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.
Job Title: Early Years' Practitioner
Location: Respond Early Year's Service, Lisduggan, Waterford, County Waterford, Ireland
Reporting to: Early Year's Service Manager
Terms: 39 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Contract: Fixed Term
Salary Scale: €15.41 - €19.09 per hour (offers typically at the beginning to mid-range based on skills and experience)
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.
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 ensure they reflect the children's emerging interests and abilities.
Implement a play‑based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters the growth of self‑esteem within all children.
Support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
Assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's growing needs and reflect variations in culture or dietary requirements.
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 and National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Promote the services in the local community and broader area to assist and support the quality and sustainability of the service.
Perform other reasonable and relevant duties as may be required from time to time.
Person Specification:
Commitment to high quality early education.
Ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated team.
Highly motivated to work on own initiative.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Professional and enthusiastic disposition.
Flexible and adaptable.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.
Garda vetting will be required as part of the recruitment process on an ongoing basis.
Qualifications & Experience:
A minimum of FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education.
Experience of working in early years.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 5th of June 2026
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