Training Academy

A fulfilling career in Childcare

At Giraffe, we expect a high standard from all our people, and in return we offer meaningful opportunities to develop professionally and fulfill their potential. We know that having a happy team not only helps us provide the very best childcare, but it also guarantees that our team stay with us. We can then offer the consistency and continuity of care that’s so important to children. Childcare training is just one area where we support our people.

Professional Development

We invest in our teams’ professional development and career and many of our managers and leaders started out with Giraffe as newly-qualified practitioners. We believe that through a commitment to our role as carers and educators, and on the job training, we make a positive difference to the lives of families, a children, our community and each other.

The majority of our Centre managers and Operations team started their careers with Giraffe as childcare assistants. Many of our deptuy and assistant managers have been with Giraffe for over 6 years, some are with us since we opened in 2001!

Training Seminars

Our training academy’s learning and development team offer all our carers a continuous professional development program that responds to ambition and commitment. Our professional development program is led by experienced trainers and facilitators, both in-house and external. We use an action learning system, which sets our carers ‘real life’ challenges and scenarios that best develop their skills and knowledge. Read about our staff training seminars here.

Our education program includes ongoing training in paediatric first aid, Aistear and Siolta, Childcare practice development as well as modules on play in early years and additional courses that refresh and up-skill our childcare teams. All our training programs and staff are fully compliant with regulatory requirements and industry best practice. As a proud member of Early Childhood Ireland, we are committed to setting the highest standards in quality childcare provision.

Team spirit!

As well working together to achieve the highest standards of care in our centres, our team spirit is what sets us apart! From fun Themed days in the centres to Team charity events, our staff team is enthusiastic and committed. This year, Giraffe joined the VHI Dublin Mini Marathon and had the largest charity team with 80 participants, raising funds for LauraLynn hospice.