Ballyragget Community Playgroup Are Hiring Access and Inclusion (AIM) Educator and SAC Educator!

Job Description – Access and Inclusion (AIM) Educator

Position: Access and Inclusion (AIM) Educator

Location: Ballyragget Community Playgroup

Reports to: Playgroup Manager/Service Manager

Employment Type: Part-time/Full-time (as applicable)

 

Purpose of the Role

The Access and Inclusion (AIM) Educator supports children with additional needs to participate fully in the preschool programme. Working collaboratively with the staff team, families, and relevant professionals, the AIM Educator helps create an inclusive, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment where every child can reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide individual and small-group support to children with additional needs in line with the child’s support plan.
  • Promote the inclusion and participation of all children in daily activities and routines.
  • Work closely with the Lead Educator to adapt activities, resources, and the learning environment to meet individual needs.
  • Foster children’s independence, confidence, communication, and social skills.
  • Build positive relationships with children, parents/guardians, and colleagues.
  • Liaise with external professionals where appropriate and implement recommended strategies.
  • Observe, monitor, and record children’s progress while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Assist in preparing and maintaining an inclusive, safe, and welcoming learning environment.
  • Support children with personal care where required, following the service’s policies and procedures.
  • Attend staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
  • Comply with all relevant legislation, including Tusla regulations, Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, Aistear, Síolta, and Children First guidance.
  • Follow all health and safety, safeguarding, equality, and confidentiality policies.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Minimum QQI Level 5 Award in Early Learning and Care (or recognised equivalent).
  • Knowledge of inclusive practice and child development.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Patient, caring, and positive approach.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Current Garda Vetting and eligibility to work in Ireland.

Desirable

  • QQI Level 5 or higher in Early Learning and Care.
  • Experience supporting children with additional needs.
  • Training in Lámh, PECS, ASD supports, or other inclusion strategies.
  • First Aid and Children First training.

Personal Qualities

  • Compassionate and respectful.
  • Flexible and reliable.
  • Positive team player.
  • Committed to inclusion and continuous professional development.

 

Job Description – School Age Educator

Position: School Age Educator

Location: Ballyragget Community Playgroup

Reports to: Playgroup Manager/Service Manager

Employment Type: Part-time/Full-time (as applicable)

 

Purpose of the Role

The School Age Educator is responsible for providing a safe, caring, and engaging environment for children attending the school-age service. The role involves planning enjoyable activities that support children’s wellbeing, creativity, independence, and development while ensuring high standards of care and supervision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide high-quality care and supervision for school-age children.
  • Plan, organise, and deliver age-appropriate activities that promote learning through play.
  • Create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment where every child feels valued.
  • Encourage children’s independence, confidence, creativity, and positive relationships.
  • Ensure children’s safety and wellbeing at all times.
  • Support homework where appropriate while maintaining a balance with recreational activities.
  • Build positive relationships with children, families, schools, and colleagues.
  • Maintain accurate attendance and incident records.
  • Prepare and serve snacks in line with food safety and healthy eating guidelines.
  • Ensure indoor and outdoor play areas are safe, clean, and stimulating.
  • Attend staff meetings and participate in ongoing professional development.
  • Comply with all relevant legislation, including Children First guidance, health and safety requirements, and national quality frameworks such as Aistear and Síolta where applicable.
  • Follow all policies relating to safeguarding, equality, confidentiality, behaviour management, and infection control.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Minimum QQI Level 5 Award in Early Learning and Care (or recognised equivalent).
  • Good understanding of child development and school-age care.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Current Garda Vetting and eligibility to work in Ireland.

Desirable

  • QQI Level 5 or higher in Early Learning and Care.
  • Previous experience working with school-age children.
  • First Aid and Children First training.
  • Experience planning recreational, sports, STEM, arts, or wellbeing activities.

Personal Qualities

  • Enthusiastic and energetic.
  • Caring and approachable.
  • Organised and dependable.
  • Creative and adaptable.
  • Committed to providing a high-quality childcare service and supporting every child’s development.