time day care and after-school services to children ranging in age from one year to fourth class in primary school. Happy Days Crèche firmly believes in education through play in a child-centred environment. Currently, we have 21 employees, many of whom have been with us for over 17 years. We offer a friendly and flexible approach and are now seeking additional people to join our team, who are looking to further their experience and build their childcare career, whether that be on a full or part-time basis, and whether you are early or later on in your career. The Role We are currently recruiting to expand our team due to an intake of new children. We are looking for cover for maternity leave but also due to the additional needs in some of our groups, we are looking for interested educators who have an enthusiasm for inclusive education. For the probationary period, the role will be based in different age groups based on the needs of the children. This role will generally involve working with senior team members as part of the induction before becoming a room leader in one of our Afterschool, ECCE, Toddler, or Wobbler rooms. Main Job Responsibilities

• Create a positive and safe learning environment for each child.
• Care for and encourage learning growth, depending on each individual child.
• Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all children in your care.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate stimulating programme of activities which will enhance the child’s natural growth and development.
• Supervise free and child-led play.
• Conduct and follow a weekly/monthly plan alongside the other Childcare Practitioners in your group.
• Observe, record, and monitor the children’s development.
• Follow the Aistear framework.
• Communicate positively with children, staff, and parents on a daily basis.
• Help others when needed.
• Ensure the area you work in is kept to a high standard of cleanliness and provides a rich environment for the children.

• Fetac Level 7 in Early Years required, or an equivalent. International candidates must have a qualification recognised to work in the Irish Early Years sector.
• A good understanding of Aistear and curriculum development.
• Previous experience in an equivalent Early Years setting.
• Demonstrable professionalism, enthusiasm, and positivity.
• Ability to work as part of a team and support others in the team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with fluency in English.
• Strong organisational skills and an ability to work on your own initiative.
• It will be beneficial if you have already undertaken courses in child protection, manual handling, and first aid training; such training will be provided, where required, as part of induction.
• A good academic grounding with knowledge of working with children with additional needs. An SNA qualification alone does not cover working in this role.
• Willingness to keep up to date with Tusla and Department of Education guidance and maintain the environment to a very high standard regarding the children's interests, hygiene, and safety.