Childcare Practitioner

Macroom Family Resource Centre is seeking to recruit Qualified Childcare Practitioners to our Childcare Programme Team (levels 5 – Level 8).

The Childcare Practitioner will work closely with, and support the Childcare Supervisor & Centre Manager in ensuring the competent delivery of a high-quality daily childcare programme.

Responsibilities will include:

• To provide an ongoing day-to-day support/supervision to the other staff in the Pre-School, Daycare, Crèche, and After-Schools Sections
• To ensure the constant safety of the pre-school, daycare, crèche, and after-schools environment and of the children, parents, and staff in accordance with the Policies and Procedures Manual of Macroom FRC
• To ensure quality of service and the safety of children in our care and staff in our employ and to ensure service compliance with all relevant legislation.
• To promote the ethos of equality and respect informing all areas childcare in our service.
• To determine, prepare, document, and deliver a programme and curriculum of activities providing for the holistic development of children.
• To maintain records in accordance with Macroom FRC Policies and Procedures and ensuring appropriate levels of confidentiality at all times.
• To understand and promote and model best practice in childcare through participation in childcare networks and ongoing training.
• To alert the Childcare Supervisor to any matters that may compromise the delivery of a high-quality pre-school and crèche programme.
• To develop systems to facilitate opportunities for parents, volunteers, and student involvement.
• To keep up to date records of:
  • Daily register of attendance
  • Staff Rostering
  • Records of each child
  • Accident/incident book
  • Fire drills
  • Daily plan of activities
• To undertake other relevant tasks and duties as they arise

Essential

• Must have at least a level 5 qualification in childcare or equivalent if trained outside of Ireland.  Recognition will be given for additional relevant qualifications. 
• Must demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the operation of a childcare facility along with relevant experience within a childcare setting.
• Must demonstrate an ability to handle situations of a difficult nature in a calm and organised fashion, which could arise in a childcare setting.
• Must show an ambition and commitment to further developing and improving the work of the Centre towards the provision of enhanced services to the local community.
• Must demonstrate an adequate level of administration skills to be able to effectively complete necessary daily tasks, rosters, email responses and policy development.
• Must demonstrate a sufficiently high level of awareness of health and safety in all areas of the work of the Centre.
• A high competence in spoken and written English.

Desirable

• Qualifications or experience, in excess, of those stated above which can be obviously linked to the position and to the work of the Centre.
• Previous experience of working in a similar position.
• Previous supervisory experience with direct staffing responsibility.
• A driving licence with eligibility for bus driving
• Enhanced computer skills with operational knowledge of word, excel, email, internet, access or more.

Remuneration

• Remuneration will be in line with standard rates for Childcare work in Ireland and will reflect education level and experience.
• Accommodation may form part of the remuneration package subject to discussion and agreement.
• Loyalty bonus is included in package.