First Steps Early Education Centre is currently seeking a full time Early Years manager. First Steps is a community-based service located in Rowlagh Health Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The Centre was established in 1985 and has a long-standing contribution to the community.
The aim of the service is to provide high quality care and education for preschool children aged 2 years 9 months to 5 years. The preschool offers part time places and full-time places for children in the local community.
This position is a permanent full-time position, subject to a probationary period of 6 months. During this probationary period performance and suitability to the role will be reviewed. The successful candidate will report directly to the Board of Management of First Steps.
The ideal candidate will have:
Ø Minimum Level 8 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education or related field
Ø Minimum of 3 years' experience in a managerial role and leading a team
Ø Experience in liaising with relevant agencies e.g. Tusla, HSE, local childcare committee and community-based support agencies
Ø Experience is working with the Hive and other relevant portals, dealing with applications for all the funding models including ECCE, NCS, Core Funding, AIM etc.
Ø A high-quality working knowledge of Aistear and Siolta and experience in implementing these frameworks
Ø Experience in policy development
Ø Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Ø Strong initiative, flexibility and a supportive team-based approach
Ø Proficiency in computer skills and Microsoft office
Key responsibilities:
The ideal candidate will have responsibility for the following:
Ø Overseeing the day to day running of the service
Ø Managing and supporting a team of Early Years teachers
Ø Managing the application of government funding programs, applying for appropriate grants and dealing with the relevant agencies in relation to these
Ø Working closely with and supporting parents and families that attend the service and exhibiting positive relationships with parents and carers
Ø Implement professional standards and looking at further development of the service
Ø Managing and updating policies as required
Ø Ensuring the service adheres to all the relevant regulations in the sector and maintaining the service to a high-quality standard
Ø Overseeing of annual reports to Tusla, charities regulator, auditor etc.
Ø Managing the yearly budget and spending
Ø Ensuring child safeguarding policies and practices are adhered to
Ø Report back to the Board of management on a regular basis
This list is not exhaustive and is a sample of the overall responsibilities involved.
Applicants wishing to apply for this position should forward their CV and cover letter to
Closing date for applications is 14th November 2025.
A shortlist of suitable candidates that meet the criteria will be formed and invited for interview.
The successful candidate for the position will be subject to Garda Vetting and reference checks before commencing employment.
Salary scale for this position is in line with HSE clerical grade 5.
Please direct any informal queries to
Job Type: Full-time
Expected hours: 35 per week
Work Location: In person