Early Years Practitioner
Location: Respond Early Year Service, Carrickmacross, Monaghan, Ireland
Reporting to: Early Year's Service Manager
Terms: 39 hours per week (Mon‑Fri)
Contract: Full‑time maternity cover
Salary: €15.41‑€19.09 per hour
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 to deliver a high‑quality play‑based curriculum under the national quality frameworks Aistear and Siolta. This includes guiding, observing, stimulating and supervising children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.
Responsibilities
* Follow the policies and procedures of the service at all times.
* Conduct observation and learning stories for all children.
* Organise materials and resources to reflect the children's emerging interests and abilities.
* Implement a play‑based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters self‑esteem.
* Support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
* Assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's needs and reflect cultural or dietary variations.
* Develop and support parental involvement strategies that enhance children's learning experiences.
* Ensure that the welfare of children is paramount in accordance with Children First; National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
* Promote the service in the local community and broader area to support quality and sustainability.
* Perform other reasonable and relevant duties as required from time to time.
Person Specification
* Commitment to high‑quality early education.
* Ability to work collaboratively with a dedicated team.
* Highly motivated to work on own initiative.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Professional and enthusiastic disposition.
* Flexible and adaptable.
* Commitment to continuous professional development.
* Garda vetting required on an ongoing basis.
Qualification & Experience
* Minimum of FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education.
* Experience working in early years.
Closing date for receipt of applicants: 23 January 2026.
Equal employment opportunity: Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, please apply.
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