Written for SA2Eire by a Member
Note this career is not eligible for a work permit. This career is for EU/ Irish / British passport holders and their spouse or the spouse of a work permit holder.
I read a bit about working in childcare in Ireland and wanted to share my own experience, just in case it helps someone making the same move.
Since coming to Ireland I have worked in three different crèches and preschools, one in Kildare and now two in Carlow where I work as a relief teacher and get to choose my own hours. It has been a really positive experience overall.
How the hours work
Every setting is a bit different. Sessional preschool runs from about 9 to 12 during school terms, and depending on the contract some teachers only work term time while others work year-round. Full day settings have teachers doing around 40 hours a week, others do 30 or less. Morning and afternoon staff rotate, so long days are not compulsory. There is also the option of doing afterschool care instead of working with the younger children if that suits you better.
Staff to child ratios
These are regulated by law and are as follows:
- Babies (under 1): 3 children per adult
- Wobblers (1 to 2 years): 5 children per adult
- 2 year olds: 6 children per adult
- Preschool (full or part-time care): 8 children per adult
- Preschool during ECCE sessional hours: 11 children per adult
Most settings also have at least one floating teacher and a supervisor who moves between rooms and helps wherever needed.
What it is like to work there
Compared to South Africa, it is very relaxed. The focus is on following the child’s interests and play-based learning rather than a structured curriculum. I sometimes feel more like a babysitter than a teacher, but that is just the Irish approach to early years. Everyone chips in together, nappy changing, cleaning, meals, and general childminding. There is paperwork but it is fairly manageable.
Crèche work as a stepping stone
Vacancies come up regularly and staff turnover is high, so work is not hard to find. The salary is not the main drawcard but it is a great way to get local experience, understand the Irish early years curriculum, and build your CV while you work through other processes like Teaching Council registration.
What you need to do before you start
There are a few steps to work through:
- Qualification recognition: You need to have your South African qualifications assessed by the DCEDIY (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth), which will issue a letter confirming what level your qualifications are equivalent to. Generally a Level 5 allows you to work with younger children, while Level 6 and above is needed for the ECCE preschool programme (Room Leader or Lead Educator roles). Check the current recognised qualifications list at www.gov.ie.
- Garda vetting: Your employer will arrange this. It is a legal requirement for anyone working with children.
- South African police clearance: You will also need to provide this.
- Tusla Children First: This is Ireland’s mandatory online safeguarding course. It can be done online and does not take long.
The DCEDIY registration took me about six weeks, so factor that into your timeline before you start job hunting.
On sick leave and annual leave
You are entitled to annual leave. On sick leave, Ireland now has statutory sick pay in place, so you are no longer entirely without cover if you are unwell. Check your contract and the current statutory sick pay entitlements at www.citizensinformation.ie as the number of covered days has been increasing year on year.
Crèche and preschool work can be hard work but it is also genuinely fun. If you are patient, enjoy being around small children and want a flexible role while you find your feet in Ireland, it is well worth considering.
