Play Worker

About Play and Learn Childcare & Education

Play and Learn Childcare & Education is dedicated to providing exceptional early education and childcare services to children aged between 12 months and 12 years across Kildare and Dublin. The organization fosters nurturing, play-centric educational environments designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and instil a lifelong passion for learning. An experienced team supports children’s key developmental milestones promoting their social, emotional, and cognitive progress within a secure and encouraging setting. Focused on individualized care and holistic growth, Play and Learn aims to empower every child to achieve their fullest potential and prepare effectively for future challenges.

Role Overview

The Play Worker position is a permanent, full-time role based on-site in Dublin. The individual will assist children's learning and development by facilitating both structured and spontaneous play activities. Key responsibilities include planning and executing age-appropriate educational play experiences, ensuring children's safety and well-being during supervision, and fostering positive social interactions among children. The role also entails maintaining an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, fostering open communication with children, their families, and colleagues, and contributing to daily routines such as meals, rest, and transitions.

Additional duties involve observing and recording children's developmental progress, collaborating on curriculum planning, and strictly adhering to safeguarding, health, and safety guidelines and policies.

Qualifications and Skills

• Possession of a QQI Level 7 or 8 qualification in Early Childhood Education, childcare, or an equivalent credential.
• Practical experience working with children aged 12 months to 12 years in childcare, school, or after-school environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to foster positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Comprehensive knowledge of play-based educational approaches, childhood development, and age-appropriate activities supporting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
• Capability to maintain a secure, welcoming, and engaging environment while complying with safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational skills to plan activities, keep accurate records, and manage the daily operational routines of a busy childcare facility.
• Adaptability, dependability, and a cooperative attitude for effective teamwork within the education and care unit.
• Additional advantages include First Aid certification, child protection training, and prior experience with Irish early years settings.

Terms and Conditions

Location: Glenamuck Manor, Dublin 18.
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday
Salary: €37,550 annually