Childcare Practitioner

Donegal; Carndonagh; On-site; EUR 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Donegal in Carndonagh is seeking a Childcare Practitioner to provide quality early childhood care and education. You will guide and supervise children in a safe, caring environment and collaborate with the manager and team.

The role requires QQI 5 in Childcare (or equivalent) and at least 2 years of experience in the childcare sector. A flexible, supportive environment with opportunities to implement engaging activities is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum QQI 5 in Childcare or Equivalent
• 2 Years Experience in Childcare Sector

Responsibilities

• To provide quality early childhood care and education to children
• To guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment.
• To work in close co-operation with the Manager and the other team members
• To act, if required, as a key worker to specified children
• To ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of all children in your care
• To assist in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate stimulating programme of activities which will enhance the child’s natural growth and development.
• To ensure all quality and safety standards are maintained in the service always.

Education

QQI 5 in Childcare or Equivalent

Job description

• Childcare Assistant , early years educator , Early Years Educators , Early Years Practitioner , Educator , Full Time , Playschool and Afterschool Assistant , Pre-School Assistant , Pre-School Practitioner , Preschool
• Carndonagh

30-40

October 9, 2026

Job Description

CHILDCARE PRACTITIONER – JOB DESCRIPTION

8-17; 29-30 Gaelic Park

Carndonagh

Essential Qualifications: QQI 5 in Childcare or equivalent

Essential Qualifications: 2 Years Experience in the Role of Childcare Practitioner

Rate of Pay: €15.00 Per Hour

MAIN JOB PURPOSE

To provide quality early childhood care and education to children

To, guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment.

To work in close co-operation with the Manager and the other team members

To act, if required, as a key worker to specified children

Ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of all children in your care

To assist in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate stimulating programme of activities which will enhance the child’s natural growth and development.

To ensure all quality and safety standards are maintained in the service always.

Care and Well-Being

To be attentive to the children in your care

To deal with issues as they arise in relation to the well-being of children

To communicate to children at their level

To use positive strategies in supporting children through challenging behaviour

To maintain a safe sleep environment, where appropriate

To provide personal care if necessary (nappy changing, nose cleaning, toileting, washing)

To carry out planned and unplanned observations using the observation system and materials

To report any concern, you might have about the welfare of a child to the Designated Liaison Person for Child Protection

Parents

To greet parent and child in a friendly positive and courteous manner

To liaise with parents who are the prime carers of the children to keep them informed of the children’s progress and well-being

To record information/messages from parents, as appropriate

To prepare for and attend parent/teacher meetings out of hours, if necessary

To refer any complaints from parents to the manager

Food

To prepare and serve food to children

To encourage good eating habits and personal hygiene

To encourage self-feeding where appropriate

To use meal time as a social occasion, enjoyable time with the children

To participate and assist in the planning and implementation of a curriculum underpinned by Aistear, the national curriculum framework

To introduce children to the play equipment based on their individual needs

To provide opportunities for self-directed play

Health and Safety

To report any safety hazards/risks to Management immediately

To refrain from engaging in any activity that poses a risk to you, other members of staff or children

To have a good knowledge of fire and safety procedures within the Service

To maintain a safe, clean and healthy environment

To keep your work space clean and hygienic

To participate in cleaning duties as required

To use equipment/machines according to Management instructions

To maintain a safe and clean outside environment (to carry out an outdoors risk assessment)

To maintain a good appearance with attention to uniform, hair, make-up and jewellery in accordance with the terms and conditions as outlined in the Contract of Employment

Administration

To maintain appropriate records and documents in compliance with the Child Care 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. Records may include the child’s progress, recording observations, accidents records, medicine records etc.

Member of Staff Team Responsibilities

To be a member of the team engaging with the other members of staff working in the in the service

To work in close co-operation with the Manager and other staff members

To ensure that you respect the rights of children in your care

To work as part of a team, fostering good working relationships within the team

To have a neat and tidy appearance, wearing the uniform provided and adhering to the dress code

Communication

To communicate frequently with the team members/ manager/ and parents as appropriate

To communicate in a straightforward, accurate, and professional manner and not to engage in unnecessary social conversations when working and supervising children

Flexibility

To be flexible in regarding working in the different rooms

Training and Meetings

To undertake first aid training, fire safety and manual handling, food handling courses, as required

Undertake training if requested by your Manager

To attend and participate at meetings as required.

Other Duties

To be familiar with all policies and procedures of the service and implement them

To train student workers and to assist new staff with induction

To adhere to the Child Care 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, and all other relevant legislation and Regulations.

To ensure all quality and safety standards are maintained in the Service always in accordance with Síolta, the National Quality Framework for early Childhood Education

This job description may be reviewed, updated and/or amended from time to time in line with the needs of the Service and as required by the Manager

Qualifications Required

Minimum QQI 5 in Childcare or Equivalent

Experience Required

2 Years Experience in Childcare Sector