Early Years Educator

Job Description

Maynooth University is a dynamic public university of approximately 16,000 students. As part of its support for students and staff, the university operates a Crèche. The Crèche is part of the Student Services team, which operates within the Office for Students and Learning. Maynooth University Crèche is now seeking an enthusiastic & dedicated Early Years Educators to join our team, operating from a modern, purpose-built Crèche in the heart of our North Campus. Reporting to the Crèche Manager, the successful candidate will form part of a small team providing childcare and pre-school services to the children of both staff and students of Maynooth University. Established in 1977, we pride ourselves on offering excellent services with low numbers, in a welcoming atmosphere, with many staff benefits available.

Roles and Responsibilities

Principal Duties 

To work in close co-operation with the Manager and other team members; To act, if required, as a key worker to specified children, To ensure the safety, security, and wellbeing of all children in your care; To assist in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate stimulating programme of activities which will enhance the childs natural growth and development; To ensure all quality and safety standards are always maintained in the Crèche. To guide, observe, stimulate, and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.

Care of Children

To be attentive to the children in your care; To deal with issues as they arise in relation to the wellbeing of children; To communicate to children at their level; To provide personal care if necessary (nappy changing, nose cleaning, toileting, washing); To carry out planned and unplanned observations using the observation system and materials. To encourage good eating habits. 

Training and Meetings 

To undertake first aid training, fire safety and manual handling, food handling courses as required; To undertake appropriate training if requested by the Manager; To attend and participate at staff meetings as required.

Curriculum/Activities 

To participate and assist in the planning and implementation of daily developmental activities for children; To provide opportunities for children to learn in a holistic way; To introduce children to the play equipment based on their individual needs.

Health and Safety 

To report any safety hazards/risks to the Manager immediately; To refrain from engaging in any activity that poses a risk to you, other members of staff or any child; To maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment; To participate in cleaning duties as required.

Administration 

To maintain appropriate records and documents in compliance with the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. Records may include the childs progress, recording observations, accident records, etc. Member of Staff Responsibilities To be a member of the childcare team engaging with the other members of staff working in Maynooth University Crèche; To ensure that the rights of the children in the care of the Crèche and their parents/guardians are respected; To be flexible regarding working in any of the different rooms or roles in the Crèche.

Communication 

To communicate frequently with the team members, Manager, and parents as appropriate; To communicate in a straightforward, accurate and professional manner and not engage in unnecessary social conversations when working and supervising children.

Other Duties 

To be familiar with all policies and procedures of Maynooth University Crèche, and to always adhere to them; To adhere to the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, and all other relevant legislation and regulations. Applicants should note that at certain critical periods, it will not be possible to take significant amounts of annual leave.

The successful candidate must have

Relevant qualifications, requires a minimum of FETAC Level 6 Childcare. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and non-verbal. A strong desire to work with children in an early-years setting and an aptitude for child-centred care. Excellent team worker. Be flexible to meet the needs of the organisation.Fluency in both spoken & written English.Garda vetting clearance

Desirable: 

Minimum 1 years previous experience preferred (however new graduate applications are encouraged and will be accepted and considered). Working knowledge of Aistear & Síolta programme. First Aid skills/training. Level 8, in Early Childhood, Teaching and Learning.

In addition to the above, the candidate should understand and have empathy with, the mission, ethos and overall approach of Student Services in the University.

Hours

40

Salary

31,713 38,714

Job Location

Maynooth

Qualification Level

Minimum QQI/Fetac Level 6

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