Childcare Practitioner

Cara Energy; Ireland; On-site; EUR 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid annual leave

Public holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Cara Energy is hiring a Childcare Practitioner in Kilkenny for a permanent, full-time role. You will work 35–40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, delivering safe, nurturing care and engaging children through play and developmentally appropriate activities.

We offer a competitive hourly rate aligned with WRC ERO Guidelines (min €15.00+ per hour) and supportive professional development. Garda Vetting, First Aid and Child Protection training are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, teamwork, and patience are essential.
• Garda Vetting and references required.
• First Aid and Child Protection training are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver daily care and monitor health and safety of children.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities and curriculum.
• Maintain records of progress and routines.
• Collaborate with team to uphold high standards of early childhood education.
• Provide daily updates to parents and guardians.
• Ensure compliance with Tusla regulations and health and safety policies.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Education

QQI Level 5/6 in Early Childhood Care and Education

Job description

Location: Kilkenny, Ireland

Hours: 35 to 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Start Date: 1st September

Salary/Pay: Competitive hourly rate to be discussed, fully aligned with statutory Workplace Relations Commission Childcare ERO Rates (minimum €15.00+ per hour, scale adjusted upwards depending on your qualifications and experience).

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate, dedicated, and qualified Childcare Practitioner to join our dynamic service in Kilkenny. We have an incredibly supportive environment and we hope to find someone who will perfectly fit our wonderful team! In this role, you will help us maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating space where children can learn, play, and grow using child-centered curriculums aligned with Aistear and Síolta frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver daily care: Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all children in your care.
• Curriculum planning: Develop and implement age-appropriate, fun, and educational activities.
• Observation and tracking: Maintain accurate records of children's progress, milestones, and daily routines.
• Team collaboration: Work closely alongside our amazing team members to maintain high standards of early childhood education.
• Parent communication: Provide reassuring, professional daily updates to parents and guardians.
• Regulatory compliance: Adhere strictly to Tusla regulations, school policies, and health and safety standards. [1]

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a QQI Level 5 or 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education (or equivalent recognized qualification).
• Experience: Previous experience working in a registered childcare setting is highly desirable.
• Skills: Strong communication, excellent teamwork, and a warm, patient, and positive attitude.
• Vetting: Must be willing to undergo Garda Vetting and provide valid professional references.
• Certifications: Current First Aid Response (FAR) and Child Protection training are major advantages.

What We Offer

• Hourly rate explicitly tied to professional WRC ERO Guidelines to ensure fair pay progression.
• A genuinely supportive, friendly, and collaborative team culture.
• Ongoing professional development, training support, and career progression.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.

The closing date for applications is Monday the 31st of August 2026