Childcare Manager (Montessoir)

Montessori Childcare Manager

Job Title: Montessori Childcare Manager / Early Years Service Manager
Location: Dundrum, Dublin 14
Employer: Karaville Childcare
Reports to: Business Owners
Contract: Full-time
Hours: 40 hours a week
Salary: Competitive, depending on qualifications and experience

1. Job Purpose

The Montessori Childcare Manager is responsible for the effective day-to-day management and smooth operation of the service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality early learning and care in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.

The successful candidate will lead, support and develop the staff team; maintain high standards of Montessori practice; ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, Tusla requirements and childcare funding schemes; and build positive relationships with children, parents, staff and external agencies.

The Manager will promote a child-centred approach to learning and development, supporting each child’s individual needs, interests and abilities while maintaining a professional, welcoming and well-organised service.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Day-to-Day Management and Operations

• Oversee the daily running of the Montessori and preschool service.
• Ensure the service operates in accordance with company policies, procedures and agreed standards.
• Organise daily routines, room arrangements, staff deployment and break schedules.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, supervision and child-to-adult ratios are maintained at all times.
• Monitor attendance, absences, room capacity and staff availability, arranging suitable cover when required.
• Ensure the premises, classrooms, outdoor areas and equipment are clean, organised, safe and well maintained.
• Identify operational issues and address them promptly, escalating significant matters to the directors.
• Ensure effective opening and closing procedures are followed.
• Maintain clear communication with the directors regarding the overall operation and performance of the service.

B. Montessori Practice and Educational Quality

• Promote and maintain a high standard of Montessori education and early childhood practice.
• Ensure classrooms are organised, prepared and appropriately resourced to support independent learning, exploration and development.
• Support educators in implementing developmentally appropriate Montessori activities and learning experiences.
• Ensure curriculum planning and practice reflect the principles of Aistear and the Síolta quality framework, as appropriate to the service.
• Monitor observations, learning records, planning and children’s developmental progress.
• Encourage children’s independence, confidence, social skills, emotional wellbeing and respect for others.
• Support inclusive practice and ensure children with additional needs are appropriately supported.
• Monitor the quality of interactions between educators and children.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in educational practice and the learning environment.

C. Tusla Compliance, Child Protection and Safeguarding

• Ensure the service complies with the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and other applicable legislation and requirements.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of Tusla’s Early Years Quality and Regulatory Framework.
• Ensure policies, procedures and statutory records are maintained, reviewed and implemented.
• Ensure staff understand their responsibilities regarding child protection and welfare.
• Act in accordance with Children First legislation, guidance and the service’s child safeguarding policies.
• Ensure appropriate vetting, qualification records, references, induction and training documentation are maintained.
• Monitor health, safety, hygiene, infection prevention and control procedures.
• Ensure accidents, incidents, complaints and safeguarding concerns are recorded, managed and escalated appropriately.
• Coordinate inspection preparation, documentation and follow-up actions arising from Tusla or other relevant inspections.
• Ensure any reportable incidents or other notifications are managed within the applicable statutory timeframes.
• Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of children’s, families’ and employees’ information.

D. Staff Leadership and Human Resources

• Lead, motivate and support the staff team, promoting a positive and professional working environment.
• Prepare and manage staff rotas, annual leave arrangements, break schedules and cover.
• Ensure all staff receive an appropriate induction and understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Conduct regular supervision meetings, performance reviews and staff appraisals.
• Identify staff training needs and support ongoing professional development.
• Address performance, attendance, conduct and interpersonal issues promptly and fairly.
• Support recruitment, interviews, reference checks and onboarding, in consultation with the directors.
• Maintain accurate staff files, training records, attendance records and relevant employment documentation.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, respectful communication and consistent standards across all rooms.
• Ensure staff follow the service’s policies, procedures and professional expectations.
• Escalate serious employment matters or decisions outside the Manager’s authority to the directors.

E. Parent and Family Relationships

• Build positive, respectful and professional relationships with parents and guardians.
• Act as a main point of contact for day-to-day queries, concerns and feedback.
• Communicate effectively about children’s routines, development, wellbeing and experiences.
• Organise parent meetings, settling-in arrangements and transitions between rooms.
• Manage complaints in accordance with the service’s complaints policy.
• Ensure children’s records, permissions, medical information and emergency contacts are kept up to date.
• Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families.
• Ensure communication is professional, confidential and consistent with the service’s policies.

F. Enrolments, Administration and Funding

• Manage enquiries, arrange parent viewings and support the enrolment process.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, bookings, holidays, absences and room allocations.
• Monitor availability and occupancy across rooms and sessions.
• Support the administration of the ECCE programme, National Childcare Scheme and other applicable funding arrangements.
• Ensure relevant records, registrations, declarations and attendance information are accurate and submitted within required deadlines.
• Maintain effective communication with parents regarding fees, deposits, policies and contractual arrangements.
• Support the preparation of reports and operational updates for the directors.
• Monitor supplies, resources and day-to-day expenditure within agreed budgets.
• Identify opportunities to improve occupancy, parent engagement and the overall quality of the service.
• Maintain accurate administrative systems and ensure records are readily accessible when required.

G. Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Ensure risk assessments and health and safety procedures are implemented and reviewed as required.
• Monitor safe sleep, food safety, allergy management, medication administration and infection control procedures, as applicable.
• Ensure emergency procedures, fire safety arrangements and evacuation plans are understood and practised.
• Ensure incidents, accidents and near misses are recorded and appropriate follow-up actions are completed.
• Ensure children are supervised appropriately throughout the day, including during outdoor play, transitions and outings.
• Ensure the service provides a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for children, staff and visitors.

H. Communication and Reporting to Directors

• Provide regular updates to the directors on staffing, occupancy, compliance, parent feedback and operational matters.
• Notify the directors promptly of serious incidents, safeguarding concerns, regulatory issues, significant complaints or staffing difficulties.
• Seek approval for expenditure, recruitment, policy changes and other decisions outside the Manager’s delegated authority.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of significant decisions and actions.
• Participate in management meetings and contribute to the development of the service.
• Maintain professional confidentiality and represent the service positively.

3. Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education, with the qualification appropriate to the position and recognised for the relevant duties in Ireland.
• Relevant experience working in an early years or preschool setting.
• A sound understanding of child development, safeguarding and high-quality early learning and care.
• Knowledge of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Tusla requirements.
• Strong organisational, administrative and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and take responsibility for daily operations.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland.
• Satisfactory Garda vetting and appropriate references, in accordance with applicable requirements.

Desirable:

• A Level 7 or Level 8 qualification in Early Childhood Education or a related discipline.
• A recognised Montessori qualification.
• Previous experience in a childcare management, deputy management or supervisory role.
• Experience with Tusla inspections, ECCE, the National Childcare Scheme and Pobal systems.
• Experience in staff supervision, recruitment, performance management and training.
• Current paediatric first aid and child protection training, or willingness to undertake any required updates.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs and working with the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM).

4. Skills and Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent leadership and people-management skills.
• A genuine commitment to children’s safety, wellbeing and development.
• Strong knowledge of Montessori principles and early childhood education.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good judgement, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive, flexible and solution-focused approach.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a busy childcare environment.
• Professionalism, integrity, discretion and respect for confidentiality.
• The ability to lead by example and create a positive workplace culture.

5. General

This job specification outlines the principal responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may be amended reasonably to reflect the needs of the service, provided any changes are consistent with the employee’s contract of employment and applicable employment law.

The postholder is expected to maintain professional standards, comply with all relevant policies and procedures, and contribute positively to the continued development of the Montessori service.

Pay: €40,000.00-€45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Gym membership
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Have you experience in a childcare management role?
• Are you currently eligible to work in Ireland?
• What is your notice period, and when would you be available to start?

Work Location: In person