WHO WE ARE:

StartBright is a registered charity that provides excellent childcare, early learning and school age childcare services to over 450 children in seven different locations every day. Children in our service come from a variety of backgrounds. We particularly support children coming from communities experiencing disadvantage, children with additional educational needs and children from families with multiple disadvantages. -We employ over 80 staff and our services are delivered in a safe, supportive and creative environment.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• A Minimum third level qualification at Level 8 (or equivalent) on the National Framework of Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care / or an equivalent professional qualification in a related profession
• A Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience of working in early years’ services, preferably in a leadership role
• Knowledge of and experience in best practice for service delivery to children and families
• Knowledge of the Early Child Care and Education Sector and understanding of challenges facing the Sector
• Experience of managing/ leading similar type business/projects and multi site operations
• Be able to demonstrate substantial, in-depth understanding of inclusive early childhood care and education - Aistear/ Síolta and the Early Childhood Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF) alongside additional national and international philosophy and influence
• Knowledge of working in under resourced social and economic areas and an understanding and experience of social inclusion and additional need issues
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and experience of inter-agency working with children and families
• Experience of managing a team of staff to deliver high quality services
• Experience of managing training needs and professional development of staff

The Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter Guideline for Early Childhood Care and Education:

• Core (Report) Competence requirements in early Childhood Care and Education
• Tusla Early Years Quality and Regulatory Framework
• First 5 - A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-
• 2028
• Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School Aged Care 2022-2028
• Code of Professional Responsibility and Code of Ethics for Early Years: Department of Children and Youth Affairs etc

THE ROLE:

The role of the Quality Mentor is to work directly with the early year’s services to build their capacity to deliver high quality, inclusive early childhood care and education for children and families.
We are seeking an experienced, well organised, ambitious, enthusiastic, results focused team player to join our Senior Management team. The successful candidate will have prior experience in a similar role and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail, adaptability and the ability to multi-task diverse responsibilities. The candidate will be self-motivated and have the ability to work both as part of a team and on their own initiative.
The work will be guided by the principles and standards of Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework & Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016:
Early Childhood Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF):

The Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter Guideline for Early Childhood Care and Education:

• Core (Report) Competence requirements in early Childhood Care and Education
• Tusla Early Years Quality and Regulatory Framework
• First 5 - A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-
• 2028
• Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School Aged Care 2022-2028
• Code of Professional Responsibility and Code of Ethics for Early Years: Department of Children and Youth Affairs etc.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES

Report to: Chief Executive Officer, The Board of Management

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Quality of Pedagogy: · Enhance and develop the quality of the early year’s provision in each service through a range of supportive approaches including on-site visits, observation, advising, modelling and coaching in accordance with identified targets and outcomes
• Support the early years services to develop and actively implement a range of policies and practices in alignment with Síolta and Aistear and the Early Childhood Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF).
• Support staff in developing quality services that are underpinned by LINC and the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter Guideline for Early Childhood Care and Education.
• Supporting and mentoring LINC coordinators, educational leader, staff and the centre manager with reports and referrals so they can actively engage in observing the ability of each child, identifying any areas of concern, liaising with the Room Leaders/educators and Manager, as well as parents, in this regard
• Support and guide the educational leaders with service engagement with Aistear Siolta Practice Guide
• Research and development in line with national and international models of quality practices, philosophy and pedagogy.
• Support Educational Leaders to expand on quality and liaise within them to facilitate co-construction of quality practices and pedagogy
• Facilitate Community of Practices with Educational Leader to mentor and support new quality developments within centres and open dialogue around alternative practices and pedagogies to ensure a holistic approach.
• Develop QIPP and quality goals with educational leaders, educators and centre managers to enhance quality of pedagogy.

KEY ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete and maintain records and reports pertaining to the role.
• Ensure all administration back-up and support on progress is kept updated by maintaining all relevant systems.
• Provide periodic progress updates to the Chief Executive Officer
• Review, develop and maintain efficient and effective administrative and information systems.
• Participate in and assist in the organisation of special events, visits and any other activities required.
• Participate in external evaluation of the service.
• Ensure impact measurement and research engagement it maintained and developed upon.