Early Years Team Leader

Sunshine Childcare Service & Riverside Early Childhood Centre
Northside Family Resource Centre

⭐ Full-time positions available | Pension scheme | 25 days annual leave | Ongoing training & career development | Career progression opportunities ⭐

Help Children Grow, Learn and Thrive

Northside Family Resource Centre is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and child-centred Early Years Team Leaders to join our growing Early Years team. Our childcare services are rooted in community, inclusion, and high-quality early childhood practice, where every child is encouraged to flourish in a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment.We are looking for a leader who can inspire, support, and guide staff while ensuring the highest standards of care and education for children aged 0–6.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a dedicated team that values professional growth, collaboration, and the important role Early Years Educators play in shaping children's futures.

About the Role

As an Early Years Team Leader, you will play a vital role in the day‑to‑day running of the service and motivating your team by creating positive early learning experiences for children aged 0–6 years. Working closely with the Early Years Manager, you will oversee curriculum planning, staff coordination, quality practice, and the creation of a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for children.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare & Curriculum Leadership

  • Take day‑to‑day responsibility for the care, learning, and development of children aged 0–6.

  • Design and oversee curricula that support children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.

  • Coordinate the planning and implementation of programmes tailored to individual and group needs.

  • Support staff to plan and deliver high‑quality learning experiences.

  • Lead the implementation of Aistear and Síolta, including monitoring progress and embedding best practice.

  • Deliver Incredible Years or another recognised programme to young children (training may be provided).

  • Review, evaluate, and continually enhance programmes and activities.

Team Leadership & Operations

  • Work collaboratively with the Early Years team to ensure a high‑quality programme.

  • Coordinate staff rotas, timetables, and breaks to support smooth daily operations.

  • Provide guidance, direction, and support to staff in their daily work.

  • Act up in the absence of the Early Years Deputy Manager.

  • Promote a positive, supportive, and professional team culture.

Childcare Facility & Safety

  • Ensure the highest standards of health, hygiene, and safety across the service.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organised environment.

  • Ensure equipment and materials are properly maintained and fit for purpose.

  • Share responsibility for general areas of the facility.

Parents & Families

  • Work with the Early Years Manager to support parents in their parenting roles.

  • Build positive, respectful relationships with families.

  • Share relevant information regarding children’s progress and needs.

  • Encourage parent involvement in the service.

Policies, Compliance & Child Protection

  • Ensure awareness and implementation of all childcare policies and procedures.

  • Support the ongoing development and updating of policies, procedures, and staff handbooks.

  • Implement the Child Protection Policy and report concerns immediately to the Childcare Manager.

  • Ensure students, volunteers, parents, and visitors adhere to all policies and procedures.

Administration & Reporting

  • Ensure accurate completion of roll books, attendance records, waiting lists, staff forms, and other documentation.

  • Prepare and submit reports as required.

  • Maintain high standards of record‑keeping and compliance.

Training & Professional Development

  • Engage in continuous professional development and support staff to do the same.

  • Participate in training, workshops, and team development sessions.

  • Stay informed of best practice and regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For

Essential

  • Minimum two years’ experience working in an Early Years setting.

  • Experience working with children aged 0–6.

  • Ability to meet childcare regulations independently and proactively.

  • Minimum QQI Level 6 in Early Years Care and Education.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to relate to young children and engage in playful, nurturing interactions.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with parents regarding children’s needs.

  • Patient, kind, fun‑loving, and attuned to children’s emotional and developmental needs.

  • Respectful, supportive, and non‑judgmental approach to families.

  • Flexibility regarding working hours.

Desirable

  • Experience working in a community‑based setting.

  • Experience supporting children experiencing deprivation.

  • Volunteer experience with children or young people.

  • Local knowledge.

  • QQI Level 7 in Early Years Care and Education.

  • Accreditation in a complementary area (e.g., Incredible Years, Play Therapy, Speech & Language, Circle of Security).

Why Join Northside Family Resource Centre?

At Northside Family Resource Centre, we recognise that our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a supportive workplace where staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to develop professionally.

Staff Benefits

Northside Family Resource Centre is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and work–life balance. Benefits include:

  • 25 days annual leave (pro‑rata)

  • 2 additional privilege days

  • Up to 14 paid sick days

  • Employer‑contributory pension scheme

  • Access to training, CPD, and professional development opportunities

  • Supportive, community‑focused working environment

Hours of Work

Full‑time roles only available, Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00.

Some flexibility for occasional morning, evening, or weekend work may be required (time-off-in-lieu provided).

Salary

€31,200 - €37,300 per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Salary is based on a 37.5-hour week and will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis for 35 or 39-hour contracts.

Location

Northside Family Resource Centre Locations.

Additional Requirements

  • Garda Vetting in line with the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016.

  • Six‑month probationary period.

  • Commitment to confidentiality at all times.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your CV and complete the application questions through HireHive. Applications will only be considered where both the CV and application questions have been fully completed.


For informal enquiries, contact:

Alison Dore
📧 alisondore@northsidefrc.ie
📞 061-326623

Recruitment Process

Candidates who progress to the next stage of the recruitment process will be required to provide:

  • Two professional references, including one from their current or most recent employer.

  • Evidence of all qualifications listed on their application form, including relevant certificates and awards.

  • Any additional documentation required to support pre-employment checks.

Appointment to this position is subject to the satisfactory receipt and verification of references, qualifications, Garda Vetting, and any other required pre-employment checks.


Northside Family Resource Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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Application Form

Thank you for your interest in Northside Family Resource Centre. We look forward to learning more about you. The short questions below give you an opportunity to tell us about your experience, skills, and what interests you about this role. We encourage you to read the job description before completing your application and to use your answers to highlight how your experience, qualifications, and approach align with the role requirements. Applications that do not address the questions or do not reference the role requirements may not be shortlisted.

My current Early Learning & Care qualification status is:
As this role may occasionally involve travel between our services, please select the option that best applies to you:
This role requires candidates to attend an in-person interview at Northside Family Resource Centre. If shortlisted, would you be available to attend an in-person interview?
What is your current right to work in Ireland?
If we feel your skills and experience may be a good fit for another current or future vacancy, would you be happy for us to consider your application for those opportunities over the next 12 months?

Pre-Employment Checks Acknowledgement

Northside Family Resource Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As part of our safer recruitment processes, candidates who are successful following interview will be required to: Complete Garda Vetting. Provide police clearance from any country in which they have resided for six months or more. Provide two references, one of which must be from their current or most recent employer. Consent to written and telephone verification of references. Provide evidence of qualifications and participate in qualification verification where applicable.

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