Early Years Worker (Full & part-time)

Northside FRC; Limerick; On-site; EUR 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Northside Family Resource Centre invites applications for an Early Years Worker to support children aged 0–6 in a community setting. Join a team committed to inclusive, high-quality early childhood practice in a safe, nurturing environment.

We welcome both part-time and full-time applicants, offering family-friendly arrangements, pension, and ongoing training to advance your professional development. You will work with families and colleagues to foster learning through play and development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children aged 0–6 (including placements).
• Minimum QQI Level 5 in Early Learning & Care (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to relate to young children with playful, nurturing interactions.
• Patient, kind, and attuned to children's needs.
• Respectful, supportive approach to families.
• Flexibility regarding working hours.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care and developmental support for children aged 0–6.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate activities using play-based learning.
• Use the Aistear/Síolta frameworks to guide practice.
• Bring creativity, imagination and playfulness to the learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with the Early Years team to deliver a high-quality programme.
• Support staff rotas, breaks and smooth daily operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised learning environment.
• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Share information on children's progress with families and coordinators.
• Follow childcare policies, safeguarding and professional practice; participate in training.

Skills

Experience with 0-6 children

Excellent communication

Playful, nurturing interactions

Patient and kind

Respectful approach to families

Flexible working hours

Education

QQI Level 5 in Early Learning & Care

QQI Level 7 in ECCE (Desirable)

Job description

Early Years Worker

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

Part-time and full-time positions available | Family-friendly working arrangements considered | Pension scheme | 25 days annual leave | Ongoing training & career development

Help Children Grow, Learn and Thrive

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young children? Do you believe in the power of play, creativity, and nurturing relationships?

Northside Family Resource Centre is seeking warm, enthusiastic, and committed Early Years Workersto 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.

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 Worker, you will play a vital role in creating positive early learning experiences for children aged 0–6 years. Working closely with the Early Years Management Team and colleagues, you will help provide a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment where children can learn through play, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

Whether you're an experienced practitioner or beginning your Early Years career, we are looking for people who are kind, playful, child-centred, and committed to delivering high-quality care and education.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare & Curriculum

• Provide daily care, supervision, and developmental support for children aged 0–6.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate age‑appropriate activities and programmes.
• Use the Aistear and Síolta frameworks to guide practice.
• Bring creativity, imagination, and playfulness to the learning environment.

Teamwork & Operations

• Work collaboratively with the Early Years team to deliver a high‑quality programme.
• Support staff rotas, breaks, and smooth daily operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organised learning environment.
• Ensure equipment and materials are cared for and well maintained.

Parents & Families

• Build positive, respectful relationships with parents and guardians.
• Share information on children’s progress in partnership with the Team Leader and Coordinator.
• Support parent involvement in the service.

Policies, Safety & Professional Practice

• Follow all childcare policies and procedures, including Child Protection.
• Be vigilant for signs of concern and report immediately to the Designated Liaison Person.
• Promote best practice in health, hygiene, safety, and care.
• Participate in training, team development, and continuous professional learning.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Experience working with children aged 0–6 (including placements).
• Minimum QQI Level 5 in Early Learning & Care (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to relate to young children and engage in playful, nurturing interactions.
• Patient, kind, fun‑loving, and attuned to children’s needs.
• Respectful, supportive, and non‑judgmental approach to families.
• Flexibility regarding working hours.

Desirable

• Experience working in an Early Years or community setting.
• Understanding of childcare regulations.
• Volunteer experience with children or young people.
• Local knowledge.
• QQI Level 7 in ECCE or equivalent.
• Ability to build strong relationships with parents.

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
• Family‑friendly working arrangements considered
• Access to training, CPD, and professional development opportunities
• Supportive, community‑focused working environment

Hours of Work

Part‑time and full‑time roles available, Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will consider family-friendly arrangements, including reduced hours and term-time options where operationally feasible.

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

Salary

€29,300 – €33,800 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 20,25, 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.

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.