ADVERT ID 260992
Room Leader
.
.
MAIN DETAILS
Status:
Active
Level:
Pre-School
Date Posted:
Mon Aug 17 2026
Application Closing Date:
Sat Aug 22 2026
Commencement Date:
Mon Sep 14 2026
Status of Post:
Contract
.
SCHOOL DETAILS
School Structure:
Pre-School
Associated Professional Body:
ECI
Total Number of Staff:
6
Current Enrolment:
32
.
POST DETAILS
Additional Information:
About Us : Manorcunningham Community Child Care Centre is looking for a Lead Educator to join our early years team. We operate two preschool rooms , 40 weeks per year from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. We provide a play-based programme for children aged 2 years 8 months to 6 years.
We believe that children and educators thrive in an environment where there is time to slow down, build relationships and really engage. Our approach is intentionally relational and unhurried. Rather than trying to fit too much into each day, we give children time to explore, play, connect and follow their interests, while giving educators the time and space to be present and responsive.
With a 2:11 staff-to-child ratio, our educators are well supported and have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with the children they work with. We are proud of our supportive team environment and value working collaboratively, sharing ideas and learning from one another.
Role : Lead Educator
Hours: 23 to 24 hours per week .
Rate of Pay :ERO rates
Holidays :21 days paid holidays + Bank holidays
Other: Dedicated non-contact time for planning and paid continual professional development opportunities
Guided by the principles of Aistear and Síolta, the Lead Educator will be responsible for leading and coordinating the provision of a quality Early Learning and Care curriculum that nurtures each child’s well-being ,agency, voice , development and love of learning .
Qualifications Required
Applicants must hold a minimum QQI Level 6 qualification or higher in Early Learning and Care (or an equivalent recognized qualification) that meets the DCEDIY Qualification Requirements for the Role of Lead Educator.
The applicant’s qualification must appear on the current DCEDIY List of Early Years Recognized Qualifications, or applicants must provide a Letter of Eligibility from the DCEDIY confirming that their qualification meets the qualification requirements for the role of Lead Educator.
Where the essential qualification criteria is not met , applications can not progress to the next stage of the recruitment process
Experience Required
2 years’ experience working in an early years setting is required.Experience as a Lead Educator or in a leadership role is desirable but not essential.
We are very happy to hear from experienced Level 6, 7 or 8 educators who feel ready to take the next step in their career as a Lead Educator and would value doing so within a supportive and encouraging environment.
A mentoring programme is available to support applicants who may not have previous Room Leader experience but who demonstrate the ability, skills and knowledge to take on the Lead Educator role.
Experience in fostering inclusive practice in an early years’ setting or a related field is essential.
Further Information
1. Garda Vetting is a mandatory requirement for this position.
2. An International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) or equivalent police clearance certificate is required for applicants who have resided outside of Ireland and Northern Ireland for a cumulative period of six months or more after the age of 18. Where applicable, this documentation must be submitted with the job application.
Applications that do not include this required documentation cannot be progressed.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following when applying for the position:
1. A cover letter.
2. A current CV- all gaps in employment must be accounted for
3. The names and contact details of two referees (Referees are only contacted when an applicant is offered a position)
4. Copies of relevant qualifications and, where required, a Letter of Eligibility from DCEDIY.
5. An International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) or equivalent police clearance certificate, where applicable.
Applications should be submitted no later than 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
Applications may be submitted by email, for the attention of the Manager, at manorcommunityplaygroup@gmail.com, or by post to:
Manorcunningham Community Child Care Centre
Ray
Manorcunningham
Co. Donegal
F92 EK81
Other
Interviews will be conducted in person only. Remote or virtual interviews will not be offered.
Interviews are scheduled to take place from Wednesday the 26th August to Saturday 29th August 2026.
The position will commence once satisfactory Garda vetting and references have been secured.
We believe that children and educators thrive in an environment where there is time to slow down, build relationships and really engage. Our approach is intentionally relational and unhurried. Rather than trying to fit too much into each day, we give children time to explore, play, connect and follow their interests, while giving educators the time and space to be present and responsive.
With a 2:11 staff-to-child ratio, our educators are well supported and have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with the children they work with. We are proud of our supportive team environment and value working collaboratively, sharing ideas and learning from one another.
Role : Lead Educator
Hours: 23 to 24 hours per week .
Rate of Pay :ERO rates
Holidays :21 days paid holidays + Bank holidays
Other: Dedicated non-contact time for planning and paid continual professional development opportunities
Guided by the principles of Aistear and Síolta, the Lead Educator will be responsible for leading and coordinating the provision of a quality Early Learning and Care curriculum that nurtures each child’s well-being ,agency, voice , development and love of learning .
Qualifications Required
Applicants must hold a minimum QQI Level 6 qualification or higher in Early Learning and Care (or an equivalent recognized qualification) that meets the DCEDIY Qualification Requirements for the Role of Lead Educator.
The applicant’s qualification must appear on the current DCEDIY List of Early Years Recognized Qualifications, or applicants must provide a Letter of Eligibility from the DCEDIY confirming that their qualification meets the qualification requirements for the role of Lead Educator.
Where the essential qualification criteria is not met , applications can not progress to the next stage of the recruitment process
Experience Required
2 years’ experience working in an early years setting is required.Experience as a Lead Educator or in a leadership role is desirable but not essential.
We are very happy to hear from experienced Level 6, 7 or 8 educators who feel ready to take the next step in their career as a Lead Educator and would value doing so within a supportive and encouraging environment.
A mentoring programme is available to support applicants who may not have previous Room Leader experience but who demonstrate the ability, skills and knowledge to take on the Lead Educator role.
Experience in fostering inclusive practice in an early years’ setting or a related field is essential.
Further Information
1. Garda Vetting is a mandatory requirement for this position.
2. An International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) or equivalent police clearance certificate is required for applicants who have resided outside of Ireland and Northern Ireland for a cumulative period of six months or more after the age of 18. Where applicable, this documentation must be submitted with the job application.
Applications that do not include this required documentation cannot be progressed.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following when applying for the position:
1. A cover letter.
2. A current CV- all gaps in employment must be accounted for
3. The names and contact details of two referees (Referees are only contacted when an applicant is offered a position)
4. Copies of relevant qualifications and, where required, a Letter of Eligibility from DCEDIY.
5. An International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) or equivalent police clearance certificate, where applicable.
Applications should be submitted no later than 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
Applications may be submitted by email, for the attention of the Manager, at manorcommunityplaygroup@gmail.com, or by post to:
Manorcunningham Community Child Care Centre
Ray
Manorcunningham
Co. Donegal
F92 EK81
Other
Interviews will be conducted in person only. Remote or virtual interviews will not be offered.
Interviews are scheduled to take place from Wednesday the 26th August to Saturday 29th August 2026.
The position will commence once satisfactory Garda vetting and references have been secured.
.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Curriculum Vitae
- Covering Letter
- References
.
Applications may be submitted by
- Post
.
Apply To:
By Email to manorcommunityplaygroup@gmail.com
or by post to
Manorcunningham Community Child care centre
Ray
Manorcunningham
Lettterkenny
F92EK81 or
or by post to
Manorcunningham Community Child care centre
Ray
Manorcunningham
Lettterkenny
F92EK81 or
County:
Donegal
Website:
SHARE THIS ADVERT
