Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a meaningful role in a purpose driven organisation? At Respond, we believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive, and staff can grow. Our aim is to deliver high quality, play based education that makes a real difference. If you're ready to bring your skills, creativity, and care to our service then we want to hear from you
Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply.
Job Title: Early Years Manager
Location: Respond Early Years Service Oakfield Close, Mallow, Co Cork
Reporting to: Regional Manager
Terms: FullTime Permanent
Hours: 39 hours per week
Salary/Hourly rate: (depending on Qualification)
QQI Level 7 €18 €23.29 per hour
QQI Level 8 €19 €24.59 per hour
(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to midrange of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)
Staff Benefits:
Annual leave of 23 days plus additional company days.
Further education and training assistance.
Maternity Leave pay.
Sick pay.
Employee assistance programme.
Employee Purchasing Schemes.
100% Attendance Bonus Holidays.
Adoptive Leave.
Surrogacy Leave.
Fertility Support Leave.
Early Pregnancy Loss Leave.
Job Purpose:
To act as a positive role model and be responsible for delivering and implementing a high quality play based curriculum under the guidance of the national quality frameworks Aistear and Siolta both indoors and outdoors. To guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.
Core Duties & Responsibilities:
* To work within the ethos, aims, and objectives of Respond.
* To promote and adhere to the services ethos and mission of Respond.
* To follow the policies and procedures of the service at all times.
* To conduct observation and learning stories for all children.
* Organise materials and resources to ensure that they reflect the children's emerging interests and abilities.
* To implement a play based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters the growth of self esteem within all children.
* To support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
* To assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's growing needs and reflect variations in culture or dietary requirements.
* To develop and support parental involvement strategies that enhance children's learning experiences.
* Participate in reviews and evaluations of the service along with other staff and management.
* Provide ongoing support to all staff members, in relation to work time management and training needs.
* Undertake any other relevant tasks as may be required from time to time.
Person Specification:
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Strong Leadership qualities
* The ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated team
* Highly motivated to work on own initiative
* A professional and enthusiastic disposition
* Aptitude and empathy with children and families
* Commitment to high quality Education and Care
* Flexible and adaptable
* Commitment to continuous professional development
* Change management skills
* Analytical skills
Qualification & Experience:
* A FETAC Level 7 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education is essential
* A number of years of experience working in an Early Years setting is essential
* A minimum two years of experience in a supervisory role is essential
Closing Date: Monday 13th October 2025.