Play School jobs in Swords, County Dublin

Location: Donabate, Co. Dublin
Hours: 37 hours per week
Qualifications: Minimum Level 7 in Early Childhood Education and Care, ideally Level 8.

Best Bee Kids and BeeUtiful Minds Playgroup in Donabate are looking for a passionate, experienced and enthusiastic Childcare Professional to join our team in a role working across our preschool room and BeeUtiful Minds Playgroup.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who genuinely loves working with children, enjoys being part of a supportive team and wants to make a meaningful difference in children's early learning experiences.

A little about the role

The successful candidate will work across both settings, with the working hours divided as follows:

• Monday to Thursday: 9am–2pm in Best Bee Kids Preschool, followed by a paid break from 2pm–3pm and then 3pm–5pm in BeeUtiful Minds Playgroup.
• Friday: 9am–2pm in Best Bee Kids Preschool.

This is a full-time position offering 37 paid hours per week, with the one-hour break between settings paid from Monday to Thursday.

Best Bee Kids is continuing to grow and develop, and we are looking for the right person to become a valued member of both teams. This role will support the ongoing development of our preschool room and BeeUtiful Minds Playgroup, helping us provide high-quality care and learning experiences for all the children in our settings.

The person we're looking for

You must have a warm, smiling face that makes every child feel special and loved. The ability to sing in tune is not necessary; however, the ability to sing out of tune in front of a crowd is essential!

You must be able to give warm hugs as required and possess the skills needed to rapidly count the heads of numerous moving small people. Remembering the names of children, their pets and their favourite soft toys is a key component of the job.

A high level of comfort with being asked personal questions by curious little people is essential. You must also understand that the children you have built wonderful relationships with during the week may completely refuse to speak to you when you meet them in the local shop. Your feelings must not be hurt!

Most importantly, you must be prepared to feel loved, special and important to the many young children and families you work with. There really is no other job quite like this one.

Alongside your love of working with children, the ideal candidate will have:

• A genuine passion for early childhood education and care.
• A strong understanding of children's developmental needs, interests and individual learning styles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with children, parents and colleagues.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to take initiative.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• A positive, flexible and nurturing approach to supporting children across both settings.
• A commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Qualifications and experience

A minimum Level 7 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care is essential, with a Level 8 qualification preferred.

Previous experience working in childcare is essential, and a minimum of three years' experience is desirable. Experience working in a preschool setting would be a strong advantage. Admin work is required as a part of this role. Experience with ECCE/NCS and bookings is not essential but prefered.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, reliable, caring and committed to providing high-quality early years experiences for all children.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to become part of two child-centred settings where relationships, play, inclusion and children's individual needs are at the heart of what we do.

If you are passionate about early years education, love making a difference and are looking for a varied role across preschool and playgroup, we would love to hear from you!

To apply: Please submit your application through Indeed. Internal applications are also very welcome.

We look forward to welcoming the right person to our team!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: €20.00-€23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.0 per week

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Company pension
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Donabate, County Dublin: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• childcare: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 7 in childcare (required)

Work Location: In person