Private Childcare Service Manager

Early Childhood Ireland; Leinster; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Childhood Ireland is seeking a Childcare Service Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our childcare service. You will oversee staff, safeguarding, budgeting, and relationships with families to ensure a safe, high-quality environment for children.

The role requires management experience, a QQI Level 7/8 in Early Learning and Care, and working knowledge of Irish childcare regulations. Garda vetting and compliance with Children First guidance are essential.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in childcare settings.
• Strong communication with staff, parents and guardians.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the childcare team to deliver high-quality services.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Promote best practice and continuous improvement across the service.
• Manage budgeting, HR, and administration relevant to the service.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Team management

Education

QQI Level 7/8 in ELC

Tools

HIVE

Job description

Contract: Full Time

Salary: €44,200 per annum

Hours: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm

Service Capacity: 53 ECCE children, 11 part time ELC children, 25 Full Time ELC Children, 24 SAC Children

Staff: 13 staff

Annual Leave: 25 days holidays plus 10 bank holidays

Start Date: 6th January 2027

Reporting to: Service Owner

Principal Roles and Responsibilities

1. General Management

To lead, manage and support the childcare team in delivering a professional, high-quality childcare service.

To oversee the day-to-day operation and management of the service, ensuring the delivery of a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for children.

To promote evidence-informed practice and implement approaches that support children’s learning, development, wellbeing and individual needs.

To ensure that the service operates in accordance with applicable childcare legislation, regulations, national standards and statutory requirements.

To implement and maintain appropriate policies, procedures and operational practices.

To ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety requirements and maintain a safe environment for children, staff and visitors.

To ensure compliance with Tusla, DCEDIY, Pobal, EHO, Children First and all applicable child safeguarding requirements.

To promote a positive, inclusive and professional working environment for staff and families.

To oversee the implementation of quality assurance measures and continuous improvement practices throughout the service.

2. Service Delivery

To oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of childcare services in line with the needs of enrolled children and their families.

To ensure that the service provides high-quality, child-centred care and education in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment.

To monitor and support children’s individual development, learning, wellbeing and participation in daily activities.

To promote positive relationships and effective communication between the service, parents and guardians.

To ensure that the service operates in accordance with the applicable Early Learning and Care regulatory requirements, including those of Tusla and relevant national childcare frameworks.

To fulfil the responsibilities of the Designated Liaison Person, where formally appointed, in accordance with Children First guidance and the service’s child safeguarding policy.

To ensure that child protection and welfare concerns are managed appropriately and reported in accordance with applicable legislation, guidance and organisational procedures.

To oversee relevant reports, records and documentation relating to children’s care, development, welfare and the operation of the service.

To liaise with parents and guardians regarding children’s needs, progress, attendance and any matters relevant to their care.

To coordinate with relevant professionals and external agencies when necessary to support a child’s development, welfare or additional needs, subject to appropriate consent and information-sharing requirements.

To ensure that all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, policies and procedures are implemented consistently throughout the service.

To ensure that the premises, equipment and resources are maintained to an appropriate standard and are suitable for the delivery of childcare services.

To oversee the management of incidents, accidents, complaints and safeguarding concerns in accordance with the service’s policies and statutory requirements.

To maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all interactions with children, parents, guardians, staff and external professionals.

3. Administration and Human Resources

To oversee the effective administration of the childcare service and ensure that all required documentation is accurate, up to date and securely maintained.

To ensure that children’s records, attendance registers, developmental records, staff files and other relevant documentation are maintained in accordance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.

To ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and relevant Irish data protection legislation.

To maintain appropriate confidentiality and ensure that personal information is accessed, stored and shared only in accordance with applicable requirements.

To manage day-to-day staffing arrangements, including staff rotas, attendance, leave, cover and allocation of duties.

To support recruitment, induction, training and ongoing professional development of staff.

To maintain accurate and confidential personnel files and ensure that staff qualifications, vetting documentation and mandatory training records are appropriately maintained.

To conduct regular staff supervision, performance reviews and annual appraisals.

To promote effective teamwork, professional conduct and adherence to the service’s policies and procedures.

To address staff performance, conduct and employment-related matters in accordance with organisational policies and applicable employment legislation.

To respond to enquiries and administrative requests relating to the day-to-day operation of the service.

To assist with budget monitoring, purchasing, resource allocation and the efficient use of service resources, as required.

Essential Criteria

Previous Management experience.

A minimum of two years’ experience working with children in an early learning and childcare setting.

A minimum QQI Level 7/8 qualification in Early Learning and Care, childcare or an equivalent recognised qualification that meets the applicable regulatory requirements.

Working knowledge of HIVE, and Government Funding (ECCE, NCS).

Experience working with preschool and school-aged children.

Experience working collaboratively with parents, guardians and families.

Experience working as part of a childcare team, with evidence of leadership, supervisory or coordination skills.

Knowledge of Irish childcare legislation, national regulations and relevant governance requirements.

Knowledge and understanding of child safeguarding requirements, including Children First guidance.

An understanding of children’s developmental needs and the importance of providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.

Strong organisational, administrative and communication skills.

The ability to lead, motivate and support a team effectively.

The ability to work professionally, respectfully and without judgement when dealing with children, parents, guardians and colleagues.

A commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries and the protection of children’s welfare.

The ability to manage competing priorities and make appropriate decisions in a childcare management role.

Eligibility to meet all applicable Garda vetting, reference and regulatory requirements for the position.

Accountability

The Childcare Service Manager will be accountable to the service owner and will be responsible for the effective day-to-day management and operation of the private childcare service.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate professional leadership, maintain high standards of childcare practice, ensure regulatory compliance and promote the safety, wellbeing, learning and development of all children attending the service.