Early Years Manager - Lisduggan, Waterford (Maternity Leave Contract)

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a meaningful role in a  purpose-driven organisation? At Respond, we believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive, and staff can grow. Our aim is to deliver high-quality, play-based education that makes a real difference. If you’re ready to bring your skills, creativity, and care to our service then we want to hear from you! Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not “tick every box” there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply.Location:  Acorns Early Education, Lisduggan, WaterfordReporting to: Regional Early Years ManagerTerms: Specified Purpose Contract – Maternity Leave coverHours: 39 hours per weekSalary/Hourly rate (depending on Qualification)QQI Level 7 - €18 - €23.29 per hourQQI Level 8 - €19 - €24.59 per hour(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)Staff Benefits:• Annual leave of 23 days plus additional company days• Further education and training assistance• Access to Company Pension Scheme• Maternity Leave pay• Sick pay• Employee assistance programme• Employee Purchasing Schemes• 100% Attendance Bonus Holidays• Adoptive Leave• Surrogacy Leave• Fertility Support LeaveJob Purpose: Act as a positive role model and be responsible for delivering and implementing a high-quality play-based curriculum under the guidance of the national quality frameworks Aistear and Síolta both indoors and outdoors. To guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.Responsibilities: To provide oversight to standards and work within policy framework and legislation.To undertake the duties of the designated person for the service under the Children’s First. National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.To oversee the implementation of the National Quality and Curriculum Frameworks, Síolta and Aistear.To promote qualities practices in line with the preschool regulationsTo manage and develop the service appropriate to the needs of the community and ensure that quality and sustainability are central to the practice.To foster a culture of reflective practice and continuous development. To contribute to the development of models, strategies, practices and procedures of Respond work with children and families.To prepare reports as required in relation to the work in your area of responsibility.To facilitate team meetings and also liaise with members of the management teamPerson specification/Qualifications:Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong Leadership qualitiesThe ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated teamHighly motivated to work on own initiativeA professional and enthusiastic dispositionAptitude and empathy with children and familiesCommitment to high-quality Education and CareFlexible and adaptableCommitment to continuous professional developmentChange-management skillsAnalytical skillsQualifications and ExperienceThird Level qualification (Degree) in Early Care and Education is essentialA minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a management roleStrong understanding and experience in Early Childhood Education and working with parent/carersExperience in implementing the suite of Pobal funding programsExperience in financial management and budgetingProficient in Microsoft office packages