Image Copyright: Berilyn Taylor Teeling
My experience as working as a creche teacher in Ireland
I read about creche work in Ireland and thought I would just let you know about my experience.
I have worked in three different creches and preschools since I have come to Ireland. One was in Kildare and now I am a relief teacher for two in Carlow where I can choose my hours.
Each creche/ preschool I have worked at, has had different hours of work. There is sessional for the preschool (9 - 12) during school terms and depending on the contract some teachers only work terms while others work throughout the year. In these settings there are teachers who do a full day (40 hours a week) as well as teachers who do 30 hours and some less. We have morning staff as well as afternoon staff, so not everyone works long hours.
The ratio of children to teacher changes with the ages:
Babies 3 to 1
Wobblers 5 to 1
Toddlers 7 to 1
Preschool 11 to 1 during sessions and down to 8 to 1 outside sessional time.
There is also the option of doing after school care instead of working with the littlies.
Each setting I have worked in has at least one floating teacher, with a supervisor who does not have a class and assists where they are needed in the school.
In comparison to where I taught in SA, it is very relaxed, with the activities being focussed on the child's interests. I do often feel more like a baby sitter and that there are so many staff. The paper work is minimal to what I am used to ( there is just a bit more now because of COVID). Everyone chips in together with the childminding, nappy changing, cleaning, although you are responsible for your kiddies and cleaning.
I have been offered a room leader job from September with me working only 20 hours per week. (My choice).
Creche vacancies are frequently available and there is a high turn over of staff if you look at the advertisements, so work is readily available and I think you just have to find the right fit for you. Your sick leave is unpaid and you get annual holidays. The salary is not great but it depends on what you are looking for. It is a good way to gain a bit of experience and knowledge on the Irish curriculum, especially if you are in the process of applying to the Teaching Council.
You do have to register with the DCYA which took me six weeks, have SA police clearance ( the school will Garda vett you as well) and have to do the Tulsa Children First course (safe guarding) which can be done online.
The DCYA will give you a letter to say what your qualifications are equivalent to. Usually you can start with the smaller children on a level 5 and then level 6/7/8 for preschool. (ECCE).
I hope this gives a different perspective on working in creches and preschools as it can be a lot of fun, if sometimes hard work.
Thank you all once again for all the help and advice you give and hope I can help even in a small way.
*Please note: Our blogs are written by our members and is based on their own experience. Experiences may differ as personalities, qualifications and people in general are not the same
Important links:
#MapMyMove- Our coaching Services - Confused or lost and need some direction, book a session with us to help untangle the confusion and work out your route of immigration
Getting Employed: CV writing and Recruiters
Schooling in Ireland: Pre-school
If you have a story to share please email us a blog at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
