Job Title: Pedagogical Lead

Company: Crumlin Childcare Centre

Location: Crumlin Childcare Service

Position Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reports to: Childcare Manager

Role Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Pedagogical Lead to guide and support the development of a high-quality, emergent, play-based curriculum for our full-day care preschool. The role will ensure that the preschool service adheres to Siolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, and Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, while fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that supports the individual needs of children.

The Pedagogical Lead will provide strategic leadership, promote reflective practice, mentor and develop staff, and drive the delivery of an innovative, child-centred curriculum aligned with national standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Curriculum Leadership & Implementation:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a play-based, emergent curriculum that fosters children's natural curiosity and learning through play, exploration, and inquiry.

Siolta Quality Framework:

• Lead the implementation and continuous development of Siolta's quality standards across the service, ensuring adherence to all areas of the framework, including ethos, curriculum, play, relationships, environment, and assessment.

Leadership & Staff Development:

• Provide leadership and guidance to the preschool team, ensuring that all staff are supported in delivering high-quality early childhood education.
• Organise and lead professional development opportunities, reflective practice sessions, and team meetings that focus on Aistear, Siolta, and emergent play-based pedagogy.

Inclusive & Diverse Learning Environment:

• Ensure that the service is inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of all children, including those with additional learning needs.
• Work closely with families, external agencies, and specialists to develop tailored learning plans for children requiring additional support.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Build positive, open relationships with families and caregivers, ensuring effective communication regarding children's learning progress and well-being.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Support the Preschool Manager/Director in implementing administrative processes related to curriculum development, staff training, and resource management.

Professional Development & Reflection:

• Commit to ongoing professional development by attending relevant training, workshops, and conferences related to early childhood education and Aistear/Siolta.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent (Level 7/Level 8 on the NFQ), with a strong focus on Aistear, Siolta, or similar frameworks.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working in a preschool or early years setting, with at least 2 years in a leadership or mentoring role.
• A deep understanding of the Aistear curriculum framework and Siolta quality standards.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering a play-based, emergent curriculum that responds to children’s interests and learning needs.
• Strong knowledge of child development, assessment strategies, and how to support diverse learners.

Key Skills:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of educators.
• Expertise in reflective practice and using observational data to guide development.
• Effective communication skills to engage with children, staff, and families.
• Ability to assess and evaluate educational outcomes and implement continuous improvements.
• Passion for fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young children.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Post-graduate qualifications in Early Childhood Education, Leadership, or Pedagogy.
• Experience in working with children with additional needs or in a special education setting.
• Knowledge of other methodologies such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or HighScope.

Personal Attributes:

• A genuine passion for working with young children and a commitment to the principles of Aistear and Siolta.
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to build meaningful relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Creative, flexible, and proactive in addressing challenges and adapting to the needs of Crumlin Childcare Centre
• Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Hours of work

• 35 hours per week

Experience

• Leading a staff team 3 years’ experience
• Work Location: In person

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits. 48,000 euro per annum
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A supportive, collaborative, and child-focused work environment.
• Organised paid sick pay scheme once eligible
• Bonus scheme

Interviews

• Application deadline: Friday 11/07/2025
• Interviews week of the 14/07/2025
• Expected start date: 18/08/20225

Email: info@crumlinchildcare.ie

Phone: 01 4099 532