Assistant Manager

Early Childhood Ireland; Letterkenny; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early childhood organization in Letterkenny is seeking an Assistant Manager to enhance quality care and education for children. The ideal candidate will oversee educator support, ensure compliance with regulations, and contribute to curriculum development. Applicants should hold a relevant qualification and possess strong communication and project management skills. This position requires at least five years of experience in Early Years education and a proactive approach in a team environment.

Qualifications

• Fluency in both spoken and written English required.
• At least five years of satisfactory relevant experience in Early Years.
• Ability to work a full 4-day working week.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Early Years rooms and support educators.
• Assist in curriculum development and implementation.
• Ensure compliance with TUSLA regulations.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience in Early Years Care

Managing role experience

Project management

Curriculum planning

Education

BSC (hons)/ BA (hons)/ QQI Fetac Level 8 equivalent

Tools

Compliance and regulatory portals

Job description

Overview

Job Description: The Assistant Manager will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering quality Early Learning and Care Provision for children and their families. Reporting to the management regularly and timely. The programme of work will include responsibility for ensuring the progressive development of the early year’s environment, curriculum planning and mentoring support for the Early Years Educator

Role: Assistant Manager

Reports to: Chief Managing Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Role, Duties & Responsibilities

The duties of the Assistant Manager will include, but are not limited to:

• Continuously and systematically monitoring each Early Years room within Wonderyears and identifying areas requiring support through interactions with the Early Years Educator and by utilising the relevant inspectorate document
• Researching areas for further development to ensure Wonderyears remains the front runner in Quality Early Years Provision
• Supporting the Early Years Educator to implement new practices for curriculum development, including short/ medium- and long-term planning, journal recording.
• Assisting in the quality development of enriching environments indoors and outdoors
• Responsibility for outcome of TUSLA and DEIS inspections, therefore it is vital to have a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of inspectorate documents published by TUSLA and the DE.
• Communicate effectively with Wonderyears Management to transfer reports including positive and negative feedback in a timely manner to assist in fulfilling areas requiring attention and meeting goals outlined.
• Engage in CPD to ensure knowledge and understanding in the field of Early Years is up to date and relevant.
• Ensuring all required certificates and supplementary documents for the team are valid and current. Researching and Sourcing CPD for the Early Years Educator as and when required.
• Ensuring dietary requirements are met in the rooms and the menus are sufficient in providing balanced quality meals.
• Devising a plan for observing, assessing and implanting how they intend to carry out their role successfully.
• Ensure all staff files are up to date and compliant with Tusla regulations 2016
• Complete a full-service risk assessment once per year.
• Devising a plan for observing and assessing the quality standards of the early year’s environment including but not limited to weekly risk assessment reviews.
• Undertake the role of “acting manager”, during periods of their leave including but not limited to, annual leave, sick leave and scheduled days off.

Person Specifications

Requirements

• Minimum BSC (hons)/ BA (hons)/ QQI Fetac Level 8 equivalent in an early year’s qualification
• Excellent communication skills – fluency in both spoken and written English
• Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
• Have at least five-years satisfactory relevant experience in the field of Early Years Care and Education.
• Experience in a managing role, HR or similar capacity preferred.
• Must be prepared to work a full 4 day working week

Desirable Skills and Experience

It is desirable that the candidate also:

• Demonstrates highly developed skills in the field of Early Years to promote excellence in quality provision.
• Has proven ability in developing and delivering guidance on Early Years policy, importance, significance within the organisation and to members of the public.
• Has experience in curriculum planning, development and documenting of children’s work and activities
• Has experience in planning, facilitating and establishing a learning environment which is inclusive, age and stage appropriate and inviting to the child.
• Has the ability to demonstrate the necessary vision, leadership and experience to lead staff in the delivery of the Aistear Curriculum and Siolta Framework.
• Understands the role and responsibility of the Assistant Manager and possess the skills necessary to optimise staff contribution to achieve Organisational goals and objectives.
• Knowledge and understanding of key components of the managers role; including but not limited to compliance and regulatory portals including the Pobal Hive and Tusla Portal.
• Can demonstrate innovation, conceptual and analytical thinking and initiative.
• Has the ability to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Has a strong, proactive outward looking perspective
• Possess a clear knowledge and experience of project management.
• Has a good working knowledge of the legal, regulatory and governance framework within the Early Years Division.
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proven ability to establish working relationships with colleagues in Wonderyears, public representatives and other agencies.
• Possess excellent organisational and IT skills.
• Has the ability to manage financial resources within a budgetary control framework
• Possess excellent knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the Organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace in accordance with Wonderyears approach to managing safety in the workplace.

KEY COMPETENCIES

A Competency model has been developed for the Assistant Manager Role.

Displays the ability to think and act strategically. Thinks long term. Can translate organisational mission and vision into clear specific and achievable objectives. Demonstrates innovation and creativity to secure successful strategic outcomes. Has a clear understanding of the policies and procedures and context of the company. Networking and Representing Develops and maintains positive and mutually beneficial relationships. Builds networks of technical and professional contacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, positive, and cohesive image for the company it represents. Bringing about Change Effectively introduces change, fosters a culture of creativity in employees and overcomes resistance to change. Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change. Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making Can pinpoint critical information and address issues logically. Understands the context and impact of decisions made. Integrity

Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner and is transparent, fair and consistent in dealing with others. Has personal motivation and initiative. Is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes. Is self-motivated and persistent when faced with difficulties. Incorporates the 3 F’s (firm, fair and friendly) into their daily interactions with the team. Engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can be improved.