Early years · New opportunities
Childcare jobs in Ireland
Practical guidance for working in Irish early years care, plus occasional vacancies submitted directly by Tusla registered creches, preschools and school age services. We do not republish adverts from third-party job boards.
Post a vacancy →No employer-submitted vacancies right now
We only publish roles sent to us directly by registered childcare settings. If you are hiring, send us the details and we will publish the vacancy free.
Post a vacancyLooking for staff?
We publish vacancies submitted directly by Tusla registered settings free of charge. No account, no form and no fee.
Post a vacancyNew to working in Ireland?
If you qualified outside Ireland, your qualification has to be recognised here before a creche can count you in its ratios. Start there.
How recognition worksGuides for childcare workers
- Working in childcare in Ireland A guide for early years educators moving to Ireland: qualification recognition, Garda vetting, pay, finding a job and the housing reality.
- Getting your qualification recognised How the Department assesses a childcare qualification earned outside Ireland, what to send, and how long it takes.
- Creche pay rates in Ireland What early years educators, room leaders and managers are paid, how the legal minimum rates work, and what affects your offer.
Frequently asked questions
What qualification do I need to work in an Irish creche?
Everyone working directly with children in a Tusla registered service needs at least a QQI Level 5 major award in Early Childhood Care and Education, or a qualification the Department has assessed as equivalent. Room leaders on the ECCE preschool programme need Level 6. You will also need Garda vetting, which your employer arranges.
I qualified outside Ireland. Can I work here?
Yes, if your qualification is recognised. If it is not already on the Department's list of recognised qualifications you apply to have it assessed, which takes several weeks. Citizens of the EU and the wider EEA need no work permit. Childcare roles are on the ineligible list for employment permits, so people from outside the EEA generally cannot be sponsored for these jobs.
How much do creche jobs in Ireland pay?
There are legally binding minimum hourly rates for the sector set by an Employment Regulation Order, with higher minimums for lead educators, deputy managers and managers. Many roles are term time rather than full year, so check the weeks as well as the hourly rate before comparing offers.
Do you charge to apply for a job?
No. Applying is free and always will be, and we do not take a fee from anyone looking for work. You apply directly to the setting using the link or email address on the listing. We are a noticeboard, not a recruitment agency.
I run a creche. How do I list a vacancy?
Send us the details and we will publish it free. There is no charge and no account to create. We list roles at Tusla registered early years and school age services in Ireland.
How current are these listings?
Every listing carries the date it was posted and the date we last checked it, and each one closes automatically on its expiry date rather than sitting open forever. We still recommend checking with the setting before you travel to an interview.
HeadStart.ie is a noticeboard, not an employment agency. We never charge anyone looking for work, and we do not take a fee for placements. Vacancies are accepted directly from registered childcare settings and close on their stated expiry date.