Job Details

Arrow DownBack

Playgroup Leader

  • Image for Employer
    Lourdes Youth Community Services
  • Image for Job Ref
    Ref: #JOB-2464371
  • Image for Location
    Multiple Locations
  • Image Position
    No of positions: 2
  • Image Part Time
    Paid Position
  • Image Hours per week
    40 hours per week
  • Image for Euro
    40518.40 Euro Annually
  • Image for Published
    Published On: 18 Aug 2026
  • Image for Closing
    Closing On: 15 Sep 2026

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the Eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.


Location Image
Multiple locations
HARDWICKE ST COMM CTR, 1A Rory O'Connor Hou, Hardwicke Street, Dublin 1, D01 PD98
Your opportunity to play a caring role in  
supporting children in our Early Years Education Service. 
Playgroup Leader  
(40 hours per week) 
LYCS is a long-established community development organisation in Dublin’s North East Inner City. 
Our Early Years Service provides high-quality, inclusive, child-led care and education for 
approximately 50 children aged 1 year to 5 years across dedicated rooms (Toddler, Tweeny, and 
ECCE/preschool). We work in partnership with families, Tusla, Better Start, and other supports, 
following Aistear, Síolta, and National Quality Frameworks. 
We are seeking an experienced, warm, and motivated Play Group Leader to lead one of our rooms, 
support the team, and help deliver outstanding early years experiences for local children and 
families. 
Key Responsibilities 
• Lead the day-to-day running of your assigned room, ensuring a safe, stimulating, inclusive, 
and nurturing environment. 
• Plan, implement, and evaluate a high-quality, child-led curriculum based on Aistear and 
Síolta, observing children’s interests, needs, and developmental stages. 
• Act as a key person for assigned children; complete observations, learning stories, and 
developmental records; support transitions and additional needs (including AIMS where 
relevant). 
• Supervise, mentor, and support room staff (including students and CE participants), 
maintaining correct adult:child ratios and modelling best practice. 
• Build strong, respectful partnerships with parents/carers through daily communication, 
meetings, and involvement in the service. 
• Ensure full compliance with Tusla regulations, safeguarding/child protection policies, health 
& safety, hygiene, and fire safety requirements. 
• Contribute to room and service planning, team meetings, continuous professional 
development, and quality improvement. 
• Support inclusive practice for children with additional needs and work collaboratively with 
multi-disciplinary teams. 
Essential Requirements 
• Minimum QQI Level 6 (or equivalent) in Early Childhood Care & Education / Childcare 
• Significant experience working in an early years setting (ideally 2+ years), with proven ability 
or readiness to lead a room/team. 
• Children’s First / Safeguarding training, and Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain 
promptly). 
• Strong knowledge of Aistear, Síolta, child development, and Tusla Early Years regulations. 
• Excellent communication, organisational, leadership, and teamwork skills; calm, patient, and 
positive approach. 
• Genuine commitment to community-based, inclusive early years practice and working with 
families in the North East Inner City. 
Desirable 
• Previous Room Leader experience. 
• Experience supporting children with additional needs. 
• Food Hygiene certificate and further relevant CPD. 
What We Offer 
• Opportunity to make a real difference in a well-regarded community crèche serving local 
families. 
• Supportive team environment with regular CPD, QQI training op
  • Sector:

Career Level

  • Experienced [Non-Managerial]

Hide Share Button: No

Show Center Title: No