Early Years Support Worker Specified Purpose Contract to December 2025 and Permanent Contract available Working Hours: 20 hours per week Location: Kildare/West Wicklow Care Assistant Salary Scale: €17,454 to € 24,335 (pro-rated) Kares Early Years Support Services provides early education support to children with developmental delay and complex care needs. The persons appointed will work as part of the Early Years Service Team, taking responsibility to support children with varying needs in their learning and development in either or Curragh Grange Preschool or as and external support worker in a community-based pre-school in Kildare or West Wicklow. Responsibilities Carry out observations, complete relevant records and participate in review meetings to plan and develop the childs intervention plan and review goals and outcomes. Ensure health and wellbeing of each child using the Service, in line with Kares policies and procedures and in accordance with local preschool policies. Work in partnership with Parents to support their child to achieve key learning outcomes. Work in partnership with community groups or agencies to promote best practise in the field of Intellectual Disability i.e. community preschools etc. Requirements Minimum QQI Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Studies/Childcare/Montessori/etc. (must be a DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualification) Full, clean, manual driving licence and use of own car is essential. The person appointed will also be required to drive Kare vehicles. Experience working with children who may exhibit challenging behaviour and supporting children with disabilities Excellent communication/interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting, respectful relationships Ability to work on own initiative IT skills and the ability to carry out administrative tasks e.g. e-mail correspondence, report writing, use of assistive technology Must be eligible to work in Ireland without sponsorship Benefits 25 days annual leave Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave (subject to service) Federation of Voluntary Bodies Pension Scheme: Employer 7% & Employee 5% contributions Optional Salary Protection Plan Rewarding work with flexible hours Employee Assistance Programme and local Employee Discounts Personal Development, Professional Growth and Career Progression Closing date for applications is 28th August 2025. A detailed Job Description is available on request. Informal enquires to Mary Evans. Shortlisting will be completed on the basis of information provided in your application against the requirement of the role. The successful candidate will be required to provide satisfactory references and Garda Vetting and overseas police vetting, where applicable. Salary is paid in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales. About Kare Kare delivers a wide range of community-based supports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in an innovative and progressive way. Our goal is to support them and their families to create a present and future that fulfils their personal potential. Our Values: Respect, Rights, Collaboration, Quality, Person Centred. Visit our website: Home | Kare Kare is an Equal Opportunities Employer, committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. We are committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Skills: communication skills interpersonal skills working with children