Early Years Educator-Room Lead

Early Childhood Ireland; Cavan; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Childhood Ireland is expanding its services and seeks an Early Years Educator to join the team as the new Pre-Preschool Room opens in January 2027.

You will work across existing rooms initially, building warm relationships, supporting independence, and delivering full-day care including meals and rest. The role requires QQI Level 6 or higher in Early Years Care and Education and a genuine commitment to an inquiry-based, child-led approach within our established ethos.

Qualifications

• QQI Level 6 or higher in Early Years Care and Education is required.
• Warm, responsive approach to young children.
• Reliable and able to work within a team.

Responsibilities

• Build warm, responsive relationships with children and support their individual needs.
• Support independence, confidence and self-help skills.
• Provide full-day care including meals, rest, and transitions.
• Observe children’s interests to inform planning and reflect on practice.
• Collaborate with Room Leader and staff; communicate with families.

Skills

Warm and responsive

Observant

Team player

Flexible

Communication with families

Education

QQI Level 6 or higher in Early Years Care and Education

Job description

Early Years Educator – Pre‑Preschool Room

We are expanding our service and are looking for an Early Years Educator to join our team as we prepare to open our new Pre‑Preschool Room in January 2027.

Our Pre‑Preschool room will provide full-day care for older toddlers who are not yet eligible for ECCE but are ready for the next stage beyond the traditional toddler-room environment.

The successful candidate will initially work within our existing early years rooms, giving them the opportunity to get to know our children, staff team, routines and approach before moving into the new Pre‑Preschool room.

The role includes:

• Building warm, responsive relationships with children and supporting their individual needs.
• Supporting children as they develop greater independence, confidence and self-help skills.
• Providing care throughout the full day, including mealtimes, rest, personal care and transitions.
• Spending time playing alongside and engaging with children while recognising when to step back and allow their play to develop.
• Observing children’s interests, interactions and emerging ideas and using these observations to inform planning.
• Supporting our child‑led, inquiry‑based approach and allowing children’s interests and curiosity to influence what happens next.
• Making good use of the indoor and outdoor environments and resources provided.
• Working collaboratively with the Room Leader and wider staff team.
• Building positive relationships and communicating professionally with parents and families.
• Maintaining appropriate records and contributing to reflective practice within the room.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Warm, responsive and genuinely enjoys working with this age group.
• Comfortable supporting children’s choice, independence and uninterrupted play.
• Observant and interested in understanding children’s interests and development.
• Reliable, flexible and able to work well as part of a team.
• Comfortable working within the established ethos and approach of Mini Me’s.
• Qualified to QQI Level 6 or higher in Early Years Care and Education, with a qualification recognised for working in an Irish early years service.

Employment Type: Full-time, permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday

Contract: 52 weeks per year

Pay: Hourly rate based on qualifications and relevant experience

Start Date: Immediate/by agreement, with the new Pre‑Preschool room opening January 2027

Work Eligibility: Applicants must already have the right to work in Ireland. We are unable to provide visa/work permit sponsorship for this position.