Early Years Practitioner Permanent Contract Working Hours: 30 hours per week Location: Kildare/West Wicklow Supervisor/Instructor (Specialist Agencies) Salary Scale: €30,370 to €44,034 (pro-rated) Kares Early Years Support Services provides early education support to children with developmental delay and complex care needs. The Early Years Practitioner 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 Develop, implement, and review individualised support plans focused on learning and developmental outcomes in line with the Aistear Curriculum, Kare policies and procedures and Tusla Inspectorate 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 6 qualification in Childcare/Early Education (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. 2 years experience supporting children developmental delay or complex needs in a pre-school setting Experience with challenging behaviours is essential, alongside the ability to create nurturing, responsive environments tailored to diverse needs. Experience in supporting children with autism or having a relevant qualification in behaviour support is an advantage 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 Operations Manager. 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: excellent communication and interpersonal skills report writing developing care plans